Froth Flotation (Sulphide & Oxide)

Froth Flotation (Sulphide & Oxide)

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Cu-Pb-Zn batch flotation issue (2 replies and 1 comment)

G
Graeme
5 years ago
Graeme 5 years ago

I am currently running a batch flotation experiment on a polymetalic base-metal sulphide deposit, I am having issues with the bench top flotation tests.

Operating conditions: 

I am floating Cu, Pb and Zn at the same time (run time 20 mins)

My chemical suite is: MIBC (12 g/t), Senkol700 (6 g/t) and S.E.X (80 g/t)

My p80 is: 65% passing 75 micron

My impeller is set at 1250 rpm and air flow at 7.5 L/min 

 

My problem:

In some of my more dense ores types (magnetite dominant) I am forming a dead zone in the front (at the lip) of the flotation cell. This usually only lasts through my first three concs (+-10 mins), the only issue is this is the period when you are meant to be having your greatest mass recovery, and mine is being impeded by this dead zone. My current path is just increasing the frother (MIBC to 20 g/t) dosage, I just fear that this will increase entrainment. Does anyone have any advice?   

T
Todd H
5 years ago
Todd H 5 years ago

Can you post a picture of what you are seeing - this sounds like a mechanical issue not a reagent issue.  It could be a high agitation speed is creating a vortex and killing the froth in that zone.  Just a thought.

Todd Harvey - Global Resource Engineering http://www.global-resource-eng.com

G
Graeme
5 years ago

Thank you very much for your response, I will continue my flotation experiments in 3 days time. I will however be operating under the higher frother dosage. I have had other flotation experts advise on the impeller speed and the formation of a possible vortex, they have however concluded that the impeller was mixing in the the pulp in the cell sufficiently and a vortex was not forming. Do you possibly know of reagents that would reduce attraction forces between individual bubbles in the froth without interfering with the desired hydrophobic nature of the cell?

If the dead zone persists I will take photos and followup with you, if that is okay?

G
Graeme
5 years ago
Graeme 5 years ago
Mr Todd H
 
Thank you very much for your response, I will continue my flotation experiments in 3 days time. I will however be operating under the higher frother dosage. I have had other flotation experts advise on the impeller speed and the formation of a possible vortex, they have however concluded that the impeller was mixing in the the pulp in the cell sufficiently and a vortex was not forming. Do you possibly know of reagents that would reduce attraction forces between individual bubbles in the froth without interfering with the desired hydrophobic nature of the cell?
 
If the dead zone persists I will take photos and followup with you, if that is okay?

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