Modeling hydrodynamic effect on flotation selectivity. Part II: Influence of initial feed separation into large and small fractions

The numerical exercise of two subprocesses—attachment and detachment of air bubble and mineral particle—illustrates feasibility of 2–3 times improvement of concentrate quality in separate flotation of sand and fine material as compared to the standard processing. This effect is achieved owing to optimization of ratio of bubble diameter and dissipation energy for each out of 36 fractions of particles differing in size and content of copper. The relationship of hydrodynamic factors depends on the size of the particles and on the distribution of metal in them.