Characterization of a two‐phase hybrid flotation column

Abstract This study explored the performance of a novel hybrid flotation column, which combines the advantages of a mechanically agitated cell with a flotation column and compared the results with a conventional flotation column setup. The experiments were performed in an air/water two‐phase system under varying airflow rates, frother concentrations, and impeller speeds. A double‐sensor conductivity probe was used to measure the bubble size distribution, bubble mean diameter, and local bubble velocity. Two pressure taps in the form of manometers on the side of the column measured the gas holdup. The results showed that the hybrid column achieved greater gas holdup while achieving similar bubble size distributions at higher impeller speeds, outperforming the conventional column when speeds of 1500 rpm were used. These findings suggest that the hybrid flotation column design could improve the recovery of fine particles in flotation operations, offering a promising solution for processing low‐grade ores.