Particle–bubble collision models — a review

A critical review of the various models existing in the literature for the calculation of the collision efficiency between particles and single, rising gas bubbles is presented. Although all of these collision models predict that the collision efficiency increases with particle size, their dependence on the latter is different because of the various assumptions and hydrodynamic conditions used in each model. Collision efficiencies of quartz particles with single bubbles have been obtained from experimental flotation experiments under conditions where the attachment and stability efficiencies were at, or near, unity. These collision efficiencies were then used to test various collision models. Good agreement between the experimental and calculated collision efficiencies was only obtained with the Generalised Sutherland Equation. The differences in collision efficiencies obtained between the various models were mainly explained in terms of, firstly, the degree of mobility of the bubble surface and, secondly, a consideration of the inertial forces acting on the particles.