Abstract A flotation detachment model is developed by considering energy balance in the process. Energies concerned are surface energy increment and kinetic energy supplied by turbulent liquid motion. Surface energy increment is the work of adhesion by surface forces which is reflected by surface tension and contact angle. What makes this model outstanding from other detachment models of energy balance perspective is more accurate account of kinetic energy supplied from turbulent liquid motion. Eddies in the same scale as attached particles are considered accountable for particle detachment in the close vicinity. In this way, detachment probability is written as a function of energy dissipation rate. Predictions from different models are compared to experimental results. It is demonstrated that previous models overestimate the influence from turbulent liquid motion. Notably, with more accurate account of eddies’ influence, the new model predicts particle detachment in accordance with experimental results.