Investigation of cell geometry effect on the turbulence characteristics and flotation performance using particle image velocimetry technique

The flow patterns and turbulence characteristics of the flow fields in a mechanical flotation cell have important effects on the hydrodynamic and metallurgical responses. In this study, the effect of cell geometry (off-bottom clearance (C), cell aspect ratio (H/T) and impeller diameter (D) on the turbulence properties and flotation performance using pure quartz particles of different sizes in a lab-scale Denver flotation cell was investigated. The results showed that the change in cell geometry changed the local turbulence characteristics. The change of C (from 0.2 T to 0.1 T), D (from T/2 to T/3) and H/T (from 1.2 to 1.5) did not change the flow pattern. The lower C was recommended to improve flotation performance. The larger D (T/2) was more useful for particle size of +38 μm. At the same Reynolds number, higher H/T is suitable for coarse particles, while lower H/T is recommended for particls size of −150 μm. [Display omitted] •The effect of cell geometry on the turbulence properties and flotation performance•The flow pattern was not affected by the change of the cell geometry.•The lower off-bottom clearance was recommended to improve the flotation efficiency.•The larger impeller diameter was more useful for fine particle size of +38 μm.•Higher cell aspect ratio was suitable for coarse particles.