Investigation into the froth flotation and selection of reagents on the basis of the mechanism of their action report 2. A comparison of flotation properties of millimeter, micrometer, and nanometer bubbles based on equations of capillary physics (Part Two)

The influence of the capillary pressure P ca of gas in microbubbles on bubble spread over a substrate (particle) after adhesion is considered (for bubbles ranging in size from 2 mm to 20 nm). The dimensionless parameter K a characterizes the microbubble spread with decrease in the bubble form factor β by no more than 0.000001 of its initial value. There is a clear symbatic relation between P ca and K a. The microbubble begins to spread when it measures 200 μm; its motion increases markedly as it becomes smaller. With decrease in bubble size, the rock and slurry particles adhering to its surface are removed. Of course, this enhances the foam quality.