Metallurgical Chemical Reagents explained

Floatation is a process by which the concentration of ores takes place and has been used for a number of years. Even though they are a common occurrence in the world of science, their workings are still somewhat a mystery. Not only that, even after conducting various studies, their exact mechanism is still under a shroud of doubt.

Investigations have complained about taking into account how the ores were formed and the number of combinations that are present naturally. Also, when people have studied samples from different parts of the world, they discovered that no two samples were the same.

When setting up a flotation plant, one will have to consult a metallurgist to see which reagents that they should use. Also, they will have to consult on the principles of their flotation plant and how to keep it functioning at optimum levels.

Types of Reagents

They can be categorized into 5 types mainly – Frothers, Depressants, Activators, Regulators and Sulphidizers. This is a rough classification as some of the reagents can easily fall into two categories depending on what they do.

Frothers

As the name suggests, the main role of a frother is to generate or make froth. It, later on, acts as the buoyant medium which separates the floatable and the non-floatable minerals. Frothers lower the surface tension of the particular liquid they are in and let the air rise to the top. The filth is collected in the bubble as it rises up and comes out to the top as a pulp.

The froth’s character can be controlled by the type of frother you are using. Alcohol frothers will lead to brittle froths that break down easily. Coal tar creosotes create froth that has tougher bubbles which might be necessary in some cases.

Depressants

In most cases, a depressant is added to prevent the floatation of certain minerals. They are also called inhibitors, and chemicals like sodium, lime, cyanide and sulphite are great at it. Their organic variants like starch and glue also work well, but you need a rather large amount to make them work.

Lime is the cheapest variant available in the market these days and works great with iron sulphides. Zinc sulphate is a great pairing for zinc sulphide.

Activators

They function to render all the minerals that usually do not respond to promoters. They also make the minerals float that might have been temporarily depressed due to the action of other agents.

Metallic salts generally react with the surface of the mineral to form a new surface. This new surface is better for the promoter to work with. The same mechanism applies to non-metallic minerals too. Flotation chemicals and flotation reagents have come a long way since earlier times. Chemical supplies are now steady, and you can get them easily.

Regulators

They modify the acidity or alkalinity of the circuits and are usually measured in terms of hydrogen ion concentration. They clean the mineral surface so that the other reagents can work easily on them. They depress certain minerals, which is sometimes necessary. They also extract the soluble salts that might be present in a solution.

Sulphidizers

These are chemicals added so that there is a film of sulphide present on the oxidized mineral later on. This makes the surface much more responsive to the promoters. The quantity needed to be put in varies and one must consult a metallurgist to be sure.

Xanthates- SIBX, PAX, SEX, SMPX are part of the reagents that have both the power of a collector and selector, which makes the earlier classification even more difficult. PGM Flotation and Copper floatation can also add to people’s woe.

If you aren’t sure about which reagent to use, we at Metsop will be more than happy to help you. We are a Metallurgical testing lab with years of industry experience and are more than willing to help you find the perfect reagent.