Optical spectrum based measurement of flotation slurry contents

Monitoring and control of a flotation circuit is mainly based on the information gained by assaying the process slurry lines. In flotation plants, usually an X-ray fluorescence analyzer is used to obtain the on-line assays. This article introduces the visual and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopic analysis of the process slurries as a supplementary method which complements the on-line assay information available from an X-ray fluorescence analyzer. It is shown that the spectral information can be used to accurately predict the element contents in the slurry in between successive XRF analyses. Since the spectral measurements can be taken with high frequency as opposed to the sparse X-ray fluorescence analysis, a practically continuous on-line estimate of the slurry contents is reached. These estimates can be used in the plant control to improve the overall performance of the circuits and to yield also economical savings. Additionally, the frequent monitoring of the grades can provide means to eliminate rapid disturbances in the circuits, thus improving the stability of the process.     

Precipitation of dodecyl amine in KCl–NaCl saturated brine and attachment of amine particles to KCl and NaCl surfaces

Long-chain amines, used in potash ore flotation as collectors, are insoluble in NaCl–KCl saturated brine. In commercial applications, these amines are melted at 70–90 °C, dispersed in acidic solution of hydrochloric or acetic acids, and such emulsions are then introduced to the flotation pulp.To model the commercial potash ore flotation process, dodecyl amine, used in this study, was melted at 70 °C, dispersed in hydrochloric acid aqueous solution and was added to a KCl–NaCl saturated brine at room temperature. This results in the precipitation of the amine. The present study summarizes the influence of the conditions on the particle size and morphology of the precipitating amine particles. Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC), common frother in flotation processes, was shown to affect amine dispersion when added into a hot amine emulsion prior to mixing with a saturated brine. This study demonstrates that the precipitating amine particles are selectively abstracted by KCl particles, but not by NaCl particles.     

Dissolved air flotation (DAF) of fine quartz particles using an amine as collector

Experimental studies concerning the dissolved air flotation (DAF) of fine (d_p < 100 μm) quartz particles, using two different flotation cells (setups), are presented. Pure and well characterised quartz samples were treated with a commercial amine as collector prior to flotation and bubbles were characterised by the LTM-BSizer technique. Bubble size distribution showed 71% (by volume) and 94% (by number) of the bubbles having sizes (d_b) lower than 100 μm (i.e. microbubbles). The Sauter and arithmetic mean diameters were 79 μm and 56 μm, respectively, for the bubbles generated at 300 kPa (gauge) saturation pressure (after 30 minute saturation time). Quartz particle size distribution (obtained by laser diffraction) showed a volume-moment diameter of 13 μm. The Rosin–Rammler–Bennett, Gates–Gaudin–Schumann and log-normal distribution functions were well fitted (R² > 0.96) to the bubble size distribution and quartz particle size distribution data. Values of total quartz recovery ranging from 6% to 53% (by mass) were obtained for the DAF experiments under different collector concentrations (up to 2 mg g^− 1), with an optimal collector concentration found at 1 mg g^− 1. These results are significant considering that 27% (by volume) of the quartz particles are ultrafine (d_p < 5 μm), demonstrating the widely-known efficiency of DAF to remove small particles when applied in the field of water and wastewater treatment. The true flotation behaviour, as a function of particle diameter (d_p), exhibits a local minimum when particles are approximately 3–5 μm in size. The results contribute to the discussion in the literature about the existence of such a minimum, which is generally interpreted as a change in the mechanism of particle collection from convection (collision) to diffusion at lower particle sizes.     

Isopropylxanthate ions uptake by modified natural zeolite and removal by dissolved air flotation

This work describes a laboratory study concerning the adsorption of isopropylxanthate ions onto modified zeolites particles. The separation of the loaded carrier and their removal, from aqueous solutions, was conducted by flocculation followed by dissolved air flotation, DAF. The zeolite employed was a natural sample (approximately 48% clinoptilolite and 30% mordenite) which was previously treated with sodium ions (activation) and modified with copper ions (Cu–Z) before the xanthate ions uptake. Adsorption capacities (q_m) for Cu–Z were 0.34 meq g^− 1 for the powdered form, and 1.12 meq g^− 1 for the floc form. The adsorption capacity for the floc form appears to involve an enhanced electrostatic adsorption due to the positive sites on the floc surface. In all cases, the isopropylxanthate concentration in the treated water was found to be negligible (< 0.04 mg L^{− 1}). The flotation technique showed to be a fast process, requires a low recycle ratio (20%) in air saturated water, and the treated water ended up with a very low residual turbidity (6.8 NTU). It is believed that this adsorption–flotation technique, here named adsorptive particulate flotation, using activated and modified natural zeolite has a high potential as an alternative for pollutants removal (copper and isopropylxanthate ions) from waste mining effluents.     

Exploiting the dual functions of polymer depressants in fine particle flotation

Fine hydrophilic particles are known to be entrained with water in flotation of many ores. Flocculation of the hydrophilic particles by polymer depressants could potentially reduce the mechanical entrainment of these particles. This paper reports testwork completed on fine particles of several solids, iron oxide, hydroxyapatite and sphalerite, as well as on a relatively coarse quartz sample (− 75 + 38 μm). Dodecylamine was used as a collector for quartz, and several dispersants and polymer depressants, including sodium silicate, sodium metaphosphate, zinc sulfate, cornstarch, corn dextrin and carboxymethyl celluloses (with molecular weights of both 700,000 and 80,000) were used as flotation modifiers. The major part of the testwork involved flotation tests in a 200 mL flotation column. It was observed that flocculation of the fine hydrophilic particles significantly reduced their mechanical entrainment, while dispersion severely aggravated it. Thus, in the flotation separation of synthetic mixtures of the − 75 + 38 μm quartz and fine (reagent grade) iron oxide or hydroxyapatite, polymer depressants that caused flocculation performed better than those that did not cause flocculation.     

Efficient separation of zinc from zinc containing copper sulfide concentrate by chemical leaching

As the most abundant copper containing resource and zinc containing resource, chalcopyrite and sphalerite/marmatite commonly coexist as Cu-Zn mixed ores in deposits. However, it is difficult to completely separate sphalerite and chalcopyrite by flotation, thus resulting in the existence of zinc impurity in copper concentrate. Sphalerite/marmatite existed in copper sulfide concentrate as impurity may lead to severe damage of the smelting equipment, and cause the waste of copper and Zn resources, it will also decrease of the sale price of copper concentrates. Therefore, the deep separation of zinc from zinc bearing copper sulfide concentrate is of great significance. In this work, selective chemical leaching was developed to efficiently remove zinc from zinc containing copper sulfide concentrate. Under the optimal condition (i.e., sulfuric acid concentration exceed 100 g/L, temperature of 80 °C, pulp density of 10%, leaching time of 48 h), over 85% Zn was extracted into the leaching solution together with only about 10% Cu and Fe, according to the leaching experiment. Leaching slurry had good solid-liquid separation characteristics, and zinc can be further effectively recovered from the leaching solution. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) analysis, chalcopyrite was the main mineralogical phase in the residues, which can be regarded as high quality copper concentrate for metallurgy. Accordingly, a new process for deep and efficient separation of Cu-Zn mixed ores has been proposed.     

Effect of oxidation potential and zinc sulphate on the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite

The effects of oxidation potential (Eh) and zinc sulphate on the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite were investigated at pH 9.0. The flotation recovery of these minerals is Eh dependent with maximum separation obtained at 275 mV SHE. Zinc sulphate addition improved this mineral separation at an Eh value of 275 mV by selectively depressing pyrite flotation. A different result was obtained at lower Eh values where zinc sulphate addition improved chalcopyrite flotation but had no or little effect on pyrite flotation. These opposite effects of zinc sulphate on mineral flotation were reconciled by examining the surface species of these minerals. The selective depression of pyrite flotation by zinc sulphate was also confirmed in the flotation of two copper ores.     

Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in South Brazil: Comparative active processes and water reuse

This work describes AMD techniques of neutralization, with lime, flocculation of the precipitates and comparative flocs/liquid separation by flotation with microbubbles or by lamellar settling (LS). The AMD treated water was characterized by its quality for recycling in terms of inorganic or organic elements, suspended or dissolved solids, among others. Two types of flocs were formed, “aerated” or not, in a special flocculation reactor, patented by this research group (RGF^®). Aerated flocs formed (within seconds) entered into contact with microbubbles under high shearing and raised-up at rates > 120 mh^− 1 allowing a rapid solid–liquid separation by flotation (HR-high rate), at about 13–15 m³m^− 2 h^− 1 loading capacity. Conversely, the non-aerated flocs settled at about 5–6 m h^− 1 in a lamella settler. Both AMD treatment techniques showed similar efficiencies (removal of ions > 90%) but the separation by lamella settling presented advantages, namely less reagents (no flotation collector required), lower power requirements and easier to operate. The operating costs (approximate values) of the AMD treatment by LS at pH 9 reaches about 0.3 US$ m^− 3 against 0.6 US$ m^− 3 for the HR-flotation process. Results found were proved to be similar to those found in recent ADM treatment installations in South Brazil. The quality of the treated water is fairly good, nearly free of heavy metals ion, low BOD (biological oxygen demand) and TOC (total organic content), low solids content and may be readily reused for irrigation, industrial processes and as wash water (among others, streets, vehicles, dust control). However, there is a need to extend the use of this treated water resource, but this, at least in Brazil, has not been legislated properly. It is concluded that this research will contribute in the discussion of this old and complex problem in acid mining effluents worldwide.     

铜钴矿样品X荧光快速测定技术的初步研究

使用基于Si-PIN探测器和嵌入式计算机的便携式高能量分辨率X荧光(XRF)分析仪,对采自刚果(金)的铜钴矿样品进行测量。通过对实测数据的处理与分析,分含量段建立目标元素的工作曲线,同时求出相应的基体效应校正模型,并编制到仪器内置X荧光分析应用软件中。实现仪器根据实测多道微分谱线中相关元素的特征X射线计数率,自动切换工作曲线与基体效应修正模型,快速输出Cu和Co的含量的测定结果。通过与化学分析结果比较,快速测定结果精确度较高。     

Sulphur isotope patterns from the Bleiberg deposit (Eastern Alps) and their implications for genetically affiliated lead–zinc deposits

Summary A set of 354 sulphur isotope data from the Bleiberg deposit, the type deposit of Alpine low temperature carbonate hosted Pb–Zn deposits (APT deposits), is critically evaluated applying statistical methods. The sulphur isotope patterns vary significantly among the ore horizons. This suggests a long lasting and polyphase mineralisation system. The sulphur isotope composition of barite corresponds to that of Carnian seawater (i.e. 16 ³⁴S). The ³⁴S values of the iron sulphides correspond to data from sedimentary iron sulphides. Pb and Zn sulphides are characterized by three normally distributed ³⁴S populations with mean values of –6 to –8, –13 to –18, and –25 to –29. Heavy sulphur (>–10 ³⁴S) indicates contribution of sulphide sulphur from epigenetic-hydrothermal fluids, whereas light sulphide sulphur (<–21 ³⁴S) was produced by sulphur – reducing bacteria. The intermediate population is explained by mixing of sulphur derived from these two sources. Other sources of local importance, however, can not be excluded. The isotope populations correspond only partly to the paragenetic ore stages. The sulphur isotope patterns in the APT deposits are regionally different. Data from other low-temperature sediment-hosted Pb–Zn deposits support the proposed interpretation. A comparison demonstrates that the sulphur isotope patterns of APT deposits correspond to patterns of the Irish type deposits, but are different to those of Mississippi Valley type deposits.Supplementary material to this paper is available in electronic form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00710-004-0071-3     

Mineralogical and elemental variation of coal from Alberta, Canada: an example from the No. 2 seam, Genesee Mine

Mineralogy and elemental contents were determined on 18 samples from a vertical profile of the No. 2 seam, Genesee mine, AB. The samples analyzed consist of coal, coaly shale, shaly coal, carbonaceous shale, shale, mudstone and siltstone. Proximate analysis was determined on all samples. Elemental analyses were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) for all elements except As, B, Cd, Hg, Mo, Pb, Se (Atomic Absorption) and B, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Nb, Sr and V (inductively coupled plasma-emission spectroscopy, ICP-ES). Samples were low temperature ashed (LTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were used to determine quantitative major mineralogy. Accessory mineralogy was determined with Scannining Electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (SEM/EDX) on four samples. In general, the coals in the Genesee mine are within the low end of the range for trace element contents given by Swaine [Swaine, D.J., 1990. Trace Elements in Coal. Butterworths, London, 278 pp.] for most coals. High contents of Cr (9–2620 ppm) and Ni (1–1440 ppm) can be related to an increased amount of a Cr–Ni–Fe oxide (chromite–magnetite?) likely derived from ultrabasic diatremes in the Golden-Columbia Icefields, BC area. The No. 2 seam of the Genesee mine can be divided into two geochemical cycles on the basis of mineralogy, trace element contents and rare earth element (REE) behavior. Cycle I consists of quartz, calcite and kaolinite, lower trace element contents, REE slightly enriched in high rare earth elements (HREE), and thick coal with few partings. Cycle II consists of quartz, calcite, kaolinite, illite, mixed layer and/or expandable lattice clays, feldspar, gypsum, calcium aluminum sulfate hydrate, clinoptilolite, calcite and diopside, higher trace element contents, REE slightly enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and thin coal with a greater frequency of partings. The differences between the two geochemical cycles can be accounted for by a decreasing stability of the peat-forming environment resulting from an increasing fluvial influence and volcanogenic input.     

Control of wind strength and frequency in the Aral Sea basin during the late Holocene

Changing content of detrital input in laminated sediments traced by XRF scanning and microfacies analyses reflect prominent variations in sedimentation processes in the Aral Sea. A high-resolution record of titanium from a core retrieved in the northwestern Large Aral Sea allows a continuous reconstruction of wind strength and frequency in western Central Asia for the past 1500 yr. During AD 450–700, AD 1210–1265, AD 1350–1750 and AD 1800–1975, detrital inputs (bearing titanium) are high, documenting an enhanced early spring atmospheric circulation associated with an increase in intensity of the Siberian High pressure system over Central Asia. In contrast, lower titanium content during AD 1750–1800 and AD 1980–1985 reflects a diminished influence of the Siberian High during early spring with a reduced atmospheric circulation. A moderate circulation characterizes the time period AD 700–1150. Unprecedented weakened atmospheric circulation over western Central Asia are inferred during ca. AD 1180–1210 and AD 1265–1310 with a considerable decrease in dust storm frequency, sedimentation rates, lamination thickness and detrital inputs (screened at 40-μm resolution). Our results are concurrent with changes in the intensity of the Siberian High during the past 1400 yr as reported in the GISP2 Ice Core from Greenland.     

Deep seismic investigation across the Barents–Kara region and Novozemelskiy Fold Belt (Arctic Shelf)

Since 1995 SEVMORGEO has collected wide-angle reflection/refraction profiling (WARRP), multichannel seismic data (MCS) and seismoacoustic profiling, along regional lines 1-AR, 2-AR and 3-AR. These lines cross the whole Barents–Kara Region and Novozemelskiy Fold Belt. As a result, new geological data about the deep structure of the Earth's crust have become available. Four main tectono-stratigraphic units are distinguished in the section of the Earth's crust: (1) a sedimentary cover; (2) the Upper Proterozoic (mainly Riphean for the Barents Plate) and Riphean–Paleozoic (the South-Kara Syneclise) deformed and folded complexes; (3) the upper crystalline crust (granite-gneissic metamorphic Archean–Proterozoic complex); (4) the lower crust (basalt complex). The Barents–Kara Region is characterized by moderately thinned continental and subcontinental crust with an average thickness of 37–39 km. On islands and areas of uplifts with ancient massifs, the thickness of the crust (38–42 km) approaches the typical crust for a continental platform. In the Novozemelskiy Fold Belt the thickness of the crust reaches 40–42 km. Rift-related grabens are characterized by significant crustal thinning with thicknesses of 33–36 km. Several grabens are revealed: the Riphean Graben on the Kola-Kanin Monocline, the Lower Paleozoic West-Kola Graben, the Devonian Demidovskiy Aulacogen, the Upper Paleozoic Malyginskiy Graben in the Barents Region and Upper Paleozoic–Triassic Noyabr'skiy and the Chekinskiy grabens in the Kara Region. Data concerning the deep structure lead us to conclude that mainly destructive processes contributed to the dynamics of the forming of the Barents–Kara Region.     

Efficient flotation recovery of lead and zinc from refractory lead-zinc ores under low alkaline conditions

In this study, a new flotation approach, a low-alkaline and non-desliming process, was introduced for improving lead and zinc recoveries, lowering production cost and reducing environmental pollution. Lab-scale experiments results show that the new process contributed to the flotation of the complex mixed sulfide-oxide lead and zinc ore regarding two aspects: (1) High alkaline process (pH = 12±) was replaced by low alkaline process (pH = 9±) by using collector WS (a mixture of ethyl thiocarbamate, ammonium dibutyldithiophosphate and dithiophosphate-25) and combined depressant Na₂S/ZnSO₄/Na₂SO₃ for lead sulfide flotation; (2) Non-desliming process was successfully achieved by using collector MA (a mixture of ether amine, hydroxyethyl cellulose and polyacrylic acid) and combined depressant SHP/SS (sodium hexametaphosphate/sodium silicate) for zinc oxide flotation. And 43.37% Pb in the Pb concentrate was recovered, the corresponding Pb grade was 52.73%, total 84.42% Zn was recovered by the flotation of zinc sulfide minerals and zinc oxide minerals. Moreover, the two aspects of the new approach were systematically verified from lab-scale to industrial-scale application. The industrial-scale flotation tests show that Pb recovery in Pb concentrate increased by 1.86% compared with that of original system during industrial-scale tests period, and the Pb recovery increased by 4.09% compared with that of original system before industrial-scale tests period, while the Zn operating recovery in zinc oxide concentrate improved by 19.52%. Moreover, the total reagent cost of the whole new process significantly declined by 3.93 yuan per ton of ore.     

The Metal Potential of Carbonate Rocks in Ancient Reef Systems of Northeastern Asia

Carbonate organogenic buildups (reefs) are lithofacies barriers of marine basins separating sedimentation facies zones. Together with seafloor depressions, they make up two-facies systems that are favorable for the formation of stratiform lead, zinc, and copper deposits. Organogenic reefs are formed at the boundary between the littoral zone and the remaining shelf area, as well as on terraces separating the shelf and continental slope zones. The reefs control the stratiform copper mineralization in the first case and the MV-type lead–zinc mineralization in the second case. This work describes the following reef systems of northeastern Asia incorporating base metal deposits: Chencha (Late Riphean) system of the Zhuya–Patom Trough, West Yakutian (Early–Middle Cambrian), Tankhai–Ust'mil (Middle Cambrian), and Lena (Late Cambrian) systems of the Siberian Platform, and Urul'tun (Early Devonian) and Kamenka (Middle Devonian) systems of the Omulev and Kolyma blocks. The two-facies genetic model of the MV-type lead–zinc and stratiform copper deposits is substantiated.     

U(VI) adsorption on natural iron-coated sands: comparison of approaches for modeling adsorption on heterogeneous environmental materials

Adsorption of U(VI) on 6 samples of natural Fe-rich sands from Oyster, VA was studied over a range of U(VI) concentrations (0.1–100 μM), pH values (3–7.6), and dithionite–citrate–bicarbonate (DCB) extractable amounts of Fe (3.1–12.3 μmol/g). Four modeling approaches were applied to represent the U(VI) adsorption data. Model I was a two-site, diffuse double layer, surface complexation model based on data for synthetic ferrihydrite [Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 58 (1994) 5465–5478]. Considering the magnitude of approximations necessary for application of the laboratory-based model to natural sands, Model I was surprisingly accurate, as determined by the goodness of fit parameter, χ²/N of 53.1–22.2. Model II was based on the reactions and diffuse double layer treatment of Model I, but was calibrated to a portion of U(VI) adsorption data for each sand, and then used to predict adsorption data for the same sand under different experimental conditions. Model II did not increase the accuracy of the predictions made with Model I, χ²/N of 42.4–27.6. Models III and IV were four-site affinity spectrum models, without an explicit electric double layer model or explicit surface hydrolysis reactions. Model III was based on a discrete log K spectrum approach, and Model IV was obtained from adjusting all surface stability constants and site concentrations for all surface sites. Models III and IV represented the U(VI) adsorption data with the greatest accuracy, χ²/N ranged from 13.8 to 4.4. Model I provides evidence supporting the practice of using pure phase thermodynamic reaction constants for describing the adsorption characteristics of environmentally important sorbents in certain simple cases. Yet, affinity spectrum approaches (Models III and IV) become increasingly important as more accurate interpolation of adsorption data is necessary, the sorbent becomes increasingly complex, or the range of experimental conditions expands.     

Pb−Bi−(Cu)-sulfosalts in Paleozoic gneisses and schists from Oberpinzgau,Salzgurg province,Austria

Summary Pb–Bi–(Cu)-sulfosalts occur as minor minerals widely distributed in rocks of the Penninic unit (gneisses, schists, metavolcanics, etc.), Oberpinzgau, Salzburg. The sulfosalts have been investigated by ore microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. The phases identified are: heyrovskyite, cosalite (Moaralm, Sedl, and Wiesbachrinne in the Habach Valley), lillianite (Moaralm, Sedl; Modereck near the Fuscher Valley), galenobismutite (Bärenbad in the Hollersbach Valley) and Bi-bearing galena. Heyrovskyite (Moaralm) has a composition close to Pb₆Bi₂S₉, with Ag contents between 0.2 (Sedl) and 0.6 (Moaralm) wt.%. Lillianite has the composition Pb_2.86–2.91 Bi_2.08–2.17Ag_0.04–0.08 S₆, and cosalite, Pb_1.81–2.04 Bi_1.92–2.02 Ag_0.02–0.06 Cu_0.11–0.18S₅. The average chemical composition of galenobismutite is Pb_1.25Bi_1.6Sb_0.1Cu_0.1Ag_0.02Fe_0.1S₄. Needle-like inclusions of a joseite-type mineral, joseite-A (Bi,Pb)_4.01 Te_0.9S_2.08, and irregular to needle-like grains of native bismuth usually occur along the elongation direction of the lath-like galenobismutite crystals.The occurrences can be divided into two types: 1) stratiform Pb–Bi sulfosalts which occur only in the quartzite intercalations of the Paleozoic Habach unit (Frasl, 1958), and 2) alpidic vein type Pb–Bi sulfosalts which occur in quartz veins intersecting gneisses and are considered to be the remobilization products of the first type. Temperature of formation for heyrovskyite in this region is estimated at between 400±25°C and 500°C. Most probably, the assemblage heyrovskyite-lillianite-galena (Moaralm) was formed at or below 473°C.

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Pb–Bi–(Cu)-Sulfosalze in paläozoischen Gesteinen des Oberpinzgau, Salzburg, Österreich

Zusammenfassung Pb–Bi-Sulfosalze verschiedener Vorkommen des Oberpinzgau, Salzburg, wurden mittels Erzmikroskopie, röntgenographischer Methoden und Mikrosonde untersucht. Folgende Phasen wurden identifiziert: Heyrovskyit, Cosalit (Moaralm, Sedl und Wiesbachrinne; alle Habachtal), Lillianit (Moaralm, Sedl; Modereck nahe des Fuschertales), Galenobismutit (Bärenbad, Hollersbachtal) und Bi-hältiger Bleiglanz. Heyrovskyit (Moaralm) ist nahezu Pb₆Bi₂S₉, mit Ag-Gehalten zwischen 0,2 (Sedl) und 0.6 (Moaralm) Gew.%, Lillianit Pb_2,86–2,91Bi_2,08–2,17Ag_0,04–0,08S₆, und Cosalit Pb_1,81–2,04Bi_1,92–2,02Ag_0,02–0,06 Cu_0,11–0,18S₅. Galenobismutit ist Pb_1,25Bi_1,6Sb_0,1Cu_0,1Ag_0,02Fe_0,1S₄. Nadelige Einschlüsse von Joseit-A, (Bi, Pb)_4,01Te_0,9S_2,08, und unregelmäßige bis nadelige Körner von ged. Wismut treten entlang der Längsrichtung der Galenobismutit-Kristalle auf. Die Mineralisationen sind an stratiforme, sulfidreiche Quarzlagen (Typus 1, z. B. Bärenbad) oder an diskordante Quarzgänge (Typus 2; alle anderen Vorkommen) gebunden. Typus 1 tritt innerhalb der altpaläzozischen Habachserie (Frasl, 1958), Typus 2 in Randbereichen dieser zu den Gneismassen der Habachzunge (z. T. auch in letzteren) auf. Die dem Typus 2 zugerechneten Vererzungen werden als Remobilisationsprodukte der altpaläozoischen Mineralisationen (Typus 1) angesehen.Die Bildungstemperatur des Heyrovskyit dürfte im betrachteten Bereich zwischen 400±25°C und 500°C gelegen haben; eine Bildungstemperatur von 473°C oder wening darunter wird für die Assoziation Heyrovskyit-Lillianit-Bleiglanz in Anlehnung an experimentelle Untersuchungen vonSalanci undMoh (1969) angenommen.

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With 4 Figures

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This investigation forms part of a wider study Genetic types of gold deposits in the Alps.     

A cryo-SEM study of aggregate and floc structure changes during clay settling and raking processes

The destabilization of kaolinite suspension by anionic flocculant addition occurs in three zones; free settling, hindered settling and compression which usually includes a final bed raking process in mineral processing practice. This paper reports changes in the kaolinite aggregate and floc structures in the different settling and raking zones by cryo-vitrification/cryo-SEM techniques with image analysis combining micro- and macro-flocs. Cryo-SEM images indicate that, even during free settling, fine clay particles are bridged predominantly in edge–edge (E–E) with some face–face (F–F) configurations forming single, small flocs and some chain structures. When these small flocs and chains settle into the hindered settling zone, the collision between flocs and chains results in “honeycomb” network structures formed with lateral chain-like extension. The settled bed consists of these honeycomb structures with both inter-aggregate and intra-aggregate trapped water and has relatively low bed density (e.g. < 12 wt.% for a 2 wt.% slurry). The effect of the raking process in dramatically improving thickener underflow solids has been extensively studied but the structural changes in flocs and aggregates in this process are less well defined. Raking the compression zone for 1 h at 3 rpm can release some of the trapped water in the “honeycomb” structure and the bed density for 2 wt.% slurry improves dramatically to more than 36 wt.%. Cryo-SEM illustrates the extensive restructuring of flocs from predominantly E–E to predominantly F–F in many areas. The STructural IMage ANalysis (STIMAN) software is used to combine a series of images at magnifications from 1000× to 8000×, including both macro- and micro-flocs. This structural analysis comparing the un-raked and raked bed samples gives increases in total particle area of 30% and in relative particle area of 6%. The relatively low energy rake action of the shear stress results in the disruption of the E–E chains and the honeycomb structure, partly releasing the trapped water and inducing some E–E to F–F aggregate restructuring are clearly illustrated in these results.     

Petrology and geochemistry of the granitoid complex of Boroujerd, Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Western Iran

The Middle Jurassic Boroujerd Granitoid Complex of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (with a U–Pb zircon age of 169–172 Ma) was emplaced in an active continental margin setting. This complex consists of three main units: an elongate NW–SE extending granodioritic unit (SiO₂ = 58–71 wt%), which is widespread throughout the area, a quartz-dioritic unit (SiO₂ = 52–63 wt%), exposed as small stocks within the granodioritic body, and a monzogranitic unit (SiO₂ = 70–75 wt%), widely scattered as separate small outcrops through the southern part of the area. A series of NW trending aplites and pegmatites are present in the granodioritic unit and its aureole.Geochemically this complex is metaluminous to slightly peraluminous, typical of I-type granites. It belongs to high-K calc-alkaline series and displays the geochemical characteristics typical of volcanic arc granites related to an active continental margin (e.g. significant Nb, Ti, P and Sr depletion). Isotopic data (Sr_i = 0.7062–0.7074 and εNd_t = −3.02 to −3.62) are consistent with a crustal protolith. In addition, fractional crystallization may have played an important role in the formation of the whole spectrum of the granitoid types that occur in the Boroujerd area.     

便携式X射线荧光元素分析仪的应用

利用NITON XL3t 500型便携式X射线荧光光谱仪,选择云南会泽县金牛厂铅锌矿区进行样品分析条件试验.试验中分别对实验室分析与X射线荧光光谱仪分析结果,以及不同湿度条件下分析结果进行了对比研究,确定了最佳的应用条件.结果表明,实验室分析与X射线荧光光谱仪分析结果相近,但湿度因素会降低元素含量.所以应用便携式X荧光光谱仪进行试验不失为一种方便快捷和行之有效的方法.