Separation Science and Technology, Vol.53, No.2, 374-388, 2018
Estimation of flotation rate constant and collision efficiency using regression and artificial neural networks
The effects of particle characteristics and hydrodynamic conditions on the flotation rate constant (k) and bubble-particle collision efficiency (E-c) of pyrite and chalcopyrite particles were investigated. Experimental results showed that k increases with increase of bubble surface area flux (S-b) and E-c. Artificial neural network (ANN) and multivariable linear regression procedures were used to predict both k and E-c based on the particle characteristics and hydrodynamic conditions. Multivariable linear regression resulted in R-2 of 0.6 and 0.93 for k and E-c, respectively. Using an ANN model, R-2 as high as 0.98 was achieved in modeling the E-c with regard to the available parameters. The proposed ANN model can be reliably used to determine both k and E-c parameters in froth flotation.
Keywords:Flotation;estimation;rate constant;collision efficiency;regression;artificial neural networks