Effect of Bubble Surface Properties on Bubble–Particle Collision Efficiency in Froth Flotation

Abstract

In research on the particle–bubble collision process, due to the adsorption of surfactants and impurities (such as mineral particles, slime, etc.), most studies consider the bubble surface environment to be immobile. However, in the real situation of froth flotation, the nature of the bubble surface (degree of slip) is unknown. Mobile surface bubbles increase the critical thickness of the hydration film rupture between particles and bubbles, and enhance the collision between particles and bubbles. Sam (1996) showed that when the diameter of the bubble is large enough, a part of the surface of the bubble can be transformed into a mobile state. When the bubble rises in a surfactant solution, the surface pollutants are swept to the end of the bubble, so when the bubble reaches terminal velocity, the upper surface of the bubble is changed into a mobile surface. This paper analyzes the collision efficiency and fluid flow pattern of bubbles with mobile and immobile surfaces, and expounds the influence of surface properties on collision efficiency.