Analysis of pressure flotation mechanisms and their practical application in the treatment of metal-containing wastewater

This article examines the fundamental patterns of the pressure flotation process by analyzing the relationships identified by the authors. These relationships link the gas content in the flotation unit with bubble size and the size of floating particles, as well as their respective concentrations and densities. On the basis of this analysis, the optimal conditions for applying pressure flotation to the treatment of metal-containing water are determined. The use of experimentally determined gas‒solid (G/S) ratios to calculate key parameters of the pressure flotation process for treating wastewater containing various metals is validated. The main innovation of this work lies in the development of multichamber flotation units designed to optimize flow dynamics and maximize particle-bubble collision efficiency. By incorporating sequential zonal separation and tailored turbulence control, these units enable the selective removal of metals from wastewater and the production of metal-rich sludge suitable for safe disposal. The practical application of selective pressure flotation for the treatment of metal-containing water, particularly at medium and high metal concentrations, is highly promising.