Dr Peipei Wang

In the flotation process, bubble is a key factor in studying bubble-particle interaction and fine particle flotation. Knowledge on size distribution of bubbles in a flotation system is highly important. In this study, bubble distributions in different reagent concentrations, electrolyte concentrations, cathode apertures, and current densities in electroflotation are determined using a high-speed camera. Average bubble sizes under different conditions are calculated using Image-Pro® Plus (Media Cybernetics®, MD, USA) and SigmaScan® Pro (Systat Software, CA, USA) software. Results indicate that the average sizes of bubbles, which were generated through 38, 50, 74, 150, 250, 420, and 1000 µm cathode apertures, are 20.2, 29.5, 44.6, 59.2, 68.7, 78.5, and 88.8 µm, respectively. The optimal current density in electroflotation is 20 A/m2. Reagent and electrolyte concentrations, current density, and cathode aperture are important factors in controlling bubble size and nucleation. These factors also contribute to the control of fine-particle flotation. © 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.

The interaction mechanism between dextrin and minerals has been investigated through micro-flotation, adsorption density measurements, Fourier transform infrared ray (FTIR) spectroscopic studies and dissolution tests. Dextrin shows a good depressing action towards galena but not chalcopyrite. FTIR spectroscopic studies indicate that dextrin chemically adsorbed on galena surface in alkaline pH range. Dissolution tests confirm leaching action of metal ions from chalcopyrite and galena surfaces, and dextrin-lead ion interaction. Adsorption measurements present that the higher adsorption density of O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate (IPETC) onto chalcopyrite than that onto galena, and IPETC adsorbed on galena decrease with increasing dextrin concentrations in the presence of dextrin, attesting the flotation results. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining & Technology.

The effect of sodium pyrophosphate (SPH) on the separation of chalcopyrite from galena was examined through flotation, adsorption, electrokinetic studies and infrared spectral analysis. Differential flotation tests indicate that satisfactory separation can be achieved within the pH range from 2.5 to 6 using SPH to depress the galena, but not the chalcopyrite when O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate (IPETC) is used as the collector. The electrophoretic mobilities of both the minerals dramatically become negatively charged following SPH adsorption in the pH range from 2.5 to 12. The infrared spectral analysis suggests that chemical adsorption occurs on galena surface treated by SPH, indicating that a chelate complex has formed. At weakly acidic pH values, the adsorption density of IPETC onto galena is significantly reduced in the presence of SPH. However, the amount of IPETC adsorbed onto chalcopyrite almost remains at the same level. Since the observed adsorption density of IEPTC onto chalcopyrite is quite high compared to galena, the observed flotation results are explained. A possible mechanism for the interaction between the two sulphide minerals and SPH is discussed. © 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining & Technology.