Scale-up of column flotation

The parameters controlling column flotation have been investigated using laboratory and pilot-scale flotation cells. It was determined that column recovery is a function of flotation rate constant, axial dispersion, retention time and fractional air hold-up within the cell. Mathematical expressions have been developed which describe each of these parameters and the manner in which they respond to changing column geometry and flow conditions. Based on the data and mathematical expressions developed in the laboratory and pilot-scale testing, a scale-up procedure has been developed for column flotation. Unlike other column scale-up approaches, this procedure incorporates the four primary parameters governing column recovery (i.e., axial dispersion, flotation rate constant, retention time and air fraction) along with carrying capacity limitations to provide a complete scale-up of the entire column. Based on test work conducted in a 2-inch laboratory column, scale-up predictions were made and validated for 30-inch and 8-foot diameter columns. The scale-up procedure has been incorporated into a computer package for making predictions from laboratory data.

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 Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1990

Author dc:creator

• Mankosa, Michael James

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Adel, Gregory T.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Yoon, Roe-Hoan
• Luttrell, Gerald
• Fonseca, A.G.
• Karmis, Michael

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

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

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-08232007-112116

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/28771