Student practical training / Bachelor theses / Master theses / Diploma theses

With the energy turnaround, the demand for rare earth elements (REE) for key technologies such as lithium for electromobility or neodymium for wind turbines is increasing. The effective processing and separation of these valuable minerals represent a challenge for the mineral industry. One possibility for separation is flotation. Flotation separates the solid particles based on their surface wettability. Hydrophobic valuable particles adhere to gas bubbles and rise as agglomerates. These form a froth which can be skimmed off. The selective separation is influenced by the hydrodynamics in the flotation cell. The efficiency of this process still remains far below the economically and ecologically desired targets for the separation of REE.

Of particular interest are numerical models of flotation cells. In these models, process parameters can be changed much more versatile and easier than in experimental investigations. For this purpose, however, it is necessary to understand the processes taking place in flotation based on experimental studies and also to generate data for the validation of numerical models. In this work, a comprehensive experimental study of multiphase flow in the stirred tank with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and shadowgraphy, concerning flow conditions and material parameters, is to be carried out. The results will help to improve the understanding of multiphase flow within the stirred tank and provide validation data for numerical models.

FOCUS OF WORK

• Investigation of the influence of solid particles and bubbles on the multiphase flow in the stirred tank with PIV and shadowgraphy
• Development of suitable algorithms for data evaluation with MatLab or Python
• Cooperation with CFD department for comparison of experimental and numerical results

• Studies in process/energy/mechanical engineering
• Interest in practical work
• Experience in programming with MatLab or Python is beneficial
• Good written and oral communication skills in English and German

• Start: immediately
• Duration: ca. 6 months