Studies on flotation rate of a hard-to-float fine coal

Abstract：Flotation rate experiments of narrow particle size and whole particle size were carried out for exploring the variation of hard-to-float coal flotation rate.The results show that flotation rate of grain size decreases in the following order：0.125~0.074,0.250~0.125,0.074,0.500~0.250 and 0.500 mm.Coarse particles with the characteristics of large quality,high desorption probability and less hydrophobic of part intergrowth surface can be floated by long time mineralization under the high-energy input condition.Relatively,the fine particles are with the characteristics of large surface areas,high flotation agent consumption and large content of fine mud.Matlab software was also used to calculate the maximum recovery and flotation rate constant of narrow particle size and whole particle size of this slime.Calculated results comparing with experimental values show that flotation rate of narrow particle size slime meet the classical first kinetic model,and the rectangular model is the most appropriate model of whole particle size flotation rate.