Effect Of Grinding Media Research Articles

Effect of Grinding Media on Grinding-Flotation Behavior of Chalcopyrite and Pyrite

Grinding media have significant influence on the flotation of chalcopyrite and pyrite. This effect is mainly related to the change in the surface properties of chalcopyrite and pyrite. This paper investigates the influence of steel ball and nano-ceramic ball grinding on the floatability of chalcopyrite and pyrite. Flotation results, as well scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet spectrophotometer, and zeta potential measurement results indicate that nano-ceramic ball grinding is beneficial to the flotation of chalcopyrite. Flotation results also indicate that chalcopyrite has better floatability after nano-ceramic ball grinding compared with steel ball grinding. Results of adsorption experiments show that nano-ceramic media grinding contributes to the adsorption of chalcopyrite and isobutyl xanthate. XPS and SEM techniques demonstrated that steel ball grinding easily produces oxidation species at the surface of chalcopyrite, thereby reducing its floatability. Results from this study also confirmed that steel ball grinding is beneficial to the flotation of pyrite. Therefore, nano-ceramic media grinding produces better selective flotation in chalcopyrite than steel media grinding.

An Investigation into the Effects of Grinding Media on Grinding Products Characteristics and Flotation Performance of Pyrite

ABSTRACT During the grinding of pyrite, the grinding medium affects the properties of the grinding products, which in turn affects its flotation performance. In this study, we investigated the effects of cast iron ball (CIB) and ceramic ball (CB) grinding media on the grinding products characteristics and flotation performance of pyrite using atomic absorption spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, and single mineral flotation analysis. The results showed that the Fe3+ and SO4 2- concentrations and pH value of the pulp were significantly lower in the case of grinding with the CB medium than with the CIB medium, whereas the dissolved oxygen content of the pulp was significantly higher. The surfaces of the pyrite samples produced by the CB grinding medium were relatively even and smooth with a small amount of formation and coverage of FeOOH as compared to those of the pyrite samples produced by the CIB grinding medium, resulting in a superior hydrophobicity and floatability. Resultantly, the pyrite samples obtained using the CB grinding medium exhibited better performance in flotation recovery than those obtained using the CIB grinding medium. The presence of ferric ions was adverse to pyrite flotation because of the formation of ferric hydroxyl complex. CB shows great potential to be used as grinding medium for pyrite.

The Effect of Grinding Media and Environment on the Surface Properties and Flotation Behaviour of Sulfide Minerals

After the techniques for studying the alteration of surface and bulk properties of mineral particles caused by grinding have been presented, the influence of grinding media and environment on the surface properties, pulp chemistry and flotation behaviour of sulfide minerals is reviewed. It is shown that grinding media and environment affect the surface properties and floatability of sulfide minerals mainly through the following three aspects: electrochemical interaction, surface morphology and mechano-chemical reaction. When sulfides and grinding media are in contact with each other, galvanic cells are formed and redox reactions take place due to the differences in the open-circuit potentials of sulfide minerals and grinding media. The galvanic reactions are controlled by the mixed-potential principle. Materials with lower open-circuit potentials act as anodes and undergo surface oxidation. The floatability of sulfides and thereby the selectivity of separation can be either improved or deteriorated. Parti...

Effect of Grinding Media on Galena Flotation

Grinding with steel media adversely affects the flotation response of galena. Electrochemical measurements, flotation tests, and examinations were employed to identify interactions between galena and mild steel. Iron oxide, hydroxide, or sulfate species that formed on the galena surface upon contact with mild steel decreased its floatability, with the time of contact and aeration condition affecting the severity of the flotation depression. Parallel tests performed with an active metal, magnesium, indicated that floatability was also affected by the presence of a surface coating involving lead species.