The Flotation Process

Flotation, or more specifically “froth” flotation, is a physico-chemical method of concentrating ground ores. The process involves chemical treatment of an ore pulp to create conditions favorable for the attachment of pre-determined mineral particles to air bubbles. The air bubbles carry the selected minerals to the surface of the pulp, there forming a stabilized froth which is skimmed off and from which the pre-determined mineral particles are recovered. Other minerals remain submerged in the pulp.

History of Flotation Development

The earliest patent relating to the mineral flotation process is that of Haynes in 1860. his recognition of the differences in wettability of various minerals by water and oil formed the basis for a number of “oil” flotation processes. During the next fifty years, there principal stages of flotation development occurred:

Bulk oil flotation used the fact minerals of metallic luster are preferentially wetted by oil the presence of water – consequently passing into the interface between the oil and water – while the water – wetted gangue (worthless rock) drops out. This process requires large amounts of oil – usually one part for each part of are.

Skin flotation used the fact that when finely ground dry ore was gently brought into contact with still water, the metallic particles tended to float more than did the gangue. This process was developed between 1890-1915. However, both skin and bulk oil flotation were made obsolete by the froth flotation process.

Prospecting & Mining Basics Scope of Flotation Application: What is it used for? How Flotation Works: The Mechanics Selective Differential Flotation Explained Flotation agents: Collectors, frothers, or modifiers Flotation Collector Action Behavior Solubility Theory and minerals floatability - sulfide minerals Types of Flotation Collectors What is Xanthates Types of Xanthates What is the Collecting power of Xanthate The Flotation Selectivity of Xanthate Frothing Properties & Applications Xanthate Safety Handling and Precautions Specialty Collectors How a Frother Works: Frother Action Types of Frother How much Frother is Required: Dosage Froth Modifiers pH Modifiers Resurfacing Agents Cationic Agents Modify Slurry Ions with an Anionic Agents Organic Colloids Flotation Precipitants Modifiers in Summary Using Flotation on Copper Sulfide Ores

Seismic prospecting Methods Copper Flotation Circuit Services Required in a Mining Operation Rhodochrosite Composition, Crystallization & Structure Correct Feed Size for a Crusher GALVANIC INTERACTIONS What is a Hammermill used for? Applications Selective Differential Flotation Explained MINING EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA Milling, Smelting and the Environment GOLD MINERALOGY AND FLOTATION Crusher Operating Cost Size of Feed to Crusher Shrinkage Stoping Mining Method High-Capacity Blake Crusher