Pyrite and Pyrrhotite Open Circuit Potentials Study: Effects on Flotation

Abstract

In this research, effects of chloride & sulfate ions and pH changes on the open circuit potentials of pyrite, pyrrhotite and steel and also their reduction-oxidation processes were studied. These potentials were measured at different pH values in 3 electrolytes: distilled water, sodium chloride solution and sodium sulfate solution. A pair of electrodes including reference and operative electrodes was used for measurement and control of potentials. The results showed that with pH increasing, pyrite and pyrrhotite open circuit potentials decrease whereas under the same conditions the mentioned potential for steel rises. It was also observed that use of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate solutions as electrolyte decreases the open circuit potentials, because the presence of chloride and sulfate ions speeds up the oxidation-reduction process. Furthermore, the effect of the mentioned parameters on galvanic interactions between minerals and grinding media in grinding circuits, as well as galvanic interactions between the minerals in flotation process, mineral floatability and their collector adsorption have been discussed.

Department(s)

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Distilled Water; Floatability; Flotation Process; Galvanic Interaction; Grinding Circuits; Grinding Media; Measurement and Control; Mineral Processing; Open Circuit Potential; PH Change; PH Control; PH Value; Reduction-Oxidation; Sodium Chloride Solution; Sulfate Ion; Sulfate Solutions; Adsorption; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Grinding (comminution); Grinding (machining); Iron Ores; Oxidation; Silicate Minerals; Sodium Chloride; Sodium Sulfate; Froth Flotation; Reduction

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0892-6875

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2011 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Aug 2011

Link to Full Text

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