Review
Engineering, Chemical
V. Kromah, S. B. Powoe, R. Khosravi, A. Aimi Neisiani, S. Chehreh Chelgani
Summary: The effective separation of coarse particles has become an important focus in the ore processing industry. Traditional flotation methods face challenges in floating these particles, leading to the development of novel fluidized-bed flotation cells (FBFCs) which have shown higher potential in processing coarse particles. FBFCs offer longer retention time, reduced buoyancy constraints, increased particle-bubble attachment, and better bubble-liquid segregation capacity, resulting in excellent coarse particle recovery.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Massimiliano Zanin, Eddie Chan, William Skinner
Summary: This study presents a practical model for predicting the fluidised bed porosity and apparent density of the HydroFloatTM as the teeter water velocity is varied. The model can be used to calculate the optimum settings to achieve the desired fluidised-bed porosity for different ores. The model is validated with good predictive capabilities on two different copper ores.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. J. Cole, K. P. Galvin, J. E. Dickinson
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between concentrate grade, recovery, and feed throughput using the Reflux Flotation Cell, showing that preserving the gas to feed flux ratio and minimizing the gas flux are key strategies to maintain high product grade. Controlling the downward flux of wash water was also crucial in maintaining high recovery rates.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tariqul Islam, Anh Nguyen
Summary: Fluidization is effective in improving the separation of coarse particles. In this study, three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is used to investigate the complex behavior of irregular coarse particle fluidization in a fluidized bed flotation cell. A modified drag model considering the particle shape factor is employed to account for the irregularity of the particles. Comparison between simulated and experimental data shows that the irregular particle drag model has a relative error of 3.9%, which is significantly better than the spherical particle drag model. The CFD model further reveals the effects of particle density and fluidization liquid velocity on bed expansion height. The fluidization behaviors of the particles in different zones of the fluidized bed flotation cell are analyzed, providing valuable insights for the flotation of coarse particles in fluidized beds.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
J. B. Dankwah, R. K. Asamoah, M. Zanin, W. Skinner
Summary: This study investigates the impact of superficial water rate, superficial gas rate, and bed particle size on bed-level and coarse particle flotation performance. The results show that bed-level increases with increasing superficial water rate, but the rate of increase is limited by bed particle size. Bed-level decreases with increasing superficial gas rate, but the rate of decrease is lower for relatively coarser bed particle sizes.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chao Li, He Kang, Ai Wang, Boai Zhang, Yijun Cao
Summary: Fluidized-bed flotation is a novel process that combines flotation and density separation. It has been increasingly used in grinding circuits to reject coarse gangues for sulfide ores. However, there is a lack of research on the simultaneous effects of mineral liberation, particle size, and bubble size on fluidized-bed flotation efficiency. This study investigated the effects of different bubble and particle sizes on the separation of molybdenite ores. The results showed that the matching of bubble and particle sizes is crucial for successful separation, and this work could contribute to the optimization of fluidized-bed flotation for sulfide ores.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. Safari, F. S. Hoseinian, D. Deglon, L. Leal Filho, T. C. Souza Pinto
Summary: This paper investigates the impact of operational parameters on the reverse flotation of iron ore using a pneumatic flotation cell. The study concludes that collector and depressant dosage, superficial gas velocity, solids concentration, and feed rate all have significant effects on quartz recovery and hematite loss. The study suggests operating the flotation cell at low superficial gas velocities and solids concentrations, but further research is needed at larger scales to confirm these findings.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Sayed Janishar Anzoom, Ghislain Bournival, Seher Ata
Summary: This review discusses the benefits and challenges of coarse particle flotation, as well as recent developments in improving the process. Coarse particle flotation has various applications and offers advantages in technical, economic, and sustainability aspects. However, it also faces challenges such as particle detachment, transfer between phases, and persistence in the froth phase. Technological advancements, such as fluidized-bed flotation and processes enhancing bubble-particle attachment, have shown promising results in efficiently recovering larger particles.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Muhammad Bilal, Mayumi Ito, Kanami Koike, Vothy Hornn, Fawad Ul Hassan, Sanghee Jeon, Ilhwan Park, Naoki Hiroyoshi
Summary: The study found that adding carrier particles significantly improved the recovery of ultrafine particles, especially when using smaller carrier sizes. Theoretical calculations indicated that hydrophobic interaction played a more dominant role in the attachment of fine chalcopyrite particles onto the carrier (larger chalcopyrite particles).
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ahmad Hassanzadeh, Mehdi Safari, Duong H. Hoang, Hamid Khoshdast, Boris Albijanic, Przemyslaw B. Kowalczuk
Summary: This paper critically evaluates the two different strategies in ore flotation processing: the classical mechanical flotation cells and the new flotation apparatuses. Through a comprehensive comparative study, it is found that the traditional mechanical cells are suitable for fine particle flotation, while the new apparatuses such as Jameson and RefluxTM flotation cells are highly efficient in recovering fine particles. In addition, fluidized bed and HydroFloatTM cells are suitable for coarse particle recovery.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
S. Parkes, P. Wang, K. P. Galvin
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of the REFLUXTM Flotation Cell using batch mechanical cell experiments and continuous steady state experiments, and analyzes the effects of operating conditions on its kinetics and washing effect.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Candice Brill, I. Verster, G. V. Franks, L. Forbes
Summary: This paper reviews the literature on the mechanisms and impact of aerosol collector addition in flotation, specifically in the context of fluidized bed flotation for coarse particle recovery. The goal of the review is to determine the potential of utilizing aerosol collector addition to further boost the efficacy of coarse particle recovery.
MINERAL PROCESSING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Luke J. Crompton, Md. Tariqul Islam, Kevin P. Galvin
Summary: A new algorithm was developed to assess the coarse particle flotation performance of the CoarseAIR (TM) system. The algorithm quantifies the partitioning of hydrophobic particles between the overflow product concentrate and the underflow reject streams, considering the particle surface liberation. It uses batch mechanical cell flotation tests with +90 μm particles from steady state samples to measure the flotation kinetics of the three streams.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Guohao Chen, Liuyi Ren, Yimin Zhang, Shenxu Bao
Summary: This study aims to improve the recovery of fine muscovite by introducing nanobubbles (NBs), which can increase the flotation recovery by about 7% and reduce reagent dosage by 25% in the dodecylamine flotation system. NBs pretreatment reduces adsorption capacity and electrostatic repulsion, promotes particle agglomeration, accelerates the formation of three-phase contact line, and enhances the flotation efficiency of fine muscovite.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
B. Mcfadzean, N. P. Lima, D. A. Deglon
Summary: The aim of this study is to decouple the effects of ultrafine particles in the pulp and froth phases to better understand the processing capabilities of the fines fraction. The results showed that, even though there is an exponential increase in froth stability at increasing fines quantities, the performance of the pulp has the overriding effect on the SiO2 recovery.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liang Cao, Xumeng Chen, Yongjun Peng
Summary: The concentration of NaCl in solution was found to affect the adsorption of frothers on coal particles, thereby altering the aggregation of frothers on coal particles.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xumeng Chen, Zhiming Shi, Yongjun Peng
Summary: The electrochemical reactivity of sulphide minerals affects pulp chemistry and mineral flotation behaviors. A novel type of single-layer particle microelectrodes was developed to measure the reactivity of fine particles. The study found that the reactivity of pyrite particles increased with a decrease in particle size, and there was an exponential increase in reactivity when the particle size decreased to around 20 μm.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wonder Chimonyo, Yongjun Peng
Summary: In this study, it was found that anionic polyacrylamide MF1011 had strong adsorption on kaolinite but weak adsorption on chalcopyrite, leading to the selective reduction of kaolinite entrainment during chalcopyrite flotation.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xumeng Chen, Yongjun Peng
Summary: Physical emulsification techniques were used to produce diesel emulsions for coal flotation, with different coal samples requiring different optimal oil droplet sizes for maximum flotation performance. The results of this study can guide flotation plants in determining optimal oil droplet sizes to optimize flotation efficiency based on coal sample characteristics.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Tiisetso Moimane, Yongjun Peng
Summary: This paper reviews the reactions and products of sulphidisation at the mineral-solution interfaces of oxide and oxidised sulphide minerals. It highlights the influence and implications of sulphidisation conditions on the adsorption of thiol collectors on mineral surfaces, which is necessary for flotation. Recommendations for overcoming the drawbacks and guidelines for future research and industrial application are also provided.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tiisetso Moimane, Yongjun Peng
Summary: This study investigates the sulphidisation of secondary copper sulphide mineral chalcocite and finds that sulphidisation at lower potential can result in the formation of desired sulphide products, but the flotation recovery remains low due to the high electrochemical activity and reoxidation of the sulphide products formed.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liang Cao, Qi Liu, Yongjun Peng
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether the two widely used frothers, MIBC and DF250, could generate microbubbles (MBs) in a mechanical flotation cell. The results showed that both MIBC and DF250 could generate MBs, with DF250 producing more and smaller MBs. The generation of MBs by MIBC and DF250 was primarily controlled by their ability to reduce surface tension. The different behaviors of MIBC and DF250 were attributed to their unique structures, with DF250 having a stronger ability to assist with the generation of MBs.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wonder Chimonyo, Yongjun Peng
Summary: This study investigates the potential of novel RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) block copolymers as controllable and tunable collectors in froth flotation. By evaluating a series of RAFT copolymers, the study demonstrates their ability to control foamability and stability while maintaining high surface hydrophobization. The design of these copolymers, including a hydrophilic block and a hydrophobic structure, governs their solubilities and interfacial activity, thus determining their foaming abilities and surface hydrophobization. As a proof of concept, the study suggests that these RAFT copolymers show promise in replacing amine collectors in froth flotation.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yufan Mu, Yongjun Peng
Summary: Numerous copper flotation plants face the challenge of using high salinity water, which is detrimental to copper flotation. This study aimed to identify the best chemical solution to maximize the depression of pyrite in copper flotation using high salinity water. The combination of high chromium (Hi-Cr) steel and sodium metabisulfite (MBS) showed effective depression of pyrite, but also depressed chalcopyrite flotation. To overcome this, potassium peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in conjunction with forged steel grinding media was found to selectively depress pyrite without affecting chalcopyrite flotation in high salinity water.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liang Cao, Yongjun Peng, Qi Liu
Summary: The interactions between NaCl and flotation frothers were studied, revealing a synergistic effect at low frother concentrations but an antagonistic effect at high concentrations. This effect can be explained by the possible interactions between NaCl and interfacial water molecules and frothers, as well as the compression effect of NaCl on the electrical double layers of air bubbles.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Minsu Hwang, Yufan Mu, Liang Cao, Yongjun Peng
Summary: Despite the accumulation of salts in process water, recycled water has been used in various industries to address global water scarcity. This study investigated the effect of NaCl, a dominant salt in process water in mineral flotation plants, on chalcopyrite flotation. The study decoupled the effects of surface hydrophobicity and bubble characteristics modified by NaCl on chalcopyrite flotation and also considered the effect of NaCl on the true floatability. The findings suggest that bubble size plays a significant role in chalcopyrite flotation in saltwater containing NaCl.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Guanyu Liang, Wonder Chimonyo, Jinfang Lv, Yongjun Peng
Summary: In this study, the adsorption characteristics of molybdenite and chalcopyrite were investigated. It was found that calcium lignosulfonate, an environmentally friendly depressant, effectively depressed chalcopyrite flotation while having little effect on molybdenite. Calcium lignosulfonate molecules were uniformly adsorbed on both molybdenite and chalcopyrite surfaces, preventing the interaction between hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions with the collector.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiarui Chen, Wonder Chimonyo, Yongjun Peng
Summary: The Reflux Flotation Cell (RFC) is a groundbreaking technology that improves fine and coarse particle flotation as well as plant capacity. While successful for coal flotation, this study compared graphite flotation in the RFC. Despite similar surface properties and feed sizes between graphite and coal particles, graphite flotation resulted in significantly lower combustible recovery, particularly at high gas flux. The lower combustible recovery in graphite flotation can be attributed to the lower sphericity of graphite particles, which results in a greater dynamic drag force and particle settling velocity compared to coal particles with higher sphericity. This leads to unfavorable bubble-particle attachment in graphite flotation. Furthermore, the higher gas flux in the RFC exacerbates graphite flotation by increasing the relative velocity between particles and bubbles, while also pushing more graphite particles to the tailing stream due to the higher particle settling velocity.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Richard Li Jie Lee, Yongjun Peng
Summary: This study evaluated the use of 30 wt% Cr steel in high-pyrite-content copper flotation, comparing it with traditional forged steel. The results showed that the 30 wt% Cr steel effectively produced a high Cu concentrate grade when treating low-concentration pyrite ores, while forged steel poorly depressed pyrite due to strong galvanic interaction between the steel and pyrite. The study provides direction for depressing high-concentration pyrite in copper flotation.
MINERAL PROCESSING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Benjamin De Castro, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Soumali Roychowdhury, Aurelie Chopard, Francis Quintal Lauzon, Benoit Plante
Summary: This study proposes an innovative method using deep learning algorithm and reflected light optical imaging to automatically detect all particles and minerals in acrylic resin polished sections. The experimental results show that this method can accurately detect all mineral particles, including transparent minerals, under reflected light optical microscopy, and provide unbiased mineralogical quantification.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qiushi Song, Xinyu Du, Changlu Shan, Hongwei Xie, Zhiqiang Ning, Kai Yu
Summary: This study investigated the effect of magnetic stirring on the microstructure of Co deposits during electrowinning in a chloride solution. It was found that magnetic stirring effectively reduced the negative influence of H2 bubbles on the structure of Co deposits and changed their nucleation and growth behavior, resulting in the preparation of high-quality columnar Co crystals.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tao Ge, Xiaowei Zhou, Liang Xu, Yan Sun, Cheng Yang, Yongpan Tian, Zhuo Zhao
Summary: In this study, the extraction performance and complexation mechanism of p-di-ethyl-amino-methylthiacalix[4]arene (L) towards Pt(IV) were investigated. The results indicated that L had excellent complexation ability towards Pt(IV) and could selectively extract it from a solution containing multiple competing ions.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuan Li, Dirk van Zyl
Summary: This paper presents a modified Kynch's approach to explain the hindered settling behavior of suspensions impacted by segregation. The experimental data and predicted results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Fang, Aurora Robledo-Cabrera, Changsheng Peng, Shan Huang, Qi Xiao, Alejandro Lopez-Valdivieso
Summary: With the assistance of mechanical ball milling, the partially oxidized micro-sponge iron (micro-Fe0@Fe2O3) achieves significantly improved removal of Cr(VI) across a broad pH range. Mechanical force eliminates the surface oxide layer and exposes the Fe0 core, leading to sustained reduction of Cr(VI). The efficiency of micro-Fe0@Fe2O3 is strongly influenced by dissolved oxygen, with higher DO resulting in the generation of stable reductant Fe(II) under acidic conditions, while DO consumption hinders the reduction of Cr(VI) under alkaline conditions due to increased pH. Parameters of ball milling operation, especially rotation speed, have a significant impact on the removal of Cr(VI).
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alton F. Grabsch, Phillip D. Fawell, Michael G. Davies
Summary: High molecular weight partially hydrolysed polyacrylamide (PHPA) is commonly used in mineral exploration drilling to increase fluid viscosity and help maintain the suspension of fine particles. However, clarifying these suspensions can be difficult, and previous studies have found that anionic flocculants are ineffective. This study confirmed that nonionic flocculants can successfully aggregate the particles, indicating that the charged tails of adsorbed PHPA prevent anionic flocculants from accessing the particle surfaces.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
J. S. Guiral-Vega, L. Perez-Barnuevo, J. Bouchard, A. Ure, E. Poulin, C. Du Breuil
Summary: This paper introduces an approach that combines particle properties and process modeling to describe the behavior of iron ore in a laboratory-scale drum-type magnetic separator. Early information on iron ore processing behavior can be obtained through laboratory testing, automated mineralogy analysis, and process modeling.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Sayed Janishar Anzoom, Ghislain Bournival, Seher Ata
Summary: This review discusses the benefits and challenges of coarse particle flotation, as well as recent developments in improving the process. Coarse particle flotation has various applications and offers advantages in technical, economic, and sustainability aspects. However, it also faces challenges such as particle detachment, transfer between phases, and persistence in the froth phase. Technological advancements, such as fluidized-bed flotation and processes enhancing bubble-particle attachment, have shown promising results in efficiently recovering larger particles.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yimei Xiao, Jinchan Feng, Bingqiao Yang, Huihua Luo, Fang Zhou
Summary: In this study, the use of fulvic acid as a depressant for the flotation separation of chalcopyrite from arsenopyrite was investigated. It was found that fulvic acid strongly depressed arsenopyrite while having little influence on chalcopyrite flotation. The addition of calcium hypochlorite facilitated the adsorption of fulvic acid on arsenopyrite surface.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bo Hao, Minqiang Fan
Summary: Particle-bubble attachment is crucial in coal and mineral flotation processes. In this study, the attachment process of low-rank coal particles to the bubble surface was simulated, revealing the important role of water film rupture in particle attachment.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuwei Wu, Shuai Wang, Guoqiang Wang, Longfei Fan, Jianbo Guo, Zhengbin Liu, Haoyan Zhang, Wei Guan, Yukuan Wang, Yewei Wu
Summary: This study analyzes the motion mode of eccentric roller crushers and proposes a calculation method for productivity. Through laboratory experiments, the results indicate that the proposed method can effectively estimate the productivity of eccentric roll crushers.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hanna Miettinen, Malin Bomberg, Ozlem Bicak, Zafir Ekmekci, Paivi Kinnunen
Summary: Mineral processing requires large amounts of water, and reducing water consumption through recirculation and closing water loops is important. However, this can lead to the accumulation of contaminants in the process water, which can negatively affect the process performance. In this study, the impact of microorganisms on flotation performance was investigated, and ion exchange was evaluated for removing dissolved sulfur species and microorganisms from water. The results showed that adding microorganisms had a positive effect on flotation selectivity, especially for nickel. Different water types, process water and final tailings water, behaved slightly differently. Ion exchange proved to be effective in removing sulfur species and microorganisms, and dissolved air flotation was a successful pretreatment for ion exchange in removing microorganisms.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Canneng Chen, Song Zhang, Quanjun Liu, Luzheng Chen, Yongjun Xian, Yijie Wang
Summary: This study introduces the use of ultrasonic pretreatment to enhance the flotation separation of elemental sulfur and silver-bearing lead minerals from ultrafine residue. The results show that ultrasonic pretreatment effectively liberates associated sulfur and improves the separation of sulfur and silver-bearing lead minerals. Under optimized conditions, ultrasonic pretreatment significantly improves the recovery and grade of sulfur in the concentrate, as well as the recovery of lead and silver in the tailings.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Genzhuang Li, Fisher Wang, Bern Klein, Michael Deal, Aaron Wright, Hector Mezquita
Summary: This paper presents a stress-based approach for predicting and improving large-scale HIG mill performance through experimental testing and model calibration.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Runpeng Liao, Shuming Wen, Jian Liu, Shaojun Bai, Qicheng Feng
Summary: This study demonstrates that the use of a DDA/DDTC mixed collector system can significantly improve the flotation performance of smithsonite. The synergistic effect between DDA and DDTC is confirmed, and the mixed collector system contributes to a decrease in solution surface tension. The use of FT-IR and XPS confirms the simultaneous physisorption and chemisorption of DDA and DDTC on the smithsonite surface, and contact angle measurements show that the mixed collector effectively enhances the hydrophobicity of smithsonite. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the multilayer adsorption of DDTC and DDA on the smithsonite surface, with DDTC promoting the adsorption of DDA.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
