Determination of Carrying Capacity Using Talc in Column Flotation

Ca (g/min cm2), the maximum solids concentrate rate or carrying capacity in column flotation, is expressed as the mass of solids from the overflow per unit of column cross sectional area. It can be measured for a given set of operating conditions by determining concentrate solids rate as a function of feed solids rate. Carrying capacity is expected to depend on particular variables, such as particle size, feed solids rate, bubble diameter, air hold-up, cross section, residence time and the presence and absence of frother. In this study, the effects of these parameters on the carrying capacity in column flotation using talc mineral were investigated using optimized operation parameters. It was found that carrying capacity decreased as particle size decreased, and the amount of material carried into the concentrate increased with addition of MIBC (methyl isobutyl carbinol) frother. As air rate increased, the average bubble size and carrying capacity increased. When feed solids rate increased, the concentrate solids rate increased owing to a decrease in particle residence time. Feed rate therefore also plays an important role in determining carrying capacity.