A model to relate the flotation rate constant and the bubble surface area flux in mechanical flotation cells

Two recent flotation models developed by the authors are discussed, viz. th e bubble population balance model and the attachment-detachment model. The bubble population balance model describes the history of a bubble populatio n in a flotation cell in terms of the sub-processes of bubble breakage and coalescence. The attachment-detachment model allows for the presence of a g as phase in the flotation cell, both in terms of a gas residence time and t he attachment and detachment of mineral particles to/from bubbles. When com bined the two models predict a near-linear region about a point of inflexio n on the (simulated) response between the flotation rate constant (k) and t he flux of bubble surface area through the flotation cell (Sb) It is propos ed by the authors that this region corresponds to the linear k-S-b relation ship observed in a recent research project on potation kinetics in mechanic al flotation cells by Gorain et al. (1997). (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.