Heterocoagulation mechanism between galena and fine calcite minerals in flotation separation

Abstract

Heterocoagulation between fine particles can interfere with the flotation separation of different minerals. Therefore, the study of particle heterocoagulation is significant. This study found that fine calcite affected galena flotation and examined the interactions between galena and fine calcite particles in suspension pulp. The best flotation behaviour was observed for pure galena minerals at pH 9; however, the flotation separation of galena and fine calcite yielded unsatisfactory results under these conditions. The results of zeta potential measurement, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that heterocoagulation occurred between the calcite and galena particles at pH 9. The interaction mechanism shows that dissolved hydroxy calcium could be absorbed on the surface of galena and render a positive charge, causing coagulation between the calcite and galena particles due to electrostatic attraction. This new discovery provides a reference for the pre-inhibition of gangue minerals and adjustment of the chemical ratio during the flotation process.

Keywords

flotation / galena mineral / calcite mineral / surface potential / heterocoagulation

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