METHOD OF STUDYING THE AERODYNAMIC FIELDS OF FLOTATION MACHINES

Published in Herald of Technological University · Volume 29, Issue 9, 2026 · Pages 50–56 · Rubric: 2. Chemical Technology
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55421/3034-4689_2026_29_9_50 · EDN: RYSTNZ
Received: 19.05.2026 Accepted: 14.09.2026 Published: 07.10.2026
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This article presents an innovative method for studying the aerodynamic field in a flotation cell. The aerodynamic field is a key characteristic of flotation processes, directly influencing the efficiency of flotation complex formation and, theoretically, the quality of the resulting concentrate. The relevance of this method lies in the development of optimal process conditions to improve mineral recovery from various types of ores, including refractory and rare earth metals. The method is based on displacing the liquid phase with air from an activated cylinder, followed by determining the degree of pulp aeration using a conductivity sensor that records changes in electrical conductivity at the water-air interface. A key element of the study is the hardware implementation-an aeration control module. Its design allows for the continuous, automatic recording of aeration fields, assessing their distribution and stability, and identifying stagnation and turbulence zones. The module determines key flotation process parameters, including bubble trajectories and their mineral loading, allowing for rapid process data acquisition. The module can be used with any professional cell in both laboratory and industrial settings. Based on experimental data obtained on a laboratory flotation machine, aerodynamic field distribution graphs were constructed for various pulp aeration regimes, and conclusions were drawn regarding the state fields (homogeneity, stability). The practical advantage of this work lies in the possibility of using data on the degree of pulp aeration at different points in the flotation cell to develop flotation technology. By varying the configuration of aerodynamic fields during process studies and based on the results of economic analysis, it is possible to optimize the flotation process for a given ore type and create the prerequisites for training of flotation machines.
SOFTWARE, FLOTATION, MINERAL PROCESSING, AERATION, AERODYNAMIC FIELD, DEGREE OF AERATION, ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY, FLOTATION MACHINE, AERATION CONTROL
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