Experimental testing of the hydrodynamic collision model of fine particle flotation

Flotation rates of glass beads and of latex particles have been measured as a function of particle size using very small bubbles. With glass beads the observed rate versus size relationship agreed quite well with the prediction of a simple hydrodynamic collision model, but that found with latex particles did not. It is suggested that electrical forces may have to be taken into account when the particles have a significant zeta potential. With both types of particle, the relationship between flotation rates measured at two different bubble sizes is consistent with the model's predictions.