Revisiting a Flotation Cell Benchmark

Developing a flotation benchmark to compare any flotation system has been challenging due to the great variation which exists in flotation cell types, geometry, and internal hydrodynamics. Parkes et al (2022) focused on the product flux passing through the upper surface as a Performance Measure, interpreting a batch mechanical cell as a steady-state plug flow device, equivalent to infinite steady-state tanks in series. Recent work revealed a conundrum that arises out of the tanks in series analysis when applied to a system of fixed volume. This Technical Note resolves the issue, providing a much stronger and clearer framework for the flotation benchmark.