Hydrodynamic studies and mathematical modeling of fine coal flotation

The probability of particle capture by an isolated bubble rising through a suspension of particles has been determined using fundamental principles of fluid mechanics. This analysis has allowed the rate constant for flotation to be evaluated as functions of bubble sine, particle size, flotation column diameter, air flow rate and critical film rupture thickness. The last parameter is a measure of the hydrophobicity of the particles to be floated. Using the theoretically determined rate constant, a population balance model has been developed for the flotation of fine coal in a column. The model is capable of predicting the dynamic response of the flotation column to changes in a wide range of operational conditions. Model simulations have been found to be in reasonable agreement with experiments conducted using a bench-scale column.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mining and Minerals Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Mining and Minerals Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1986

Author dc:creator

• Luttrell, Gerald H.

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Yoon, Roe-Hoan

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Lucas, J.R.
• Foreman, W.E.
• Adel, Gregory T.
• Wen, W.W.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/49828

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/49828