Investigations into Effects of Inclined Channels on the Forced Foam Drainage

Gangue particle entrainment during flotation remains a significant challenge in mineral processing. Previous studies have shown that incorporating inclined plates into the froth zone can reduce the recovery of fine gangue particles. However, the effects of inclined channels on froth drainage have no...

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Main Authors: Yumeng Deng, Miao Jin, Lisha Dong, Jiakun Tan, Chao Ni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Separations
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/12/2/43
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author Yumeng Deng
Miao Jin
Lisha Dong
Jiakun Tan
Chao Ni
author_facet Yumeng Deng
Miao Jin
Lisha Dong
Jiakun Tan
Chao Ni
author_sort Yumeng Deng
collection DOAJ
description Gangue particle entrainment during flotation remains a significant challenge in mineral processing. Previous studies have shown that incorporating inclined plates into the froth zone can reduce the recovery of fine gangue particles. However, the effects of inclined channels on froth drainage have not been fully investigated. This study employed a custom-designed forced drainage system to systematically examine the impact of inclined channels on foam drainage and the underlying mechanisms. Results revealed that, at an SDS solution injection flow rate of 36 mL/min and an inclined channel angle of 30°, the foam drainage velocity in the inclined channel was significantly higher than that in the vertical channel for both two-phase and three-phase foams. This advantage became more pronounced as the SDS injection flow rate increased. A new drainage pathway formed between the inclined wall and the foam, facilitating faster liquid flow than within the foam structure. This mechanism was identified as the primary factor enhancing foam drainage velocity in inclined channels. These findings demonstrate that inclined channels can effectively improve foam drainage efficiency compared to vertical channels, providing valuable insights for optimizing froth zone structure.
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spelling doaj-art-494ea527e1ab4e009b03fc899de562412025-08-20T03:11:22ZengMDPI AGSeparations2297-87392025-02-011224310.3390/separations12020043Investigations into Effects of Inclined Channels on the Forced Foam DrainageYumeng Deng0Miao Jin1Lisha Dong2Jiakun Tan3Chao Ni4School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, ChinaKey Laboratory of Xinjiang Coal Resources Green Mining, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Institute of Engineering, Urumqi 830023, ChinaWestern Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430, AustraliaSchool of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, ChinaSchool of Chemical Engineering and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, ChinaGangue particle entrainment during flotation remains a significant challenge in mineral processing. Previous studies have shown that incorporating inclined plates into the froth zone can reduce the recovery of fine gangue particles. However, the effects of inclined channels on froth drainage have not been fully investigated. This study employed a custom-designed forced drainage system to systematically examine the impact of inclined channels on foam drainage and the underlying mechanisms. Results revealed that, at an SDS solution injection flow rate of 36 mL/min and an inclined channel angle of 30°, the foam drainage velocity in the inclined channel was significantly higher than that in the vertical channel for both two-phase and three-phase foams. This advantage became more pronounced as the SDS injection flow rate increased. A new drainage pathway formed between the inclined wall and the foam, facilitating faster liquid flow than within the foam structure. This mechanism was identified as the primary factor enhancing foam drainage velocity in inclined channels. These findings demonstrate that inclined channels can effectively improve foam drainage efficiency compared to vertical channels, providing valuable insights for optimizing froth zone structure.https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/12/2/43inclined channelforced foam drainagedrainage velocitydrainage pathway
spellingShingle Yumeng Deng
Miao Jin
Lisha Dong
Jiakun Tan
Chao Ni
Investigations into Effects of Inclined Channels on the Forced Foam Drainage
Separations
inclined channel
forced foam drainage
drainage velocity
drainage pathway
title Investigations into Effects of Inclined Channels on the Forced Foam Drainage
title_full Investigations into Effects of Inclined Channels on the Forced Foam Drainage
title_fullStr Investigations into Effects of Inclined Channels on the Forced Foam Drainage
title_full_unstemmed Investigations into Effects of Inclined Channels on the Forced Foam Drainage
title_short Investigations into Effects of Inclined Channels on the Forced Foam Drainage
title_sort investigations into effects of inclined channels on the forced foam drainage
topic inclined channel
forced foam drainage
drainage velocity
drainage pathway
url https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/12/2/43
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AT lishadong investigationsintoeffectsofinclinedchannelsontheforcedfoamdrainage
AT jiakuntan investigationsintoeffectsofinclinedchannelsontheforcedfoamdrainage
AT chaoni investigationsintoeffectsofinclinedchannelsontheforcedfoamdrainage