Model-based Computer Simulation of Froth Flotation

Froth flotation is a separation process by which particles are selectively attached to air bubbles. It is one of the most dynamically complex industrial processes in use today. This complexity has steered research towards understanding the fundamental principles of the process. Relatively few researchers have successfully attempted to create a flotation simulator based on first principles. This thesis presents the development and testing of a simulator called SimuFloat, which is based on the flotation model developed at Virginia Tech. Flotation of chalcopyrite, coal, and phosphate are simulated. These simulations show the effects of changing the input parameters of the flotation circuit. The accuracy of SimuFloat is validated by comparing the predictions with the experimentally obtained flotation results.

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

2011

Author dc:creator

• Kelley, Kyle

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Yoon, Roe-Hoan

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Luttrell, Gerald H.
• Adel, Gregory T.

• Modeling
• froth flotation
• Simulation

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

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

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Dc Identifier Other

etd-02182011-123606

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/76850