Copper(II)-Ammonia Complex Activator for Copper Oxide Ore Flotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sulfidization activators for copper oxide ores, such as ammonium sulfate and ethylenediamine phosphate, fail to provide satisfactory recovery rates and stability in the flotation process due to high oxidation rates, high mud content, and low-grade issues, necessitating a more effective activator to enhance sulfidization and reduce sulfidizing agent consumption.
Innovation Solution
A copper(II)-ammonia complex ion sulfidization activator with a molar ratio of NH3 to Cu2+ of 2-4:1 is introduced, prepared by dropwise adding ammonia to a copper salt solution and adjusting the pH, which is applied in the sulfidization flotation process to improve mineral floatability and reduce sulfidizing agent dosage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sodium sulfide is used as sulfidizing agent, then the sulfidization effect is enhanced, but the sulfide film becomes unstable and falls off easily during intense stirring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a copper(II)-ammonia complex ion as an intermediary substance that mediates between the sodium sulfide sulfidizing agent and the copper oxide mineral surface. This complex ion forms a stable bridge that prevents the sulfide film from falling off during stirring, while still maintaining effective sulfidization. The copper(II)-ammonia complex ion acts as a mediator that transfers sulfur to the mineral surface in a controlled manner, ensuring film stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sulfidization system by introducing the copper(II)-ammonia complex ion with specific molar ratios (NH3:Cu2+ = 2-4:1). This parameter change transforms the unstable sulfide film into a stable structure that can withstand intense stirring. The complex ion modifies the chemical environment on the mineral surface, creating conditions for stable sulfide film formation.
2Productivity
If sulfidizing agent dosage is increased to improve flotation effect, then the recovery rate increases, but the cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The copper(II)-ammonia complex ion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sulfidization activator, a film stabilizer, and a flotation promoter. This self-service capability allows the system to achieve high recovery rates without proportionally increasing sulfidizing agent dosage. The complex ion catalyzes the sulfidization process and maintains film stability, reducing the need for excessive agent addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite activator system combining copper(II) ions and ammonia molecules in specific ratios. This composite copper(II)-ammonia complex ion provides synergistic effects that enhance sulfidization efficiency and film stability. The composite structure allows for more effective use of sulfidizing agents, reducing overall consumption while maintaining high recovery rates.
3Productivity
If existing activators like ammonium sulfate are used, then the sulfidization process is promoted, but the recovery rate remains unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical parameters of the activator system by using copper(II)-ammonia complex ions with specific molar ratios (NH3:Cu2+ = 2-4:1) instead of conventional activators like ammonium sulfate. This parameter change creates a more effective activator that simultaneously promotes sulfidization and achieves satisfactory recovery rates. The copper(II)-ammonia complex ion provides superior catalytic activity and film stability compared to traditional activators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite activator system based on copper(II)-ammonia complex ions that combines the benefits of both copper ions and ammonia. This composite structure creates a more effective activator than single-component activators like ammonium sulfate. The composite copper(II)-ammonia complex ion provides enhanced catalytic activity, film stability, and flotation promotion, resulting in satisfactory recovery rates.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the sulfidization film is made more stable to prevent falling off, then the flotation process improves, but the formation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The copper(II)-ammonia complex ion is introduced into the slurry before the sulfidization process begins, performing preliminary preparation of the mineral surface. This preliminary action creates favorable conditions for rapid and stable sulfide film formation. The complex ion pre-adsorbs onto the copper oxide surface, creating active sites that accelerate subsequent sulfidization and ensure film stability without requiring extended formation times.
Solution Approach 2:
The copper(II)-ammonia complex ion serves as an intermediary that accelerates the sulfide film formation process. By mediating between the sulfidizing agent and the mineral surface, the complex ion enables rapid film formation while maintaining stability. This intermediary role allows the film to form quickly and remain stable, eliminating the need for prolonged formation times.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The copper(II)-ammonia complex ion activator increases the recovery rate by 10-20% compared to existing activators, enhances the stability of the sulfidization film, and reduces the consumption of sulfidizing agents and collectors, leading to improved flotation efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a sulfidizing agent such as sodium sulfide and sodium hydrosulfide is employed to pre-sulfidize the copper oxide minerals, and then a xanthate collector is added for flotation. After sodium sulfide is added to the slurry, a hydrophobic sulfide film is formed on the surface of the malachite mineral
Implementation Method 2
the sulfidization effect is directly associated with the flotation effect of copper oxide ores. After sodium sulfide is added to the slurry, a hydrophobic sulfide film is formed on the surface of the malachite mineral
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophobic sulfide film is formed on the surface of the malachite mineral, which significantly enhances the mineral floatability
Implementation Method 4
dropwise adding an ammonia solution to a copper salt solution to produce a mixture; and adjusting the mixture to pH 6-7.2 to produce the copper(II)-ammonia complex ion sulfidization activator
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to mineral processing, and more particularly to a copper(II)-ammonia complex ion sulfidization activator, and its preparation and application. A molar ratio of NH3 to Cu2+ in the active ingredient of the copper(II)-ammonia complex ion sulfidization activator is 2:1-4:1. The preparation method includes: dropwise adding an ammonia solution to a copper salt solution; and adjusting the mixture to pH 6-7.2 with dilute sulfuric acid to obtain the copper(II)-ammonia complex ion sulfidization activator. During the sulfidization flotation for the copper oxide ore, the copper(II)-ammonia complex ion sulfidization activator is added and mixed uniformly with the ore slurry prior to the introduction of the sulfidizing agent.