A flotation model has been validated against the survey data obtained from a copper rougher flotation circuit with a circulating load. The model was developed using the hydrophobic force as a kinetic parameter, which made it possible to use the contact angles of the free and composite particles as input parameters so that the model can predict both recoveries and grades. The model also recognizes the role of bubble coarsening in determining the froth phase recoveries and grades. The model predictions are in good agreement with the survey data. The size-by-size recovery curve as predicted from the model shows an optimum particle size range that is consistent with most of the operating data reported in the literature. The model suggests that the upper particle size limit may be determined by the instability of the froth phase rather than the turbulence in the pulp phase of a flotation cell.

浮选模型已根据从具有循环负载的铜粗浮选回路获得的调查数据进行了验证。该模型是使用疏水力作为动力学参数开发的，这使得可以使用自由颗粒和复合颗粒的接触角作为输入参数，以便模型可以预测回收率和品位。该模型还认识到气泡粗化在确定泡沫相回收率和等级中的作用。模型预测与调查数据吻合较好。从模型预测的逐尺寸回收曲线显示了与文献中报道的大多数操作数据一致的最佳粒径范围。