The effect of flotation frothers on the rate of water transfer to foam/froth has been tested. Two-phase experiments with aqueous solutions of the frothers, and three-phase experiments in the presence of solid particles have been carried out. It has been shown that while the rate of water transfer to foam (two-phase system) is well correlated with the fundamental properties of the frothers, the water transfer rates may be quite different when solid particles are present in the system. These water transfer rates may be further modified if also oily collector (e.g. diesel oil) is used. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.