Hydrodynamic characterisation of flotation impeller designs using Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT)

Impellers play a key role in flotation cells, as the turbulence generated through agitation aids particle suspension, air dispersion and particle–bubble collision. Therefore, it is important to understand effect that different impeller designs have on hydrodynamics, small variations could enhance performance. The study of hydrodynamics is, however, complex task due nature systems, which are opaque, multiphase, polydisperse. In this paper, impact design modifications cell was quantified for first time three-phase system. Two designs, with without stator, were assessed using positron emission tracking (PEPT), technique allows position velocity radioactive tracers within an opaque vessel be determined. A novel PEPT data analysis strategy, well statistical basis Jensen–Shannon distance, used. This analysis, applied data, facilitated comparison by generating robust quantification their hydrodynamic differences. experimental results showed stator significantly modified cell, distorting lower mixing loop characteristic radial impellers. use also resulted reduction swirling outside impeller–stator region, both at level and, notably, pulp–froth interface. These findings implications design, evidencing has direct pulp froth.