CFD investigation of chalcopyrite flotation prediction coupled with flotation kinetic model

CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulation plays an important role in flotation prediction research and application. The flotation process of chalcopyrite in a three-dimensional mineralized tube was simulated coupled with flotation kinetic model. Regarding kinetic prediction model in the flotation process is explored at gas flow rate of 0.06 m3/h, slurry flow rate of 0.4 and 0.5 m3/h, including collision probability model, attachment probability model, detachment probability model and bubble slip velocity model. Flotation experiments of chalcopyrite is performed, and the simulation of flotation process is realized by adding UDF (user-defined function). Furthermore, the flotation rate constant is taken to verify the validity of the model. The prediction error of flotation rate constant is 19 % and 17 % between flotation experiments and simulations at slurry flow rate of 0.4 and 0.5 m3/h, respectively. According to the combinations of flotation kinetic model, it's found that the prediction results of Yoon-Luttrell collision probability model, Yoon-Luttrell attachment probability model, Schulze detachment probability model and Kostoglou bubble slip velocity model are superior to other combinations. the prediction error of flotation rate constant is 8 % at the slurry flow rate of 0.4 m3/h.