The selective flotation of galena from sphalerite with special reference to the effects of particle size

The selectivity of galena flotation from a synthetic mixture with sphalerite and quartz and from a typical Broken Hill ore has been determined. It was found that the selectivity was limited by the relative flotabilities of coarse galena and sphalerite of intermediate sizes. The use of split conditioning in the preparation for flotation resulted in significant improvements in lead-zinc selectivity for both samples. By contrast the use of conventional zinc depressants in the flotation of the ore resulted in only slight changes in the behaviour of the minerals and had no discernible effect on the selectivity.     

Observation of the oxidation of galena using Raman spectroscopy

Oxidation of galena (PbS) to oxysulfates, (PbO·PbSO₄, 3PbO·PbSO₄ and 4PbO·PbSO₄)_, has been observed using Raman spectroscopy. Peaks associated with the oxidation products have been assigned. The reaction appears to be a high temperature oxidation induced by the high laser (25 mW at 514.5 nm) power density at freshly cleaved galena surfaces. Damage to the galena surface was observed visually under the microscope. Moderate laser powers (5 mW at 514.5 nm) did not result in any damage. No Raman bands were observed or expected for freshly cleaved galena because it has the rock salt structure. Laser-induced production of these oxysulfates is dramatically different from high temperature methods previously employed. This procedure will permit easy identification of galena in complex mineral ore samples. Spontaneous air oxidation of freshly cleaved galena to oxides or polysulfides was not detected.     

An Apollonian appreciation of Google Earth

This short article reviews and critically appraises Kingsbury and Jones’ (2009)Geoforum article entitled “Walter Benjamin’s Dionysian Adventures on Google Earth”, and finds it lacking in several regards. First, the use of Nietzsche’s Dionysus/Apollo dichotomy is in fact a double binary, in which Apollonian logic is constructed as a binary within the dichotomy, while the Dionysian logic is ‘bacchanalian’. Second, Walter Benjamin as exemplar of Dionysian logic is shown to be problematic and more a distraction from the flawed Nietzschean logic than a useful construct in itself. Lastly, the educational potential of Google Earth is overlooked by Kingsbury and Jones, in their haste to see Google Earth through ‘Google goggles’, in which everything Google appears through Dionysian-tinted lenses.     

A study of a plug-flow model for flotation froth behaviour

The importance of the cleaning action of the froth has been recognised. In order to observe the effect of various mechanisms on the gradients of mineral concentration in the froth, experiments were performed in a flotation cell using a deep froth phase where transverse motion of the froth was reduced to a minimum. The variables chosen for study include gas rate, baffling of the froth and product removal rate. The mineral studied comprised a mixed Cu, Zn and Fe sulphide with a siliceous gangue. A model based on counter-current plug-flow assumptions is advanced to describe some of the effects observed. A number of these effects are simulated using this model, leading to a better understanding of some of the processes occurring in the froth.     

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.     

Interaction of finely ground galena and potassium amylxanthate in relation to flotation, 3. Influence of acid and neutral grinding

Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), Hallimond tube flotation and microelectrophoresis have been utilized to investigate the reactions in the adsorption-abstraction of K-amylxanthate on finely ground galena. The mineral was ground in a laboratory stainless steel rod mill under controlled conditions (pH 4.0 and 7.0) using HCl as a pH regulator. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) studies have been carried out in order to characterize the surface oxidation products after grinding (weak amounts of S_n and PbS₂O₃). The two-stage adsorption process discovered in previous studies was confirmed. For low concentrations or submonolayer capacity, the layer is formed with 1:1 monocoordinated lead xanthate and dixanthogen. For higher values of surface coverage, it is composed of lead xanthate (stoichiometric at pH 7 and non-stoichiometric at pH 4), amyldixanthogen and amylcarbonate disulphide. In the second stage mainly dixanthogen is formed. This stage corresponds to complete flotation and to a sharp decrease in zeta potentials.     

Calculation of kinetic rate constants from steady-state soil profile concentration measurements

We derive a simple approximation for the steady-state distribution of solute subject to an arbitrary, irreversible transformation in a soil profile under the condition of steady fluid flow. The approximation accounts for the effect of dispersion in both the surface boundary condition and the transport equation. The accuracy of the approximation is determined explicitly for the cases of zero- and first-order kinetics, where exact solutions are available. Data from a numerical scheme are used to check the approximation's accuracy for the widely used Michaelis–Menten kinetic rate. It is shown that existing approximations in which the effect of dispersion in the transport equation is ignored can affect significantly the value determined for the Michaelis–Menten saturation constant. Parameters found when the new method is applied to experimental data are found to agree closely with those estimated directly from a least-squares fitting.     

A compartment model for the mass transfer inside a conventional flotation cell

A model is developed by taking into account the simultaneous mechanisms of true flotation and entrainment in a conventional flotation cell. The total volume of the cell is divided into three compartments: pulp collection zone, pulp quiescent zone and froth region, with the mechanisms being modeled as occurring at the same time but originating at different places: true flotation from the collection zone and entrainment from the quiescent one. A particle is referred to as suspended in water or attached to an air bubble, depending upon its original state before crossing the pulp–froth interface (whether or not it remains in that state all the way to the concentrate launder). The model is obtained by solving a set of equations describing the mass conservation of solids and water between adjacent compartments. The principal mass transfer factors are identified as: the flotation rate constant, the mean residence time in the collection zone, the froth recovery of attached particles, the degree of entrainment through the froth and the water recovery from the feed to the concentrate. The development presented here allows the intricate nature of the mass transfer in a flotation cell to be reduced to one single equation, overcoming the need of numerical methods for simulation purposes. Moreover, it is shown that reliable prediction of grade and recovery can be obtained without detailed information on the pulp hydrodynamics or on any froth sub-process either than drainage, bubble bursting and bubble coalescence.     

An electrochemical investigation of pyrite flotation and depression

The oxidation of ethyl xanthate on pyrite electrodes, and the influence of the flotation depressants hydroxide, cyanide, and sulphide, have been investigated using cyclic voltammetry. A layer of a hydrated iron oxide has been identified on pyrite surfaces. Xanthate does not interact with this layer but is oxidized to dixanthogen at positive potentials. An increase in pH results in an increase in the background current due to oxidation of the mineral, and at pH=11 this reaction becomes faster than xanthate oxidation. Cyanide interacts with the electrode to form a surface species which inhibits xanthate oxidation. Sulphide gives rise to an anodic wave preceding the wave due to xanthate oxidation. The flotation and depression of pyrite are interpreted in terms of mixed-potential mechanisms.     

Dynamic model of flotation cell banks — circuit analysis

While all mineral industry flotation circuits are stable, they are sensitive to low-frequency perturbations in the feedrate. In both countercurrent and cocurrent circuits, the lead cell is more sensitive to feed variations. The frequency response predicts the amount of extra cell capacity needed to handle the maximum feed due to a sinusoidal forcing function. Feedback loops are more significant than sump delays. The countercurrent $\text{4 × 4}$ circuit floating quartz, with a 200-sec retention time, requires 75 minutes for the concentration of quartz in the input to the first cell to reach 95% of its steady-state value. Countercurrent circuits were found superior to cocurrent circuits in all respects.     

The collectorless flotation of chalcopyrite ores using sodium sulfide

The collectorless flotation process has been tested on six different chalcopyrite ores while monitoring the potentials ($\text{E}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>h</mtext>}}$) of the pulp. The results show that collectorless flotation is effective only under oxidizing conditions. In addition, the flotation requires that the chalcopyrite surface be relatively free of hydrophilic oxidation products, which can be accomplished by treating the ore pulp with sodium sulfide (Na₂S). On the basis of these findings, methods of improving the collectorless flotation process are discussed.     

A recycle flow flotation machine model: Response of model to parameter changes

The fraction of solid tracer retained in a laboratory flotation machine is measured as a function of time, simulating semi-batch testing. Observed departures from ideal mixing in which the ratio mean retention time/mean residence time exceeds unity can be accounted for by a recycle model of pulp circulation around the impeller region.Solutions of the system differential equations are recast into forms allowing calculation of the system parameters from the retention time ratio and an initial value, both obtained from tracer experiment data. The effect of changing the parameter values on the model response is discussed. Some special cases, applications, and alternative models are mentioned, and an example is provided.The effects of experimental error on estimated parameter values, and relationships between tracer concentration in the exit stream and the fraction retained formulations, are discussed in appendices.     

Variations in sulphate aerosols concentration during winter monsoon season for two consecutive years using a general circulation model

During the field cruises of the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) extensive measurements on the atmospheric chemical and aerosol composition are undertaken to study the long-range transport of air pollution from south and southeast Asia towards the Indian Ocean during the dry monsoon season in 1998 and 1999. The present paper discusses the temporal and spatial variations in aerosols and aerosol forcing during the winter monsoon season (January-March) for INDOEX first field phase (FFP) in 1998 and INDOEX intensive field phase (IFP) in 1999. An interactive chemistry/aerosol model (LMDZ.3.3) is used to investigate the variation in the spatial distribution of tropospheric sulphate aerosols during 1998 and 1999. The model results depict major enhancement in the sulphate aerosol concentrations, radiative forcing (RF) and optical depth over the Indian subcontinent and adjoining marine areas between INDOEX-FFP and IFP. A significant increase in transport of sulphate aerosols from the continents to the Indian Ocean region has also been simulated during the winter monsoon in 1999. The mean RF over INDOEX-FFP in 1998 is found to be ?1.2 Wm^–2 while it increased to ?1.85 Wm^–2 during INDOEX-IFP in 1999. Model results reveal a mean sulphate aerosol optical depth (AOD) of 0.08 and 0.14 over Indian subcontinent during 1998 and 1999, respectively. The model results suggest that elevated AOD downwind of source regions in India can significantly affect the regional air quality and adjoining marine environments.     

Electrochemical studies of sulphides,I. The electrocatalytic activity of galena,pyrite and cobalt sulphide for oxygen reduction in relation to xanthate adsorption and flotation

The electrocatalytic activity of galena, pyrite and Co₃S₄ for oxygen reduction has been studied by potentiostatic methods. Open circuit potentials of the sulphide electrodes have also been measured as a function of pH in nitrogen, air and oxygen atmospheres and also in the presence of H₂O₂ and ethyl xanthate. The adsorption of xanthate on sulphides was followed by observing bubble attachment to the electrodes.The catalytic activity for oxygen (or H₂O₂) reduction (the cathodic currents), the electrode potentials and the xanthate adsorption as shown by bubble attachment within certain pH limits, all varied as $\text{Co}{}_3\text{S}{}_4\text{> pyrite (≈ PbS in H}{}_2\text{O}{}_2\text{) ? PbS}$ indicating considerable dependence of the redox processes in flotation on the d - electron character of the sulphides.In the absence of oxygen, xanthate is probably bonded to the water structure of the surface through hydrogen-bonding, thus keeping the surface hydrophilic. Such adsorption reduces the electrode potential and inhibits oxygen reduction.     

An empirical ensemble rainfall nowcasting model using multi-scaled analogues

Natural Hazards - Short-term rainfall prediction with high spatial and temporal resolution is of great importance to rainfall-triggered natural hazards such as landslide, flood, and debris flow. An...     

Collectorless flotation of chalcopyrite and sphalerite ores by using sodium sulfide

The flotation of chalcopyrite and sphalerite from copper and copper-zinc ores has been achieved without using thiol-type collectors. Typically, a sulfide ore sample is first treated with sodium sulfide either during grinding or during the preflotation conditioning period, and then the chalcopyrite is floated with frother alone. With a copper-zinc ore, sphalerite is subsequently floated from the chalcopyrite tailings by activating it with copper sulphate. Results of the collectorless flotation tests are comparable to those obtained by using thiol collectors. The mechanisms of selective collectorless flotation are discussed on the basis of differences in the solubilities of sulfide minerals.     

致密储层渗透率测试的稳态与非稳态法对比研究

渗透率是油气藏储层评价、产能计算及制定合理的开发方案所需关键参数之一。针对常规稳态法测试致密储层岩石渗透率效率低下、试验过程易受环境温度影响等缺点,使用脉冲衰减渗透率测试仪对39块致密岩石稳态法克氏渗透率与非稳态脉冲衰减渗透率进行系统的对比研究,分析岩样渗透率、试验操作方法及有效应力组合方式等因素对测试结果的影响。研究结果表明,相同净围压条件下致密岩石脉冲渗透率小于克氏渗透率,脉冲渗透率平均约为克氏渗透率的47.26%,岩样渗透率越小,则两种渗透率之间的差别越大。误差分析表明,脉冲渗透率试验初期岩样短时间承受的9 MPa高围压和其高围压、高孔隙压力组合的有效应力施加方式对脉冲渗透率测试结果具有一定程度的影响,但仍无法完全解释两种渗透率的总体误差。数学拟合表明,取自同一区块的露头砂岩岩样脉冲与克氏渗透率相对误差与脉冲渗透率具有较好地对数函数关系,由数学推导获得该露头砂岩储层岩石脉冲渗透率与克氏渗透率的转换关系。     

Potential use of model predictive control for optimizing the column flotation process

A constrained model predictive control (MPC) strategy is proposed to deal with the problem of optimizing flotation column operation using secondary variables. Froth depth, collection zone gas hold-up and bias rate are selected as secondary variables to be controlled whereas tailing, wash-water and gas flow rate are used as manipulated variables. The control problem was formulated in order to minimize the tracking error of the gas hold-up and bias rate by maintaining gas flow rate, wash-water flow rate and bias rate within their operational limits. In particular, a strategy was conceived to optimize the column flotation process based on establishing an unreachable high set point for the gas hold-up (which is equivalent to maximizing the bubble surface area available for particle collection at a given flotation reagent dosage and thus recovery), while simultaneously satisfying operational constraints (such as ensuring a positive bias rate to prevent gangue entrainment and therefore concentrate grade deterioration). Several other operational constraints on wash-water, gas rate, gas hold-up and bias rate were considered, their use being justified from a processing point of view. Since this study deals with the hydrodynamic characteristics of flotation columns, a pilot flotation column working with a two-phase system is sufficient to demonstrate the advantages of using predictive control for this process optimization.     

An analysis of the dynamic characteristics of flotation circuits by time-series analysis

Time-series analysis techniques are used to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the flotation circuits on the Renison tin concentrator in Tasmania. Routine plant-operating data provide information on the variability of feed streams, the disturbances resulting from normal manual operation, the suitability of certain locations for sitting instruments, and some simple time delays in the circuit. It is also shown how plant upsets and abnormal conditions caused by large perturbations to the operation can prove useful in such studies. Finally, a dynamic experiment is described which shows that disturbances higher in frequency than those in the feed are induced in the roughing and scavenging operations, but that these are filtered out again in the cleaner circuit. The uses and limitations of these techniques are discussed.