Radiotracer techniques in modeling continuous flotation processes

Results of work on the development of a phenomenological model for the continuous flotation process using short-lived radioactive tracer techniques for determining model parameters is reported. A model that incorporates a flotation first-order rate constant and a residence time distribution based on the cross -flow finite-stage (CFFS) model has been derived and investigated. The short-lived radioactive tracer techniques and the nonlinear search methods necessary to extract the model parameters have been developed. The conditions under which all the model parametrs can be extracted from a single radiotracer experiment are detailed and illustrated. A micro-computer-based unique data logging system has been designed, assembled, and implemented for collecting the necessary transient radiotracer data. Results are reported for a continuous laboratory flotation process for the two systems, mica ore and coal.