Determining the critical contact angle for coarse sphalerite flotation in a mechanically agitated cell
Date
2013
Authors
Awatey, B.
Skinner, W.
Zanin, M.
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Conference paper
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Chemeca 2013 : challenging tomorrow, 2013, pp.459-464
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Chemeca 2013 (29 Sep 2013 - 2 Oct 2013 : Brisbane, Australia)
Abstract
The flotation behaviour of sphalerite particles in the size ranges 250-425 μm, 425-850 μm and 850-1180 μm was studied to determine the critical contact angle for flotation and the maximum recovery in a mechanically agitated flotation cell (Denver cell). The contact angle of particles was manipulated by varying the concentration of sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIPX) collector, and, in some cases, by purging the pulp with air or adding chemical depressants. The force required to detach the bubbleparticle aggregates after the different conditioning stages was measured using an electro-acoustic apparatus previously developed at the Wark, University of South Australia, and correlated to the contact angle values. The results indicate that the critical contact angle required for sphalerite particles flotation to occur increases with increasing particle size, which is in agreement with the existing literature. Nevertheless, coarse particles up to 1180 μm were successfully floated, provided that sufficient collector was added to the system. Implications for the current plant practice are discussed.
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Copyright 2013 Engineers Australia