Pyrite flotability can be enhanced after nitrogen conditioning
According to Martin et.al., pyrite floatability can be enhanced after nitrogen conditioning [24], this was used in bench scale with a Copper-Lead-Zinc-Pyrite ore from New Brunswick. As was mentioned, pyrite draws electrons from other contacting sulphide minerals. The resultant lowering of the combination potential reduces the flotation of pyrite. The presence of oxygen appears to be essential in this galvanic coupling, the oxygen acting as an electron acceptor probably reacting with the transferred electrons to form OH-. The use of nitrogen could interrupt this galvanic coupling. Figure 8 shows the results obtained during the tests.
The positive results obtained in the previous work were confirmed with a pilot test carried out with fresh pulp with a Copper-Lead-Zinc-Pyrite ore from Kidd Creek Mines [25]. In this case a flotation column of diameter 50 mm and height 10.5 m was erected on site. It was fed continuously at 0.7-1.5 l/min from the lead circuit tails, which contained 15% solids. Xanthate was added after 5 min conditioning with the required gas and immediately prior to feeding the column. The results obtained are summarized in the next table.
The removal of oxygen by nitrogen has three consequences which combine to make possible pyrite flotation: a) the galvanic effects are weakened; b) the formation of OH ions is minimized; and c) the adsorption of xanthate is possible after removing OH ions.
Drilling and Blasting Rock for Crushing in Quarries Mining Glossary N Reserve Calculations using the Zone Method Vanadite and Amblygonite Composition, Crystallization & Structure Example Copper Flotation Flowsheets Sulphates - Anhydrous Sulphates, Glauberite and the Barite Group Cubical shaped sand Froth Flotation Metal Exchange and Markets Scheelite Composition, Crystallization and Structure Sample nets Epithermal Veins Advantages and Disadvantages of Jaw OVER Gyratory Crushers Capacity of the Single-Roll Crusher Color Reactions with the Fluxes
