Technical note a study on the mixing characteristics of a packed flotation column

Based on the study of the flotation of phosphate, a packed column was designed for flotation of low grade phosphate and was expected to have high P2O5 recovery. Both the axially-dispersed plug flow model and the tanks in series model have been tested to simulate the flow pattern in the column. Comparison of model prediction and experimental data showed that the tanks in series model is better than the axially-dispersed plug flow model to describe the flow pattern in the collection region of the column. Simultaneously, experimental work has also described the cleaning process through adding wash water in the froth region of the column. Flotation experiments have been conducted, and high recovery is obtained as expected.