Using Top-of-Froth Conductivity to Infer Water Overflow Rate in a Two-Phase Lab-Scale Flotation Column

The metallurgical performance of a flotation machine is largely defined by phenomena occurring in the froth zone. The water content in the froth affects recovery by influencing froth stability and mobility and, at the same time, reduces grade by mechanical entrainment of gangue particles in the overflow water. Efficient operation requires a compromise between the water carried by bubbles from the collection zone and that which overflows. It is believed that the most suitable operating strategy could be based on the measurement of froth water content, as a strong correlation with water overflow is anticipated. This work reports the testing results of an in situ electrical conductivity sensor continuously measuring the froth zone water content in a laboratory-scale flotation column. The test program included simultaneous measurement of froth conductivity and water overflow rates for changes in gas flow rate and frother concentration. The results show a stronger dependence of the measured top-of-froth water content on frother concentration than on the gas flow rate. A relatively linear trend was shown between top-of-froth water content and water overflow rate for a given air rate and frother.