Frother concentration measurement with a benchtop NMR spectrometer

Abstract

In the present study, the previously developed frother concentration analysis technique based on the solid phase extraction process and the cryogen-free benchtop NMR is extended. We demonstrate that this technique can accurately quantify the concentrations of the most widely used flotation frothers such as methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) type frother within 30 min even in presence of residual flotation collectors (e.g., diesel or ethyl xanthate) and inorganic electrolytes. It was also found that the present technique can determine the concentrations of individual frothers in frother blends in the simulated process water sample even in the presence of background chemicals. This technique has great potential for real-time measurement of frother concentration on-site as the whole process can be fully automated and does not require specialist staff to operate and maintain.