Effect of hydrodynamic parameters on nickel removal rate from wastewater by ion flotation.

This study investigated the effect of hydrodynamic parameters on the nickel ion removal in an oscillating grid flotation cell (OGC) with near ideal hydrodynamic environments. Nickel ion was removed in the OGC at various energy inputs (0-2 W/kg), using two bubble sizes (130 and 820 μm) at three surfactant concentrations (SDS/Ni(II) ratio of 1-3) and three air flow rates (1-3 L/min). The results indicated that the energy input has a considerable effect on the ion flotation kinetics and recovery and it is strongly dependent on the cell types (contact environment) and bubble size.