5. Conclusion
This review has revealed that, although rheology parameters
are known to be important in mineral flotation processing, the
mechanisms (either through pulp or froth phases) by which the
rheology influences the flotation performance is not yet fully
understood. This may be due to the lack of accurate and reliable
methods for measuring rheological properties of mineral slurries,
since the solid particles tend to settle during the measurements.
Finding a proper practical way to measure the rheology of such
slurries remains a challenge for research. Furthermore, little work
has been done on froth rheology. A direct correlation between froth
viscosity and mineral flotation grade has been shown; however, it
is not yet clear whether froth rheology is a consequence of pulp
rheology (and can be controlled by the latter) or if it should be considered
separately. Further investigations into this area are
undoubtedly warranted.
In conclusion, in order to better understanding the effect of rheology
in mineral flotation, investigating the following topics is
proposed:
(a) Proper methodology for accurately measuring rheological
properties of the mineral slurries (considering the non-Newtonian
behaviour of high solid suspensions, and settling
behaviour of mineral ores)
(b) Correlating the pulp/slurry rheological characteristics with
the mineral flotation performance for different mineral systems;
how and why flotation performance can be affected
upon changing the rheology?
(c) Froth rheology and correlating it with froth mobility which
may be used as a proxy in predicting froth recovery in flotation
process, and consequently, the overall flotation
performance
(d) Relationship between the pulp and froth rheology and highlighting
the influential parameters (such as particle size,
shape and density, water chemistry and ore mineralogy)
(e) Studying the effect of clay minerals on the pulp and froth
rheology in mineral flotation.