Evaluation of frothers based on properties of the solids/liquid/gas system

Abstract

A methodology of selection of frothers for flotation process is presented in the paper. It is based on performing a series of fractionating flotation tests of a considered material at different doses of a selected frother and calculation of the mass balance of the process. Next, three steps are performed. The first one is determination of the frother dose and kinetic constant or specific rate, using the flotation limits plot relating maximum recovery and process rate, both at a selected maximum recovery of the considered material component. The second step is finding selectivity of separation by using the upgrading Fuerstenau plot, while the third element is frothers comparison plot in the form of selectivity versus process kinetics, at a selected maximum recovery, and also versus frother dose, for choosing the most suitable frother.