TY - JOUR
T1 - Sequential multi-scale modelling of mineral processing operations, with application to flotation cells
AU - Schwarz, M. Philip
AU - Koh, Peter T. L.
AU - Verrelli, David I.
AU - Feng, Yuqing
PY - 2016
Y1 - 2016
N2 - Processing of minerals and metals involves phenomena functioning over a wide range of length scales. Equipment is generally large in order to process the required large flow rates, yet achieving the functional requirements of the operation requires successful execution of micro-scale processes. Multi-scale modelling approaches to process simulation are firstly reviewed, and similarities and differences compared with the more common multi-scale approaches to materials modelling are given. The sequential multi-scale method is then illustrated with reference to the mineral flotation process. In this case, multi-phase CFD (computational fluid dynamics) models of large-scale cells has been complemented by micro-scale CFD simulations of bubble–particle collision, and experimental and modelling studies of the bubble–particle attachment process itself. Finally, other examples of sequential multi-scale modelling are summarised, highlighting progress on unit operations including aluminium reduction cells, leaching heaps, copper solvent-extraction settlers, and fluidised beds.
AB - Processing of minerals and metals involves phenomena functioning over a wide range of length scales. Equipment is generally large in order to process the required large flow rates, yet achieving the functional requirements of the operation requires successful execution of micro-scale processes. Multi-scale modelling approaches to process simulation are firstly reviewed, and similarities and differences compared with the more common multi-scale approaches to materials modelling are given. The sequential multi-scale method is then illustrated with reference to the mineral flotation process. In this case, multi-phase CFD (computational fluid dynamics) models of large-scale cells has been complemented by micro-scale CFD simulations of bubble–particle collision, and experimental and modelling studies of the bubble–particle attachment process itself. Finally, other examples of sequential multi-scale modelling are summarised, highlighting progress on unit operations including aluminium reduction cells, leaching heaps, copper solvent-extraction settlers, and fluidised beds.
KW - multi-scale modelling
KW - mineral flotation
KW - computational fluid dynamics
KW - bubble–particle attachment
KW - micro-scale
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84945972072&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.mineng.2015.09.021
DO - 10.1016/j.mineng.2015.09.021
M3 - Article
SN - 0892-6875
VL - 90
SP - 2
EP - 16
JO - Minerals Engineering
JF - Minerals Engineering
ER -