Froth structure in continuous flotation cells: Relation to the prediction of plant performance from laboratory data using process models

The paper discusses the obstacles in the way of making mathematical models of flotation circuits for use in process design; and describes also a route towards simple, but practical, models of full-scale flotation plant performance, which overcome the major problems. The principal difficulties lie in simulating the froth processes at full-scale. Timed batch tests may be used to identify the pulp-froth transfer processes, and steady-state (“equilibrium”) cell tests may be used to identify static froth concentration profiles. Froth mobility in a real cell is different from that in an “equilibrium” cell, and this paper shows how these dynamic patterns have been investigated, and may be used to simulate full-scale circuits. It is shown that it is not possible, at the present time, to completely eliminate judgement and experience from the establishment of parameter values; but the position should improve as experience accumulates.     

金沙江“11·3”白格堰塞湖溃决洪水事件在奔子栏—石鼓段的地貌作用和沉积特征

古堰塞湖溃决洪水事件的重建是当前地学研究的热点问题之一,寻找足够的可参考的现代溃决洪水事件案例是顺利开展这项工作的基础。2018年11月13日发生在金沙江干流的白格堰塞湖超万年一遇的溃决洪水事件(学术界称之为“11·3”白格堰塞湖溃决洪水事件)就是一个难得的样本。这次溃决事件发生在枯水期,洪峰完全由溃决洪水产生,没有叠加其他来源,对评估流域地貌和沉积体系对堰塞溃决事件的响应有很好的参考价值。本文以溃决洪水事件受灾最为严重的奔子栏—石鼓段为研究区,通过详细的野外调查和初步的水力学估算发现“11·3”白格堰塞湖溃决洪水事件在奔子栏—石鼓段的地貌作用主要表现为洪水淹没区的岸坡塌岸和沉积物堆积,未发现明显的基岩侵蚀。沉积物主要由分选良好的具水平纹层的砂组成。受金沙江较低的河床比降影响,洪水产生的基底剪切应力较弱在27~142 N/m²,不能悬浮和搬运直径5 cm以上的砾石,也不能产生明显的磨蚀和冲(撞)击作用。在发生塌岸的部分段落,洪水沉积物中有砾石坠入,甚至会出现类似浊流沉积的层序。这些现象的发现对深入理解堰塞湖溃决洪水的复杂地貌过程和沉积特征有重要参考意义。