Iso C13 Alkyl Ether Amines for Iron Ore Silicate Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inverse iron ore flotation processes face challenges in selectively removing silicate from iron ores with higher SiO2 content, leading to increased iron ore loss and difficulty in achieving low silicate levels required for direct reduction processes, particularly in the quality of ore with higher SiO2 content.
Innovation Solution
The use of novel alkyl ether amines and alkyl ether diamines, specifically compounds of the formulas RO—X—NH2, RO—X—NH3+Y−, RO—X—NH—Z—NH2, and RO—X—NH—Z—NH3+Y−, where X and Z are aliphatic alkylene groups, and R is an iso C13H27-group with varying branching, as flotation collectors to enhance the selective removal of silicate from iron ores in inverse flotation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional collectors are used for inverse flotation of iron ore with higher SiO2 content, then silicate removal is achieved, but iron ore loss increases and selective removal capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of collectors by changing parameters such as introducing iso C13H27-group with varying branching degrees, adjusting alkylene group lengths (X: 2-6 carbon atoms, Z: 2-6 carbon atoms), and controlling the number of amino groups (1-2 per molecule). These structural parameter changes optimize the collector's affinity for iron minerals while reducing attraction to silicate, thereby improving selective removal capability and reducing iron ore loss simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite collector structures combining specific hydrocarbon groups (iso C13H27), alkylene chains (X and Z groups), and amino functional groups in a single molecular structure. This composite molecular design creates a collector that integrates multiple functional characteristics: hydrophobicity for froth stability, specific surface affinity for iron minerals, and steric hindrance to prevent non-specific adsorption on silicate, achieving both high selectivity and low loss
2Manufacturing precision
If collectors with long linear alkoxy moieties are used, then silicate removal is improved, but the collector crystallizes with time requiring additional solvent or heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric molecular structures by using iso C13H27-group with varying branching degrees rather than symmetric linear chains. The alkylene groups X and Z have different lengths (2-6 carbon atoms each), creating an asymmetric three-dimensional structure. This asymmetry prevents regular crystal lattice formation by disrupting molecular packing, thereby maintaining the collector in a liquid state at room temperature without requiring additional solvents or heating units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality modification by introducing branching at specific locations within the hydrocarbon chain (iso C13H27-group) rather than throughout the entire structure. The branching degree is controlled locally to optimize both silicate removal capability and liquid stability. This localized structural modification allows the collector to maintain high functional performance while preventing crystallization, ensuring ease of operation as a liquid dosage
3Manufacturing precision
If existing collectors are used to achieve low silicate levels for direct reduction, then product quality improves, but the process becomes more difficult to control and iron ore loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component collector systems with single-molecule collectors that have integrated functional groups. Instead of using combinations of different chemical agents requiring coordinated control, the invention employs individual molecules with built-in functional characteristics (hydrophobic iso C13H27-group, alkylene chains X and Z, amino groups) that simultaneously provide iron mineral affinity, froth stability, and silicate repulsion. This simplification reduces process control complexity while maintaining precise silicate content control for direct reduction
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
These compounds improve the selective removal of silicate, retaining a higher proportion of iron and removing a higher proportion of silicate compared to existing collectors, ensuring better quality of the iron mineral without increased iron ore loss, and can be conveniently used in liquid form.
Implementation Method 1
The negatively charged silicate can be hydrophobized using suitable amines. Injection of air in a flotation cell leads to formation of hydrophobic gas bubbles, which can transport the hydrophobized silicate particle to the top of the flotation cell.
Implementation Method 2
At the top a froth, which can be stabilized by a suitable frother, collects the silicate particles.
Implementation Method 3
Finally, the froth will be removed from the surface and the enriched mineral is left at the bottom of the flotation cell.
Data Source
AI summary
Compounds of the formulae: RO—X—NH2 (Ia); RO—X—NH3+Y− (Ib); RO—X—NH—Z—NH2 (IIa); and RO—X—NH—Z—NH3+Y− (IIb), in which X is an aliphatic alkylene group containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms; Z is an aliphatic alkylene group containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms; Y− is an anion; and R is an aliphatic iso C13H27-group with average branching degree ranging from 1.5 to 3.5. The compounds are particularly suitable as flotation collectors for enriching an iron mineral from a silicate-containing iron ore.