Assessment of the Controlling Factors in Turbo Flotation by Statistical Analysis

Abstract

TurboFlotation is a new flotation system that has the advantage of large throughput per unit volume and low fluid inventory. The influence of process and design parameters on the performance of the TurboFlotation system as applied to coal flotation has been studied and statistical models developed to predict the performance of the system under various operating conditions. The study was done in two stages. The first part of the study involved the use of the Plackett-Burman screening experimental design to identify the important factors affecting the process performance, followed by a central composite design to optimize the system. Frother concentration, collector dosage, feed percent solids and feed flowrate were identified as the factors with significant effect on process performance.

Keywords:

• Froth flotation
• Fine coal
• Central composite design
• Response surface model

Additional information

Notes on contributors

B. A. FIRTH

Corresponding author. Fax: [phone], e-mail: [email protected]