Application of Nano Bubbles in Column Flotation: Beneficiation of Iron and Phosphate Slimes

Abstract

Fine particle flotation has been one of the main problems in many mineral processing plants. Beneficiation of iron ore and phosphate slimes is important from economic and environmental aspects. This study aimed at the purification of fine particles of iron and phosphate ores by a pilot scale flotation column (10.2 cm diameter and 400 cm height) in which Nano bubbles (NBs) were produced using a specially designed venturi hydrodynamic cavitation tube. The iron slime sample (d80 equal to 45µm) was obtained from Gole-Gohar iron ore mine, one of the biggest iron concentrate producers in Iran, containing 67.5% Fe and 0.95% S. Phosphate particles with d80 finer than 30 μm contained 15.9% P2O5. This study addressed the processing of fine tailings (slimes) from phosphate and iron ore concentrators via flotation, despite the traditional view that ultrafine particles do not float. To reach this aim, an especial laboratory column flotation cell was manufactured and several comparative flotation tests were performed in presence and absence of NBs. Various parameters such as reagents dosage, air flowrate, froth depth, and NBs ratio to the cell volume were studied and optimum amounts were obtained. Results showed, flotation in presence of NBs obtained the significant increase in the phospate recovery more than 23% versus conventional flotation cell. Also, the sulfur content of iron concentrate could be reduced from 0.95% to 0.26% with iron recovery above 88% in presence of NBs.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

column flotation; desulfurization; Iron ore; nano bubbles; phosphate; slime

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-605011494-2

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2024, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2022

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