About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Characterization of Minerals, Metals and Materials 2026 - In-Situ Characterization Techniques
|
| Presentation Title |
Synchrotron-Based Micro-CT Imaging for Visualization of Flotation Froth Layer: True Flotation and Water Entrainment |
| Author(s) |
Liuyin Lucy Xia |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Liuyin Lucy Xia |
| Abstract Scope |
Synchrotron-based micro-CT technique was employed to capture the microstructure of bitumen froth immediately after flotation. The froth was characterized on-site using a high-flux synchrotron system, which provides a photon flux over 10⁶ times higher than conventional lab-based X-ray sources. This enabled imaging at a voxel resolution of 3.5 μm in just 0.1 seconds. Advanced image processing allowed us to differentiate sand particles from heavy minerals, and distinguish water from bitumen phases. We also identified mineral particles attached to air bubbles or sitting in water phase. We provided direct evidence of particle distributions and associations within the froth. Particles transported by true flotation were clearly observed, and their content and size distributions were quantified with a level of detail not achievable through traditional off-site analyses. A new framework for understanding froth microstructure will be presented. It provides critical insights for optimizing separation processes and minimizing the carryover of unwanted solids in industrial operations. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Extraction and Processing, Characterization, Sustainability |