CTS-9416702 Davis Univ. of Colorado Research will focus on understanding of the role of hydrodynamic interactions in the microflotation process. Microflotation involves the capture of very small suspended particles from liquids by rising microscopic bubbles. Theoretical work will be conducted to determine the effects of Brownian motion, solid particle size and shape, and also bubble deformation on the rate of particle capture. Some experiments will be performed to test the validity of the models. The research may improve the ability to design more efficient separation of particles by microflotation technique for various environmental, mining and manufacturing applications.
