Residence time distribution studies in a flotation column. Part 2: the relationship between solids residence time distribution and metallurgical performance.

It was shown that the degree of mixing in both the froth and pulp zones of a column flotation cell increased with feed rate and air flow rate and decreased with increased frother concentration, pulp density and froth height. An increase in the wash water flow rate reduced mixing in the froth zone and increased it in the pulp zone. Factors which increased the degree of mixing in the froth zone resulted in decreased concentrate grade, while concentrate recovery of pyrite was essentially independent of mixing in either zone. The effect of each of the variables studied was consistent with the findings of other investigations.
It was shown that the degree of mixing in both the froth and pulp zones of a column flotation cell increased with feed rate and air flow rate and decreased with increased frother concentration, pulp density and froth height. An increase in the wash water flow rate reduced mixing in the froth zone and increased it in the pulp zone. Factors which increased the degree of mixing in the froth zone resulted in decreased concentrate grade, while concentrate recovery of pyrite was essentially independent of mixing in either zone. The effect of each of the variables studied was consistent with the findings of other investigations.