Slime depressant and sulfide ore flotation process

Abstract

The present application provides a slime inhibitor and a sulfide ore flotation process. The slime inhibitor comprises acrylamide-styrene sodium sulfonate copolymer and poly-2-hydroxy acrylic acid and / or sodium poly-2-hydroxy acrylic acid. In the flotation operation, the slime inhibitor can be adsorbed on the surface of the slime with positive charge, and can be adsorbed at multiple sites, thereby inhibiting the floating of the slime; meanwhile, the hydrophilic groups of the above components, i.e. hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide and sulfonic acid groups, can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, and form a layer of water film on the surface of the slime, which is beneficial to improve the dispersibility of the slime in water, thereby reducing the risk of adverse effects on sulfide ore flotation, and improving the grade of concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals. The application of the slime inhibitor containing the above specific components in the sulfide ore flotation process can make the components penetrate and adsorb on the surface of the slime and play a synergistic effect among the components, thereby improving the grade of concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mineral processing technology, and more specifically, to a slime inhibitor and a flotation process for sulfide ores. Background Technology

[0002] When the ore contains a large amount of easily mud-forming minerals (such as kaolinite, chlorite, mica, calcite, dolomite, etc.), a large amount of fine mud is easily formed after grinding. In the beneficiation field, mineral particles with a particle size of less than 10 μm can be called fine mud (or slime). If there is a lot of slime in the flotation pulp, it will have a lot of negative impact on flotation. The main aspects include the following: (1) Fine mud is easily mixed in the froth product, which reduces the grade of the concentrate; (2) Fine mud is easily covered on the surface of the useful minerals, affecting the interaction between the reagents and the useful minerals; (3) Fine mud is easy to adsorb a large amount of reagents, increasing reagent consumption; (4) Fine mud will make the pulp sticky, affecting the aeration conditions.

[0003] To eliminate or reduce the negative impact of slime, the commonly used methods are: (1) adding dispersants or inhibitors to disperse the slime; (2) removing slime by desliming, commonly using mechanical desliming and flotation desliming, but this method has a certain impact on the recovery rate of the target mineral; (3) improving flotation operating conditions, such as adding reagents in stages and batches to avoid the foam layer becoming sticky and thick, while also reducing the consumption of reagents by slime. A dilute flotation concentration can also be used to reduce the viscosity of the pulp and reduce the mechanical inclusion of slime. The most common method among the above is to add slime dispersants or inhibitors. Commonly used reagents include water glass, sodium hexametaphosphate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylic acid.

[0004] However, the aforementioned reagents have room for improvement in dispersing and inhibiting slime. Once the amount of slime in the slurry is relatively high, the inhibitory effect of the reagents on slime weakens. Therefore, it is necessary to research and develop a slime inhibitor suitable for large slime quantities and a sulfide ore flotation process. This is of great significance for improving the concentrate grade and valuable metal recovery rate in sulfide ore flotation processes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a slime inhibitor and a flotation process for sulfide ores to solve the problem that existing slime inhibitors have poor slime inhibition effects, resulting in low concentrate grade and low recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a mud inhibitor comprising an acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer and poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and / or sodium(2-hydroxyacrylate).

[0007] Further, the weight ratio of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer to poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and / or sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) is 100:(40-80); preferably, the weight ratio of poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) to sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) is (20-40):(60-80).

[0008] Furthermore, the number average molecular weight of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is 1000-5000; the number average molecular weights of poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) are independently selected from 1000-5000.

[0009] Furthermore, the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is obtained by polymerization reaction of acrylamide monomer and sodium styrene sulfonate monomer; the molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer is (8-10):1.

[0010] Furthermore, when the sludge inhibitor includes a copolymer of poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) and acrylamide-styrene sulfonate, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) to the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(3000-5000); when the sludge inhibitor includes a copolymer of sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) and acrylamide-styrene sulfonate, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) to the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(3000-5000); when the sludge inhibitor includes a copolymer of poly(2-hydroxyacrylate), sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate), and acrylamide-styrene sulfonate, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the poly(2-hydroxyacrylate), sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate), and acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(1000-4000):(3000-5000).

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the present invention provides a sulfide ore flotation process, comprising: step S1, grinding the sulfide ore to obtain a slurry; step S2, mixing the slurry with a first slime inhibitor, a first mineral collector, and a frother and performing roughing to obtain a roughing concentrate and a first tailings; the first slime inhibitor is the slime inhibitor provided in this application; step S3, mixing the roughing concentrate with a second slime inhibitor and performing fine cleaning to obtain a concentrate and a second tailings; the second slime inhibitor may be the same as or different from the first slime inhibitor; and step S4, mixing the second tailings with a second mineral collector and performing scavenging to obtain a third tailings and scavenging froth.

[0012] Furthermore, based on the weight percentage of the slurry, mineral particles with a diameter of less than 0.074 mm account for 65-75% of the sulfide ore, and the solid content of the slurry is 25-30 wt%.

[0013] Further, the weight ratio of the first slime inhibitor to the sulfide ore is (0.2-1):1000; the weight ratio of the first mineral collector to the sulfide ore is (0.06-0.1):1000; the weight ratio of the frother to the sulfide ore is (0.02-0.04):1000; preferably, the first mineral collector and the second mineral collector are each independently selected from one or more of the group consisting of ethyl xanthate, butyl xanthate and isopropyl xanthate; preferably, the frother is selected from one or more of the group consisting of methyl isobutyl methanol, dimethyl benzyl alcohol and pine oil.

[0014] Further, step S2 also includes: mixing the slurry with the first slime inhibitor, the first mineral collector, and the frother, and sequentially performing a first roughing, a second roughing, and a third roughing to obtain a roughing concentrate and a first tailings; step S3 also includes: mixing the roughing concentrate with the second slime inhibitor and sequentially performing a first cleaning, a second cleaning, and a third cleaning to obtain a concentrate; step S4 also includes: mixing the second tailings with the second mineral collector and sequentially performing a first scavenging and a second scavenging to obtain a third tailings and scavenging foam; preferably, the scavenging foam is reused in step S4 or step S2.

[0015] Furthermore, based on the weight percentage of the sulfide ore, the sulfide ore includes 5–30 wt% dolomite, 5–15 wt% chlorite, 5–15 wt% kaolinite, and 5–30 wt% other easily mud-forming minerals.

[0016] Applying the technical solution of this invention, in the flotation process, poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid and / or sodium poly-2-hydroxyacrylate contain hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, wherein -COOH dissociates to form -COO. - The acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is negatively charged, and contains amide and sulfonic acid groups, while the slime (i.e., fine slime) is positively charged. It can be adsorbed onto the positively charged surface of the slime through electrostatic adsorption, and adsorption can occur at multiple sites on the slime surface. This allows the slime inhibitor to adsorb onto the slime and inhibit its flotation. At the same time, the above-mentioned hydrophilic groups hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide, and sulfonic acid groups can all form hydrogen bonds with water molecules and form a water film on the surface of the slime. This is beneficial to improving the dispersibility of the slime in water, thereby reducing the risk of it adversely affecting the flotation of sulfide ores and improving the grade and recovery rate of the concentrate.

[0017] Applying slime inhibitors containing the aforementioned specific components to the flotation process of sulfide ore can enable the components in the slime inhibitor to interpenetrate and adsorb on the surface of the slime and exert synergistic effects among the components, thereby improving the grade of the concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of the sulfide ore flotation process in Example 1 is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0020] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0021] As described in the background section, existing slime inhibitors have poor slime-inhibiting effects, leading to low concentrate grades and recovery rates. To address these technical problems, this application provides a slime inhibitor comprising an acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer and poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and / or sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate).

[0022] In the flotation process, poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid and / or sodium poly-2-hydroxyacrylate contain hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, wherein the -COOH group dissociates to form -COO. - The acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is negatively charged, and contains amide and sulfonic acid groups, while the ore slime (i.e., fine slime) is positively charged. It can be adsorbed onto the positively charged surface of the ore slime through electrostatic adsorption, and can be adsorbed at multiple sites on the ore slime surface. This allows the ore slime inhibitor to adsorb onto the ore slime and inhibit its flotation. At the same time, the above-mentioned hydrophilic groups hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide, and sulfonic acid groups can all form hydrogen bonds with water molecules and form a water film on the surface of the ore slime. This is beneficial to improving the dispersibility of the ore slime in water, thereby reducing the risk of it adversely affecting the flotation of sulfide ores and improving the grade of concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0023] Applying slime inhibitors containing the aforementioned specific components to the flotation process of sulfide ore can enable the components in the slime inhibitor to interpenetrate and adsorb on the surface of the slime and exert synergistic effects among the components, thereby improving the grade of the concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer to poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid and / or sodium poly-2-hydroxyacrylate is 100:(40-80). The weight ratio of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer to poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid and / or sodium poly-2-hydroxyacrylate includes, but is not limited to, the above range. Limiting it to this range is beneficial for maximizing the synergistic effect between the components, thereby improving the grade of the concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0025] To further improve the grade of the concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals, preferably, the weight ratio of poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) to sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) is (20-40):(60-80).

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the number average molecular weight of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is 1000-5000; the number average molecular weights of poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) are independently, but not limited to, 1000-5000. The number average molecular weights of the components are independently, but not limited to, the above ranges. Limiting them to these ranges facilitates the adsorption of slime by the slime inhibitor, thereby further inhibiting slime flotation; simultaneously, it further forms a more stable water film on the slime surface, thereby improving the grade of the concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is obtained by polymerizing acrylamide monomer and sodium styrene sulfonate monomer; the molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer is (8-10):1. The molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer includes, but is not limited to, the above range. Limiting it to the above range is beneficial to control the structure of the polymer product, further improve the adsorption effect of the polymer product on the sludge, and thus inhibit the floating of the sludge.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, when the sludge inhibitor comprises a copolymer of poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) and sodium acrylamide-styrene sulfonate, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) to the sodium acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(3000-5000); when the sludge inhibitor comprises a copolymer of sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) and sodium acrylamide-styrene sulfonate, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) to the sodium acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(3000-5000); when the sludge inhibitor comprises a copolymer of poly(2-hydroxyacrylate), sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate), and sodium acrylamide-styrene sulfonate, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the poly(2-hydroxyacrylate), sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate), and sodium acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(1000-4000):(3000-5000). Compared to other ranges, limiting the number-average molecular weight ratio of the components in the slime inhibitor to the above range is beneficial to further enhance the adsorption effect of the slime inhibitor on the slime, thereby further inhibiting the floating of the slime; at the same time, it further forms a more stable water film on the surface of the slime, thereby further improving the grade of the concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0029] The second aspect of this application also provides a flotation process for sulfide ore, the flotation process comprising: step S1, grinding the sulfide ore to obtain a slurry; step S2, mixing the slurry with a first slime inhibitor, a first mineral collector, and a frother and performing roughing to obtain a roughing concentrate and a first tailings; the first slime inhibitor is a slime inhibitor as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; step S3, mixing the roughing concentrate with a second slime inhibitor and performing fine cleaning to obtain a concentrate; the second slime inhibitor may be the same as or different from the first slime inhibitor; and step S4, mixing the second tailings with a second mineral collector and performing scavenging to obtain a third tailings and scavenging froth.

[0030] For the flotation of sulfide ores with high mud content, this application first adopts a roughing process and adds a first mud inhibitor during the roughing process, which can initially reduce the adhesion of mud to sulfide ores; then adopts a cleaning process and adds a second mud inhibitor during the cleaning process, which can strengthen the inhibition of mud; finally, the mud is discharged in the form of the first tailings and the third tailings, thereby achieving the effect of inhibiting mud while improving the grade of concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the sulfide ore contains 65-75% mineral particles with a diameter less than 0.074 mm by weight of the slurry, and the solids content of the slurry is 25-30 wt%. The slime inhibitor provided in this application is particularly suitable for the flotation of the aforementioned specific content of mineral particles with a diameter less than 0.074 mm, thereby achieving higher grades and recoveries. Simultaneously, the solids content of the slurry includes, but is not limited to, the aforementioned range, limiting it within this range to provide favorable preconditions for subsequent flotation operations.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of the first slime inhibitor to sulfide ore is (0.2-1):1000; the weight ratio of the first mineral collector to sulfide ore is (0.06-0.1):1000; and the weight ratio of the frother to sulfide ore is (0.02-0.04):1000. Compared to other value ranges, limiting the weight ratios of sulfide ore, the first slime inhibitor, the first mineral collector, and the frother to the above ranges is beneficial for fully utilizing the effects of the first slime inhibitor and the frother, and for creating a synergistic effect between the two to achieve a better slime inhibition effect. At the same time, by reasonably controlling the dosage of the first mineral collector and the frother, unnecessary waste of the first mineral collector and the frother is reduced, thereby helping to reduce production costs.

[0033] To further enhance the inhibition effect on slime, thereby improving the grade of concentrate and the recovery rate of valuable metals, preferably, the first mineral collector and the second mineral collector are independently one or more of the group consisting of ethyl xanthate, butyl xanthate and isopropyl xanthate; the foaming agent is one or more of the group consisting of methyl isobutyl methanol, dimethyl benzyl alcohol and pine oil.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, step S2 further includes: mixing the slurry with a first slime inhibitor, a first mineral collector, and a frother, and sequentially performing a first roughing, a second roughing, and a third roughing to obtain a rough concentrate and a first tailings; step S3 further includes: mixing the rough concentrate with a second slime inhibitor and sequentially performing a first cleaning, a second cleaning, and a third cleaning to obtain a concentrate; step S4 further includes: mixing the first tailings with a second mineral collector and sequentially performing a first scavenging and a second scavenging to obtain a second tailings and scavenging froth.

[0035] The process of using multiple roughing, multiple cleaning and multiple scavenging is beneficial to increasing the contact time between the various components during the process, thereby further improving the inhibitory effect of the slime inhibitor on the slime.

[0036] Reusing the scavenging foam in step S4 or step S2 is beneficial for further improving the recovery rate of valuable metals. Preferably, the scavenging foam is reused in step S4 or step S2.

[0037] The above-mentioned slime inhibitor provided in this application has a good inhibitory effect on sulfide ores with high slime content and is more targeted. In a preferred embodiment, the sulfide ores include 5-30 wt% dolomite, 5-15 wt% chlorite, 5-15 wt% kaolinite and 5-30 wt% other easily mud-forming minerals, based on a weight percentage of the sulfide ores.

[0038] In one alternative implementation, when the number of roughing operations is three, the first mud inhibitor is added to the three roughing operations in three separate steps.

[0039] In another optional embodiment, when the roughing process is repeated three times, the first slime inhibitor includes three identical or different slime inhibitors, denoted as component A, component B, and component C, respectively. Component A is added during the first roughing process, component B is added during the second roughing process, and component C is added during the third scavenging process. Components A, B, and C include, but are not limited to, the slime inhibitors provided in this application or commonly used slime inhibitors in the art. Preferably, the amounts of components A, B, and C are halved sequentially during the three roughing processes.

[0040] In one alternative implementation, when the number of cleaning operations is three, the second mud inhibitor is added three times accordingly during the three cleaning operations.

[0041] In another optional embodiment, when the refining process is repeated three times, the second slime inhibitor includes three slime inhibitors, which may be the same or different: component D, component E, and component F. Component D is added during the first refining process, component E is added during the second refining process, and component F is added during the third refining process. Components D, E, and F include, but are not limited to, the slime inhibitors provided in this application or commonly used slime inhibitors in the art. Preferably, the weight ratio of component D to sulfide ore is (0.2–0.5):1000, the weight ratio of component E to sulfide ore is (0–0.2):1000, and the weight ratio of component F to sulfide ore is (0–0.1):1000.

[0042] In one alternative implementation, when the number of scavenging operations is two, the second mineral collector is added in two separate scavenging operations.

[0043] In another optional embodiment, when the scavenging is performed twice, the second mineral collector includes two identical or different collectors, denoted as component G and component H, respectively; component G is added during the second scavenging process, and component H is added during the third scavenging process. Components G and H include, but are not limited to, mineral collectors commonly used in the art, such as ethyl xanthate and butyl xanthate. Preferably, the weight ratio of component G to sulfide ore is (0.01–0.02):1000, and the weight ratio of component H to sulfide ore is (0.005–0.01):1000.

[0044] In one alternative implementation, when multiple cleaning cycles are performed, the coarse foam generated from the last cleaning cycle is returned to the first cleaning cycle for reuse. Reusing the coarse foam helps to further improve the recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0045] In one optional implementation, when multiple sweeps are performed, the sweep foam generated in the last sweep is returned to the first sweep for reuse; and / or, the sweep foam is reused in step S4 or step S2. Reusing the sweep foam helps to further improve the recovery rate of valuable metals.

[0046] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection claimed in the present application.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] A certain sulfide ore (i.e. Figure 1The copper ore shown contains 1.10 wt% copper and 3.20 wt% sulfur. Copper exists as sulfide minerals, sulfur as sulfides, and silicon as gangue minerals. Specifically, based on the weight percentage of the aforementioned sulfide minerals, the sulfide minerals include 15 wt% dolomite, 5 wt% chlorite, 40 wt% quartz, 12 wt% phlogopite, and 28 wt% other easily mud-forming silicate minerals.

[0049] The first and second mud inhibitors used in Example 1 are the same, both composed of acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer and poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid). The weight ratio of acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer to poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) is 100:70. The number average molecular weight of both acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymers is 3000 and 5000. The acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is obtained by polymerization of acrylamide monomer and sodium styrene sulfonate monomer, with a molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer of 8:1.

[0050] A flotation process for sulfide ores, comprising:

[0051] Step S1: Grind the sulfide ore to obtain a slurry; by weight percentage of the slurry, mineral particles with a diameter less than 0.074 mm account for 65% of the sulfide ore, and the solid content of the slurry is 25 wt%.

[0052] Step S2: The above slurry is mixed with the first slime inhibitor, the first mineral collector, and the frother methyl isobutyl methanol, and then subjected to the first roughing process (referred to as roughing I). Figure 1 As shown), the second coarse selection (denoted as coarse selection II, such as...) Figure 1 (as shown) and the third coarse selection (denoted as coarse selection III, such as...) Figure 1 As shown), rougher concentrate and first tailings were obtained;

[0053] The first slime inhibitor includes three identical slime inhibitors, denoted as component A, component B, and component C, respectively. Component A is added during the first roughing process, component B is added during the second roughing process, and component C is added during the third roughing process. The weight ratio of component A to sulfide ore is 0.5:1000, and the amount of component A, component B, and component C is halved in each of the three roughing processes.

[0054] Step S3: Mix the roughing concentrate with the second slime inhibitor and perform the first cleaning process sequentially (referred to as cleaning I, e.g.) Figure 1 As shown), the second selection (referred to as Selection II, such as...) Figure 1 (as shown) and the third selection (denoted as Selection III, such as) Figure 1 As shown), concentrate and rougher froth are obtained; the second tailings are obtained after the first cleaning; the rougher froth produced in the third cleaning is returned to the first cleaning process for reuse;

[0055] In the first refining process, component D is added; in the second refining process, component E is added; and in the third refining process, component F is added. Components D, E, and F are all the aforementioned slime inhibitors provided in this embodiment. The weight ratio of component D to sulfide ore is 0.2:1000, the weight ratio of component E to sulfide ore is 0.05:1000, and the weight ratio of component F to sulfide ore is 0.025:1000. The second slime inhibitor is the same as the first slime inhibitor.

[0056] Step S4: The second tailings are mixed with the second mineral collector ethyl xanthate and subjected to the first scavenging (referred to as scavenging I). Figure 1 (as shown) and the second scan (denoted as Scan II, as shown) Figure 1 As shown), the third tailings and scavenging foam are obtained; the scavenging foam generated in the first scavenging is returned to the first cleaning process, and the scavenging foam generated in the second scavenging is returned to the first scavenging process.

[0057] The second mineral collector comprises two identical collectors, denoted as component G and component H. Component G is added during the second scavenging process, and component H is added during the third scavenging process. Both components G and H are ethyl xanthates. The weight ratio of component G to sulfide ore is 0.015:1000, and the weight ratio of component H to sulfide ore is 0.005:1000.

[0058] Following the three roughing, three cleaning, and two scavenging operations described in Example 1, copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings were obtained. The copper grade of the copper concentrate was measured to be 23.45%; the copper recovery rate was 92.26 wt%. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] The difference from Example 1 is that the weight ratio of slime inhibitor component A to sulfide ore in the first roughing (roughing I) is 0.8:1000.

[0061] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] The difference from Example 1 is that the weight ratio of slime inhibitor component A to sulfide ore in the first roughing (roughing I) is 0.3:1000.

[0064] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0065] Example 4

[0066] The difference from Example 1 is that the weight ratio of acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer to poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) is 100:40.

[0067] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0068] Example 5

[0069] The difference from Example 1 is that the weight ratio of acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer to poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) is 100:80.

[0070] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0071] Example 6

[0072] The difference from Example 1 is that the weight ratio of acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer to poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) is 100:100.

[0073] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0074] Example 7

[0075] The difference from Example 1 is that the sludge inhibitor includes acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer, poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and sodium(2-hydroxyacrylate), and the weight ratio of poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) to sodium(2-hydroxyacrylate) is 20:60.

[0076] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0077] Example 8

[0078] The difference from Example 1 is that the sludge inhibitor includes acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer, poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and sodium(2-hydroxyacrylate), and the weight ratio of poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) to sodium(2-hydroxyacrylate) is 40:80.

[0079] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0080] Example 9

[0081] The difference from Example 1 is that the sludge inhibitor includes acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer, poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and sodium(2-hydroxyacrylate), and the weight ratio of poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) to sodium(2-hydroxyacrylate) is 80:20.

[0082] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0083] Example 10

[0084] The difference from Example 1 is that the number average molecular weight of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is 1000, and the number average molecular weight of poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid is 5000; the ratio of their number average molecular weights is 1:5.

[0085] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0086] Example 11

[0087] The difference from Example 1 is that the number average molecular weight of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is 5000, and the number average molecular weight of poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid is 1000; the ratio of their number average molecular weights is 5:1.

[0088] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0089] Example 12

[0090] The difference from Example 1 is that the number average molecular weight of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is 500; and the number average molecular weight of poly2-hydroxyacrylic acid is 500.

[0091] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0092] Example 13

[0093] The difference from Example 1 is that the molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer is 8:1.

[0094] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0095] Example 14

[0096] The difference from Example 1 is that the molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer is 10:1.

[0097] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0098] Example 15

[0099] The difference from Example 1 is that the molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer is 6:1.

[0100] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0101] Example 16

[0102] The difference from Example 1 is that the weight ratio of the first slime inhibitor, the first mineral collector, the foaming agent and the sulfide ore is 0.2:0.06:0.02:1000.

[0103] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0104] Example 17

[0105] The difference from Example 1 is that the weight ratio of the first slime inhibitor, the first mineral collector, the foaming agent and the sulfide ore is 1:0.1:0.04:1000.

[0106] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0107] Example 18

[0108] The difference from Example 1 is that the weight ratio of the first sludge inhibitor, the first mineral collector, the foaming agent and the sulfide ore is 2:1:0.5:1000.

[0109] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0110] Comparative Example 1

[0111] The difference from Example 1 is that polyacrylic acid is used as a slime inhibitor in the flotation process.

[0112] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0113] Comparative Example 2

[0114] The difference from Example 1 is that no slime inhibitor is added during the flotation process.

[0115] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0116] Comparative Example 3

[0117] The difference from Example 1 is that poly-2-acrylic acid is used as a slime inhibitor in the flotation process.

[0118] The same three-roughing, three-finishing, and two-scavenging operations as in Example 1 were used to obtain copper concentrate, first tailings, and third tailings. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0119] Table 1

[0120]

[0121] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects:

[0122] Comparing Examples 1, 4 to 6, it can be seen that the weight ratio of acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer to poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid is not limited to the preferred range of this application. Limiting it to the preferred range of this application is beneficial to exert the synergistic effect between the components, thereby improving the copper grade and copper recovery rate of copper concentrate.

[0123] Comparing Examples 1, 7 to 9, it can be seen that the weight ratio of poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) to sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) is not limited to the preferred range of this application. Limiting it to the preferred range of this application is beneficial to further improve the copper grade and copper recovery rate of copper concentrate.

[0124] Comparing Examples 1, 10 to 12, it can be seen that the number average molecular weight of each of the above components is independently included, but not limited to, the preferred range of this application. Limiting them to the preferred range of this application is beneficial to exert the adsorption effect of the slime inhibitor on the slime, thereby further inhibiting the floating of the slime; at the same time, it further forms a more stable water film on the surface of the slime, thereby improving the copper grade and copper recovery rate of the copper concentrate.

[0125] Comparing Examples 1, 13 to 15, it can be seen that the molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer includes, but is not limited to, the preferred range of this application. Limiting it to the preferred range of this application is beneficial to controlling the structure of the polymerization product, further improving the adsorption effect of the polymerization product on the sludge, thereby inhibiting the floating of the sludge, and thus helping to improve the copper grade of the copper concentrate.

[0126] Comparing Examples 1, 16 to 18, it can be seen that, compared with other value ranges, limiting the weight ratio of sulfide ore, first slime inhibitor, first mineral collector and frother within the above range is beneficial to fully exert the role of the first slime inhibitor and frother, and to make the two form a synergistic effect, so as to better inhibit the slime; at the same time, by reasonably controlling the amount of the first mineral collector and frother, unnecessary waste of the first mineral collector and frother can be reduced, thereby helping to reduce production costs.

[0127] Comparative Examples 1 and 1 to 3 show that the slime inhibitor provided in this application can improve the copper grade and copper recovery rate of the concentrate. Applying the slime inhibitor containing the specific components provided in this application to the sulfide ore flotation process allows the components in the slime inhibitor to interpenetrate and adsorb on the slime surface, exerting a synergistic effect among the components, thereby improving the copper grade and copper recovery rate of the copper concentrate.

[0128] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in a sequence other than those described herein.

[0129] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mud inhibitor, characterized in that, The sludge inhibitor comprises an acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer and poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and / or sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid); the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is obtained by polymerization of acrylamide monomer and sodium styrene sulfonate monomer; the molar ratio of acrylamide monomer to sodium styrene sulfonate monomer is (8-10):

1. When the mud inhibitor comprises the poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid and the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the poly-2-hydroxyacrylic acid to the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(3000-5000). When the mud inhibitor comprises the poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) sodium and the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the poly(2-hydroxyacrylate) sodium to the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(3000-5000). When the mud inhibitor comprises the poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid), the sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer, the number-average molecular weight ratio of the poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid), the sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer is (1000-4000):(1000-4000):(3000-5000).

2. The slime inhibitor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weight ratio of the acrylamide-styrene sulfonate copolymer to the poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and / or the poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) sodium is 100:(40-80).

3. The slime inhibitor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The weight ratio of the poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) to the sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) is (20-40):(60-80).

4. The slime inhibitor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The number-average molecular weight of the acrylamide-sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer is 1000-5000; The number average molecular weights of the poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) and the sodium poly(2-hydroxyacrylic acid) are independently selected from 1000 to 5000.

5. A flotation process for sulfide ores, characterized in that, The flotation process for sulfide ores includes: Step S1: Grind the sulfide ore to obtain a slurry; Step S2: The slurry is mixed with a first slime inhibitor, a first mineral collector and a frother and then roughed to obtain a rough concentrate and a first tailings; the first slime inhibitor is any one of claims 1 to 4. Step S3: The roughing concentrate is mixed with the second slime inhibitor and then finely treated to obtain a concentrate and a second tailings; the second slime inhibitor may be the same as or different from the first slime inhibitor; and Step S4: The second tailings are mixed with the second mineral collector and scavenged to obtain the third tailings and scavenging foam.

6. The sulfide ore flotation process according to claim 5, characterized in that, Based on the weight percentage of the slurry, mineral particles with a diameter of less than 0.074 mm account for 65-75% of the sulfide ore, and the solid content of the slurry is 25-30 wt%.

7. The sulfide ore flotation process according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The weight ratio of the first sludge inhibitor to the sulfide ore is (0.2-1):1000; the weight ratio of the first mineral collector to the sulfide ore is (0.06-0.1):1000; and the weight ratio of the foaming agent to the sulfide ore is (0.02-0.04):1000.

8. The sulfide ore flotation process according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first mineral collector and the second mineral collector are each independently selected from one or more of the group consisting of ethyl xanthate, butyl xanthate and isopropyl xanthate; The foaming agent is selected from one or more of the group consisting of methyl isobutyl methanol, dimethyl benzyl alcohol, and pine oil.

9. The sulfide ore flotation process according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Step S2 further includes: mixing the slurry with the first slime inhibitor, the first mineral collector and the frother and performing a first roughing, a second roughing and a third roughing in sequence to obtain the roughing concentrate and the first tailings; Step S3 further includes: mixing the rough concentrate with the second slime inhibitor and sequentially performing a first fine cleaning, a second fine cleaning and a third fine cleaning to obtain the concentrate; Step S4 further includes: mixing the second tailings with the second mineral collector and performing a first scavenging and a second scavenging in sequence to obtain the third tailings and the scavenging foam.

10. The sulfide ore flotation process according to claim 9, characterized in that, The scavenging foam is reused in step S4 or step S2.

11. The sulfide ore flotation process according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sulfide ore comprises, by weight percentage, 5-30 wt% dolomite, 5-15 wt% chlorite, 5-15 wt% kaolinite and 5-30 wt% other easily mud-forming minerals.

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