Minerals Engineering 114 (2017) 8–16

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Minerals Engineering
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/mineng

Effect of gas superficial velocity (Jg) and frother/collector (MIBC/X-343) MARK

reagent dosage on froth horizontal displacement and galena drainage
⁎
R. Arellano-Piñaa, J.A. Delgadilloa, R. Pérez-Garibayb,
a
Facultad de Ingeniería, Instituto de Metalurgia, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Sierra Leona #550, Lomas 2da sección C.P. 78210, San Luis Potosí, San Luis
Potosí, Mexico
b
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Industria Metalúrgica 1062, Parque Industrial Ramos Arizpe-Saltillo, C.P. 25900,
Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: This paper attends the study of froth behaviour for the design of future launder, crowder and scraper config-
Galena flotation urations. The effect of gas superficial velocity (Jg) and Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol/Sodium Isopropyl Xanthate
Froth horizontal displacement (MIBC/X-343) reagent dosage on froth horizontal displacement, bubble size of the froth surface, froth velocity,
Froth half-life froth carrying capacity, grade and particle size of the concentrate obtained, was studied. A novel experimental
Froth velocity
apparatus was constructed to promote the free transport of froth in its horizontal displacement using three
Froth carrying capacity
output sections each 200 mm long to extend the overflow lip to 200, 400 and 600 mm from the flotation cell. The
Concentrate launders
aim of this new experimental apparatus was to magnify the phenomena that occur in the froths. Attending this
consideration, the present apparatus cannot be compared with industrial flotation cells but was particularly
useful for describing phenomena on froth transport. The results show that the froth horizontal displacement was
promoted at high levels of Jg, while high levels of frother/collector reagent dosage promote high froth carrying
capacity and longer media half-life inhibiting bubble collapse as an effect of the mineral layer and the hydrated
layer on the bubble. An adequate selection of both study variables generates a well loaded and fluid froth, which
can survive for longer distances toward the overflow lip. On the other hand, the galena concentration increased
or decreased across the horizontal displacement as a function of both Jg and frother/collector reagent dosage.

1. Introduction parameters cannot be quantified by a conventional flotation test be-

Flotation is the most commonly used process to concentrate sulfide
minerals. However, it is a complex process because it involves many
physical and chemical phenomena occurring on the collection zone and
on the froth zone (Finch and Dobby, 1990). It is in froth zone that new
research has been carried out and represents a wide area of studies.
As regards industrial operation of flotation cells, it is well known
that the froth must be recovered immediately after they emerge to the
surface of the froth zone because phenomena, such as coalescence and
bubble collapse, can decrease the froth recovery (Alexander et al.,
2003; Yianatos et al., 2008a; Rahman et al., 2013).
In response to this problem, the design of flotation cells has been
developed with launders and crowders that decrease the froth retention
time and distance that the froth travels toward the weir. There are
different launder and crowder configurations, governed by two main
design parameters: the froth carry rate (dry mass of concentrate per
surface area per time (g/cm2 s)) and the froth lip loading (dry mass of
concentrate per length of froth lip per time (g/cm s)). However, these
cause the way to collect the froth during this test does not represent a
natural froth flow behaviour. This way of collection also prevents the
ability to select the appropriate launder configuration (Coleman, 2009).
Despite this, launders and crowders have been successfully installed in
concentration plants, showing increases in mineral recovery (Yianatos
et al., 2008b).
Some authors have focused their efforts on the modelling of froth
transport. Zheng et al. (2004a,b) proposed a mathematical model for
froth transport, including the determination of froth velocity and froth
residence time, they validated their model in an industrial cell with
internal launders and demonstrated the linearity between air flow rate
and froth velocity. They hold that future research must be related to
coalescence and froth viscosity phenomena. Neethling and Cilliers
(2003) analyzed the impact of the installation of launders and crowders
in the flotation cells by developing mathematical models using com-
putational fluid dynamics (CFD) in two dimensions, but they are limited
to the study of symmetric configurations. On the other hand, Brito-
Parada et al. (2012a,b) have studied froth movement and launder

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: roberto.perez@cinvestav.edu.mx (R. Pérez-Garibay).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2017.09.006
Received 10 February 2017; Received in revised form 12 September 2017; Accepted 16 September 2017
Available online 23 September 2017
0892-6875/ © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
R. Arellano-Piña et al. Minerals Engineering 114 (2017) 8–16

configurations, using CFD models for the gas and liquid in flotation
froths on non-symmetric tanks; this is the case for radial launders and
some configurations of internal launders. Another research effort in the
modelling of froth transport was made by Contreras et al. (2013) whose
results show that new flotation cells designed with lower froth transport
distances and larger overflowing lip length could improve metallurgical
performance. For this purpose, a proper manipulation of the opera-
tional variables, that is, the froth depth and gas rate, is required to keep
the concentrate flow rate and grade within the range of operation.
In this context, the present paper is original and contributes to the
body of knowledge of froth transport and focuses on the distance tra-
velled by froths in their froth horizontal displacement, froth velocity,
bubble size of the froth surface, froth carrying capacity, grade and
Fig. 2. Construction of main flotation cells and extensions.
particle size of the concentrate obtained as an effect of two operational
variables (Jg and MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage). It is noteworthy that
even when in this paper these effects were evaluated by measuring the 2. Experimental
drainage of particles detached from the froths (i.e. floating particles
emerge in the froth zone and drain as an effect of bubble collapse on 2.1. Experimental set-up
froths), they cannot be called drop-back particles because these parti-
cles settle across the horizontal displacement and falling down into the The experimental set-up is presented in Fig. 1. It consists of a mixing
extensions, these particles cannot be reattached in the collection zone. tank of 50 dm3 capacity, which is continuously agitated by a 373 W
It is evident that when the recovery or grade of the drained particles engine, in which one steel propeller shaft is installed to keep the pulp in
increases, the grade or recovery of the actual concentrate traversing the suspension (valve V1 closed). Inside the mixing tank a pH submersible
overflow lip decreases. electrode (Cole-Parmer EW-27001-81; MI) was placed to measure and
To complete the present research, an innovative experimental ap- control this variable as it is known that the surface characteristics of the
paratus and methodology were used, which made it possible to obtain minerals are affected by this important variable (Leja, 2004).
interesting information that could be useful for the design and con- The pulp to float was fed to the main cell by a peristaltic pump
struction of future launder, crowder and scraper configurations. But the (Cole-Parmer Masterflex L/S 07552-95) at a rate of 0.013 dm3/s. In this
present experimental apparatus cannot be compared with industrial pipeline, a valve, which is normally closed, was installed for sampling
flotation cells because the froth horizontal displacement was isolated to (valve V2). It is important to note that all pipelines, connections and
promote free froth horizontal displacement above a water surface. This valves used in this experimental apparatus were 12.7 mm in diameter
scenario is not used in conventional flotation cells but was very useful and made of polymeric material.
to describe phenomena on froth transport. The main flotation cell (Fig. 2) was made of galvanized sheet. It has
a cubical shape with sides of 200 mm each. Inside this cell, a con-
ductivity electrode (WTW AK-340/B; CI) was installed for measuring
the air holdup (εg ) by using the technique of electrical conductivity
(Arizmendi-Morquecho et al., 2002). A bubble sampler for estimating
the Sauter diameter (db32 ) of the bubbles of the collection zone was also

Fig. 1. Experimental set-up.

9
R. Arellano-Piña et al.
installed (Fig. 3); this accessory is provided with an acrylic tube (9 mm
∅) inside of which the bubbles rise and can be visualized in the upper
part.
The bubble sampler is 20° inclined so that bubbles collide against its
frontal wall. This collision places them in the same neighboring focal
plane. The inclination allows the photographic camera to capture the
bubbles easily; a similar accessory was used by Quinn et al. (2007).
The three extensions attached to the main flotation cell were man-
ufactured from a galvanized sheet and are 200 ∗ 200 ∗ 50 mm in length,
width and depth, respectively (Fig. 4). Additionally, they have a conical
bottom for the extraction of drained concentrate. Prior to the flotation
test, the three extensions were filled with water (at the same level of
concentration of the reagents as well as of the pulp), where the froth
flows freely (keeping valves V3-V5 closed) to the final concentrate (CF).
Three video recording cameras (Logitech 180c; UR) were installed
10
Minerals Engineering 114 (2017) 8–16
Fig.3. Scheme of bubble sampler.
above each extension to capture the froth behaviour once it emerged to
the surface. Above the extensions, fluorescent lamps were also placed to
improve the visualization of the froth surface to obtain good quality
images for later analysis. For the collection of drained particles, three
containers were placed below each extension (T-C1 to T-CF). Each mass
flow rate involved in the system was named as indicated in Fig. 4.
A WEMCO® Mechanical laboratory cell was coupled with an air
compressor and a calibrated rotameter (FIC) to allow more control of
the air flow rate. With the aid of a pressure transducer (Omega PX605-
2K; LT) and a PID controller, the pulp level was held constant in all the
tests. This pressure transducer monitors the changes in the hydrostatic
pressure of the pulp and sends an electrical signal to the controller
(Omega CN44011; LIC), which regulates the flow of the peristaltic
tailing pump (Cole-Parmer Masterflex L/S 07552-95), which in turn
drives the tailing pulp to a tailing process tank.
Fig. 4. Main flotation cell and extensions.
R. Arellano-Piña et al.
Fig. 5. Mill feed and products particle size distribution.
2.2. Experimental methodology
Prior to the experimental stage, 60 kg of ore (Pb as galena
5.74% ± 0.71%, Zn as sphalerite 2.96% ± 0.47% and Fe as pyrite
17.92% ± 0.90%) were prepared by grinding (see the particle size
distribution in Fig. 5; mill feed and products for each test (P1–P9)).
After the milling, the ore was homogenized and composites of 10 kg for
dosing were prepared according to the requirements of the test.
To the mixing tank were added the ore, water and reagents in
quantities needed for the pulp to obtain the desired characteristics.
Before starting the flotation test, the pulp was held in the mixing tank
for conditioning over a period of 20 min. The mechanical cell remained
in operation, keeping the pulp in agitation and avoiding obstruction of
the tail flow.
The pulp was maintained at the desired level in the main flotation
cell. Then extensions were filled with water at the mirror level. The
bubble sampler, also filled with water at the same concentration of
reagents used in the test, was then placed just above the main flotation
cell. At this point, the test could then be carried out.
The test starts when the air supply valve is opened and the desired
level of Jg is adjusted by a calibration between the air pressure mea-
sured by the rotameter and the air flow rate. At this juncture, the froth
starts to generate on the froth zone and flows toward the extensions.
Once the froth was flowing constantly, the bubble sampler was placed
in the location described in Fig. 3: The bubbles generated in the col-
lection zone emerge through the sampling tube into the bubble sampler
where photographs were taken automatically. The bubble sampler was
removed from the main cell until a determined volume of counter-
current water is displaced towards the main flotation cell while the
froth continues flowing along the extensions for a period of 600 s. It is
important to note that there were repeated tests that showed the same
trends. However, to avoid redundancy, this information was not pre-
sented in results section.
To obtain the bubble size distribution in the collection zone/froth
zone surface and an estimation of froth velocity and froth kinematic
viscosity, the registered images and video (converted to images) were
analyzed using IMAGEPRO® software. Subsequently, the concentrate
(drained particles) obtained in the three sections was recovered to es-
timate the grade and particle size distributions of each extension. This
was also done to evaluate the particle size selectivity occasioned by the
horizontal displacement.
2.3. Data analysis
The percentage of solids in each stream (MA,MT ,MC1,MC 2 ,
MC 3 & MCF ) was determined by weighing the sample of pulp and the
dried solids. A fraction of the solids was reserved for the particle size
analysis by Laser Scattering Particle Size Distribution (Analyzer LA-
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Minerals Engineering 114 (2017) 8–16
950) and chemical analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (Perkin
Elmer 3110).
For data reconciliation, the technique proposed by Hodouin and
Everell (1980) was used, thereby minimizing the error of the mass
balance. This technique consists in the adjustment in three levels:
overall mass flow rate, mass flow rate by size fractions and mass flow
rate by assaying. Once the best mass balance calculations were ob-
tained, the percentage of solids drained for each extension was esti-
mated using Eqs. (1)–(4):
MC1
%D 200 = ∗100
MA (1)
MC 2
%D 400 = ∗100
MA (2)
MC 3
%D600 = ∗100
MA (3)
MCF
%DCF = ∗100
MA (4)
3. Results of gas superficial velocity (Jg) and frother/collector
(MIBC/X-343) reagent dosage
3.1. On bubble size in collection zone and froth zone surface
A comparative of bubble size generated in collection zone and froth
zone by gas superficial velocity and frother/collector reagent dosage is
presented in Fig. 6. It can be observed that bubbles generated in the
collection zone were biggest at low MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage and
high Jg (db32= 1.13 mm), while the smallest bubbles were generated at
high MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage and low Jg (db32= 0.51 mm). It is
noteworthy that there was no bias in the distribution of bubble sizes
as an effect of the diameter of the bubble sampler tube, this is because
bubble sizes were generated below the bubble sampler inlet diameter.
On the other hand, in the froth zone, it can be observed that the biggest
bubbles were generated at low Jg and high MIBC/X-343 (db32=
28.32 mm) while the smallest bubbles were produced at low MIBC/X-
343 reagent dosage and high Jg (db32= 6.13 mm) see Table 1 for
complete Sauter diameter data.
Considering that bubble surface flux (Sb) is proportional to gas su-
perficial velocity (Jg), the smallest bubbles generated at high MIBC/X-
343 reagent dosage and low Jg, favoured collision between the fine
particles and bubbles in the collection zone. These bubbles remained for
a longer time in the froth zone, allowing the enrichment of the solids on
the bubble surface, as well as allowing bubble coalescence and con-
sequent bubble growth, but not necessarily increasing bubble collapse
because the layer of solids allowed greater humectation on the bubble
surface. On the other hand, high levels of Jg and low MIBC/X-343 re-
agent dosage generated the largest bubbles with a lower solid load in
the collection zone. These bubbles remained for a shorter time in the
froth zone, causing less bubble coalescence and increasing bubble col-
lapse in the froth zone. This is equivalent to what we can observe by
looking at the first cells in a rougher bank (large bubbles with high solid
load) and comparing them with the last ones (small bubbles with lower
solid load).
The increase in MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage and in aeration has a
positive effect on the froth stability and wetting of the froths, favouring
the collection of solids and consequently improving the overall re-
covery and water recovery (see Table 2). This is in accordance with
Rahman et al. (2015a), who reported a positive effect on the overall
recovery as well as the recovery of froth and water. Rahman et al.
(2015b) use higher values of Jg, but the same positive effect was ob-
served. On the other hand, lower Jg and MIBC/X-343 promote both
coalescence and bubble collapse. It is worth mentioning that during the
experiments, it was observed that the most heavily loaded solids on
R. Arellano-Piña et al. Minerals Engineering 114 (2017) 8–16

Fig. 6. Comparison between bubbles generated in the collection zone and froth zone (at 200 mm of horizontal displacement) as an effect of the study variables.

froths showed an opaque appearance, which has already been described Table 2
by several authors (Moolman et al., 1995; Barbian et al., 2007; Ata and Control and process variables of flotation tests.
Jameson, 2013).
Tests
In Table 2, an increase in water recovery can also be observed as an
effect of high levels of Jg. High levels of water recovery promote a X-343, ppm 30.00 30.00 10.00 10.00
widening on Plateau borders defined as the interstitial channels be- MIBC, ppm
tween bubbles. In the case of horizontal Plateau borders, water flow can
Gas superficial velocity (Jg), cm/s 0.37 1.17 0.37 1.17
drag particles and thus increase the drainage of them, but in the case of
vertical Plateau borders the predominant phenomena of particle drai- Froth depth, cm 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50
Pulp level, cm 17.50 17.50 17.50 17.50
nage is promoted by gravitational forces. Pulp solids percent, % 18.93 18.30 18.95 18.56
Fig. 7 shows the effect of the froth horizontal displacement, reagent Pulp temperature, °C 26.80 27.20 27.50 27.30
concentration (in contrast 30 ppm and 10 ppm), and gas superficial Hydrogen potential (pH) 8.50 8.40 8.60 8.30
velocity on the Sauter diameter of the bubble froth surface. It can be Bubble surface flux (Sb = 6 Jg/db32 ), s−1 43.52 71.63 28.83 62.12
Air holdup (εg ), % 13.73 23.70 11.52 11.54
observed that at high Jg levels, the bubbles maintain homogeneous and
Pulp residence time, min. 8.50 11.50 8.10 9.60
small bubble sizes through their horizontal displacement, while at low
Froth retention time (FRT = Vf /Q f ), min 20.50 2.40 13.50 4.20
Jg levels, the bubble size as an effect of coalescence increases. It was Water recovery (Rw ), % 10.00 55.00 8.20 28.00
also observed, during the experiments, that the few bubbles reached the Overall recovery (Ro ), % 8.20 53.30 7.90 26.90
maximum displacement (600 mm at almost zero velocity) arrived de-
hydrated, provoking their definitive collapse.
can be identified that any level of Jg and reagent dosage velocity across
the distance travelled displays a logarithmic trend.
3.2. On froth velocity and horizontal displacement On the other hand, the froth carrying capacity was characterized by
two parameters as Coleman (2009) reported. To estimate the froth
Fig. 8 shows froth velocity and the distance travelled by bubbles in carry rate (dry mass of concentrate per surface area per time (g/cm2 s)),
their horizontal displacement, as a function of the superficial gas ve- we divide the concentrate mass flow rate (g/s) by the cell cross section
locity and contrasting MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage (30 ppm and area (cm2). The froth lip loading (dry mass of concentrate per length of
10 ppm). In Fig. 8(a) and (b), the higher froth velocity was generated by froth lip per time (g/cm s)) can be calculated given the concentrate
a major Jg. The relationship between froth velocity and gas superficial mass flow rate (g/s) and the length of the froth lip (a constant of 20 cm
velocity is linear and was first reported by Zheng et al. (2004a). During in this flotation cell).
analysis of lower Jg at both MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage (30 ppm and Table 3 shows the froth carrying capacity calculated for contrasting
10 ppm), the horizontal displacement was not higher than 180 mm at conditions in Jg and MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage. It can be observed
an initial velocity of 10 cm/s, while the highest Jg at both MIBC/X-343 that concentrate mass flow rate was promoted at higher conditions of Jg
reagent dosage (30 ppm and 10 ppm) showed a higher horizontal dis- and MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage (previously described as the
placement (approximately 400 mm) at an initial velocity of 22 cm/s. It

Table 1
Bubble Sauter diameter in collection zone and froth zone.

MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage Bubble size in collection zone, mm Bubble size in froth zone, mm

Jg = 0.37 cm/s Jg = 0.77 cm/s Jg = 1.17 cm/s Jg = 0.37 cm/s Jg = 0.77 cm/s Jg = 1.17 cm/s

10 ppm 0.77 1.03 1.13 22.50 13.50 6.13

20 ppm 0.57 0.85 1.00 25.32 16.20 9.12
30 ppm 0.51 0.80 0.98 28.32 19.21 12.13

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R. Arellano-Piña et al. Minerals Engineering 114 (2017) 8–16

Fig. 7. Effect of froth horizontal displacement, reagent concentration and gas superficial velocity (Jg) in the Sauter diameter of the froth surface, (a) 30 ppm and (b) 10 ppm MIBC/X-343.

operational conditions where froth stability was promoted). Under this Table 3
operational condition, froth can easily spread on a water mirror surface Froth carrying capacity.
across the extensions, as an effect of the high froth kinematic viscosity.
Tests
It was also observed that these bubbles are less susceptible to collapse
than those with low reagent dosage because the mineral layer and X-343, ppm 30.00 30.00 10.00 10.00
water layer on the surface of the froths increase bubble half-life. Higher MIBC, ppm
conditions of Jg and MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage favour the highest
Gas superficial velocity (Jg), cm/s 0.37 1.17 0.37 1.17
froth carry rate and froth lip loading (see Table 3), an adequate selec-
tion of both variables (Jg and reagent dosage) improve the froth hor- Concentrate mass flow rate, g/s 0.23 1.41 0.22 0.74
Froth kinematic viscosity, cm2/s 17.95 50.53 20.57 56.50
izontal displacement and the froth carry capacity, thus improve overall Froth carry rate, g/cm2 s 6.00 e−4 35.00 e−4 6.00 e−4 18.00 e−4
recovery. On the other hand, at Jg = 0.37 cm/s and MIBC/X- Froth lip loading, g/cm s 1.15 e−2 7.05 e−2 1.10 e−2 3.50 e−2
343 = 10 ppm, the froth carry rate and the froth lip loading were not
promoted.
As can be seen froth carrying capacity and horizontal displacement percentage of solids drained in each extended section. It is observed
were highly related to gas superficial velocity and reagent dosage. Both that the drainage of floatable particles increases when the gas super-
study variables affect the froth rheology, as has been mentioned by ficial velocity increases, and this trend persists at the contrast reagent
Farrokhpay (2012). Some authors have defined the froths as non- additions (30 and 10 ppm MIBC/X-343). As already mentioned, higher
Newtonian flow (Shi et al., 2003; Li et al., 2015), but there is a great Jg and MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage promotes greater concentrate mass
deal of work yet to be done if we are to understand the role of froth flow rate (overall recovery), allowing greater drainage of particles
rheology in flotation. along the froth horizontal displacement. It is also interesting to note
that, under any operating condition, the horizontal displacement of the
froths affects, with a logarithmic trend, the draining of the floatable
3.3. On solids draining across the horizontal displacement particles. This fact provides important information for the design of the
launders and suggests that the froths should be collected immediately
Fig. 9(a) and (b) shows the effect of the froth horizontal displace- after emerging from the collection zone, if high recoveries are desired,
ment, reagent concentration and gas superficial velocity on the

Fig. 8. Effect of froth horizontal displacement, reagent concentration and gas superficial velocity (Jg) on froth velocity, (a) 30 ppm and (b) 10 ppm MIBC/X-343.

13
R. Arellano-Piña et al. Minerals Engineering 114 (2017) 8–16

Fig. 9. Effect of froth horizontal displacement, reagent concentration and gas superficial velocity on floatable particle drainage. (a) 30 ppm and (b) 10 ppm MIBC/X-343.

which is the aim of launder configurations. Fig. 10(b), in which the higher reagent dosage favoured the iron grade.
This indicates that there is a preferential action of Sodium Isopropyl
Xanthate (X-343) for iron ores.
3.4. On solids draining and its grade
Fig. 11 shows what happens when Jg increases to 1.17 cm/s. In
Fig. 11(a) and (b), one can observe a higher percentage of drained
Fig. 10(a) and (b) shows the effects of the gas superficial velocity, of
particles as a function of the horizontal displacement contrasted to the
the reagent dosage and of the froth horizontal displacement on the
percentage found in Fig. 10(a) and (b). In the case of lead (Fig. 11(a)),
grade (lead and iron) and on the percentage of the drained solids during
the highest drainage is observed at 200 mm with a lower reagent
the operation of the process at low Jg (0.37 cm/s) and further contrasts
concentration (62% drainage). In the case of iron, the greatest drainage
the effect of reagent dosage (10 and 30 ppm). In both images, it is
(60%) was observed at 200 mm with higher concentrations of reagent.
possible to observe that the drainage of lead and iron minerals (red
The impulse to the output caused by high levels of Jg is related to a
axis) decreases with the froth horizontal displacement and is affected
lower froth retention time, lower bubble solid loads and large bubble
by MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage. In the case of lead, greater drainage
collapse rate on top of the froth. However, froths poorly loaded with
can be observed under less MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage (20% at
solids under this operational condition can cover longer distances, thus
200 mm). But, in the case of iron, decrease in drainage is observed at
improving the solid drainage.
high reagent dosage (starting from 3% at 200 mm). For greater clarity
It is interesting to note, in the analysis of the effects of the reagent
in the graphics, only the results obtained with Jg of 0.37 cm/s are
dosage on the floatable particles that drainage obtains higher lead
discussed.
grades at lower reagent concentration under both aeration conditions
The figure also shows a contrast between the lead grade and iron
(0.37 cm/s and 1.17 cm/s), and a close look at Figs. 10(a) and 11(a)
grade in the drained particles (blue axis). The lead grade shows a ten-
shows that the grade tendency changes from decreasing to increasing as
dency to decrease while the iron grade tends to increase, both metals
a function of horizontal displacement. In the case of the grade of iron of
being evaluated as a function of the horizontal displacement. These
the drainage increasing at low aeration conditions (Fig. 10(b)) and
results show that there is detachment of particles of different grades
decreasing with the highest aeration (Fig. 11(b)), it is also observed that
depending on the horizontal displacement and the operating condi-
there is a change in trend as a function of the displacement. Discussing
tions. Interestingly, contrasting the effects on the reagent concentration
the inverse behaviour of Figs. 10 and 11, one find that low aeration
in Fig. 10(a) reveals that a higher lead grade was obtained with a lower
conditions (Fig. 10) generate froths that are poorly humected,
MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage than the iron grade obtained and shown in

Fig. 10. Effect of froth horizontal displacement, gas superficial velocity and reagent concentration on particle grade and drainage (Jg = 0.37 cm/s, MIBC/X-343: 10 and 30 ppm. (a)
Lead, (b) iron).

14
R. Arellano-Piña et al.
Fig. 11. Effect of froth horizontal displacement, gas superficial velocity and reagent concentration on particle grade and drainage (Jg = 1.17 cm/s, MIBC/X-343: 10 and 30 ppm. (a)
Lead, (b) iron).
promoting bubble coalescence and solid drainage (proportionally more
iron than lead). On the contrary, in the case of increased aeration
(Fig. 11), the froth was more humected and the lead particles were
drained in greater proportions, increasing the lead grade of drainage
when the horizontal displacement of the froth increased.
3.5. On particle size selectivity
Fig. 12 shows the effect of the horizontal displacement on the par-
ticle size (P80) of drainage, at contrasting gas superficial velocities and
contrasting MIBC/X-343 reagent dosage. In Fig. 12(a) lower Jg and
both reagents dosage (10 and 30 ppm), shows the particle survives
without draining a portion of coarse particles that reach CF. On the
other hand, at high levels of Jg (Fig. 12(b)) and both reagents addition
(10 and30 ppm), decrement in coarse particles across the horizontal
displacement can be observed.
When comparing the results of Fig. 12(a) and (b), it is possible to
observe a different tendency, which is probably explained by the hu-
mectation occasioned by the increase of aeration from 0.37 to 1.17 cm/
s. Consequently, with less Jg the Plateau borders are dry and thinner,
permitting the drainage of fine particles, while with high Jg the Plateau
borders are humected, permitting the drainage of coarser particles.
Comparison of the results of Fig. 10(b) with Figs. 12(a), and 11(b) with
Fig. 12. Effect of froth horizontal displacement, gas superficial velocity and reagent concentration on P80 particle size in each extension and drainage ((a) Jg = 0.37, (b) Jg = 1.17).
15
Minerals Engineering 114 (2017) 8–16
Fig. 12(b) suggests that coarser particles are enriched with iron and that
explain the increments of iron grade when the particle size of the
drainage (at low Jg) increases, and inversely when the particle size
decreases (at high Jg).
4. Conclusions
Aeration and reagents dosage have effects on the horizontal dis-
placement, bubble size of the froth surface, froth velocity, froth car-
rying capacity, grade and particle size of the concentrate obtained. An
adequate selection of both aeration and reagents dosage, can improve
the metallurgical performance if grade or recovery is seeking in a de-
terminated stage of the process.
This paper showed difference between bubble size in collection zone
and how this bubble changes their behaviour in froth zone when reach
the surface and moves horizontally toward overflow lip. it was de-
monstrated that different kind of froths can be produced and they can
survive during longer distance than others as an effect of froth rheology
(influenced by aeration and reagents dosage), this knowledge and
carrying capacity calculations can be practical for the designs of
launder, crowder and scraper configurations.
It was found that the horizontal froth displacement decreases,
logarithmically, the percentage of solids drained, but combining this
R. Arellano-Piña et al.
effect with the aeration and reagent dosage, the grade of the con-
centrate drained may increase or decrease, because it affects water
recovery, modifying selectively the drainage of particles by composi-
tion and particle size as an effect of the thickness of Plateau borders.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to CONACyT-México for financial support
through the PhD scholarship (290840) and CINVESTAV-IPN Saltillo, for
all facilities granted for the development of this research.
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