Froth recovery measurement in plant scale flotation cells

Over recent years a number of techniques have been developed as part of the AMIRA (2)P9 project to represent mathematically or measure directly sub-processes occurring in flotation cells. These include the determination of: a machine parameter (bubble surface area flux, S-b); a froth parameter (froth recovery, R-f); entrainment and drainage parameters (zeta and delta); and an ore floatability parameter (P-i). A methodology for estimating froth recovery in large scale plant flotation cells is proposed. The primary aim of the technique is to estimate the froth recovery in a way that is simple, inexpensive and non-intrusive. Plant engineers can use the estimate of froth recovery in day to day trouble-shooting and circuit optimisation. The current definition of froth recovery is given, along with a detailed description of the proposed methodology, equipment required, assumptions and calculations. Advantages and limitations of the methodology are described and possible applications of the froth recovery estimate in current flotation circuit modeling are presented. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.