Why is Ore Particle Size Crucial in Flotation and How Do Flotation Chemicals Help?

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In mineral processing flotation, ore particle size, also known as grinding fineness, is a crucial factor influencing the final flotation index. Practice indicates that the suitable particle size generally means over 80% of the useful minerals are dissociated by monomers. Whether the ore particles are too coarse or too fine, even if they reach the monomer dissociation state, the flotation effect remains less than ideal.

 

When it comes to coarse – particle flotation, for some unevenly distributed ores, the grinding cost is high and over-grinding is easy. Coarse particles are heavy, making it hard to suspend in the flotation machine. Their collision chance with bubbles reduces, and they easily fall off bubbles. To address this, we can improve the pharmaceutical system. Mining flotation chemicals like collectors with strong collecting power should be selected. By reasonably increasing the collector concentration, we can enhance the adhesion between minerals and bubbles. Adding non – polar oils, such as diesel and kerosene, which are also part of flotation chemicals, can “consolidate” the three – phase contact and strengthen the fixation of minerals and bubbles.

铜矿浮选 - Why is Ore Particle Size Crucial in Flotation and How Do Flotation Chemicals Help?

For fine – particle flotation, the challenges include high surface energy leading to non – selective condensation, low collision probability with bubbles, increased surface dissolution, and high reagent consumption. Selecting appropriate flotation chemicals is key. For example, we can choose flotation reagents that have chemical adsorption or chelation effects on fine – grained minerals. Mining flotation chemicals like specific flocculants can be used for selective flocculation flotation. Carrier flotation can also be adopted, where suitable – sized ore particles act as carriers. Agglomeration flotation with the help of proper flotation chemicals is another option. Micro – bubble flotation, by reducing bubble size, can increase the collision probability between fine particles and bubbles.

Currently, the suitable particle size range for flotation is usually 0.01 – 0.1mm. The upper limit for sulfide minerals is around 0.2 – 0.25mm, and for oxidized minerals, it’s 0.25 – 0.3mm. For some non – metallic ores with low density, it can be increased to 0.5 – 1mm. In production, the appropriate particle size must be determined through beneficiation tests to minimize the continuum between useful minerals and gangue minerals and avoid arbitrary application.

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