The implications of froth structure and surface appearance for flotation performance
Doctoral Thesis
2006
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
In this work, the flotation step of mineral extraction has been investigated to determine the mechanisms through which input variables impact on flotation separation efficiency and, in particular, the froth zone in flotation. The novel contribution of the work is in terms of demonstrating the importance of solids in governing the froth stability and hence the froth structure. Further, it has been propsed that the two most important factors that determine the impact of the solids on the froth are the degree of particle coverage on the bubble surface and the particle hydrophobicity. The mechanism through which the solids affect the froth stability has been demonstrated through experimental observations of flotation metullurgical performance, measurement of the froth surface appearance using machine vision and froth modelling. The insight obtained through understanding of the influence of solids on the froth zone will yield improved design and operation of industrial flotation circuits.
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Includes bibliographical references (p. 166-170).
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Reference:
Hatfield, D. 2006. The implications of froth structure and surface appearance for flotation performance. University of Cape Town.