Abstract
Redox potential (Eh) of the pulp dominates Zn-S selective flotation, and regulating Eh can maximize Zn grade and recovery of Zn rougher concentrates. However, reasons accounting for the beneficial results of Eh regulation in flotation have not been previously elucidated. This study investigated the inherent causes of macro flotation results by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The ICP-OES data showed that the levels of calcium and sulfur in the pulp increased considerably after lime regulation. The Raman spectra confirmed that calcium polysulfide (CaSn, n = 2–8) was generated and maintained long-term stability in the pulp regulated by lime without Eh regulation. However, under Eh regulation, CaSn only kept momentary existence in the pulp. Polysulfide reacted quickly with the added copper sulfate and formed brown precipitates, whose main component identified by XRD was CuS, leading to the ineffectiveness of copper-activation for Zn flotation. These findings provide a new insight into the role of Eh in sulfide mineral flotation and partially explain the main reasons to hinder the high-efficiency selective separation of sphalerite from pyrrhotite-containing sulfide ores.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
