Particle Image Velocimetry Study of the Turbulence Characteristics in an Aerated Flotation Cell

The turbulence characteristics in the presence of bubbles is very important for multiphase processes such as froth flotation. The turbulence characteristics in an aerated Denver flotation cell were investigated using a high speed stereoscopic particle image velocimetry technique at single-phase (water) and two-phase (water and air) systems to provide insight into the change in liquid phase hydrodynamics. The effect of the gas flow rate (0.043-0.125 cms(-1)) and Reynolds number (107 000-154 000) on the fluid flow properties were investigated. The results showed that the flow pattern at the both systems was the radial-type flow. The presence of air bubbles changed the local turbulence characteristics (mean velocity, the root-mean-square velocity, turbulence kinetic energy dissipation, and turbulence kinetic energy). The results obtained may be useful for deeper investigation about the effect of the turbulence properties on the hydrodynamic characteristics and subprocesses in the mechanical flotation cells.