Tracking of particles in froth using neutron imaging

In this study, neutron imaging is employed to investigate the movement of hydrophobic particles in a rising froth column. A cylindrical batch-flotation cell is mounted to a rotary stage, allowing for three-dimensional analysis. Gadolinium particles of 200 μm diameter are hydrophobized and floated by means of small air bubbles. The generated froth is investigated by neutron imaging. Using particle-tracking and a reconstruction algorithm for the third dimension, the movement of particles in the froth is analyzed. Varying the concentration of the frother sodium oleate, different froth stabilities are compared. It has been found, that with decreasing froth stability bubble rupture leads to higher horizontal diffusion of particles and to higher agglomeration of particles.