Effects of size distribution on flotation kinetics of Turkish sphalerite

Bayat O., Uçurum M., Poole C.

TRANSACTIONS OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF MINING AND METALLURGY SECTION C-MINERAL PROCESSING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY, cilt.113, sa.1, ss.53-59, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

Özet

The effect of size distribution on the floatation behaviour of sphalerite have been investigated in terms of kinetic parameters. In experimental studies, sub-samples of a Turkish sphalerite ore were ground for different times using a laboratory ball mill. Timed batch tests were then undertaken using a pilot floatation column and the resulting recovery/time data were used in kinetic modelling. Results indicated that sphalerite floated rapidly at a medium particle size distribution (d(80) = 0.125 mm in this case). In addition, a statistical analysis of data demonstrated that the flotation rate constant corresponded to a first-order model with rectangular distribution of floatabilities given by the equation:

The effect of size distribution on the floatation behaviour of sphalerite have been investigated in terms of kinetic parameters. In experimental studies, sub-samples of a Turkish sphalerite ore were ground for different times using a laboratory ball mill. Timed batch tests were then undertaken using a pilot floatation column and the resulting recovery/time data were used in kinetic modelling. Results indicated that sphalerite floated rapidly at a medium particle size distribution (d(80) = 0.125 mm in this case). In addition, a statistical analysis of data demonstrated that the flotation rate constant corresponded to a first-order model with rectangular distribution of floatabilities given by the equation: 

r = R-infinity{1 - 1/(k(2)t) over bar [1 - exp (- k(2)t]}