Phosphoric Ester Collector for Carbonate Flotation Foam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phosphoric rock flotation processes face challenges in achieving efficient separation of carbonates from phosphates, often resulting in excessive and stable foam that complicates the formation of phosphoric acid and requires the use of antifoaming agents, which can affect the process negatively.
Innovation Solution
A collector comprising specific phosphoric esters, preferably with a general formula that includes ethoxylated derivatives and a mixture of monoester and diester, along with cationic surfactants, is used to enhance the separation efficiency of carbonates in phosphoric rock flotation, allowing for controlled foam formation that is not excessive and breaks easily, thereby eliminating the need for antifoaming agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional collectors are used in phosphoric rock flotation, then carbonate separation is achieved, but excessive and stable foam is generated that complicates phosphoric acid formation and requires antifoaming agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of the collector by introducing specific phosphoric ester compounds with controlled molecular weights and compositions. This changes the physical-chemical parameters of the collector to achieve optimal foam stability - sufficient for carbonate separation but not excessive, thereby resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and foam control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite collector systems combining specific phosphoric esters with other flotation reagents in controlled proportions. This composite approach allows the phosphoric esters to provide selective carbonate collection while the formulation controls foam characteristics, achieving both effective separation and manageable foam levels without requiring antifoaming agents
2Productivity
If conventional collectors are used, then flotation separation is achieved, but the process requires multiple steps and complex reagent combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The phosphoric ester collectors developed in this patent possess multi-functional properties: they selectively collect carbonates, control foam stability, and enable single-step flotation separation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple reagents and process steps, simplifying the overall flotation process while maintaining high separation yield
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the flotation process into a single integrated step where the specialized phosphoric ester collector performs multiple functions simultaneously (carbonate collection, foam control, separation), rather than requiring sequential steps with different reagents, thereby reducing process complexity
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 proposed solution achieves a better yield and suitable foam stability, ensuring efficient separation of carbonates and phosphates in a single step, improving the overall phosphoric rock flotation process by maintaining high P2O5 content in the flotation concentrate and reducing foam-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
the collector is in charge of causing a hydrophobization of the surface of the minerals such that these minerals are adhered to the gas bubbles formed during the air insufflation
Implementation Method 2
the collector is in charge of causing a hydrophobization of the surface of the minerals such that these minerals are adhered to the gas bubbles
Implementation Method 3
insufflating air into the suspension (flotation) so as to generate a foam in its surface
Implementation Method 4
generate a foam in its surface
Implementation Method 5
Collectors are normally added to the mineral, frequently in combination with foaming agents and where appropriate, other auxiliary reagents
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a collector for the separation by flotation of carbonates contained in non-sulfurous minerals, particularly phosphoric rock, comprising at least one phosphoric ester of formula (I) wherein, - R1 represents H, CH3 or C2H5, - R2 represents a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group containing between 4 and 10 carbon atoms, - R3 represents H or a suitable cation, selected from an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkyl ammonium, alkanol ammonium or glucammonium, - k represents a number comprised between 1 and 2, and - n represents a number comprised between 0 and 4.