Measurement of Froth Stability in Flotation Cells and Investigation of the Impact of Factors Affecting It

Froth stability is of particular importance and  has a significant impact on the flotation process. Froth stability can be defined based on the formation of froth (maximum froth height or froth retention time) or the froth decay (froth half-life). Froth stability is influenced by various factors such as the superficial air velocity (Jg), the collector dosage (CC), frother dosage (FC) and the sample particle size (d50). In this work the effects of these factors were examined. The results showed that increasing the Jg, the CC and the FC will increae the froth stability. For example, by increasing the FC from 60 to 140 g/liter, the froth retention time (FRT) and the half-life froth (t1/2) increased by 92% and 71%, respectively. Sample particle size behaved differently in froth formation and decay, so that by reducing the d50, the froth retention time increased but the froth half-life decreased.