A kinetic model for the prediction of water reporting to the froth products in batch flotation

Batch flotation experiments were carried out using coal and graphite samples by varying reagent dosages. The relationship between quantity of water reporting to the froth product with flotation time has been evaluated and is found to follow a first-order rate equation of the form: W-w = W-w infinity{1-e(-kw(t+phi))} The ultimate quantity of water W-w infinity and rate constant k(w) values were calculated from the experimental data and related with the operating variables using second-order polynomial equations. Influence of the operating variables on W-w infinity and k(w) values were quantified and it was found that frother dosage increases W-w infinity and decreases k(w) values, indicating frother dosage enhances the froth quantity while decreasing its mobility. The correlation is drawn between mass of ash and mass of water reporting to the froth product and also the influence of the operating variable is analysed on the ratio, i. e. mass of ash to mass of water. (C) 2005 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Published by Maney on behalf of the Institutes.