The effects of ultrasound modified kerosene on the flotation of flake graphite

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the mineral processing engineering, ultrasound is usually used to modify reagents to improve the flotation. The study analyses the effects of the modified kerosene on the flotation of flake graphite. The outcomes demonstrate that the modified kerosene can substantially improve flake graphite’s floatation efficiency. In comparison to unmodified kerosene, the dosage of modified kerosene can be reduced while the recovery of graphite remains the same. Furthermore, the effect of modified kerosene was evaluated using various detection techniques including particle size distribution measurement, contact angle tests, turbidity tests, and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) . The findings indicate that ultrasound modification significantly reduces the size of kerosene to 1–2 μm droplets and improves their dispersion in the aqueous solution. The enhanced dispersion and reduced droplets size of modified kerosene led to a better interaction between kerosene and the surface of flake graphite minerals. As a result, the consumption of kerosene was reduced, but the graphite flotation efficiency was improved.