Explain the floth floatation method with a neat labelled diagram.
[5 Marks]
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Solution
Sulphide ores are hydrophobic in nature. This means that they repel water. Such substances get wet by oil instead. This principle can be used in concentration of sulphide ores by froth floatation. [1 Mark]
The idea is that the gangue present in the ore wets easily with oil, and repels water whereas the opposite is true for the gangue. Based on this difference in the property of wettability between ore and the gangue, the froth flotation method is employed for the concentration of ore. [1 Mark]
The impure sulphide ore is finely powdered and kept in a flotation cell with water. A few milliliters of pine oil is added to water. [1 Mark]
To create froth in water, compressed air is blown. The resulting foam sticks to the ore and lifts it to the top while the impurities sink to the bottom. To obtain ore particles, the froth is separated and washed. [1 Mark]