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. the bubble population balance model and the attachment-detachment model. The bubble population balance model describes the history of a bubble population 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 gas phase in the flotation cell, both in terms of a gas residence time and the attachment and detachment of mineral particles to/from bubbles. When combined the two models predict a near-linear region about a point of inflexion on the (simulated) response between the flotation rate constant (k) and the flux of bubble surface area through the flotation cell (Sb). It is proposed by the authors that this region corresponds to the linear k−Sb relationship observed in a recent research project on flotation kinetics in mechanical flotation cells by Gorain et al. (1997).