Effects of an ultrasonic field on the flotation selectivity of barite from a barite-fluorite-quartz ore

Abstract

The influence of an ultrasonic field frequency of 22 kHz and intensity of 0.5 W/cm 2 has been examined on the flotation of barite, fluorite and quartz as well as on their ability to adsorb dodecyl- and cetylsulphates. The tests affected the flotation of pure minerals in a Hallimond tube as well as the flotation of a natural barite-fluorite ore. It has been found that ultrasonic pretreatment of minerals causes an increase in the flotation rate of barite and a decrease in the flotation rate of fluorite. Ultrasonic pretreatment of the natural barite-fluorite ore before its flotation is the most advantageous. In this case it is possible to obtain concentrates of barite composed of a low amount of CaF 2. This may be explained by the different effects of ultrasonic vibrations on barite and fluorite which cause some improvement of the selectivity of their flotation separation. For a full explanation of these results the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment of the minerals on their adsorption properties and surface topography have been investigated, as well as the direct influence of ultrasound on the adsorption process.