Kernel functions to flotation bubble size distributions

The physical performance of flotation excessively determined by the bubble size distribution (BSD). Although the BSD can be measured the underlying effects of different variables causing changes in dispersion and coalescence rates producing changes in the measured BSD´s is not well understood. The bubble-fluid boundary chemistry affects the coalescence rate but the details of the mechanisms are not clear, as surfactants tend to fall under some distinct types of behaviour.
We discuss the effects of volumetric coalescence rate and its effects on the BSD measured at the quiescent zones of a flotation machine. The local flow conditions, and number concentration of bubbles in an observation volume will dictate the bubble collision probability while the bubble surface curvature and the surface properties will dictate the film drainage time for a successful coalescence. This type of a model allows the separate study of the two major kernel functions (dispersion and coalescence).