A novel technique to investigate the bubble coalescence in the presence of surfactant (MIBC) and electrolytes (NaCl and CaCl₂)

An efficiency of flotation process is strongly dependent upon the collecting ability of air bubbles. On the other hand, the liquid film formed between two fully or partially mobile air/liquid interfaces being in contact has low stability, which leads to fast liquid drainage. Therefore, when they approach to each other, they tend to coalescence. Therefore, bubble coalescence is usually controlled with frothers in flotation process. Meanwhile, it is known that dissolved ions inhibit bubble coalescence. In this study, the bubble coalescence in the presence of MIBC was determined using a novel technique with a modified bubble-particle attachment timer. Additionally, the effect of NaCl and CaCl₂ on bubble behavior was investigated along with surface tension and bubble coalescence time aspects. As a result of study, it is seen that the bubble coalescence time can be successfully determined with a bubble-bubble coalescence timer.