Nanobubble generation and its applications in froth flotation (part II): fundamental study and theoretical analysis

Froth flotation is a commonly employed technology to improve the quality of raw coal and minerals. Coal and minerals particle size and surface hydrophobicity are two main parameters that affect three key steps in froth flotation process: particle-bubble collision, adhesion, and detachment. This paper fundamentally investigated the effects of nanobubble on coal and phosphate flotation. It has been found that the presence of nanobubble in flotation pulp could widen the coal and phosphate flotation particle size range, increase the particle surface hydrophobicity, and thus improve the coal and phosphate froth flotation recovery.