Considering the effect of pulp chemistry during flotation on froth stability

Abstract

Considering the effect of pulp chemistry during flotation on froth stability Nanji Ruth Sheni A thesis submitted to the faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Cape Town in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering June 2016 I would first like to thank God who has given me the ability to will and to do His good pleasure. I would like to acknowledge and express my deepest gratitude to the following people without whom this thesis would not be possible:  My supervisors, Dr Kirsten Corin and Mrs Jenny Wiese, who have patiently borne with me through all the highs and lows of this period and have been great supports, advisors and friends.  Prof Cyril O'Connor who has brought insight and enthusiasm into this project.  The CMR laboratory staff, especially Mrs Shireen Govender and Mr Kenneth Maseko, who have always helped me and been a pleasure to work with.  My dad, Prof DDD Sheni, and mum, Dr JEN Sheni, who have supported and challenged me to be better every step of the way.  My brothers, Joshua and Dauda Sheni, who still find my work inspiring.  My friends and extended family, with special mention to Nana, Onyinye, Melvin, Thobile, Rose, Andre, Cornell and Ellah Peek, Margreth and Eddie, who always gave me a reason to smile and kept me motivated.

Influence of Muscovite Content on the Flotation of Pyrite and Arsenopyrite

“…The increase of froth height with pH observed in the experiments developed in this study align with the observation of Sheni et al (2018), which observed an improvement in froth stability with pH, on the study of the froth stability in a PGM ore, using frother Senfroth 516, which is also a polyglycol frother (Ngoroma, 2015), and NaOH as the pH modifier.…”

“…Where Vf is the froth volume, Q is the gas volumetric flow rate, Hmax is the maximum equilibrium height achieved, and A is the cross-sectional area of the column (Sheni et al, 2018;Bikerman, 1973).…”

“…The pH of the flotation can also affect froth stability. Sheni et al (2018), in their study using a sample of Platinum Group Metal (PGM) ore, suggested that the increase of pH increases froth stability. The hydrophobicity of the particles plays an important role in the froth stability as highly hydrophobic particles can destabilise the froth (Farrokhpay, 2011;Zanin et al, 2009).…”

Effect of H2O2 on the Separation of Mo-Bi-Containing Ore by Flotation

“…Clearly, the solids and water recovery substantially decreases with increasing H2O2 dosage, which suggests that H2O2 has a significant effect on the froth stability. The Eh and pH have a strong effect on the froth phase during flotation [37] which can be altered by H2O2. To eliminate the effect of pH and Eh on the froth stability, its variation was recorded after adding H2O2.…”

“…The mass of the solids recovered to the concentrate is in the range of 14-24 g. The solids recovered are dominated by gangue minerals, rather than sulfide minerals. All batch flotation tests were done under the same The Eh and pH have a strong effect on the froth phase during flotation [37] which can be altered by H 2 O 2 . To eliminate the effect of pH and Eh on the froth stability, its variation was recorded after adding H 2 O 2 .…”