Improved fluid dynamics can enhance the separation efficiency of flotation methods. A Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation using FLUENT was performed to model the fluid environment of a cyclonic-sta- tic micro bubb...Improved fluid dynamics can enhance the separation efficiency of flotation methods. A Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation using FLUENT was performed to model the fluid environment of a cyclonic-sta- tic micro bubble flotation column. The simulation results visually show the interior flow and illustrate mix- ing of the different flows within the apparatus. An analysis of the distribution in velocity and vorticity was used to analyze the separation mechanism and the synergism of the component parts and to strengthen the design of each unit. The conclusions are that axial back mixing and vortexes still exist in the separation unit even in the presence of packing media. The inverted cone structure near the tangential inlet （cone 1 ） within the cyclonic unit is the main reason for this. The cone 1 structure enhances swirling and focuses energy within the inner area of the cone where there are abundant bubbles. As a result slowly floating minerals are forcibly recovered and railings are effectively separated within this unit. However, cone 1 also reduces the vorticity downstream from it, which reduces the efficiency of railings separation within this part. Therefore, the design of cone 1 should be based on the principles of lessening disturbances to the column unit while strengthening the separation effect of the cyclonic unit. Also, the axial distance between the paired cyclonic structures at the bottom of the column （cone 2） and cone 1 poses tough requirements because of an interaction between separation of the middlings and railings.展开更多
Pilot scale column flotation studies were conducted on a low grade siliceous limestone ore. Silica content was reduced to less than 13g in the concentrate so that it became satisfactory for use in the paper or rubber ...Pilot scale column flotation studies were conducted on a low grade siliceous limestone ore. Silica content was reduced to less than 13g in the concentrate so that it became satisfactory for use in the paper or rubber industries. The limestone sample was crystalline and constituted primarily of calcite that contained quartz, feldspar, pyroxene, and biotite as gangue minerals. Quartz is the major silicate gangue whereas feldspar, pyroxene, and biotite exist in minor to trace quantities. Traces of pyrite were also observed within the sample. A reverse flotation process was adopted where the silicate gangue minerals were floated using two different commercial cationic collectors： Chem-750 F or Floatamine-D. The studies clearly suggest it is possible to produce a limestone concentrate assaying around 96-97% CaCO3 containing less than 1 % Si02. The effect of feed flow rate, percent solids, froth depth, and wash water on the grade and recovery of the CaC03 concentrate is discussed.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51074157)the Foundation of China University of Mining and Technology (No. 2011QNA08)
文摘Improved fluid dynamics can enhance the separation efficiency of flotation methods. A Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation using FLUENT was performed to model the fluid environment of a cyclonic-sta- tic micro bubble flotation column. The simulation results visually show the interior flow and illustrate mix- ing of the different flows within the apparatus. An analysis of the distribution in velocity and vorticity was used to analyze the separation mechanism and the synergism of the component parts and to strengthen the design of each unit. The conclusions are that axial back mixing and vortexes still exist in the separation unit even in the presence of packing media. The inverted cone structure near the tangential inlet （cone 1 ） within the cyclonic unit is the main reason for this. The cone 1 structure enhances swirling and focuses energy within the inner area of the cone where there are abundant bubbles. As a result slowly floating minerals are forcibly recovered and railings are effectively separated within this unit. However, cone 1 also reduces the vorticity downstream from it, which reduces the efficiency of railings separation within this part. Therefore, the design of cone 1 should be based on the principles of lessening disturbances to the column unit while strengthening the separation effect of the cyclonic unit. Also, the axial distance between the paired cyclonic structures at the bottom of the column （cone 2） and cone 1 poses tough requirements because of an interaction between separation of the middlings and railings.
文摘Pilot scale column flotation studies were conducted on a low grade siliceous limestone ore. Silica content was reduced to less than 13g in the concentrate so that it became satisfactory for use in the paper or rubber industries. The limestone sample was crystalline and constituted primarily of calcite that contained quartz, feldspar, pyroxene, and biotite as gangue minerals. Quartz is the major silicate gangue whereas feldspar, pyroxene, and biotite exist in minor to trace quantities. Traces of pyrite were also observed within the sample. A reverse flotation process was adopted where the silicate gangue minerals were floated using two different commercial cationic collectors： Chem-750 F or Floatamine-D. The studies clearly suggest it is possible to produce a limestone concentrate assaying around 96-97% CaCO3 containing less than 1 % Si02. The effect of feed flow rate, percent solids, froth depth, and wash water on the grade and recovery of the CaC03 concentrate is discussed.
