A GLOBAL-MODEL FOR PREDICTING FLOTATION EFFICIENCY .1. MODEL RESULTS AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES

A statistical, global flotation model is described, and the two input parameters ar introduced: bubble capture radius and flotation time. Mo del results of the influence of bubble capture radius and flotation ti me on flotation efficiency are presented. Experimental results from se veral laboratory and pilot plant studies are given, and compared with the model predictions. Excellent general agreement is obtained; in par ticular, the dependency of flotation efficiency on flotation time and particle size, and the influence of numbers of particles present (tone r loading). Application: This paper describes a simplified method to p redict contaminant removal efficiency by flotation during recycling.