AU730086B2 - Method of improving the effectiveness of sulphoxy compounds in flotation circuits - Google Patents
Method of improving the effectiveness of sulphoxy compounds in flotation circuits Download PDFInfo
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- AU730086B2 AU730086B2 AU75069/98A AU7506998A AU730086B2 AU 730086 B2 AU730086 B2 AU 730086B2 AU 75069/98 A AU75069/98 A AU 75069/98A AU 7506998 A AU7506998 A AU 7506998A AU 730086 B2 AU730086 B2 AU 730086B2
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- Prior art keywords
- sulphoxy
- flotation
- slurry
- inert
- reagent
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- 238000005188 flotation Methods 0.000 title claims description 52
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 33
- -1 sulphoxy compounds Chemical class 0.000 title claims description 32
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 43
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 claims description 43
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 37
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 claims description 28
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 18
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphur dioxide Chemical compound O=S=O RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- GEHJYWRUCIMESM-UHFFFAOYSA-L sodium sulfite Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])=O GEHJYWRUCIMESM-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 10
- DWAQJAXMDSEUJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium bisulfite Chemical compound [Na+].OS([O-])=O DWAQJAXMDSEUJJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 8
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004289 sodium hydrogen sulphite Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000010267 sodium hydrogen sulphite Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000010265 sodium sulphite Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004291 sulphur dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000010269 sulphur dioxide Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001473 noxious effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- HRZFUMHJMZEROT-UHFFFAOYSA-L sodium disulfite Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S(=O)S([O-])(=O)=O HRZFUMHJMZEROT-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004296 sodium metabisulphite Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000010262 sodium metabisulphite Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- XFXPMWWXUTWYJX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Cyanide Chemical compound N#[C-] XFXPMWWXUTWYJX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- RWSOTUBLDIXVET-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dihydrogen sulfide Chemical class S RWSOTUBLDIXVET-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethane Chemical compound CC OTMSDBZUPAUEDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052754 neon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N neon atom Chemical compound [Ne] GKAOGPIIYCISHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- LSNNMFCWUKXFEE-UHFFFAOYSA-L sulfite Chemical compound [O-]S([O-])=O LSNNMFCWUKXFEE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012991 xanthate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 150000003568 thioethers Chemical class 0.000 claims 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 24
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 24
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 24
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 20
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 15
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000011133 lead Substances 0.000 description 11
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphide Chemical compound [S-2] UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910001779 copper mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- NIFIFKQPDTWWGU-UHFFFAOYSA-N pyrite Chemical compound [Fe+2].[S-][S-] NIFIFKQPDTWWGU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052683 pyrite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011028 pyrite Substances 0.000 description 4
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910052951 chalcopyrite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- DVRDHUBQLOKMHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N chalcopyrite Chemical compound [S-2].[S-2].[Fe+2].[Cu+2] DVRDHUBQLOKMHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229910052950 sphalerite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052949 galena Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 2
- XCAUINMIESBTBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead(ii) sulfide Chemical compound [Pb]=S XCAUINMIESBTBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000001117 sulphuric acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000011149 sulphuric acid Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- 235000008733 Citrus aurantifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- MBMLMWLHJBBADN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ferrous sulfide Chemical compound [Fe]=S MBMLMWLHJBBADN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 238000003723 Smelting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000011941 Tilia x europaea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052784 alkaline earth metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001342 alkaline earth metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000003556 assay Methods 0.000 description 1
- ZETCGWYACBNPIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N azane;sulfurous acid Chemical compound N.OS(O)=O ZETCGWYACBNPIH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910001873 dinitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RMGVZKRVHHSUIM-UHFFFAOYSA-L dithionate(2-) Chemical compound [O-]S(=O)(=O)S([O-])(=O)=O RMGVZKRVHHSUIM-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001608 iron mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- JQJCSZOEVBFDKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead zinc Chemical compound [Zn].[Pb] JQJCSZOEVBFDKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004571 lime Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010979 pH adjustment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052954 pentlandite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052952 pyrrhotite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004763 sulfides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910001656 zinc mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Manufacture And Refinement Of Metals (AREA)
Description
-1-
AUSTRALIA
PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT
ORIGINAL
.o Name of Applicant: BOC GASES AUSTRALIA LIMITED, A.C.N. 000 029 729 Actual Inventors: David William CLARK and Andrew James Haigh NEWELL Address of Service: BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS 60 MARGARET STREET *SYDNEY NSW 2000 Invention Title: "METHOD OF IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SULPHOXY COMPOUNDS IN FLOTATION CIRCUITS" Details of Associated Provisional Application No. PO 7884 dated 14th July 1997 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to mineral separation circuits and particularly, but not only, mineral separation circuits employing sulphoxy compounds as reagents.
BACKGROUND ART In the flotation separation of minerals, reagents from the sulphoxy groups such as sodium sulphite, sodium bisulphite and sodium metabisulphite (or alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal or ammonium equivalents), sulphur dioxide or other thionates are commonly used to improve the quality of the separation, particularly where sulphidic minerals such as chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite or galena are present.
The sulphoxy reagent acts to depress certain minerals to allow an operator to selectively float the desired valuable sulphidic mineral.
There are, however, certain difficulties associated with the use of sulphoxy reagents in flotation separation circuits. Firstly, the cost of such sulphoxy reagents is quite high and it would prove beneficial if consumption of the sulphoxy agent could be reduced or alternatively the quality or grade of the valuable concentrate could be increased using the same quantity of sulphoxy reagent.
Also, the effectiveness of the sulphoxy reagent depends on a number of factors including pH, dissolved oxygen content of the slurry and the type of ore forming the slurry.
For example, at relatively low concentrations of sodium sulphite, pyrite flotation is markedly slowed. This effect is increased at a higher pH level (by the addition of sodium hydroxide or lime). Depression of sphalerite by sodium sulphite has been previously -3reported however its effectiveness is not always clear. Sulphite addition does not appear to increase or decrease chalcopyrite flotation rates.
The effectiveness of the sulphoxy reagent also depend upon conditioning times.
Experience has shown that conditioning times have a marked effect on the flotation selectivity of certain ores. Also the effectiveness of the sulphoxy reagent depends upon the particle size of the minerals in the slurry. It has been found that finer sizes of sulphide minerals can be less sensitive to sulphoxy reagent conditioning ie longer conditioning times may be required to depress certain minerals.
oo Of course, in addition to these difficulties, it is necessary for a plant operator to 10 supply the selected sulphoxy compound to the plant site which is usually at a remote location. Transport, storage and preparation of the sulphoxy compounds for use results in S"substantial additional costs.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a commercial alternative to the prior art.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method of increasing both flotation selectivity and effectiveness of a sulphoxy radical containing reagent added to a mineral separation circuit wherein prior to or simultaneously with the addition of said sulphoxy radical containing reagent an inert/non-oxidising gas is added to the mineral separation circuit in a quantity sufficient to achieve a chemical environment conducive to flotation separation of minerals.
The present applicants have found that conditioning a slurry or flotation concentrate having a mixture of valuable materials with an inert/non-oxidising gas and a sulphoxy compound not only increases the recovery of the valuable minerals but also improves the flotation selectivity of those minerals.
Not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed the addition of inert/non-oxidising gas either prior to or simultaneously with the sulphoxy reagent increases the effectiveness of the sulphoxy compound in the slurry. The sulphoxy compound has two primary mechanisms for assisting flotation of valuable sulphide minerals namely the various chemical reactions with the minerals and the removal of dissolved oxygen from the slurry. Both these mechanisms affect mineral floatability. The *applicants believe that the inert/non-oxidising gas appears to assist either or both of these 10 mechanisms.
The present inventive process is suitable for use with a broad range of slurries and flotation concentrates having a mixture of valuable minerals including sulphidic copper minerals or sulphidic and non-sulphidic copper minerals, valuable lead and/or zinc and/or nickel minerals and non-valuable sulphidic iron minerals (particularly pyrite) and nonsulphidic "gangue" material.
Any suitable inert/non-oxidising gas may be used in conjunction with the sulphoxy reagent however nitrogen, argon, neon, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, methane, ethane or propane and/or admixtures thereof are preferred.
Similarly, as will be clear to persons skilled in the art, there are a wide variety of suitable sulphoxy agents for use in conjunction with the present inventive process including sodium sulphite, sodium hydrogen sulphite, sodium metabisulphite, sodium bisulphite, ammonium bisulphite, sulphur dioxide gas or solution, sulphide agents or K, Ca, NH 4 salts may be used.
The present inventive process is also suitable for application with a wide variety or ores including but not limited to poly-metallic ores containing economic values of copper and/or lead and/or zinc and/or nickel which is frequently in association with iron sulphide.
The duration and intensity of the nitrogen conditioning step will depend upon a number of factors including the type of ore undergoing flotation, the amount and type of sulphoxy agent added in conjunction with the nitrogen conditioning and the dissolved oxygen content of the slurry.
It is also possible that prior to the addition of the collector and flotation of the slurry, *but after the nitrogen/sulphoxy agent conditioning step, the slurry may require an oxidative gas conditioning step to provide the desired dissolved oxygen concentration eg DO 2 ppm or electrochemical potential which is suitable for flotation of the particular sulphide mineral.
As mentioned above, by using the present inventive process, the flotation selectivity .of the slurry may be improved thereby increasing the quality and grade of the valuable concentrate resulting from the flotation stage(s). This of course provides corresponding increases in efficiency in the smelting operation.
As an example, a typical process employing the present invention may comprise the following. A milled slurry is conditioned for 1 to 10 minutes, preferably 2 to 5 minutes, with an inert/non-oxidising gas such as nitrogen to substantially remove all dissolved oxygen present. A sulphoxy compound such as sodium metabisulphate (SMBS) is then added and the conditioning with nitrogen continued for a further I to 10 minutes. Nitrogen addition is then stopped. Appropriate collectors and frothers for effecting flotation of the slurry may then be added and the slurry is conditioned further for one minute. The -6conditioned slurry is then floated with air to effect recovery of the valuable minerals from the non-valuable minerals.
The inert/non-oxidising gas may also be applied to the reagent mixing stage, when the reagent is mixed with water to produce an aqueous fluid of suitable concentration for controlled addition to the flotation process.
The present inventive process is also suitable to a range of reagents in particular but not only oxygen-consuming reagents such as cyanide, xanthates, sulphides, hydrosulphides i* :and admixtures thereof, including sulphoxy compounds.
As mentioned above, the present inventive process is suitable for a wide range of ores however it is particularly suitable for separation of copper minerals from other sulphide minerals in poly-metallic ores.
Lastly, an unexpected benefit of the present inventive process is its ability to increase the safety of the flotation circuit. To explain, many sulphoxy compounds are quite hazardous to human health and can produce noxious fumes.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for enhancing the safety of a mineral separation circuit which uses a sulphoxy radical containing reagent, said method comprising providing an inert/non-oxidising gas under pressure to the mineral separation circuit conditioning with said sulphoxy radical containing reagent such as to provide an over-pressure within the mineral separation circuit to expel at least a portion of any fumes arising from the sulphoxy compound. Preferably these noxious fumes are ducted to the outside of any buildings housing the mineral separation circuits to thereby enhance safety and improve the working environment around the mineral separation circuits.
-7- Clearly this is a substantial additional benefit associated with the present invention.
In fact, in some operations this additional benefit may be the primary reason for employing the present inventive process rather than its ability to increase both flotation selectivity and effectiveness of a sulphoxy radical containing reagent in the mineral separation circuit.
BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In order that the nature of the present invention may be more clearly understood, the following examples are provided.
By way of example, two flotation tests were conducted on fresh samples of reagentised flotation slurry from a complex massive sulphide copper lead zinc ore assaying 1.5% Copper, 3.3% Lead, and 8.4% Zinc to establish the improvement in sulphoxy compound effectiveness by addition with nitrogen. The valuable minerals present included chalcopyrite (Copper), galena (Lead), and sphalerite (Zinc). The major nonvaluable sulphide mineral was pyrite.
In the example given, the role of the sulphoxy compound was to improve the flotation selectivity of the copper minerals from the lead and zinc minerals.
Test 1: Standard Conditions In a 2.5 litre flotation cell sulphuric acid was added to achieve a pH of 5.9. The appropriate quantity of collector was added and the equivalent of 1000 gpt of new feed of the sulphoxy type compound sodium bi sulphite (SBS) was added. The slurry was conditioned for 5 minutes. At the completion of conditioning the appropriate quantity of frother was added and flotation with air commenced. Four concentrates were produced from 1, 2, 4, and 8 minutes respectively of flotation. The four concentrates and flotation -8tailings were filtered, dried, weighed, and the copper, lead, and zinc contents determined by assay.
Test 2: Addition of Nitrogen A test was conducted in a similar described for Test 1 with the following exceptions: 1. Prior to adjusting the slurry pH with sulphuric acid, the slurry was conditioned with a nitrogen gas purge for 2 minutes. The dissolved oxygen content of the slurry was measured and found to be negligible close to zero) 2. Nitrogen purge was continued through pH adjustment and SBS and collector 10 conditioning. Nitrogen addition ceased prior to frother addition.
Results The results of the evaluation are summarised as follows: 5 Test 1: Standard Conditions Test 1: Standard Conditions Product Concentrate Copper Flotation Recovery, Grade, Cu Pb Zn Cu Pb Zn Concentrate 1 11.4 16.0 5.8 67.5 41.2 Concentrates 1 9.2 14.2 6.5 82.6 55.7 +2 Concentrates 1 6.5 11.2 7.3 90.9 68.1 16.2 +2+3 Concentrates 1 5.1 9.2 7.8 94.4 74.8 23.3 +2+3+4 -9- Test 2: Addition of Nitrogen Product Concentrate Copper Grade, Flotation Recovery, Cu Pb Zn Cu Pb Zn Concentrate 1 12.3 13.6 4.9 74.4 39.2 5.8 Concentrates 1 8.7 11.7 5.1 87.4 55.7 10.0 +2 Concentrates 1 6.3 9.7 5.4 94.1 69.2 15.7 +2+3 Concentrates 1 4.4 7.7 6.3 98.3 81.7 27.5 +2+3+4 The results show that the addition of nitrogen improved the effectiveness of the sulphoxy compound as measured by concentrate copper grade, copper flotation recovery, and flotation selectivity of copper against lead and zinc. These improvements are probably more clearly appreciated on review of the following figure in which: Figure 1 is a graph of concentrate copper grade versus copper flotation recovery for tests 1 and 2, Figure 2 is a graph of copper flotation recovery versus lead flotation recovery for tests 1 and 2, and Figure 3 is a graph of copper flotation recovery versus zinc flotation recovery for tests 1 and 2.
For this ore it is desirable to produce a copper concentrate of high copper grade.
Figure 1 clearly shows that the addition of nitrogen increased concentrate copper grade and increased the maximum copper flotation recovery.
For this ore, it is also desirable to separate copper from lead, therefore giving the highest copper flotation recovery while maintaining the lowest lead flotation recovery.
Figure 2 figure clearly shows that the addition of nitrogen has improved the flotation selectivity of copper against lead.
Lastly, for this ore, it is also desirable to separate copper from zinc, therefore giving the highest copper flotation recovery while maintaining the lowest zinc flotation recovery.
Figure 3 clearly shows that the addition of nitrogen has improved the flotation selectivity of copper against zinc.
The present inventive process may be used with conventional apparatus which will *10 be well-known to persons skilled in the art and it will further be understood that the present invention may be embodied in form other than that described without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
e .ee
Claims (8)
1. A method of increasing both flotation selectivity and effectiveness of a sulphoxy radical containing reagent added to a slurry in a mineral separation circuit wherein prior to and/or simultaneously with the addition of said sulphoxy radical containing reagent an inert/non-oxidising gas is added to the mineral separation circuit in a quantity sufficient to achieve a chemical environment conducive to flotation separation of minerals.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inert/non-oxidising gas is selected from i the group consisting of nitrogen, argon, neon, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, methane, ethane or propane and/or admixtures thereof. 10 3. A method as claimed in 1 wherein the inert/non-oxidising gas is nitrogen.
4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sulphoxy radical containing reagent is selected from the group consisting of sodium sulphite, sodium hydrogen sulphite, sodium metabisulphite, sodium bisulphite, sulphur dioxide gas or solution, sulphite agents and K, Ca, NH 4 salts thereof, and admixtures thereof.
5. A method as claimed in any one of the previous claims wherein the inert/non- oxidising gas is added to the mineral separation circuit to provide a dissolved oxygen concentration or electrochemical potential in the slurry which is suitable for the flotation of the mineral.
6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein prior to addition of a collector and flotation of the slurry, the slurry undergoes an oxidative gas conditioning step to provide the desired dissolved oxygen concentration or electrochemical potential which is suitable for flotation of the mineral.
12- 7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the slurry is conditioned with an inert/non-oxidising gas for between 1 and 10 minutes. 8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the slurry is conditioned with an inert/non-oxidising gas for between 2 and 5 minutes. 9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the inert/non- oxidising gas is also applied to the slurry during a reagent mixing stage in which the reagent is mixed with water to produce an aqueous fluid of suitable concentration for controlled addition to the flotation process. .e A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the reagent is an oxygen-consuming reagent selected from the group consisting of cyanide, xanthates, sulphides, hydrosulphides and admixtures thereof including sulphoxy compounds. 11. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the slurry is conditioned with an inert/non-oxidising gas both prior to and simultaneously with the addition of the sulphoxy radical containing reagent. 12. A method for enhancing the safety of a mineral separation circuit which uses a sulphoxy radical containing reagent, wherein an inert/non-oxidising gas is provided under pressure to the mineral separation circuit such as to provide an over-pressure within the mineral separation circuit to expel at least a portion of any fumes arising from the sulphoxy compound.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein any noxious fumes are withdrawn to the outside of any buildings housing the mineral separation circuits to thereby enhance safety and improve the working environment around the mineral separation circuits. 13
14. A method of increasing both flotation selectivity and effectiveness of a sulphoxy radical containing reagent substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the examples but excluding comparative examples. A method for enhancing the safety of a mineral separation circuit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying examples but excluding comparative examples. DATED this 8th Day of July, 1998 BOC GASES AUSTRALIA LIMITED Attorney: PAUL G. HARRISON Fellow Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia of SHELSTON WATERS
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU75069/98A AU730086B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1998-07-08 | Method of improving the effectiveness of sulphoxy compounds in flotation circuits |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPO7884 | 1997-07-14 | ||
| AUPO7884A AUPO788497A0 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1997-07-14 | Method of improving the effectiveness of sulphoxy compounds in flotation circuits |
| AU75069/98A AU730086B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1998-07-08 | Method of improving the effectiveness of sulphoxy compounds in flotation circuits |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU7506998A AU7506998A (en) | 1999-01-21 |
| AU730086B2 true AU730086B2 (en) | 2001-02-22 |
Family
ID=25637807
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU75069/98A Ceased AU730086B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1998-07-08 | Method of improving the effectiveness of sulphoxy compounds in flotation circuits |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU730086B2 (en) |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1996001150A1 (en) * | 1994-07-06 | 1996-01-18 | Boc Gases Australia Limited | Physical separation processes for mineral slurries |
| AU3902795A (en) * | 1994-11-25 | 1996-05-30 | Boc Gases Australia Limited | Improvements to base metal mineral flotation processes |
-
1998
- 1998-07-08 AU AU75069/98A patent/AU730086B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1996001150A1 (en) * | 1994-07-06 | 1996-01-18 | Boc Gases Australia Limited | Physical separation processes for mineral slurries |
| AU3902795A (en) * | 1994-11-25 | 1996-05-30 | Boc Gases Australia Limited | Improvements to base metal mineral flotation processes |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU7506998A (en) | 1999-01-21 |
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