ESCA characterization of flotation products from a lead-zinc-copper concentrator on the new lead belt of Southeast Missouri.

Author

Kevin Leroy Purdy

Abstract

"Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) was used to determine the surface characteristics of products from an operating Pb-Zn-Cu concentrator on the New Lead Belt of southeast Missouri and pure galena and sphalerite samples treated with flotation reagents in concentrations similar to those used in the mills. The emphasis was on the action of surface modifiers such as Na₂Cr₂O7, starch, SO₂, CuSO₄ and NaCN in sphalerite flotation and in the galena-chalcopyrite separation. The objective of the investigation was to monitor the relative oxidation states of the mineral and reagent constituents and correlate these surface concentrations and oxidation states with flotation theory and practice. ESCA was able to follow the action of all the modifiers except NaCN. The existence of Pbcro₄ on the surface of galena conditioned with Na₂Cr₂O₇ was verified. The Pb in the bulk PbS-CuFeS₂ scavenger concentrate was found to be significantly more oxidized than the Pb in the bulk PbS-CuFeS₂ rougher concentrate. ESCA was found to be most useful for investigating the actions of modifiers rather than collectors due to the large amounts of sulfur and background carbon already present on the mineral surfaces. After calibration for the particular chemical system of interest, ESCA can yield semi-quantitative analyses of the oxidation states of many elements (except hydrogen and helium) present in the outer 10 to 25Å of a sulfide mineral surface"-- Abstract, p. ii

Advisor(s)

Clifford, Roger K.

Committee Member(s)

O'Keefe, T. J. (Thomas J.)
Venable, Raymond L.,,,,,, 1935-2008

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1974

Pagination

vi, 40 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 20-22)

Rights

© 1974 Kevin Leroy Purdy, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 4001

Print OCLC #

5981656

Recommended Citation

Purdy, Kevin Leroy, "ESCA characterization of flotation products from a lead-zinc-copper concentrator on the new lead belt of Southeast Missouri." (1974). Masters Theses. 3106.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/3106