ABSTRACT
Froth flotation is a highly selective method of separating value ore particles from gangue solids which has made it the most widely used process in minerals beneficiation. The process involves bubble-particle attachments in a vigorously stirred concentrated pulp followed by further transport of the stable aggregates to the froth layer. The basic idea of froth flotation is to achieve selective attachment of the value particles suspended in the pulp to the rising bubbles. The selectivity of froth flotation is based on the different wettabilities of the solid particles in the pulp. The wettability of a smooth solid surface is determined by the molecular interactions between the solid and the liquid in a given fluid environment. The small bubbles introduced at the bottom of the flotation cell rise through the pulp and collect hydrophobic particles only by virtue of adhesion. The condition of the interfaces involved largely determines the adhesion and is manipulated through the use of surfactants.
