Application of Positron Emission Particle Tracking PEPT to 2020 Minerals

In flotation processes, the interplay of turbulence and particle dynamics significantly affects the recovery rates of solid materials. This study aims to apply Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) to examine how turbulence influences the interaction between bubbles and particles in dense flow conditions. Utilizing an experimental setup, single air bubbles were generated in a water flow channel, where upstream grid systems created anisotropic turbulent flows characterized by varying intensities and scales. The presence of polystyrene particles within the flow allowed for a detailed analysis of particle trajectories using tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Results demonstrated that the turbulent field significantly impacts bubble-particle interactions, leading to varying probabilities of aggregation based on the particles' spatial distribution relative to the bubbles. The findings highlight the effectiveness of PEPT as a measurement technique in complex flow environments, providing new insights into the mechanisms underpinning flotation processes and enhancing our understanding of mineral separation efficiency under turbulent conditions.