The Influence of Static Pressure on Bubble Size and Contact Angle of Quartz: Mimicking What May Happen Inside a Hypothetical Flotation Column

This paper addresses the influence of hydrostatic pressure (Phyd) on bubble diameter (db) and contact angle (θ) quartz in pure water versus collector solution (Flotigam® EDA, γLG = 57 mN/m) at 20 °C. The range (0–300 kPa) applied against bubbles’ walls mimics what may happen along vertical axis a hypothetical flotation column (HFC) that processes iron ore slurry via cationic reverse quartz. From column’s bottom (Phyd≈ 300 to its top 0 kPa), continuous relief Phyd occurs steadily. Results indicate decrease promotes θ from 47° 16° 61° 42° presence collector. Likewise, db increases approximately 60% and, consequently promoting an increase ascending velocity (vb). Values vb were used assess Eötvos number (Eo) Weber (We) aiming characterizing hydrodynamics. It was found inertial forces dominate surface (We > 1) as db> 1.86 mm. dominance constitutes preliminary indication greater likelihood coarse particles (diameter 100 μm) detaching bubbles. situation is typically upper parts HFC addressed this paper.