Effect of Fine Particles' Entrainment on Conventional and Column Flotation

Abstract

The entrainment of particles in a flotation has been considered as one of the significant factors affecting both concentrate grade and recovery for a decades. It is based on the changes depending on the establishment of linear relationship between water recovery and solid recovery. In this study, entrainment of fine particle using a mixture of artificial ore (celestite:calcite; 1:1) was investigated in conventional and column flotation. The effects of frother concentration and particle size were tested. The results showed that the particle size and frother concentration had significant effect on the grade and recovery, flotation time, and fine gangue entrainment. Entrainment factors for the conventional and column flotation were compared. Kirjaveinen (1989) model was used for describing a specific entrained factor (P ( i )) of hydrophilic particles. It has been found that Kirjaveinen model supports the results of this study.