The flotation of pyrite using xanthate collecters
Master Thesis
1986
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The flotation properties of pyrite were found to be significantly influenced by variations in the pH. In acidic solutions the pyrite floatability is very high, and recoveries of 95% could be achieved using only a frother. A sharp decrease in floatability was observed in alkaline solutions, possibly due to the formation of hydrophilic ferric hydroxide. The addition of a xanthate collector improved the flotation properties of pyrite at all pHs. In acidic solutions the main effect observed was on the rate of pyrite recovery and on the grade of the concentrates. In alkaline solutions the addition of a xanthate collector improved the final recovery, the rate of flotation and the grades. Variations in the pH had no effect on the recovery of pyrite to which xanthate was added. There was, however, a continual decrease in the final grade of the concentrates with an increase in pH, due to the increase in the recovery of the gangue mineral.
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Bibliography: leaves 117-123.
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Reference:
Dimou, A. 1986. The flotation of pyrite using xanthate collecters. University of Cape Town.