Fluidized bed desliming in fine particle flotation – Part III flotation of difficult to clean coal

A novel flotation system was used to process fine coal feeds supplied from coal preparation plants. The system consisted of an inverted fluidized bed arranged above a system of inclined channels. High fluidization (wash water) fluxes were imposed through a distributor enclosing the free-surface, producing strong positive bias of up to 2.4 cm/s, ideal for desliming. High gas fluxes of up to 2.6 cm/s, in excess of the flooding condition, were also imposed. The presence of the inclined channels prevented the entrainment of gas bubbles into the tailings stream. This paper, which is the third in a series, examines, for the first time, the hydrodynamic performance of this system on two actual plant feeds, each known to be difficult to wash. The first feed was a poorly liberated coal with particle size <260 μm and 69% feed ash. The second was a well liberated coal with nominal size <125 μm and 83% less than 38 μm. The product ash was shown to decrease significantly with an increasing fluidization flux to gas flux ratio. The single stage flotation system demonstrated a performance capable of matching the Tree Flotation Curve with some cases in fact surpassing this result.     

Modelling flotation with a flexible approach – Integrating different models to the compartment model

In this work, a comprehensive model structure for froth flotation is developed by linking the compartment model (Savassi, 2005) to a set of phenomenological models describing the froth recovery, the water recovery and the entrainment factor. This model structure is successfully calibrated against experimental data from a pilot plant campaign with a copper ore.     

The effect of the reagent suite on froth stability in laboratory scale batch flotation tests

In batch flotation tests conducted on ores from the Merensky reef, changes in froth stability invariably occur with variations in the reagent suite. The main reagents are collectors (primary and secondary), activators, depressants and frothers. Since the particles entering and leaving the froth in a batch flotation system are continuously changing, the stability of the froth can vary. Under these conditions the simplest measure of froth stability is the measure of water recovery at a fixed froth height. The batch flotation system developed at UCT allows for the separation of gangue which is entrained relative to gangue which is floated. It has been found that the presence of naturally floatable gangue (NFG) leads to froth stabilisation, whereas the presence of hydrophobic sulfide minerals may lead to destabilisation of the froth depending on the hydrophobicity (contact angle) of the sulfide minerals. This can vary with ore type since particle shape and amount of particles present can influence the extent of destabilisation. At low depressant dosages sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX) always results in lower froth stability than sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX). The frothing nature of dithiophosphate leads to increased froth stability and the addition of copper sulfate results in destabilised froths. Increasing depressant dosage reduces the stabilising influence of NFG and the depressant type (guar gum or CMC) also affects froth stability. Frother can be used in an attempt to overcome the destabilising effects of high depressant dosage. This work examines the effect of variations in the reagent suite and uses water recovered at a fixed froth height as an indication of froth stability in order to analyse these effects on the recovery of sulfide minerals, floatable gangue and entrained gangue.     

动力煤反浮选试验研究

针对亚烟煤煤泥反浮选过程中阳离子捕收剂耗量大的缺陷，自制DTAC(十二烷基三甲基氯化铵)/脂肪酸(正辛酸、正癸酸、月桂酸、十四酸、十六酸)复配型捕收剂替代传统阳离子捕收剂DTAC。研究了各复配型捕收剂的界面性质，并通过单元浮选试验对DTAC和复配型捕收剂浮选性能进行了比较。表面张力测试和捕收剂在气泡表面的吸附量测试表明复配型捕收剂具有更高的表面活性且更容易吸附在气液界面；复配型捕收剂具有更强的捕收能力且随着复配捕收剂中脂肪酸碳链长度的变化而变化；分别采用DTAC和复配捕收剂进行浮选试验。试验结果表明，当C12(DTAC/十二酸)型复配型捕收剂用量为1.66 kg/t(不考虑脂肪酸)时，浮选指标与单独使用3.32 kg/t的 DTAC时相近，降低了约50%DTAC耗量，大大降低了浮选成本。     

Effect of slurry rheology on gas dispersion in a pilot-scale mechanical flotation cell

This paper investigates the effect of slurry rheology on gas dispersion in a 100 l pilot-scale Batequip mechanical flotation cell. The study is conducted using Kaolin, Bindura nickel and Platreef slurries. All three ores display typical non-Newtonian rheological behaviour. The slurry yield stress and viscosity increase exponentially with solids concentration. Bubble size and gas hold-up vary from 0.60 to 1.10 mm and 2% to 15%, respectively. At low/moderate solids concentrations, bubble size and gas holdup display characteristic trends, as noted in numerous literature studies. At high solids concentrations, both bubble size and gas holdup decrease significantly, which is an unexpected finding. This is attributed to the formation of a ‘cavern’ of slurry around the impeller, due to the very high slurry yield stresses. This ‘cavern’ results in the generation of small bubbles in the impeller zone, but poor dispersion of these bubbles throughout the cell, resulting in low gas hold-ups.     

The flotation separation of scheelite from calcite using a quaternary ammonium salt as collector

The flotability of scheelite and calcite was studied with Dioctyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (BDDA). The experiments were conducted on individual and mixed minerals as a function of pH with a micro-flotation cell. And oleic acid was tested for comparison. The flotation results revealed that the performance of BDDA is better than that of oleic acid and the best separation could be achieved with BDDA over the pH range 8-10. Through preliminary analysis, it is concluded that BDDA reacts with scheelite through electrostatic interaction.     

The behavior of N,N-dipropyl dodecyl amine as a collector in the flotation of kaolinite and diaspore

The flotation behaviors of kaolinite and diaspore were investigated using N,N-dipropyl dodecyl amine (PN). Maximum recoveries of kaolinite and diaspore were about 90% and 50%, respectively. Both recoveries of kaolinite and diaspore increased with the increasing dosage of PN. On the basis of the zeta potential and FT-IR spectra, the ionization of surface hydroxyl and the isomorphic exchange of surface ions account for the charging mechanisms of surfaces of kaolinite and diaspore. The adsorption mechanism of PN on the surface of two minerals was mainly electrostatic. After reacting with PN, the zeta potential of kaolinite and diaspore both increased, and comparing with the original zeta potentials, potential of kaolinite increased much more than that of diaspore, this can explain why recovery of kaolinite is higher than that of diaspore.     

Critical contact angle for coarse sphalerite flotation in a fluidised-bed separator vs. a mechanically agitated cell

This work investigates the critical contact angle for the flotation of coarse (850–1180 μm, 425–850 μm and 250–425 μm) sphalerite particles in an aerated fluidised-bed separator (HydroFloat) in comparison to a mechanically agitated flotation cell (Denver flotation cell). In this study, the surface chemistry (contact angles) of the sphalerite particles was controlled by varying collector (sodium isopropyl xanthate) addition rate and/or purging the slurry with either nitrogen (N₂) or oxygen (O₂) before flotation. The flotation performance varied in response to the change in contact angle in both the aerated fluidised-bed separator and the mechanically agitated cell. A critical contact angle threshold, below which flotation was not possible, was determined for each particle size fraction and flotation machine. The results indicate that the critical contact angle required to float coarse sphalerite particles in a mechanically agitated cell was higher than that in the fluidised-bed separator, and increased as the particle size increased. At the same particle size and similar contact angles, the recoveries obtained by the aerated fluidised-bed separator in most cases were significantly higher than those obtained with the mechanically agitated flotation cell.     

Application of hydrophobic and magnetic plastic particles for enhanced flotation recovery

The effect of hydrophobic and magnetic plastic particles having a contact angle of around 83° on flotation performance was evaluated using coal particles of varying degrees of floatability. The magnetic plastic material were recovered by a low intensity magnetic separator and recycled back to the flotation feed for re-use. Flotation rate tests conducted on coal using a conventional cell proved that combustible recovery and flotation rate were significantly enhanced with the addition of the plastic particles, especially for difficult-to-float coals, which was corroborated by flotation column tests. Carrying capacity and particle size-by-size flotation tests further showed that the magnetic plastic particles preferentially increased the recovery of coarse particles by as much as 35 absolute percentage points due to froth stabilization which reduced the selective detachment of coarse and/or weakly hydrophobic particles. The enhanced flotation recovery was attributed to the influence on liquid drainage rate in the froth zone, froth stability, bubble coalescence and flotation rates.     

Cu-S flotation separation via the combination of sodium humate and lime in a low pH medium

The flotation separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite was studied in the presence of sodium humate. The results of flotation tests indicated that pyrite can be selectively depressed by sodium humate, and the activity of sodium humate was strongly affected by the pH of the pulp. At high pH values, pyrite was strongly depressed by sodium humate; however, the content of chalcopyrite was not affected. Ore flotation tests were successfully conducted in the laboratory and at the Dexing Copper Mine by applying sodium humate as a pyrite depressant. By adding 40-60 g/t of sodium humate to the pulp and adjusting the pH to 10-10.5 with CaO, a concentrate with a Cu content of 24% was obtained without reducing the Cu recovery rate. In addition, the dosage of CaO was reduced, and the recovery of Au, Ag and Mo in the copper concentrate was enhanced due to the reduced pH of the pulp. The zeta potential, adsorption of xanthate and contact angle of the mineral surface were measured, and the results from surface measurements indicated that there was a strong hydrophilic interaction between sodium humate and the surface of pyrite. Moreover, the results revealed that the interaction between sodium humate and chalcopyrite was weak. Infrared (IR) spectra of pyrite and sodium humate were obtained, and the results indicated that sodium humate was chemically adsorbed on the surface of pyrite.     

新型细粒浮选柱的研究

基于Jameson浮选柱的下导管充气与矿化技术,作者设计了1套新型细粒浮选柱的实验室装置。试验结果表明,在同等试验条件下,无论是精矿品位还是回收率,新型细粒浮选柱都高于Jmneson射流浮选柱和XFD机械搅拌浮选机。     

The influence of the oxidation state of pyrite and arsenopyrite on the flotation of an auriferous sulphide ore

In this paper, the influence of the oxidation state of pyrite and arsenopyrite on the flotation of an auriferous sulphide ore was investigated by different techniques, including electrode, pulp potentials, DRIFT spectroscopy and microflotation tests. In addition, the gold and sulphide recoveries were also investigate, in a laboratory-scale cell, as a function of pulp potential and reagent concentration. It was verified that the presence of oxidation products on the sulphide mineral surface demands a higher collector concentration in order to achieve a satisfactory sulphide recovery. The electrochemical behaviour of pyrite and arsenopyrite indicated that a nitrogen atmosphere can lead to a low pulp potential, which inhibits the formation of oxidation products, enhancing both the free gold and sulphide recoveries. Although copper sulphate activates even oxidised sulphide surfaces, it does not improve free gold recovery.     

Fundamental aspects of bubble–particle attachment mechanism in flotation separation

Analysis of bubble–particle mechanism is important for improving our understanding of flotation process. The research presented integrates microflotation experiments, bubble–particle attachment time measurements, and colloid and surface characterization and analysis. The bubble–particle attachment time was inversely related to the flotation recovery and the minimum attachment time matched the maximum flotation recovery, which occurred around mutual isoelectric point for the glass particles and air bubbles. Bubble–particle force measurements, performed with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), showed a similar trend. Additionally, the adsorption isotherm of the glass–dodecyl amine hydrochloride (DAH) system indicated that there are the three adsorption regions, and the flotation recovery reached its maximum value in the second region of DAH adsorption on the glass surface. All results obtained in this study showed the important role of colloidal forces affected by surfactant adsorption in bubble–particle attachment.     

The effect of acrylamide-co-vinylpyrrolidinone copolymer on the depression of talc in mixed nickel mineral flotation

Copolymers of acrylamide and vinylpyrrolidinone with varying compositions have been synthesised and employed to depress talc in a model flotation system with process plant operation conditions. Adsorption isotherms indicated that the hydrophilic acrylamide homopolymer has a very low affinity for the hydrophobic talc surface, whereas vinylpyrrolidinone homopolymer strongly adsorbs onto the talc surface. Micro-flotation experiments revealed that the copolymer system can induce stronger talc depression than the homopolymer variants, with the most effective copolymer depressant having 25-30% vinylpyrrolidinone incorporation. The copolymer system is observed to have inherited the strong talc affinity of vinylpyrrolidinone polymer and the strong hydrophilic property from polyacrylamide. This combined effect facilitates the desired strong talc depression in single mineral flotation. However, this copolymer system has similar adsorption affinity on both the talc and pentlandite, hence depressing both talc and pentlandite in the mixed mineral flotation system. This research shows that a sufficient hydrophobic balance on the polymer is necessary for the adsorption and subsequent depression for talc. However, polymer with high adsorption selectivity is required to be a successful synthetic talc depressant for mixed mineral system.     

Influence of coal particles on froth stability and flotation performance

Solid particles have significant effect on flotation froth. In this research, the effects of coal particles of different size and hydrophobicity on froth stability and flotation performance were studied. The froth stability was measured in both the froth formation and froth decay processes by maximum froth height, froth half-life time and water recovery. The results show that fine particles of moderate hydrophobicity contributed most to maximum froth height in the froth formation process and were most favorable for flotation. Fine hydrophilic particles stabilized the froth in the froth formation process but the froth half-life time was very short due to the high water solid ratio. High hydrophobic particles of both fine and coarse size fractions greatly increased the froth half-life time in the froth decay process. But the froths were very rigid and the maximum froth heights were very low. The presence of fine hydrophobic particles was very unfavorable for the recovery of coarse particles.     

The role of frother on the detachment of particles from bubbles

The influence of frother on the coalescence dynamic of bubbles coated with particles was investigated. Two bubbles grown at the tips of adjacent capillaries were loaded with methylated glass particles and pushed against each other to provoke coalescence. The event was recorded by a high speed camera and the change in the bubble shape at the moment of coalescence was analysed using an image analyser. Trends in oscillation behaviour and particle detachment in the absence and presence of frother were presented.     

An evaluation of the role of particle size in the flotation of coal using different cell technologies

A large variety of new flotation cells has been introduced in the last few years, probably as a result of the successful introduction of column flotation in the minerals processing industry. In common with the column cell, a number of these new cells employ an essentially quiescent separation zone. However, a number of novel cell designs have been introduced that use agitation mechanisms similar to those employed on conventional flotation cells. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate flotation behaviour in both an agitated and non-agitated environment, particularly with respect to particle size. A hybrid ‘agitated’ column cell was designed for the investigation, and the operation of this unit was compared to that of a column cell, and to a batch flotation cell, on a laboratory scale. The testwork was conducted on coal fines, as problems with the flotation of coarse coal particles in a column cell had previously been identified. It was demonstrated that the addition of an agitated stage to a column cell can significantly improve the coarse particle recovery in comparison to the conventional column cell, while maintaining good selectivity in the fine sizes.     

The effect of a new polysaccharide on the depression of talc and the flotation of a nickel–copper sulfide ore

The effect of the depressant galactomannan (KGM) on the depression of talc and the flotation of a nickel–copper sulfide ore have been investigated through microflotation, batch flotation and industrial flotation tests, zeta potential and infrared spectrum measurements. The flotation results indicated that KGM had a straining influence on the depression of talc while had little effect on nickel minerals flotation. Compared with the depressant carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and guar gum, the KGM increased the nickel recovery dramatically, it not only negated the need for a talc removal process, but also achieved a significant decrease in the depressant consumption by half. Zeta-potential and infrared spectrum measurements illustrated that chemical adsorption was seen between KGM and talc, and a possible weak physical adsorption was seen between KGM and pentlandite. This was the reason why KGM had high depression selectivity for talc and little depression effect on nickel minerals.     

Influence of liberation on bubble–particle attachment time in flotation

Flotation is controlled by the bubble–particle attachment mechanism which depends on the particle surface properties i.e., the particle composition, the surface liberation of valuable minerals and collector adsorption. This paper focuses on using the bubble–particle attachment method to understand the factors affecting attachment time. The attachment time measurements were performed with sized concentrates obtained by flotation of a copper sulphide ore (Northparkes Mine, Australia) in a mechanically agitated batch flotation cell. Quantitative mineral liberation analysis was used to determine the mineralogy of flotation concentrates. The results showed that the higher the amount of highly and moderately liberated copper minerals in flotation concentrates, the lower the attachment time. By using attachment time and collector dosage, we defined a non-linear empirical correlation to estimate Cu grade. The proposed empirical correlation has shown a satisfactory agreement between the calculated and the experimental Cu grade. These results showed that attachment time measurements are related to the Cu grade. This relationship may be used in the future to develop a practical method (without assays) to monitor changing grade for a specified system (flotation plant). It also may be possible to infer potential grade if mineralogy samples are available, but not enough samples are available for conventional flotation tests. However this requires a significant amount of further work.     

Study of the local critical coalescence concentration (l-CCC) of alcohols and salts at bubble formation in two-phase systems

The acoustic emissions generated by bubbles when they form are well understood and can be easily measured using a hydrophone and amplifier. Bubbles emit an audible sound not only when they form, but also when two or more coalesce. In this case, however, the amplitude of the sound is higher than after bubble formation. The difference in amplitude is enough to tell between bubble formation and bubble coalescence. Based on this property, the capability of alcohols and salts to prevent coalescence right after bubble formation at a capillary tube was studied. In general, the higher the gas flow rate through the capillary the more intense the collisions between subsequent bubbles, which eventually leads to coalescence, hence a higher reagent concentration in the system is needed to protect the bubbles against it. The reagent concentration at which coalescence is prevented can be seen as a local critical coalescence concentration (l-CCC) at the gas flow rate tested. This allows generating a curve of l-CCC vs. gas flow rate that can be used for comparison between different reagents. The paper presents results of l-CCC curves for alcohols and salts. The l-CCC curves show a comparable effect on coalescence prevention between 0.4 M NaCl and 8 ppm MIBC (a common frother), which is in agreement with the literature (Quinn et al., 2007).