Effect of frother strength on gas dispersion in a cavitation sparger measured by electrical resistance tomography

Abstract Axial dispersion in column flotation is critical for optimizing particle-bubble interaction and maximizing recovery. The effect of different flotation frothers on axial gas dispersion rates in a column flotation cell were measured using electrical resistance tomography (ERT). Gas holdup can be measured using ERT and utilized in the determination of axial gas dispersion rate in the column. The ERT is constructed with two sensor planes making it possible to simultaneously capture gas holdup values at and immediately above the cavitation sparger. Three frothers of varying strengths were used to investigate axial dispersion rates. Experimental conditions were modified by altering the superficial gas rate, frother concentration, and sparger pump speed. Utilizing a two-phase (gas–liquid) system, the effects of varying experimental conditions were captured and are represented using concentration tomograms. There is a strong positive correlation between axial dispersion rate, frother strength, and machine operating parameters.