Concentration at the Minimum Bubble Velocity (CMV) for Various Types of Flotation Frothers

Abstract

This paper presents the determination of a concentration at the minimum bubble velocity (CMV) for different types of frothers, such as straight and branched alkyl chain aliphatic alcohols, 1,ω-diols, poly(propylene glycol) and poly(ethylene glycol) alkyl ethers, n-alkyltrimethylammonium bromides, commercial frothers and others. The values of terminal rise bubble velocity were reviewed from the experimental data published in the literature for two different types of columns, i.e., a short PAS (used in Polish Academy of Sciences) of height (35 cm) and a long McGill of height (350 cm). The obtained empirical equation is universal and allows one to rapidly and accurately determine the CMV for all surfactants. The proposed empirical model can also be used to predict the terminal bubble velocity–frother concentration curve by knowing the maximum and minimum terminal velocities, as well as the values of CMV. Assessment and usefulness of frother characterization parameters (i.e., concentration at the minimum bubble velocity (CMV), dynamic frothability index (DFI) and critical coalescence concentration (CCC)) were shown in the flotation of coal.