Physico-chemical models of galena flotation system

Abstract

Main idea to prevent the ground contamination by heavy metals is to extract them maximally with minimum consumption of chemical reagents. So, a perfect studying of pulp ionic structure, an adjustment of the sulphuric ores flotation parameters and modelling of minerals selectivity variables, by using the thermodynamic method of analysis, the behavior of lead xanthenes surface state in solution and experimental investigation results, allow obtaining quantitative physico-chemical models of minimum necessary xanthenes concentration of lead sulphide complete flotation.

The optimal pH values, ensuring a complete flotation of galena agree with the potential of zero or minimum charge of its surface, and the optimal composition of the collector sorption layer consisting both of chemisorbed xanthenes and physically adsorbed dixanthenes.

In additional, it was obtained quantitative models for the necessary xanthenes concentration of lead sulphide complete flotation in the case of different oxidation products from the galena surface in pH values from 7,0 up to 12,0.

The models derived can be used as the criteria for functional units of automation systems to control and regulate the flotation process in mineral processing plants. All these should conduct to increasing of metals extraction degree with minimum chemical reagents consumption and providing good environmental protection.

Citation

Chettibi, M., Abramov, A. and Boutrid, A. (2014), "Physico-chemical models of galena flotation system", World Journal of Engineering, Vol. 11 No. 5, pp. 447-456. https://doi.org/10.1260/1708-5284.11.5.447