Rheological investigations of ultrafine galena particle slurries under flotation-related conditions

A Brief Review of Pulp and Froth Rheology in Mineral Flotation

In mineral flotation, rheological problems have limited the efficient upgrading of low-grade and complex ores. Since pulp and froth rheology are deemed to play different roles in influencing the separation performance, in this paper, a brief review on pulp and froth rheology in flotation is provided, with an objective of developing a basic understanding of rheology in flotation. The essential variables that affect the rheology of a flotation pulp and froth are discussed. The methods for measuring pulp and froth rheology are presented. The correlations of pulp and froth rheological properties to flotation performance are reviewed. Strategies that are currently used to mitigate the deleterious effects of problematic ores in flotation are also provided for flotation optimization. Research gaps are also proposed to highlight the need of further exploration of flotation rheology in future.

Coupling colloidal forces with yield stress of charged inorganic particle suspension: A review

This paper aims to summarize the series of investigations on coupling suspension yield stress and DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) forces, i.e. van der Waals and electrical double layer forces. This summary provides a better understanding of the basic phenomena associated, historical development and current status of this useful coupling, and also discusses the applicability and limitations/variations of such coupling applied to different types of concentrated aqueous particle suspensions. Aqueous suspensions discussed are composed of charged inorganic fine particles, including metal oxide colloidal particles, mineral fine particles, and clays. The research gaps are identified and specific future perspectives are discussed to further enhance the use of this unique and useful coupling, and to aim for the transition from the modelling of similar particle suspension systems to its dissimilar/mix particle suspension systems that fit more with the current and future industry needs in particle processing.