| Flotation is a multivariable process that can be considered the output of at least four interacting factors: chemical (frother, collector), physical (particle size, percent solids), machine and circuit arrangement. These factors combine with the aim of producing the best conditions for particle collection.;Gas dispersion defines the characteristics of a bubble population generated from a continuous stream of air. Gas Dispersion parameters include superficial gas velocity, gas holdup, bubble size and bubble surface-area flux. Gas distribution defines the spread of the air bubbles throughout the cell volume. It is intuitive that best metallurgical results are likely associated with uniform distribution of gas. The measurement of gas distribution is the focus of this thesis, achieved by simultaneous measurements of gas velocity at several radial distances at a common depth in flotation cells. A distribution deviation index (DDI) is proposed to quantify the distribution. |
