Column parameters: Their effect on entrainment in froth

The influence of column parameters collection zone height, superficial air rate, superficial feed rate and feed grade (arsenic ppm) was studied on the entrainment in froth. Testwork was conducted on a 20 cm diameter pilot column operated in parallel to a 250cm diameter plant column using the same feed from which talc was being floated from gold bearing sulphide ore. The results indicate that among the parameters tested, the superficial air rate had the most significant influence on entrainment in froth. Further, it was noted that an increase in superficial feed rate and feed grade (arsenic ppm) led to an increase in concentrate grade (arsenic ppm) without significant change in recovery of gangue minerals in the froth.