PREDICTING FLOTATION RATES USING A RATE-EQUATION DERIVED FROM FIRST PRINCIPLES

A flotation rate equation was derived from first principles by Yoon an d Mao (1996) by considering both hydrodynamic and surface forces invol ved in bubble-particle interactions. In the present communication, the equation is used to predict flotation results as functions of several important parameters such as contact angle, double-layer potentials o f air bubbles and particles, and bubble size. The predictions are cons istent with experience, and can be explained in view of the various su bprocesses considered in the model development. Furthermore, the model suggests optimum conditions for achieving maximum separation efficien cy. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.