Effects of Sec-Octanol and Terpineol on Froth Properties and Flotation Selectivity Index for Microcrystalline Graphite

Microcrystalline graphite is a valuable non-metallic mineral that can be separated by flotation, a physico-chemical processing method that uses air bubbles to capture mineral particles. The size and stability of the bubbles, which depend on the type and amount of frother added, affect the flotation...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMinerals (Basel) Vol. 13; no. 9; p. 1231
Main Authors Wang, Xuexia, Zhang, Juan, Bilal, Muhammad, Bu, Xiangning, Wang, Yemin
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.09.2023
Subjects
Air bubbles
Bubbles
Chemical properties
Energy industry
Flotation
froth properties
frother
Graphite
Height
Methods
microcrystalline graphite
Mineral processing
Minerals
Octanol
Physiological aspects
Radiation
Reagents
Recovery
selectivity index
Terpenes
Terpineol
Water
China
United States > US
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Summary:Microcrystalline graphite is a valuable non-metallic mineral that can be separated by flotation, a physico-chemical processing method that uses air bubbles to capture mineral particles. The size and stability of the bubbles, which depend on the type and amount of frother added, affect the flotation performance and the recovery of water from the froth layer. However, the effects of different types of frother on the froth properties and water recovery of microcrystalline graphite flotation are not well understood. In this study, two common frothers, sec-octanol and terpineol, were compared in terms of their effects on the bubble size, froth layer height, water recovery, and flotation selectivity index (SI) of microcrystalline graphite flotation. It was found that sec-octanol produced smaller bubbles than terpineol, but also a slightly lower froth layer height. The water recovery was higher with sec-octanol than with terpineol. The SI values were similar for both frothers, indicating comparable flotation performance. This study revealed the differences between sec-octanol and terpineol in terms of their effects on the froth properties and water recovery of microcrystalline graphite flotation. These findings can help optimize the choice and dosage of frother for this important mineral processing method.
ISSN:2075-163X
2075-163X
DOI:10.3390/min13091231