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Effect of Retrofit Design Modifications on the Macroturbulence of a Three-Phase Flotation Tank-Flow Characterization
Katie Cole1, Diego Mesa2, Michael van Heerden1,3
1Department of Physics, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa.
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
|May 24, 2023
Summary
Retrofit designs for flotation tanks improve mineral recovery by optimizing particle dynamics. Enhancements like stator systems and baffles reduce turbulence, increasing particle-bubble collisions and valuable mineral separation.
Area of Science:
- Mineral Processing
- Chemical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Turbulence in stirred tank flotation tanks is crucial for particle transport and particle-bubble collisions, which drive mineral separation.
- Optimizing turbulence profiles can enhance the efficiency of froth flotation processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of two retrofit design modifications (stator system and horizontal baffle) on particle dynamics in a laboratory-scale flotation tank.
- To characterize how these modifications affect flow profiles, residence time distributions, and turbulent kinetic energy.
Main Methods:
- Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) was employed to track tracer particles simulating valuable mineral particles.
- Analysis of flow profiles, residence time distributions, and macroturbulent kinetic energy distributions.
Main Results:
- The combined use of a stator system and a horizontal baffle significantly improved flotation recovery.
- These modifications increased the rise velocity of valuable particles.
- Turbulent kinetic energy was reduced in the quiescent zone and at the pulp-froth interface.
Conclusions:
- Retrofit design modifications can effectively enhance flotation performance by controlling particle dynamics.
- Optimizing turbulence through design changes is a viable strategy for improving mineral recovery in flotation tanks.
