Froth Characteristics Research Articles

Froth characteristics and grade-recovery relationships in the flotation of lead-zinc and copper ores

Froth forms an important phase in flotation, upon which are dependent the final yield parameters. Flotation froths are three-phase froths and the solid particles exercise an influence in stabilizing or destabilizing the froths depending on their nature i.e. the degree of hydrophobicity, size and concentration of fines. This paper deals with froth characteristics in flotation tests carried out on lead-zinc and copper ores with four different frothers. The results are analysed by grade-recovery relationships.

Frothing Characteristics of Sodium Oleate Solutions

New index (F) was proposed in order to express the frothing characteristics of surfaceactive agents.F=Vf/V2Where, Vf is the froth volume discharged per unit time (cm3/min), and V2 is the flow rate of the gas sended to form froth (cm3/min).Using this index F, the frothing characteristics of sodium oleate (Na-ol.) solutions were determined. Then the effect of MIBC (4-methyl 2-pentanol) and of the height of froth layer on the frothing characteristics of Na-ol. solutions were investigated.The results were as follows.1) The frothing characteristics of Na-ol. solutions (F) decreased rapidly under the concentration of 0.2 g/l of Na-ol.2) When small quantities of MIBC were added to 0. 2 g/l Na-ol. solution, the value of F increased, although it decreased rapidly over the concentration of 10 ml/l of MIBC.3) The heigher the froth layer, the smaller the value of F.4) Addition of small quantities (under 5 ml/l) of MIBC to 0.5g/l Na-ol. solution, didn't decrease its frothing characteristics though the froth layer became heigher.