TITLE:
The Effects of Frothers and Particles on the Characteristics of Pulp and Froth Properties in Flotation—A Critical Review
AUTHORS:
Wei Zhang
KEYWORDS:
Flotation, Frothers, Bubble Surface Area Flux, Bubble Coalescence, Gas Holdup, Hydrophobicity
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.4 No.4,
July
8,
2016
ABSTRACT: The pulp and froth zones are the main components of froth flotation as it defines both quality of
the end product and overall efficiency. The importance of the properties of the two zones, which
include pulp hydrodynamics, froth bubble coalescence rate, water overflow rate, air recovery, etc.,
is being increasingly recognized. The properties are depending not only on the type and concentration
of the frother but also on the nature and amount of the particles present in the flotation
system, and as well as the frother-particle interactions and potentially of bubble-particle interactions.
To date, there is no specific criterion to quantify pulp and froth properties through the interactions
between frothers and particles because the various related mechanisms occurring in the
pulp and froth are not fully understood. Linking the properties to the metallurgical performance is
also challenged. In order to better understand the effect of these issues in flotation, in this review
paper, the past and recently published articles relevant to characterizations of pulp and froth
properties are widely reviewed; the findings and the gap of knowledge in this area are highlighted
for further research.