Gas holdup and inferred water overflow measurements by conductivity sensors

This study investigates gas holdup and water overflow in a lab-scale flotation column, using conductivity measurements and polypropylene glycol 725 (PPG725) as the frother in a two-phase system. Gas holdup, an important indicator of gas dispersion, and water overflow, key factors in flotation, were analysed. Experiments were conducted with superficial gas velocities ranging from 1.00 to 2.00 cm/s in a column with a 5 cm internal diameter and a height of 120 cm, using frother concentrations of 30, 60, 80, and 100 ppm. The results reveal a positive correlation between increasing gas rate and frother concentration and the water overflow. Furthermore, an increase in gas holdup was found to enhance the water overflow. This study highlights the significant advantages of employing conductivity measurements for gas dispersion analysis and underscores their importance for real-time process control.