Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
Amirkabir University of Technology
Abstract
Assessing frother performance through various indices is crucial to understanding how their molecular structure affects functionality, as well as evaluating their effectiveness in floating both fine and coarse particles. This study investigates for the first time the frothing behavior and froth stability of Polyethylene Glycol 300 (PEG300), Dipropylene Glycol (DPG), and Tetraethylene Glycol (TEG) and compares them with conventional frothers such as Dow Froth-250 (DF-250). To evaluate frother performance, air flow rate and frother concentration were selected as the main operational variables influencing froth formation and stability index. Initially, the frothing behavior of the reagents was predicted using the HLB-MW diagram, and then the frothing power of the desired frothers was examined using the dynamic frothability and dynamic froth stability indices. The results revealed that PEG300 exhibited the highest dynamic frothing index (13000 s.dm3/mol) and high froth stability, which is suitable for the flotation of coarse particles. In contrast, DPG showed the lowest frothing power and froth stability, with a dynamic frothing index of 2500 s.dm3/mol. TEG, with an intermediate frothing index of 5000 s.dm3/mol, demonstrated moderate performance in both froth production and stability. DF-250, with an exceptionally high frothing index, outperformed all the other agents, providing both superior froth generation and stability. Froth stability was assessed using dynamic froth stability indices and dynamic frothing capability, providing meaningful insights into frother performance. The results also showed that both air flow rate and frother concentration had a significant impact on frothing index and stability, with higher concentrations generally enhancing froth stability, particularly for PEG300 and DF-250.
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