A modified release analysis procedure using advanced froth flotation mechanisms: Technical report, March 1, 1996-May 31, 1996 Page: 2 of 25
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The goals of this project are to evaluate the current status of the coal flotation
characterization procedures, such as release and tree analyses with respect to the
advanced froth flotation technologies presently being introduced and to modify the
traditional procedures so that a true theoretical optimum recovery-grade curve for any
froth flotation process can be obtained from the analysis.
The traditional release and tree analysis procedures are recognized internationally as the
analyses which provide the ultimate recovery-grade relationship that can be achieved by
any flotation process for the treatment of a given coal. An analogous to release analysis is
the washability analysis for gravity-based separations. Dell introduced the concepts of
release analyses in 1953 and refined the procedure in 1964 and 1972. To date, release
analysis, which is conducted using a Denver flotation device, has been successfully used
as a tool by preparation plant operators and researchers for evaluating the efficiency of
new flotation technologies and for optimizing current flotation systems. However, Dell
et al. (1972) recognized the fact that potentially better performances could be achieved by
other flotation devices. "The (release) approach towards this absolute measurement is,
however, a function of cell design, and it is yet impossible to say whether results even
better than those with the Denver unit are possible."
In agreement with Dell's statement, the introduction of advanced flotation technologies
has resulted in separation performances superior to that predicted by the traditional
release analysis procedure. This fact was found to be especially true on the basis of
pyritic sulfur rejection with single stage cleaning using the Packed-Column and multiple
stage cleaning using other flotation column technologies. It is believed that the superior
performance is due to an improvement in the hydrodynamic conditions in the flotation
cell and to the utilization of selectivity mechanisms in the froth zone. Due to the inherent
constraints associated with the Denver cell which prevent the use of deep froth depths,
the phenomena, such as reflux, selective detachment and froth washing of entrained
materials, are not easily achieved in the traditional release analysis process. It is believed
that these deficiencies have resulted in several steady-state column flotation results being
superior to the corresponding release data.
A theoretical simulation of the release analysis procedure conducted by the principal
investigators supports the above statements that release analysis should be conducted with
a flotation device providing a plug-flow hydrodynamic environment and a deep froth
depth. Plug-flow conditions were found to provide a higher recovery of particles to the
froth zone when compared to perfectly-mixed conditions, which is characteristic of the
Denver conventional cell used in the release analysis procedure. It was also found that
the selectivity between particles of varying hydrophobicity is best achieved in the froth
phase where the selective detachment mechanism can be utilized. Deep froth depths
provide more reflux and a separation performance approaching the optimum separation
performance. Unfortunately, conventional cells do not support deep froth depths and,
therefore, have limited ability to provide sufficient reflux. Since release analysis is based
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Honaker, R.Q., Mohanty, M.K. A modified release analysis procedure using advanced froth flotation mechanisms: Technical report, March 1, 1996-May 31, 1996, report, April 1, 1997; Carbondale, Illinois. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc680679/m1/2/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.