石英与钠长石浮选分离的研究

用十八胺(阳离子捕收剂)和十二烷基磺酸钠(阴离子捕收剂,SDS)作浮选为捕收剂分离石英与钠长石,研究了浮选条件对分离效果的影响以及捕收剂在矿物表面的吸附行为.结果表明,最佳浮选条件是浮选液的pH=2,阴、阳离子捕收剂的浓度分别为3.0×10-6 mol/L和4.0×10-6 mol/L;阴阳离子捕收剂在石英与钠长石两种矿物上表现出相同的吸附行为.在最佳浮选条件下,对不同配比的石英和钠长石混合物进行浮选,石英回收率为14%,钠长石回收率达80%,分离效果显著;对含微量长石的石英矿粉进行浮选,分离效果与石英与钠长石混合物相近.     

Effects of pretreatment and aging on chromite flotation

Anionic and cationic flotation of a Stillwater Complex chromite was studied as a function of pH and various pretreatments of the mineral. Aging the ground mineral in air markedly decreased anionic (sodium dodecylsulfate) flotation below pH3 and enhanced it above pH 4–5. Such aging increased cationic (dodecylammonium chloride) flotation in the basic pH region. Mildly preheating the mineral enhanced anionic flotation. Increased conditioning time in collector solution decreased anionic flotation. Strongly acid pretreating the mineral caused it to behave like a simple charged oxide toward both anionic and cationic flotation. These phenomena appear to be related to the effect of aging on the amounts of Fe(II) and Fe(III), of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) and of Mg(II) on the mineral's surface.     

Beneficiation of phosphatic ores through flotation: Review of industrial applications and potential developments

Beneficiation of phosphatic ores through flotation is the general rule for apatitic endogenic ores (Kola, Phalaborwa, Brazil). It also constitutes the most widely used concentration process of sedimentary deposits with a siliceous gangue (Florida, Senegal). On the other hand, sedimentary deposits with a carbonate-bonded phase are not yet subject to industrial exploitation and the various flotation methods are still at the laboratory or pilot experimental stage. Abundant research is being carried out today and one or several methods should be sooner or later applied on a large scale.In the present day, plants make use of direct flotation (generally a fatty acid collector) sometimes followed by reverse flotation of siliceous fines carried away in the froth formed at the first stage. A careful removal of the clays is the rule.The beneficiation of sedimentary ores with carbonate gangue, on the contrary, will be done through reverse flotation of penalising elements.     

Effects of an ultrasonic field on the flotation selectivity of barite from a barite-fluorite-quartz ore

The influence of an ultrasonic field frequency of 22 kHz and intensity of 0.5 W/cm² has been examined on the flotation of barite, fluorite and quartz as well as on their ability to adsorb dodecyl- and cetylsulphates. The tests affected the flotation of pure minerals in a Hallimond tube as well as the flotation of a natural barite-fluorite ore. It has been found that ultrasonic pretreatment of minerals causes an increase in the flotation rate of barite and a decrease in the flotation rate of fluorite. Ultrasonic pretreatment of the natural barite-fluorite ore before its flotation is the most advantageous. In this case it is possible to obtain concentrates of barite composed of a low amount of CaF₂. This may be explained by the different effects of ultrasonic vibrations on barite and fluorite which cause some improvement of the selectivity of their flotation separation.For a full explanation of these results the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment of the minerals on their adsorption properties and surface topography have been investigated, as well as the direct influence of ultrasound on the adsorption process.     

Correlation of sedimentary units from grain-size and mineralogic analyses as a tool for constraining trench interpretations in palaeoseismology

In palaeoseismological trench studies, precise correlation of sedimentary units between fault blocks has an unquestionable value for accurately inferring the amounts of coseismic displacement and hence for assessing seismic hazard. A methodology based on laser analysis of particle size and mineralogic composition by X-ray diffraction is proposed in order to strengthen the correlation of sedimentary units in a trench excavated across the Concud Fault (central Iberian Chain, Spain). The surveyed sediments show sharp and multiple lateral facies changes, as well as inconsistent optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages. The results reinforce the correlation based on field inspection of lithologic and sedimentologic features. Moreover, they allow interpretation of rejuvenation of OSL ages of samples in the upthrown fault block, which has been attributed to partial erosion of sedimentary units, as evidenced by their smaller thickness and erosive boundaries. The correlated units are then used to estimate coseismic displacements for three palaeoseismic events.     

Zeta potential of single and polymer-coated microbubbles using an adapted microelectrophoresis technique

The zeta potential of microbubbles, generated by injecting pressurised air into water and then releasing the pressure, was determined in the absence and presence of different polyacrylamides. Air was dissolved in either water or solutions of cationic, anionic, amphoteric or nonionic polymers at a constant pressure of four atmospheres. The charge of the bubbles at the shear-zeta plane was measured using a modified microelectrophoresis glass cell, held at a stationary level, at varying pH (2.0–12.0). Known practical problems with this technique were solved, and these solutions are described in detail. The anionic, amphoteric and nonionic polymers increased the negative charge of the bubbles, but the isoelectric point (iep) remained constant at about pH 2.0. Conversely, in the presence of the cationic polymer, the bubbles exhibited positive surface charges between pH 2.0 and 8.0 and an iep of pH 8.0. The results revealed the existence of an important interaction mechanism between air bubbles and polymeric macromolecules; neither this mechanism nor its practical implications have been reported in the literature to date, especially in the treatment of wastewater by flocculation followed by dissolved air flotation (DAF).     

Effects of Particle Size and Chain Length on Flotation and Adsorption of Quaternary Ammonium Salts onto Kaolinite

Effects of particle size and chain length on flotation of quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) onto kaolinite have been investigated by mico-flotation tests. The two kinds of quaternary ammonium salts [RN(CH3)3] with different chain lengths, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) were used as collectors for kaolinite in different particle size fractions (0.075–0.01 mm, 0.045–0.075 mm, 0–0.045 mm). The anomalous flotation behavior of kaolinite have been further explained based on crystal structure considerations by adsorption tests and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results show that the flotation recovery of kaolinite in all different particle size fractions decreases with an increase in pH when DTAC and CTAC are used as collectors. As the concentration of collectors increases, the flotation recovery increases. The longer the carbon chain of QAS is, the higher the recoveries of coarse kaolinite (0.075–0.01 mm and 0.045–0.075 mm) are. But the flotation recovery of the finest kaolinite (0–0.045 mm) decreases with chain lengths of QAS collectors increasing, which is consistent with the flotation results of unsifted kaolinite (0–0.075 mm). It is explained by the froth stability related to the residual concentration of QAS collector. In lower residual concentration, the froth stability becomes worse. Within the range of flotation collector concentration, it's easy of CTAC to be completely adsorbed by kaolinite in the particle size fraction (0–0.045 mm), which led to lower flotation recovery. Moreover, it is interesting that the particle size of kaolinite is coarser, the flotation recovery is higher. The anomalous flotation behavior of kaolinite is rationalized based on crystal structure considerations. The results of MD simulations show that the (001) kaolinite surface has the strongest interaction with DTAC, compared with the (001), (010) and (110) surfaces. On the other hand, when particle size of kaolinite is altered, the number of basal planes and edge planes is changed. It is observed that the finer kaolinite particles size become, the greater relative surface area of edges is, and the more the number of edges is. It means that fine kaolinite particles have more edges to adsorb less cationic colletors than that of coarse kaolinite particles, which is responsible for the poorer floatability of fine kaolinite.     

The optimisation of flotation networks

The generalised optimisation of a flotation network is studied by means of using variable connections (structural parameters) and variable enhancement factors which are used instead of a flotation model to describe the separation process. The enhancement factors are functions of variables affecting the flotation process. These functional relationship may be derived by means of using a flotation model. Bounds are placed on the enhancement factors by means of either using a flotation model or by inspection of existing pilot or commercial plant data. These bounds, together with external, system and mass balance constraints and an appropriate objective function, define the general optimisation problem for a flotation network.The optimisation problem above may be solved by non-linear programming methods, however, it is easily transformable into a Linear Programme which is easy to solve. The procedure has been applied to a flotation circuit comprising three banks of cells for which an optimal set of connections and enhancement factors has been computed for varying constraints.A simulation procedure based on a gamma flotation model has been applied to one of the optimal circuits so as to compute the flotation variables.     

Rock magnetic and dielectric characterizations of a formational contact in cretaceous strata (eastern Venezuela)

Rock magnetic and dielectric studies have been conducted in sedimentary rocks close to a lithological contact (Chimana and Querecual formations) at the Pertigalete sedimentary sequence (Cretaceous northeastern Venezuela). Rock magnetic results suggest that the presence of secondary magnetic minerals has been conditioned by the transitional zone between Chimana and Querecual. In fact, this contact might have acted as a conduit for fluid circulation and a focus of chemical alteration on most of its adjacent strata. Some of the secondary magnetic minerals (e.g. magnetite) must be the outcome of the anoxic conditions that prevailed during times when the sedimentary basin reached its maximum temperatures when oil and gas were generated (Lower Miocene). Some others (e.g. hematite) are the likely byproduct of alteration dating from times when oxidizing conditions were dominant. The Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Current (TSDC) technique is used here to dielectrically characterize the same contact. The complex TSDC spectra obtained in the temperature range from 77 to 230 K for the samples studied, indicate a notable difference between the Chimana (CH) and Querecual (QC) samples. Drying and rehydration treatments performed on these samples show that the whole depolarization spectrum is mainly due to moisture trapped in the microporosity of the material. The broad spectra, separated by using Direct Signal Analysis, reveal the presence of four overlapping peaks. TSDC results indicate a progressive change in the mean re-orientation energy with the lithology for the four relaxations. This variation, due to the change in the environment seen by the water dipoles hydrogen-bonded to different sites in the material, is observed for the same lithologies where magnetic anomalies have been reported. Thus, rock magnetic analyses, combined with the TSDC technique, seem to serve as a sensitive and alternative means of characterizing lithologies and stratigraphic discontinuities in a sedimentary sequence.     

Optimisation of operating variables of fine coal flotation using a combination of modified flotation parameters and statistical techniques

Optimisation of flotation parameters using rate models is not a new concept. The kinetic model based on time recovery data, which uses the extra dimension of rate, has been in vogue since time immemorial for scaling up of lab data. Often, interpretation on the performance of a flotation circuit, based only on R_∞ (the ultimate recovery) and k_s (the first-order rate constant of the component) may lead to wrong conclusions. In such cases, a modified flotation rate constant k_mod defined as the product of R_∞ and k_s, i.e., k_mod=R_∞k_s and selectivity index (SI), defined as the ratio of the modified rate constant of valuables to the modified rate constant of gangue, can be used. An attempt has been made in this paper to optimize the batch laboratory froth flotation parameters of fine coal using the above two concepts, i.e., k_mod and SI and statistical techniques.A flotation bank containing four Outukumpu cells was optimized using the results obtained from the lab study. The airflow number and the froth number were used as a basis for scale up. To gauge the performance of the froth flotation circuit, an efficiency parameter called the coefficient of separation or the CS was used. The yield from the flotation circuit improved, the froth ash reduced and the rejects ash went up.     

Compositional data analysis of Holocene sediments from the West Bengal Sundarbans,India: Geochemical proxies for grain-size variability in a delta environment

This paper is part of a special issue of Applied Geochemistry focusing on reliable applications of compositional multivariate statistical methods. This study outlines the application of compositional data analysis (CoDa) to calibration of geochemical data and multivariate statistical modelling of geochemistry and grain-size data from a set of Holocene sedimentary cores from the Ganges-Brahmaputra (G-B) delta. Over the last two decades, understanding near-continuous records of sedimentary sequences has required the use of core-scanning X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, for both terrestrial and marine sedimentary sequences. Initial XRF data are generally unusable in ‘raw-format’, requiring data processing in order to remove instrument bias, as well as informed sequence interpretation. The applicability of these conventional calibration equations to core-scanning XRF data are further limited by the constraints posed by unknown measurement geometry and specimen homogeneity, as well as matrix effects. Log-ratio based calibration schemes have been developed and applied to clastic sedimentary sequences focusing mainly on energy dispersive-XRF (ED-XRF) core-scanning. This study has applied high resolution core-scanning XRF to Holocene sedimentary sequences from the tidal-dominated Indian Sundarbans, (Ganges-Brahmaputra delta plain). The Log-Ratio Calibration Equation (LRCE) was applied to a sub-set of core-scan and conventional ED-XRF data to quantify elemental composition. This provides a robust calibration scheme using reduced major axis regression of log-ratio transformed geochemical data. Through partial least squares (PLS) modelling of geochemical and grain-size data, it is possible to derive robust proxy information for the Sundarbans depositional environment. The application of these techniques to Holocene sedimentary data offers an improved methodological framework for unravelling Holocene sedimentation patterns.     

Salt kinematics and regional tectonics across a Permian gas field: a case study from East Frisia, NW Germany

This study presents a reconstruction of the tectonic history of an Upper Rotliegend tight gas field in Northern Germany. Tectonism of the greater study area was influenced by multiple phases of salt movement, which produced a variety of salt-related structural features such as salt walls, salt diapirs as well as salt glaciers (namakiers). A sequential 2D retro-deformation and stratal backstripping methodology was used to differentiate mechanisms inducing salt movement and to discuss their relation to regional tectonics. The quantitative geometric restoration included sedimentary balancing, decompaction, fault-related deformation, salt movement, thermal subsidence, and isostasy to unravel the post-depositional tectonic overprint of the Rotliegend reservoir rock. The results of this study indicate that reactive salt diapirism started during an Early Triassic interval of thin-skinned extensional tectonics, followed by an active diapirism stage with an overburden salt piercement in the Late Triassic, and finally a period of intensive salt surface extrusion and the formation of salt glaciers (namakiers) in Late Triassic and Jurassic times. Since the Early Cretaceous, salt in the study area has been rising by passive diapirism.     

Automation of a laboratory flotation machine for improved performance

A commercial laboratory flotation machine (Denver Model D-12) has been automated for ease of operation and reproducibility. The major features of the system include two plexiglass cells of 4- and 2-1 capacity which are interchangeable for rougher and cleaner flotation, respectively, an electronic level controller and an air-flow rate controller. The level controller can be used for either pulp-level or froth-level control by adjusting the threshold setting. Two mechanical paddles on the sides of each flotation cell can be controlled to adjust the rate of froth removal. Test results demonstrate the reproducibility of the data obtained with the equipment.     

ToF-SIMS-derived hydrophobicity in DTP flotation of chalcopyrite: Contact angle distributions in flotation streams

Particle hydrophobicity has been derived from Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) measurements and its impact on the flotation behaviour of chalcopyrite investigated. Batch flotation tests were performed using a dithiophosphate-type of collector in different concentrations. Three flotation regimes were studied using particle size ranges of 20–38 μm, 75–105 μm and 150–210 μm. The individual particle contact angle, and hence, the distribution of contact angles of chalcopyrite within feed, concentrate and tail flotation samples has been determined using ToF-SIMS secondary ions. The effects of particle size and hydrophobicity on the flotation behaviour have been investigated using this new approach. The hydrodynamic effects of the particle size were highlighted by the different distributions of contact angles obtained for each concentrate size fraction, with fine and coarse sizes requiring higher average contact angles to float. This effect was overtaken by hydrophobicity when a high collector concentration was used. The broad distribution of contact angles observed in all samples, i.e. heterogeneity in hydrophobicity, has significant consequences for interpreting flotation behaviour. The methodology of analysis conducted in this study was applied to real ore and can be used as a quantitative, diagnostic tool for examining surface chemical factors affecting hydrophobicity. This new technique has promise and may advance the understanding of mechanisms, which may lead to better control strategies for improving flotation performance. Furthermore, any mineral–collector system can be targeted, provided appropriate calibration is performed.     

Two-stage reverse flotation process for removal of carbonates and silicates from phosphate ore using anionic and cationic collectors

Phosphate rock contains various gangue minerals including silicates and carbonates which need to be reduced in content in order to meet the requirements of the phosphate industry. Froth flotation has become an integral part of phosphate concentration process. In this study, double reverse flotation was applied to recover apatite from phosphate ore. H₃PO₄ and CaO were used as phosphate depressants, in acidic and alkaline conditions. Fatty acids and amines were added as carbonate and silicate collectors respectively. An experimental protocol devised to optimize the grade and recovery of phosphate using anionic–cationic method was found effective. Consequently, a required high quality of phosphate concentrate containing 30.1% P₂O₅ was obtained, with a recovery of 94%. X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy studies were performed to define the main minerals.     

The use of a new modifier,Kr6D,in differential sulphide flotation

The suitability of a new reagent, Kr6D, as a depressant for galena and sphalerite in a differential sulphide flotation stage has been tested. Small-scale laboratory flotation tests on pure sulphide minerals indicated that the reagent is capable of depressing both galena and sphalerite when used in small doses. At higher concentrations, chalcopyrite is also depressed. Single-stage batch-scale flotation tests have been carried out on bulk sulphide concentrates containing the three sulphide minerals. Kr6D has been compared with starch as a depressant both in the presence and in the absence of sulphur dioxide. In each case the new modifier has been shown to be more effective. When using sodium dichromate as a differential depressant in similar tests, it has been shown that the quantity necessary to achieve selectivity between chalcopyrite and galena may be considerably reduced if small quantities of Kr6D are added.     

Depression mechanisms of sodium bisulphite in the xanthate-induced flotation of copper activated sphalerite

The effect of sodium bisulphite on the xanthate-induced flotation of copper-activated sphalerite has been studied using batch flotation testing, surface analysis techniques (XPS and ToF-SIMS), and FTIR. The various techniques have been used to identify the mechanisms of interaction of sulphite ions with both collector and the sphalerite surface. The results indicate that sodium bisulphite depressed the flotation of sphalerite particles pre-treated with copper and xanthate at pH 9 with nitrogen and air purging. It was found that sodium bisulphite interacts with the sphalerite surface, as well as with xanthate in its adsorbed state. Based on the evidence obtained in the present study, and in conjunction with previous work, the mechanisms involved in the depression of the xanthate-induced flotation of copper-activated sphalerite by sulphite are proposed. It is suggested that copper xanthate decomposition on the surface of the activated sphalerite and the decomposition of the hydrophobic copper-sulphide-like species on the sphalerite surface are the active mechanisms for sphalerite depression by sodium bisulphite.     

Interaction of thionocarbamate and thiourea collectors with sulphide minerals: a flotation and adsorption study

The ability of O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate (IPETC), O-isobutyl-N-ethoxycarbonyl thionocarbamate (IBECTC) and butyl ethoxycarbonyl thiourea (BECTU) collectors to increase the flotation of the sulphide minerals, chalcopyrite, galena and pyrite, has been studied. For each collector, the flotation characteristics of these minerals, flotation rate constant and flotation recovery maximum, have been calculated from the flotation data and compared as a function of pH and collector concentration. Overall, the flotation performance of these collectors is stronger for chalcopyrite than for galena and pyrite. Flotation increases with collector concentration and decreasing pH values. For chalcopyrite, the collector performances of BECTU are slightly better than those of IPETC but far superior to those of IBECTC, especially at high pH values or at low collector concentrations. The flotation performance of these collectors has been shown to be in good agreement with the amount of collector adsorbed at the mineral surface. The affinity of BECTU for the various minerals has been calculated using a multilayer adsorption model.     

Flotation of calcareous Mussorie phosphate ore

Separation of Mussorie rock phosphate (P₂O₅ = 20%) from Uttar Pradesh, India, containing pyrite, calcite and other carbonaceous impurities by flotation has been successfully attempted to upgrade the phosphate values. Based on Hallimond cell flotation results of single and synthetic mineral mixtures of calcite and apatite using oleic acid and potassium phosphate, conditions were obtained for the separation of calcite from apatite which is considered to be the most difficult step in the beneficiation of calcareous phosphates. Further studies using 250 g of the mineral (?60 +150 and ?150 mesh fractions, deslimed) in laboratory size Fagergren subaeration machine employed a stagewise flotation viz. carbonaceous materials using terpineol, pyrite using potassium-ethyl xanthate and calcite using oleic acid respectively. Separation was, however, found to be unsatisfactory in the absence of a depressant.Among starch, hydrofluosilicic acid and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, which were tried as depressants for apatite in the final flotation stage, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate proved to be superior to others. However, the tests with the above fractions did not yield the required grade. This was possibly due to insufficient liberation of the phosphate mineral from the ore body and different experimental conditions due to scale up operations. Experiments conducted using ?200 mesh deslimed fractions has yielded an acceptable grade of 27.6% P₂O₅ with a recovery of about 60%. The results have been explained in terms of the specific adsorption characteristics of phosphate ions on apatite and the liberation size of the mineral.     

Interactive effects of the type of milling media and CuSO4 addition on the flotation performance of sulphide minerals from Merensky ore Part II: Froth stability

The limitations of pulp chemistry measurements in the flotation of a platinum group mineral (PGM) bearing Merensky ore were demonstrated in Part 1 of this article. In this paper the importance of the contribution of the froth structure due to changing froth stability is analysed using the batch flotation data. The effects of mild steel (MS) and stainless steel (SS) milling media and the addition of copper sulphate on the flotation performance of the sulphide minerals in Merensky ore have been evaluated in relation to the changes in stability of the froth phase. The effects of pulp chemistry and froth stability on the flotation of sulphide minerals were distinguished by using two different rate constants (k_t and k_w). The rate constant (k_w) calculated as a function of cumulative water recovery was used to describe characteristics of froth phase and k_t was calculated as a function of flotation time. The results revealed that the type of grinding media and copper sulphate addition had an interactive effect on the froth stability. While mild steel (MS) milling increased the froth stability due to the presence of hydrophilic iron hydroxides and colloidal metallic iron, the addition of copper sulphate reduced the stability, especially with stainless steel (SS) milling. Copper sulphate addition had a dual role in the flotation of Merensky ore in that it caused destabilisation of the froth zone as well as activation of selected sulphide minerals. The dominant effect was found to depend on the type of milling media and floatability of the mineral in question and this work has demonstrated the importance of using a combination of measurements to evaluate flotation performance holistically.