Phosphate Ore Flotation Collector Composition Selectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anionic flotation agents for phosphate ores, such as unsaturated fatty acids, are non-selective and often suitable for separating silicate and carbonate minerals, limiting their use in processes where these minerals need to be separated from valuable minerals.
Innovation Solution
A collector composition combining a primary anionic or amphoteric collector with a fatty acid ethoxylate having a low average degree of ethoxylation is used, improving the selectivity of the primary collectors in the flotation process for non-sulfidic ores like phosphate ores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unsaturated fatty acids are used as anionic flotation agents for phosphate ores, then the flotation process can proceed, but the selectivity is poor because these agents are also suitable for flotation of silicate-containing and carbonate-containing minerals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of the flotation agent by introducing a specific molecular configuration with a hydrophobic tail and hydrophilic head group, changing the parameters of the collector to achieve selective adsorption on phosphate minerals while repelling silicates and carbonates
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite collector system combining multiple chemical components with complementary properties, where one component provides selectivity for phosphate minerals while another provides froth stability, achieving both high selectivity and reliable separation
2Device complexity
If anionic surfactants are used in pure form for phosphate flotation, then the process can be simplified, but they do not provide the right froth characteristics during flotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple surfactant components into a single formulated collector composition, combining the selective adsorption properties of one surfactant with the froth-stabilizing properties of another to achieve both simplified application and reliable performance
Solution Approach 2:
The collector formulation is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: selective adsorption on phosphate minerals, provision of adequate froth characteristics, and compatibility with flotation conditions, eliminating the need for separate additives
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 use of a fatty acid ethoxylate with a low degree of ethoxylation as a secondary collector enhances the selectivity of primary collectors, leading to improved recovery and grade in the flotation process, as demonstrated by increased selectivity factors in experiments with apatite ores.
Implementation Method 1
It is based on the ability of air bubbles to selectively attach to those particles previously rendered hydrophobic. The particle-bubble combinations then rise to the froth phase from where the flotation cell is discharged whilst the hydrophilic particles remain in the flotation cell. Particle hydrophobicity, in turn, is 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.
Implementation Method 3
In direct flotation systems, it is the economically valuable minerals which are rendered hydrophobic by the action of the collector. Selectivity of the collector refers to the ability of the collector to selectively adsorb onto the surface of the targeted mineral only.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for treating non-sulfidic ores with a collector composition containing a primary and a secondary collector, wherein the primary collector is selected from the group of amphoteric and anionic surface active compounds and the secondary collector is an ethoxylated fatty acid wherein the average degree of ethoxylation is higher than 0 and less than 2, to collector compositions suitable for use in the above process, and to pulp comprising such collector compositions.