Types of particles recovery-water recovery entrainment plots useful in flotation research

Abstract

This review paper deals with graphical representation of entrainment experienced by fine particles during passing, either barren or mineralized, bubbles through flotation cells. Entrainment, also called mechanical carryover or mechanical flotation, is harmful because it reduces the quality of flotation concentrates. It was presented in the paper that it is convenient to show the results of entrainment as upgrading separation plots relating recovery of fines vs. water recovery. The shape of the entrainment separation curves significantly depends on the way flotation test is performed, type of flotation machine, kinetics of process, froth collecting time, concentration of frothers, collectors and modifiers, amount of air in flotation, density of pulp, amount of supplied water etc. Five types of entrainment separation plots were distinguished and presented in the paper. They were categorized as linear (type 1), linear shifted down (type 2), reaching plateau (type 3), increasing (type 4) and linear shifted up (type 5). The plots are useful for determination of appropriate entrainment coefficients characterizing the process. © The Author(s) 2010.