Flotation separation of scheelite from calcite using mixed collectors

Abstract

Flotation separation of scheelite from calcite is difficult due to the similarities in their surface properties. In this work, the flotation behavior of scheelite and calcite using oxidized paraffin soap (OPS), benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) and the mixed OPS/BHA collectors was investigated through micro-flotation experiments. The flotation results of single mineral experiments demonstrated a higher selectivity for the flotation of scheelite from calcite at pH9 than individual OPS and BHA when using water glass as depressant. In order to probe the validity of the findings, mixed binary minerals experiments, contact angle and zeta potential experiments were also carried out successfully.