A method of enhancing the flotation of sphalerite

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of sphalerite flotation, in particular to a method for strengthening sphalerite flotation. The method for strengthening sphalerite flotation comprises the following steps: mixing and treating oxidized sphalerite with a potential regulating agent solution, controlling the potential of the potential regulating agent solution to be-0.55~0V and not 0V, to obtain a mixed system; washing the solid material in the mixed system to obtain a washed material; and floating the washed material. The method has the advantages of green environmental protection, simple process, low cost and remarkable effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sphalerite flotation technology, and more specifically, to a method for enhancing sphalerite flotation. Background Technology

[0002] Zinc, as one of the most important and widely used metals in industry, possesses excellent properties such as low melting point, high electrical conductivity, good thermal conductivity, and high metallic activity. It is widely used in metallurgy, chemical industry, electrical engineering, machinery manufacturing, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. Zinc in nature mainly exists in the form of sphalerite. The oxidation of zinc-bearing minerals is inevitable. Every year, the oxidation of zinc-bearing minerals leads to ineffective zinc recovery through flotation, resulting in resource waste. Simultaneously, large amounts of zinc metal accumulate in tailings ponds, posing environmental risks. With the increasing demand for zinc ore resources and the gradual expansion of mining scale, zinc ore resources are gradually showing a trend towards being leaner, finer, and more complex. Therefore, efficient and rational recovery of zinc resources is particularly important. More lean, finer, and more complex minerals mean that higher grinding fineness is required. To ensure the grade of zinc concentrate, a regrinding and refining process is generally adopted in the flotation of zinc-bearing minerals. As the particle size of zinc-bearing minerals decreases, their "face" to "edge" ratio becomes smaller. Newly generated "edges" are easily oxidized and become hydrophilic, further leading to the oxidation of zinc-bearing minerals and resulting in lower recovery rates.

[0003] Sphalerite (mainly composed of ZnS) is more easily oxidized than other sulfide minerals (such as pyrite and galena), primarily due to the following factors: 1. Chemical composition and bond energy characteristics: The Zn-S bond energy in sphalerite is relatively low, resulting in weak stability. Under the influence of environmental factors such as oxygen and water, the Zn-S bond is more easily broken, leading to the release of sulfur ions (S... 2-1. More easily oxidized. 2. Crystal structure and surface activity: Sphalerite has a cubic crystal system with a relatively loose atomic arrangement on the surface, resulting in more defects and active sites. These sites are more likely to adsorb oxygen, water molecules, and other oxidants, accelerating the initiation of the oxidation reaction. In contrast, sulfide minerals such as pyrite have a denser crystal structure and lower surface activity, making the initial stage of the oxidation reaction more difficult. 3. Differences in thermodynamic stability: From a thermodynamic perspective, the Gibbs free energy of the oxidation reaction of sphalerite is more negative, indicating a stronger spontaneous tendency. Sphalerite is more easily oxidized in the natural environment. These factors together make sphalerite less stable in oxidizing environments than most other sulfide minerals, and more prone to oxidation reactions. This has a significant adverse impact on flotation. After sphalerite is oxidized, its surface properties change significantly, leading to various adverse effects on the flotation process. The main effects include: 1. Decreased floatability: Oxidation causes the formation of a passivation film on the surface of sphalerite. These substances cover the mineral surface, reducing its natural hydrophobicity. Meanwhile, oxidation products hinder the effective binding of collectors (such as xanthates) to the surface of sphalerite, making it difficult for the minerals to adhere to the bubbles and significantly reducing floatability. 2. Decreased flotation selectivity: The surface properties of oxidized sphalerite are less different from those of gangue minerals, increasing separation difficulty and leading to a decrease in concentrate grade. 3. Increased reagent consumption: To overcome the influence of the oxide layer, more collectors are needed to restore some hydrophobicity to the sphalerite surface. Simultaneously, oxidation products in the pulp may react non-selectively with reagents, further increasing reagent consumption and raising flotation costs. 4. Abnormal froth stability: Fine slime produced by oxidation adheres to the bubble surface, causing the froth to become sticky and excessively stable. This not only affects froth transport and scraping but also entrains a large amount of gangue minerals, reducing flotation efficiency.

[0004] Problems with the activation of traditional sulfide ores include: the use of sodium sulfide or thiosulfate compounds to inhibit oxidation and activate the ores may pollute the soil and water; and the high cost of sulfiding agents in traditional sulfidation methods may increase costs during the flotation process.

[0005] Therefore, it is crucial to address the issue of zinc minerals losing flotation metals due to oxidation, to fully utilize zinc resources, improve the recovery rate of zinc minerals, and reduce pollution and costs.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One objective of this invention is to provide a method for enhancing the flotation of sphalerite, which uses a potential regulator to improve the oxidation problem on the surface of sphalerite, increase its surface active sites, improve its hydrophobicity, enhance the flotation effect of zinc-containing minerals, and increase the recovery rate of zinc-containing minerals. This method is characterized by being green and environmentally friendly, having a simple process, low cost, and significant effects.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives of the present invention, the following technical solution is adopted:

[0009] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0010] Zinc oxide sphalerite is mixed with a potential regulator solution, and the potential of the potential regulator solution is controlled to be between -0.55 and 0V, but not 0V, to obtain a mixed system. The solid material in the mixed system is washed to obtain a washed material. The washed material is then subjected to flotation.

[0011] In some embodiments, the potentiometer includes at least one of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate, and alpha-lipoic acid.

[0012] In some embodiments, the potential modifier solution includes a potential modifier and a solvent, wherein the solvent includes water.

[0013] In some embodiments, the potential of the potential control agent solution is -0.35 to -0.52 V.

[0014] In some embodiments, the ratio of zinc oxide to the potential modifier solution is 1 g: (0.1~50) mL.

[0015] In some embodiments, the mixing speed is 400~600 r / min, and the mixing time is 3~10 min.

[0016] In some embodiments, the washing process is further included before: allowing the mixture to stand for 3 to 8 minutes.

[0017] In some embodiments, the preparation of the zinc oxide sphalerite includes crushing, grinding and screening the raw zinc oxide ore.

[0018] In some embodiments, the particle size of the sphalerite ore after crushing, grinding, and screening is -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sieved sphalerite is subjected to oxidation treatment; the oxidation treatment specifically includes: mixing the sieved sphalerite with a potassium permanganate solution, wherein the ratio of the sieved sphalerite to the potassium permanganate solution is 1g:50mL, and the concentration of the potassium permanganate solution is 0.08~1.2g / L.

[0020] In some embodiments, the flotation process includes: adjusting the pH of the slurry containing the washing material to 8-10, stirring for 1-5 minutes, adding a collector and stirring for 2-7 minutes, and adding a frother and stirring for 1-5 minutes.

[0021] In some implementations, the recovery rate of sphalerite is greater than 45%.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] The enhanced sphalerite flotation method of the present invention pre-treats the oxidized sphalerite with potential control before flotation. This provides a low-potential atmosphere for the sphalerite, preventing further oxidation. Simultaneously, the potential control agent can reduce the sulfur content on the surface of the sphalerite. 2- S, oxidized to zero oxidation state, synergistically undergoes sulfidation. Through potential regulation, S replaces O in ZnO, interacting with Zn... 2+ The formation of Zn-S transforms the previously hydrophilic facets of sphalerite into hydrophobic ones, improving its floatability and hydrophobicity. Washing treatment prevents regulators from entering subsequent flotation processes and affecting flotation efficiency. This invention's method is simple, easy to implement, and low-cost. By using natural potential regulators, it achieves efficient recovery of zinc ore resources. No harmful chemicals are used in the pretreatment process; the reagents degrade naturally after use, meeting environmental protection requirements and reducing pollution. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specified in the examples, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer are followed. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all commercially available conventional products.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing sphalerite flotation, comprising the following steps:

[0026] Zinc oxide sphalerite is mixed with a potential modifier solution, and the potential of the potential modifier solution is controlled to be -0.55~0V (SHE), and not 0V, for example -0.3V, -0.35V, -0.4V, -0.45V, -0.5V, -0.55V, etc., to obtain a mixed system; the solid material in the mixed system is washed to obtain washed material; the washed material is then subjected to flotation treatment.

[0027] The enhanced sphalerite flotation method of the present invention pre-treats the oxidized sphalerite with potential control before flotation. This provides a low-potential atmosphere for the sphalerite, preventing further oxidation. Simultaneously, the potential control agent can reduce the sulfur content on the surface of the sphalerite. 2- S, oxidized to zero oxidation state, synergistically undergoes sulfidation. Through potential regulation, S replaces O in ZnO, interacting with Zn... 2+The formation of Zn-S transforms the previously hydrophilic facets of sphalerite into hydrophobic ones, improving its floatability and hydrophobicity. Washing treatment prevents regulators from entering subsequent flotation processes and affecting flotation efficiency. This invention's method is simple, easy to implement, and low-cost. By using natural potential regulators, it achieves efficient recovery of zinc ore resources. No harmful chemicals are used in the pretreatment process, and the reagents naturally degrade after use, meeting environmental protection requirements and reducing pollution. In some embodiments, the potential regulator includes at least one of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate, and α-lipoic acid, such as a combination of vitamin C and sodium ascorbate, a combination of sodium ascorbate and α-lipoic acid, or a combination of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate, and α-lipoic acid. The potential regulator of the present invention is green and pollution-free. On the one hand, it creates a low potential solution environment for sphalerite, preventing further oxidation of sphalerite and improving its hydrophobicity. On the other hand, it can promote the peeling of the passivation layer in a weakly acidic environment. The peeling of the passivation layer helps expose the fresh surface, which is conducive to the subsequent adsorption of the collector.

[0028] In some embodiments, the potential regulator comprises component A and component B, wherein component A is selected from vitamin C and / or sodium ascorbate, and component B is selected from α-lipoic acid. The mass ratio of component A to component B is (2~5):1, for example, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:1, 3.5:1, 4:1, 4.5:1, or 5:1. This invention, through the coordinated use of the above-mentioned suitable proportions of component A and component B, can ensure the processing effect of sphalerite, thereby improving the flotation effect, flotation efficiency, and recovery rate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the potential modifier solution comprises a potential modifier and a solvent, wherein the solvent comprises water. This invention obtains potential modifier solutions with different potentials through the combination of the potential modifier and the solvent. In some embodiments, the potential modifier and water are mixed to obtain a base solution with a concentration of 1 g / L. The base solution is then mixed with water, and by adjusting different amounts, potential modifier solutions with different potentials are obtained. In some embodiments, the potential of the potential modifier solution can be determined using conventional methods.

[0030] In some embodiments, the potential of the potential control agent solution is -0.35 to -0.52 V (SHE), relative to a standard hydrogen electrode. The potential of the potential control agent solution of the present invention can be further optimized, thereby further improving the processing effect on sphalerite. If the potential of the potential control agent solution of the present invention is too low, it may lead to over-processing, damaging the surface properties of sphalerite and affecting subsequent flotation processing; if the potential of the potential control agent solution is too high, the processing capacity is insufficient, the processing effect is poor, and the improvement effect on flotation recovery is not significant.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ratio of zinc oxide to the potentiometer solution is 1 g:(0.1~50 mL), for example, 1 g:50 mL, 1 g:40 mL, 1 g:30 mL, 1 g:25 mL, 1 g:20 mL, 1 g:10 mL, 1 g:5 mL, 1 g:0.1 mL, etc. The appropriate ratio of zinc oxide to potentiometer solution in this invention ensures the effective treatment of zinc oxide by the potentiometer solution.

[0032] In some embodiments, the mixing speed is 400-600 r / min, for example, 400 r / min, 450 r / min, 500 r / min, 550 r / min, 600 r / min, etc. The mixing time is 3-10 min, for example, 3 min, 4 min, 5 min, 6 min, 7 min, 8 min, 9 min, or 10 min, etc. The mixing process of the present invention uses appropriate speed and time to ensure the treatment effect on zinc oxide sphalerite, thereby facilitating the flotation effect.

[0033] In some embodiments, the washing process is further included before: allowing the mixed system to settle, allowing the solid material to precipitate, and then discarding the supernatant. The settling time is 3-8 minutes, for example, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, or 8 minutes. This invention employs a suitable settling time to ensure better solid-liquid separation and to guarantee the performance of the treated zinc sphalerite.

[0034] In some embodiments, the preparation of the zinc oxide sphalerite includes crushing, grinding, and screening the raw sphalerite ore. In some embodiments, the particle size of the raw sphalerite ore after crushing, grinding, and screening is -0.075 mm to +0.038 mm, that is, greater than 0.038 mm and less than 0.075 mm, for example 0.039 mm, 0.040 mm, 0.045 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, etc., or any value in the range between the two. To ensure the grade of zinc concentrate, grinding is required before flotation to ensure that the target mineral is fully liberated from the gangue. During the grinding process, the oxidizing atmosphere causes oxidation reactions on the facets of the zinc-bearing minerals, resulting in the formation of zinc-oxygen bonds on the surface of the zinc-bearing minerals. This changes the kinetic potential and contact angle, making the facets hydrophilic, thereby reducing the floatability of the zinc-bearing minerals.

[0035] In some embodiments, the oxidation treatment specifically includes: mixing sieved sphalerite with a potassium permanganate solution, wherein the ratio of sieved sphalerite to potassium permanganate solution is 1 g: 50 mL, and the concentration of the potassium permanganate solution is 0.08~1.2 g / L, for example, 0.08 g / L, 0.1 g / L, 0.15 g / L, 0.2 g / L, 1 g / L, 1.2 g / L, etc. The oxidation treatment time is 3~7 minutes. The oxidation treatment simulates the slurry oxidation environment of a mineral processing plant, and potassium permanganate has a wider oxidation potential window.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flotation process includes: adjusting the pH of the slurry containing the washing material to 8-10 (e.g., 8, 9, or 10), stirring for 1-5 minutes (e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.), adding a collector and stirring for 2-7 minutes (e.g., 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 7 minutes, etc.), and adding a frother and stirring for 1-5 minutes (e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or 5 minutes, etc.). In some embodiments, the collector includes butyl xanthate. The frother includes MIBC (4-methyl-2-pentanol).

[0037] In some embodiments, the recovery rate of sphalerite is greater than 45%, such as 49%, 50%, 55%, 60%, etc. The sphalerite recovery rate of this invention is high, and the zinc concentrate recovery rate is more than 20 percentage points higher than that of conventional technologies.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, a method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0039] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0040] (b) The first material was mixed with 100 mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution was 0.1 g / L and the oxidation treatment time was 5 min. The first material after oxidation treatment was rinsed with deionized water to obtain zinc oxide sphalerite.

[0041] (c) Adjust the potential of the potential regulator solution to -0.55~0V (SHE), but not 0V, wherein the potential regulator is at least one of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate and α-lipoic acid.

[0042] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential regulator solution, stir for 3 to 10 minutes at a speed of 400 to 600 r / min, let stand for 3 to 8 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0043] (e) Perform flotation on the washed material: Adjust the pH to 8-10 using a pH adjuster, stir for 1-5 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 2-7 min, and finally add 5 μL of MIBC and stir for 1-5 min for flotation separation.

[0044] The following explanation, combined with specific embodiments and comparative examples, further illustrates the point.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0047] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0048] (b) Mix 2g of the first material with 100mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution is 0.1g / L and the oxidation treatment time is 5min. Rinse the first material after oxidation treatment with deionized water to obtain zinc sphalerite oxide.

[0049] (c) Adjust the potential of the potentiometer solution to -0.35V (SHE). The potentiometer is vitamin C, and the volume of the potentiometer solution is 50mL.

[0050] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential modifier solution, stir for 5 minutes at 500 r / min, let stand for 5 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0051] (e) Perform flotation on the washed material: Adjust the pH of the slurry containing the washed material to 9 using a 1% NaOH solution, stir for 2 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 3 min, then add 5 μL of MIBC and stir for 2 min, perform aeration flotation for 3 min, and perform flotation separation.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0054] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0055] (b) Mix 2g of the first material with 100mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution is 0.1g / L and the oxidation treatment time is 5min. Rinse the first material after oxidation treatment with deionized water to obtain zinc sphalerite oxide.

[0056] (c) Adjust the potential of the potentiometer solution to -0.43V (SHE). The potentiometer is vitamin C, and the volume of the potentiometer solution is 50mL.

[0057] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential modifier solution, stir for 5 minutes at 500 r / min, let stand for 5 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0058] (e) Perform flotation on the washed material: Adjust the pH of the slurry containing the washed material to 9 using a 1% NaOH solution, stir for 2 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 3 min, and finally add 5 μL of MIBC, stir for 2 min, aerate and float for 3 min to perform flotation separation.

[0059] Example 3

[0060] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0061] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0062] (b) Mix 2g of the first material with 100mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution is 0.1g / L and the oxidation treatment time is 5min. Rinse the first material after oxidation treatment with deionized water to obtain zinc sphalerite oxide.

[0063] (c) Adjust the potential of the potential regulator solution to -0.48V (SHE). The potential regulator is vitamin C and the volume of the potential regulator solution is 50mL.

[0064] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential modifier solution, stir for 5 minutes at 500 r / min, let stand for 5 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0065] (e) Perform flotation on the washed material: Adjust the pH of the slurry containing the washed material to 9 using a 1% NaOH solution, stir for 2 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 3 min, and finally add 5 μL of MIBC, stir for 2 min, aerate and float for 3 min to perform flotation separation.

[0066] Example 4

[0067] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0068] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0069] (b) Mix 2g of the first material with 100mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution is 0.1g / L and the oxidation treatment time is 5min. Rinse the first material after oxidation treatment with deionized water to obtain zinc sphalerite oxide.

[0070] (c) Adjust the potential of the potential regulator solution to -0.51V (SHE). The potential regulator is vitamin C and the volume of the potential regulator solution is 50mL.

[0071] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential modifier solution, stir for 5 minutes at 500 r / min, let stand for 5 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0072] (e) Perform flotation on the washed material: Adjust the pH of the slurry containing the washed material to 9 using a 1% NaOH solution, stir for 2 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 3 min, and finally add 5 μL of MIBC, stir for 2 min, aerate and float for 3 min to perform flotation separation.

[0073] Example 5

[0074] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0075] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0076] (b) Mix 2g of the first material with 100mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution is 0.1g / L and the oxidation treatment time is 5min. Rinse the first material after oxidation treatment with deionized water to obtain zinc sphalerite oxide.

[0077] (c) Adjust the potential of the potentiometer solution to -0.48V (SHE). The potentiometer is α-lipoic acid and vitamin C, with a mass ratio of vitamin C to α-lipoic acid of 3:1. The volume of the potentiometer solution is 50 mL.

[0078] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential modifier solution, stir for 5 minutes at 500 r / min, let stand for 5 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0079] (e) Perform flotation on the washed material: Adjust the pH of the slurry containing the washed material to 9 using a 1% NaOH solution, stir for 2 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 3 min, and finally add 5 μL of MIBC, stir for 2 min, aerate and float for 3 min to perform flotation separation.

[0080] Example 6

[0081] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0082] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0083] (b) Mix 2g of the first material with 100mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution is 0.1g / L and the oxidation treatment time is 5min. Rinse the first material after oxidation treatment with deionized water to obtain zinc sphalerite oxide.

[0084] (c) Adjust the potential of the potential regulator solution to -0.45V (SHE). The potential regulator is sodium ascorbate, and the volume of the potential regulator solution is 50mL.

[0085] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential modifier solution, stir for 5 minutes at 500 r / min, let stand for 5 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0086] (e) Perform flotation on the washed material: Adjust the pH of the slurry containing the washed material to 9 using a 1% NaOH solution, stir for 2 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 3 min, and finally add 5 μL of MIBC, stir for 2 min, aerate and float for 3 min to perform flotation separation.

[0087] Example 7

[0088] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0089] (a) 2g of pure sphalerite mineral was crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0090] (b) The first material was mixed with 100 mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution was 0.1 g / L and the oxidation treatment time was 5 min. The first material after oxidation treatment was rinsed with deionized water to obtain zinc oxide sphalerite.

[0091] (c) Adjust the potential of the potentiometer solution to -0.3V (SHE). The potentiometer is sodium ascorbate, vitamin C and α-lipoic acid. The mass ratio of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate and α-lipoic acid is 3:1:1. The volume of the potentiometer solution is 50mL.

[0092] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential regulator solution, stir for 10 minutes at 400 r / min, let stand for 3 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0093] (e) Perform flotation operation on the washed material: Adjust the pH of the slurry containing the washed material to 8 using a 1% NaOH solution, stir for 1 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 2 min, and finally add 5 μL of MIBC, stir for 1 min, aerate and float for 3 min to perform flotation separation.

[0094] Example 8

[0095] A method for enhancing sphalerite flotation includes the following steps:

[0096] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0097] (b) Mix 2g of the first material with 100mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution is 0.1g / L and the oxidation treatment time is 5min. Rinse the first material after oxidation treatment with deionized water to obtain zinc sphalerite oxide.

[0098] (c) Adjust the potential of the potentiometer solution to -0.55V (SHE). The potentiometer is sodium ascorbate, vitamin C and α-lipoic acid. The mass ratio of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate and α-lipoic acid is 3:1:1. The volume of the potentiometer solution is 50mL.

[0099] (d) Mix zinc oxide with a potential regulator solution, stir for 3 minutes at 600 r / min, let stand for 3 minutes, pour off the supernatant, and then rinse with deionized water to obtain the washed material.

[0100] (e) Perform flotation operation on the washed material: Adjust the pH of the slurry containing the washed material to 10 using a 1% NaOH solution, stir for 5 min, add butyl xanthate and stir for 2 min, and finally add 5 μL of MIBC, stir for 5 min, aerate and float for 3 min to perform flotation separation.

[0101] Comparative Example 1

[0102] A method for flotation of sphalerite includes the following steps:

[0103] (a) The pure sphalerite mineral is crushed, ground and screened to obtain the first material with a particle size of -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

[0104] (b) The first material was mixed with 100 mL of potassium permanganate solution for oxidation treatment. The concentration of potassium permanganate solution was 0.1 g / L and the oxidation treatment time was 5 min. The first material after oxidation treatment was rinsed with deionized water to obtain zinc oxide sphalerite.

[0105] (c) Direct flotation of zinc oxide sphalerite: The pH of the pulp containing the washed material was adjusted to 9 using a 1% NaOH solution, stirred for 2 min, butyl xanthate was added and stirred for 3 min, and finally 5 μL of MIBC was added and stirred for 2 min for flotation separation.

[0106] Experimental Example

[0107] The zinc ore recovery rates of the methods in each embodiment and comparative example were tested, and the percentage point improvement in the recovery rate of each embodiment relative to Comparative Example 1 was calculated.

[0108] The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0109] Table 1 Test Results

[0110]

[0111] As can be seen from the above, the method of the present invention, through the coordinated operation of each step, can improve the problem of surface oxidation of zinc-bearing ore, increase the active sites on the surface of zinc-bearing minerals, improve the flotation effect of zinc-bearing ore, and significantly improve the recovery rate of zinc minerals, with a recovery rate of over 45%. This method has the advantages of being green and environmentally friendly, having a simple process, low cost, and significant effects.

[0112] The method in Comparative Example 1 did not treat the zinc sphalerite with a potential control solution, resulting in poor flotation performance and extremely low zinc mineral recovery.

[0113] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing the flotation of sphalerite, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Zinc sphalerite oxide was mixed with a potential modifier solution, and the potential of the potential modifier solution was controlled to be -0.55~0V, but not 0V, to obtain a mixed system. The solid materials in the mixture are washed to obtain washed materials; The washing material is subjected to flotation treatment; The potential modifier solution includes a potential modifier and a solvent, wherein the solvent includes water; The potential regulator includes at least one of vitamin C, sodium ascorbate, and α-lipoic acid; The ratio of zinc oxide sphalerite to the potential regulator solution is 1 g: (0.1~50) mL.

2. The method for enhanced sphalerite flotation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The potential of the potential regulator solution is -0.35 to -0.52 V.

3. The method for enhanced sphalerite flotation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixing speed is 400~600 r / min, and the mixing time is 3~10 min.

4. The method for enhanced sphalerite flotation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing process is preceded by a settling process, which lasts for 3 to 8 minutes.

5. The method for enhanced sphalerite flotation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preparation of the zinc oxide sphalerite includes: crushing, grinding and screening the raw zinc oxide ore; The particle size of the sphalerite ore after crushing, grinding, and screening is -0.075mm to +0.038mm.

6. The method for enhanced sphalerite flotation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sieved sphalerite was then subjected to oxidation treatment. The oxidation treatment specifically includes: mixing the sieved sphalerite with a potassium permanganate solution, wherein the ratio of the sieved sphalerite to the potassium permanganate solution is 1g:50mL, and the concentration of the potassium permanganate solution is 0.08~1.2g / L.

7. The method for enhanced sphalerite flotation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flotation process includes: adjusting the pH of the slurry containing the washing material to 8-10, stirring for 1-5 minutes, adding a collector and stirring for 2-7 minutes, and adding a frother and stirring for 1-5 minutes.

8. The method for enhanced sphalerite flotation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recovery rate of sphalerite is greater than 45%.

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