LAUSR

Abstract Improving the kinetics of flotation with a given feed often involves adding more reagents or changing the reagent scheme. However, this approach could greatly increase operational cost and cause downstream problems. The present work demonstrates a novel approach to improving the flotation kinetics by applying acoustic sound on flotation. Quartz particles were used as model particles and the flotation tests were carried out in batch mode. The experimental variables were focused on sound frequency (250–500 Hz) and amplitude (90–125 dB). The flotation recovery-versus-time data were fitted to the classical first-order kinetic model and two other kinetics models considering the distribution of rate constants. It was found that use of acoustic sound at 350 Hz and above 110 dB and at 400 Hz and 125 dB could increase the apparent flotation rate constant, suggesting that acoustic sound when applied at proper conditions can improve the flotation kinetics.