Parametric study and simulation of microbubble column flotation

A study based on a statistically designed set of experiments (Box-Behnken design) has been conducted to determine the optimum conditions for advanced physical fine coal cleaning using microbubble column flotation. The dependent variables in these experiments were mass yield and product quality (ash, sulfur and btu), while the independent variables were feed solids content, collector dosage, frother dosage, feed rate, aeration rate, and wash water rate. The most important operating parameters in order of significant were found to be aeration rate, feed rate, frother dosage and wash water rate. The test data were found to fall along a single grade-recovery curve and just below the ideal separation curve predicted by release analysis, provided that a sufficient bias flow was maintained. The test results also demonstrated that various combinations of operating conditions can be utilized to achieve the same level of metallurgical performance. In order to develop an improved understanding of the behavior of column flotation cells, a simulation package was developed by incorporating guidelines developed from the parametric test data. Simulations were carried out by examining the effects of key parameters on the performance of a column flotation cell. The parameters that were found to have the most significant influence included column length/diameter ratio, aeration rate, feed rate, feed solids content, and pulp bubble size. It was also found that limitations arising from the carrying capacity of the froth phase can greatly impact the performance of large-scale flotation columns. It is believed that this simulator will be useful for the design, control, optimization and scale-up of column flotation.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

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

1991

Author dc:creator

• Yan, Suming

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Luttrell, Gerald H.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Adel, Gregory T.
• Karmis, Michael E.
• Yoon, Roe-Hoan

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-03122009-041840

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/41528