Applying particle-based separation modelling on 3D particle data to better quantify the influence of particle size and shape in flotation

X-Ray computed tomography (XRCT) enables the 3D characterization of particulate materials with a better description of their micro-structural and geometric properties. Recent developments permit quantifying accurately the composition of the particulate material in 3D. Particle-based separation modelling methods have driven significant studies relating microstructural properties with particle process behaviour. Yet, these methods have never been fed with the more complete 3D XRCT particle data. We address this gap in this work.
We use as a case study the flotation of a sulphide-rich ore, where we quantify the relation between the flotation kinetics of individual particles, their microstructural properties and two flotation cell hydrodynamic parameters: rotational speed and air flow rate. Given the meticulous description of particle geometric properties provided by XRCT, we obtained a more precise evaluation of the influence of particle shape in its recovery. This methodology is also applicable to other ores and mineral separation units.