Following the path of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles in a Denver Cell using positron emission particle tracking

Positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) has been used to track the movement of single particles of galena and quartz in a Denver Cell batch flotation system. The particles were labeled with a radionuclide, F-18, and using an ADAC Forte positron camera the positions of the particles were determined during mixing, and once air was added to the cell at a constant rate. The hydrophobic galena particle entered the froth readily, attached to air bubbles, and overflowed the weir. Detachment from an air bubble in the froth was also observed, and this is presumed to be due to coalescence events occurring. The hydrophilic quartz particle did not overflow the weir when the air flow was on. When the particle did enter the froth, it was along the sides of the vessel following the flow of the water. This gives a potential indication of one of the methods of the entrainment of gangue minerals in froth flotation. (c) 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.