ABSTRACT
Flotation models are mostly based on a chemical kinetic analogy of the removal of solid species, sometimes using distributions of rate constants to accommodate the observed variability. The kinetic model is based on the flux of bubble surface overflowing the concentrate weir in a free flowing froth. The kinetic model is also based on the flux of bubble surface overflowing the concentrate weir in a free flowing froth, which depends on the volumetric rate of air overflowing the weir and the specific surface of the bubbles in the froth. The bubble size distribution of the concentrate froth is needed to calculate the specific surface area of the froth. The area that the collapsed bubble occupies on the glass slide can be determined using image analysis, and, combined with the volume of water and solids, yields an estimate of the thickness of the aqueous bubble shell.
