There are many flotation processes in mineral processing. What are some of the more commonly used processes? Below, Xinshengrun flotation machine experts will introduce them one by one.

1. Wettability and Floatability

Wetting Phenomenon: Wetting is a common phenomenon in nature. It occurs due to an interfacial interaction caused by the repulsion of a liquid surface onto a solid surface. Surfaces that are easily wetted are called hydrophilic surfaces, and their corresponding minerals are called hydrophilic minerals. Conversely, surfaces that are not easily wetted are called hydrophobic surfaces, and their corresponding minerals are called hydrophobic minerals.

In actual froth flotation processes, the floatability of mineral surfaces can be controlled by adding chemical reagents to achieve precise mineral enrichment. As shown in the figure, increasing the xanthate concentration increases the contact angle of the mineral surface, making the mineral surface hydrophobic, thereby improving the recovery rate.

2. Mineral Surface Charging Mechanism

The floatability of minerals is closely related to their electrochemical properties. Therefore, studying the changes in mineral surface potential, kinetic potential, electrode potential, and the properties of the double layer can help control the flotation process and achieve better beneficiation results.

3. Electrical Properties and Floatability

PZC and IEP indices are important characteristic parameters for determining the electrical properties of mineral surfaces. Their main role in flotation is to assess the adsorption and flotation of minerals when using anionic or cationic collectors that primarily rely on electrostatic adsorption. Specifically:

When pH PZC is high, the mineral surface is negatively charged, allowing cationic collectors to adsorb and float.

When pH PZC is low, the mineral surface is positively charged, allowing anionic collectors to adsorb in the electric double layer via electrostatic forces, leading to flotation.

4. Adsorption Capacity and Floatability of Reagents

Collectants are commonly used in mineral processing. Their structure, including chain length, group types, branched structure, and side chain groups, directly affects the mineral-reagent interaction, further influencing the flotation recovery rate.

5. Bubble Size and Flotation Kinetics

Since the mineral particles in flotation vary in size, flotation needs to be performed according to bubbles of different sizes. If the particle size and size are properly matched, the flotation effect will be improved, and vice versa.