Estimation of diameter and surface area flux of bubbles based on operational gas dispersion parameters by using regression and ANFIS

Adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) procedure and regression methods were used to predict the Sauter mean bubble (bubble diameter) and surface area flux of the bubble in a flotation process. The operational conditions of flotation, impeller peripheral speed, superficial gas velocity, and weight percent solids were used as inputs of methods. By using the mentioned operational conditions, the non linear regression results showed that Sauter mean, and surface area flux of the bubble are predictable variables, where the coefficients of determination (R 2 ) are 0.57 and 0.74, respectively. To increase the accuracy of prediction an ANFIS model with cluster radius of 0.4 was applied. ANFIS model was capable of estimating both Sauter mean, and surface area flux of the bubble, where in a testing stage, satisfactory correlations, R 2 = 0.78, and 0.86, were achieved for Sauter mean, and surface area flux of bubble, respectively. Results show that the proposed ANFIS model can accurately estimate outputs and be used in order to predict the parameters without having to conduct the new experiments in a laboratory.

Experiences in using gas dispersion measurements to evaluate metallurgical performance of scavenger cleaner and recleaner circuit at Vale's Thompson Mill

The performance of a flotation circuit is largely the result of the operator's response to visual clues. This includes manipulation of the gas input and how it is distributed to cells in a bank. A new gas dispersion technology was presented which was conducted to perform characterization tests in Outokumpu 30 m3 and 50 m3 flotation cells installed at Thompson Vale's concentrator, and subsequent data analysis. The experimental program was designed to establish "as-found" baseline conditions for each cell of the two-parallel banks in the scavenger-cleaner and recleaner circuit, to select and characterize one typical cell in the two banks with either different frother concentrations or different air flow rates, and establish what variables can be manipulated in future characterization work. A three-parameter model was developed in order to link the bubble size and frother concentration. This relationship can be used to correlate gas dispersion change to improved metallurgical performance.

The Effects of Frothers and Particles on the Characteristics of Pulp and Froth Properties in Flotation—A Critical Review

The pulp and froth zones are the main components of froth flotation as it defines both quality of the end product and overall efficiency. The importance of the properties of the two zones, which include pulp hydrodynamics, froth bubble coalescence rate, water overflow rate, air recovery, etc., is being increasingly recognized. The properties are depending not only on the type and concentration of the frother but also on the nature and amount of the particles present in the flotation system, and as well as the frother-particle interactions and potentially of bubble-particle interactions. To date, there is no specific criterion to quantify pulp and froth properties through the interactions between frothers and particles because the various related mechanisms occurring in the pulp and froth are not fully understood. Linking the properties to the metallurgical performance is also challenged. In order to better understand the effect of these issues in flotation, in this review paper, the past and recently published articles relevant to characterizations of pulp and froth properties are widely reviewed;the findings and the gap of knowledge in this area are highlighted for further research.