Phosphate Collector Composition for Carbonatitic Ore Flotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flotation processes for carbonatitic non-sulfidic ores lack efficient separation methods, particularly in using phosphate compounds as primary collectors, and do not effectively utilize pyrophosphate components to enhance recovery and selectivity.
Innovation Solution
A collector composition comprising a phosphate compound of formula I, where R is a hydrocarbon group, A is an alkylene oxide unit, and n is 1-3, combined with a monophosphate secondary collector and other anionic or nonionic collectors, is used to treat carbonatitic non-sulfidic ores, improving recovery and selectivity in flotation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional collector compositions are used for treating carbonatitic non-sulfidic ores, then the flotation process can proceed, but the recovery and selectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the collector composition by introducing phosphate compounds with specific structural parameters (n=1-3, p=0-25, specific hydrocarbon chain lengths) to simultaneously improve recovery and selectivity in flotation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite collector composition combining phosphate compounds with other surfactants (anionic, nonionic, or cationic) to achieve synergistic effects that improve both recovery and selectivity beyond what single components can achieve
2Productivity
If higher amounts of collector composition are used to improve recovery, then more valuable product is recovered, but the cost and complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of the collector composition, achieving high recovery at reduced dosages (0.01-10 g/t) through improved molecular efficiency of the phosphate compound structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If a broad pH interval is used to improve operational flexibility, then the process can adapt to different conditions, but the selectivity and recovery may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The phosphate compound collector composition is designed to perform multiple functions across different pH conditions, maintaining effective flotation performance from pH 8-12 without requiring pH adjustment additives, thus achieving both versatility and reliable separation
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 process achieves improved grade and recovery of desired products from carbonatitic ores with reduced total collector amounts, demonstrating enhanced selectivity and efficiency in apatite separation, and can operate within a broad pH interval.
Implementation Method 1
Particle hydrophobicity is, in turn, induced by special chemicals called collectors
Implementation Method 2
Froth flotation is a physico-chemical process used to separate mineral particles considered economically valuable from those considered waste
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process to treat carbonatitic non-sulfidic ores with a collector composition that comprises a phosphate compound of the formula (I) wherein R is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms that, A is an alkylene oxide unit; Y is H, Na, K or an ammonium or alkylated ammonium, n is 1 - 3, p is 0 - 25, X is chosen from the same groups as R-Ap- or Y, or when n is 2 or 3, the -O-X and an -O-Y may be a single -O- bound to give a cyclic phosphate, to a collector composition containing the phosphate compound of the formula I as a primary collector in combination with a secondary collector and to a pulp composition containing the phosphate compound of the formula (I).