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Flotation, also known as froth flotation, is the process of separating minerals from ores by sedimentation using the differences in the surface properties of different minerals. The importance of frothers in the flotation process is reflected in two aspects: one is to affect the number and shape of pores, and the other is to affect the interaction of microorganisms, thereby separating hydrophobic and hydrophilic microorganisms attached to the surface. The quality of the frother directly affects the flotation index and ultimately affects the profitability of the enterprise. The following is a brief introduction to several frothers currently on the market.
Pine oil is widely used in the marine industry. It is obtained by removing the trunks and branches of pine trees. Its main component is turpentine (C10H17OH). Turpentine is a yellow oily liquid with a low yield. The yield is about 10 to 60 grams/ton.
Cresol is a by-product of the coke industry, consisting of phenol, cresol and dimethylphenol. Its fermentation power is weaker than that of turpentine, and the fermentation product is more dilute and has higher selectivity. It is suitable for polymetallic sulfides at the required concentration. The disadvantages are that it is expensive, toxic and flammable.
Heavy pyridine is similar to cresol and is also a by-product of the coke industry, usually composed of pyridine and hydrocarbon oil. It has moderate foaming and low adsorption.
In recent years, countries around the world have gradually promoted the use of synthetic fertilizers, and MIBC is one of the representatives. MIBC is a colorless and transparent excellent oxidant that is widely used abroad, but due to its high price, it has not yet been promoted in domestic mines.
The advantages of MIBC are that it has uniform particle size, light weight and can produce satisfactory moisture. It can reduce the resistance of foam materials and increase the moisture content of products.
Generally speaking, the use of synthetic fertilizers is more efficient. Traditional pine oil is extracted from forest resources and is environmentally friendly. In addition, the main component of pine oil is terpene alcohol, which is difficult to decompose and will pollute tailings water to a certain extent. Therefore, in the mining industry, only using synthetic materials can achieve better economic and environmental benefits.
