Tecnologia em Metalurgia, Materiais e Mineração (Jun 2015)
ITABIRITE IRON ORE CONCENTRATION BY PNEUMATIC FLOTATION CELL
Abstract
The main iron ore processing plants in Brazil operate through reverse cationic flotation. Many studies have been conducted in order to improve flotation efficiency by optimization process variables. The pneumatic flotation cell stands out due to the simplicity to and to the intense contact particle/bubble promoted by the pulp feeding system. In this study, laboratory scale and pilot were conducted using a sample of itabirite iron ore. The objectives are evaluating the performance of this device using low grade iron ore, and drawing a comparison with laboratory scale tests on conventional flotation cell. The results indicate the potential application of pneumatic flotation cell to the ore tested. Adjustments in the feed particle size and process optimizations can be performed on the concentrate, reaching Fe and SiO2 grades used by the industry
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