LAB REPORT

FROTH FLOTATION
ABDULLA SAMIN MV
14449

AIM
Froth flotation was performed in Pb-Zn ore from Rajpura-Dai to separate Galena and
Sphalerit.
Introduction
Froth flotation is the most widely used method for ore beneficiation. In ore
beneficiation, flotation is a process in which valuable minerals are separated from
worthless material or other valuable minerals by inducing them to gather in and on the
surface of a froth layer. Sulfide and non-sulfide minerals as well as native metals are
recovered by froth flotation. This process is based on the ability of certain chemicals
to modify the surface properties of the mineral(s). Other chemicals are used to
generate the froth and still others are used to adjust the pH. Certain chemicals are
even capable of depressing the flotation of minerals that are either to be recovered at
a later time or are not to be recovered.
The process of froth flotation entails crushing and grinding the ore to a fine size. This
fine grinding separates the individual mineral particles from the waste rock and other
mineral particles. The grinding is normally done in water with the resultant slurry called
the pulp. The pulp is processed in the flotation cells, which agitate the mixture and
introduce air as small bubbles.
The ability of a mineral to float depends upon its surface properties. Chemical
modification of these properties enables the mineral particles to attach to an air bubble
in the flotation cell. The air bubble and mineral particle rise through the pulp to the
surface of the froth or foam that is present on the flotation cell. Even though the air
bubbles often break at this point, the mineral remains on the surface of the froth. The
mineral is physically separated from the remaining pulp material and is removed for
further processing.
Theory
Froth flotation depends on the selective adhesion of air bubbles to hydrophobic
component in an ore slurry. The interfacial energies between the solid, liquid and
gaseous phases determines the attachment of the bubbles to the particle surface. This
is given by Young-Dupre equation
γ12 cos θ = γ12 − γ23

The chemicals used in froth flotation are collector, frother, activator, pH modifiers and
depressant.
A collector is a surfactant that selectively absorbs to a desired mineral and make it
hydrophobic. (5100, 3418, Xanthate)
A frother is added in order to stabilize the froth. (MIBC)
An activator is added to promote the absorption of a collector to the specific mineral.
(CuSO4)
A depressant act just the opposite to an activator. It prevents the collector from binding
to a mineral.
pH modifiers are used to intensify or reduce collector’s water repellent effect on
mineral surfaces. This allows flotation collectors to act selectively towards certain
minerals. (MBS, Lime)
Materials/Chemicals/ APPARATUS
200Mesh
1kg Pb-Zn ore
Denver Flotation Cell
For the flotation of Galena
 ZnSO4 (Deactivator)
 NaCN (Depressant)
 Xanthate (Collector)
 MIBC (Frother)
For the flotation of Sphalerite
 CuSO4 (Activator)
 Lime powder
 Xanthate
 MIBC (Frother)

PROCEDURE
1. The ore is first crushed, grinded, coned and quartered before taking it to the
experimental steps.
2. The 500gram powdered ore was put in the Denver Flotation Cell and water was
added to the cell (approximately 2L).
First is the roughing stage
4. pH of then solution is made to 8.3 by addition of NaOH. . After it reaches the pH ,
it was conditioned for 10 mins.
5. ZnSO4 (2% solution) was added for the deactivation of Sphalerite and stirring was
continued for 2 mins before the next step.
6. NaCN (0.2% solution) was then added to depress the iron sulphides.
7. After a min, Potassium amyl xanthate (1% solution) was added to the solution
followed by 4-5 drops of methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) and the solution was stirred
for another 2 mins.
8. Air flow into the cell was turned on by moving the knob leading to the froth
formation. The froth was quickly skimmed out and was collected in a tray for 2 mins.
9. The knob for air flow was turned off and the tank was filled with water to the same
height as earlier.
The scavenging stage
10. pH is adjusted to 10.4 by adding more NaOH. The solution was stirred for 10
mins for proper conditioning.
11. CuSO4 (2% solution) was added to the solution since it activates the Sphalerite.
Stirring was done for 2 mins.
12. NaCN, Xanthate and MIBC were added after appropriate countdown interval one
after the other.
13. Air was passed, and the sphalerite was skimmed for 2 mins
14. The concentrates were dried in oven, and weight were noted for further
calculation.
Experimental Results
Total weight of the ore = 500 g
Dry Weight of Galena-rich Concentrate = 210 grams
Dry Weight of Sphalerite-rich Concentrate = 40 grams
CALCULATIONS
Dry Weight of Concentrate Obtained
Yield (in %) = × 100
Total Weight of Feed
210
Yield % of Galena = × 100 = 42%
500
40
Yield % of Sphalerite = 500 × 100 = 8%

Conclusions
Of the 500g Pb-Zn ore powder, 42% was Galena and 8% was Sphalerite. Half of the
ore is lost during froth flotation as waste. The Pb-Zn ore is a more economical source
of Pb compared to Zn since the yield of Galena (42%) is much higher than Sphalerite
(8%).
REFERENCES
1. Floatation Fundamentals, S. K. Kawatra, MTU Chemistry.