Rate constant and selectivity measurement in a flotation column

Systematic procedures have been developed for measuring rate constant and separation efficiency (selectivity) in a feed line aerated notation column in batch and continuous operation. slurry in batch operation is continuously recycled from the column bottom through an external aerator and incremental froth products collected. Recovery as a function of notation time is fitted to the first-order kinetic equation for rate constant determination. A mineral/rock separation efficiency is also obtained. In continuous operation, recovery is obtained as a function of either gas or feed rate. Rate constant is calculated using the first-order plug flow model. The rate constant and selectivity data obtained from these two modes of column operation are presented and compared in this paper. While the selectivity data was similar between the two modes of column operation, it was found that the rate constant obtained from batch operation was less than that obtained in continuous operation.