Analysis of flotation of scheelite ore using a three-dimensional diagram

Abstract

1. Three-dimensional flotation diagrams can serve as a graphic model showing in which direction the flotation process will go (in the sense of changes in γ and β) when the total consumption of depressor and collector, the ratio of their consumption, and the pulp temperature are varied. 2. The method considered for analysis of the flotability of scheelite ore by constructing three-dimensional diagrams enables us to determine, for an industrial procees, the true optimum consumption of the reagents (waterglass and oleic acid) in rougher and control flotation. In this case the reagent consumption must be determined by means of the most developed γ, β, and e diagrams obtained in the most favorable temperature conditions, for a point corresponding to maximum extraction of WO3 with minimum WO3 content in the rough concentrate. 3. The shapes of the three-dimensional γ and β diagrams for flotation beneficiation of scheelite ore with fatty-acid collector may be identical in the cases of fatty-acid flotation of other types of mineral (apatites, fluorites, etc.). The use of three-dimensional flotation diagrams to study soap flotation of various types of ores could lead to wider extension and further improvements in their flotation beneficiation.