feasibility study of fine quartz and hematite seperation by carrier flotation

This study was carried out to obtain the optimal mechanism and conditions for the separation of fine particles (-38 µ) of quartz (float) from hematite (depression) by direct carrier flotation. In this study, first, the type and size of carrier particles were determined to adsorb pure quartz particles on the surfaces of these particles. Then, the effect of various factors such as the type and concentration of collector and pH on floating particulate matter on the carrier particles was investigated using several experiments. In order to select carrier particle, the effect of pyrite and calcite on the selective collection of quartz particles was tested. According to the results of experiments, calcite particles in the size of (+75 –106) micron were selected as suitable carriers for the adsorption and collection of fine quartz particles and then their floating. It was also found that the preparation of calcite particles with the collector, before adding them, had a positive effect on the adsorption of fine quartz particles. Experiments showed that the best conditions for calcite particles to float at pH = 11.5 with presence of dodecyl amine collector at a concentration of 1.5 kg / ton. After investigating the effect of process variables on the responses obtained, optimization of the operating the aim was to maximize grade and recover quartz in the flotation float concentrate. In the optimum condition, carrier size (+75 -106) micron and amount of 34% quartz was obtained. The optimum results showed that the quartz recovery in the concentrate was about 71% and its grade about 81% of a synthetic feed with a ratio of 40% hematite and 60% quartz.