Model Experiment on Removal of Nonmetallic Inclusions by Bubble Flotation

Abstract

A new experimental technique, which is based on a kinetic model of particle transport, has been proposed for determination of the capture efficiency of particles by bubble flotation. Cold model experiments by using an aqueous solution and plastic particles are carried out to validate the new experimental technique. Plastic particles having poor wettability tend to adhere to bubbles and they are removed from an aqueous solution by bubble flotation. On the other hand, plastic particles good in wettability are not captured by bubbles. Capture efficiency can be estimated from a difference of transfer rate between the particles having poor and good wettability. The capture efficiency is found to be proportional to the size ratio of particle and bubble, dp/db, and agrees with theoretical results of Sutherland (1948) for a potential flow condition.