ISSN 2594-357X
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Abstract
Cationic reverse flotation is extensively used to process Brazilians iron ores. Amine, a polymeric reagent, is used as collector and frother in this type of concentration. Vale’s Vargem Grande Complex, located at Iron Ore Quadrangle, is one of the biggest Brazilian producers. After flotation, the floated material, containing the gangue, follows to a box, from which the material is pumped to the tailing disposal area. The difference level between the pumping and the discharge points is surpassed by two series centrifugal pumps. The pumping capacity is affected by slurry froth factor. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pH control on froth stability. Froth stability tests were carried out in laboratory scale using carbonic gas and a coagulant, ferric sulphate solution, over a pH range from 5 to 14. The experimental data of froth height as a function of time was recorded. These results supported the identification of the best conditions for froth destabilization and allowed to establish new operational conditions of Vargem Grande floated pump system. The use of regulators, carbonic gas and ferric sulphate, as a pH controller was efficient to reduce the froth stability. However ferric sulphate addition showed the best process feasibility and cost.
Cationic reverse flotation is extensively used to process Brazilians iron ores. Amine, a polymeric reagent, is used as collector and frother in this type of concentration. Vale’s Vargem Grande Complex, located at Iron Ore Quadrangle, is one of the biggest Brazilian producers. After flotation, the floated material, containing the gangue, follows to a box, from which the material is pumped to the tailing disposal area. The difference level between the pumping and the discharge points is surpassed by two series centrifugal pumps. The pumping capacity is affected by slurry froth factor. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pH control on froth stability. Froth stability tests were carried out in laboratory scale using carbonic gas and a coagulant, ferric sulphate solution, over a pH range from 5 to 14. The experimental data of froth height as a function of time was recorded. These results supported the identification of the best conditions for froth destabilization and allowed to establish new operational conditions of Vargem Grande floated pump system. The use of regulators, carbonic gas and ferric sulphate, as a pH controller was efficient to reduce the froth stability. However ferric sulphate addition showed the best process feasibility and cost.
Keywords
Froth; Froth stability; pH control.
Froth; Froth stability; pH control.
How to refer
Falcucci, Andre;
Turrer, Henrique Dias Gatti.
THE EFFECT OF pH ON FROTH PROPERTIES
,
p. 794-799.
In: 43º Seminário de Redução de Minério de Ferro e Matérias-Primas e o 14º Simpósio Brasileiro de Minério de Ferro,
São Paulo,
2013.
ISSN: 2594-357X
, DOI 10.5151/2594-357X-23934
