Question

Which of the following statements is correct about the role of collectors added during forth floatation process?

• A. Collectors enhance the non-wettability of ore particles
• B. Collectors enhance the wettability of gangue particles
• C. Collectors help in separating two sulphide ores present in the mixture
• D. Collectors help ore particles to settle down below the froth

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Collectors enhance the non-wettability of ore particles

• Froth floatation method is used for removing gangue from sulphide ores. In this process, a suspension of the powdered ore is made with water.
  
• Collectors and froth stabilizers are added to it. Collectors (e.g., pine oils, fatty acids, xanthates, etc.) enhance non-wettability of the mineral particles and froth stabilizers (e.g., cresols, aniline) stabilize the froth.
  
• The mineral particles become wet by oils while the gangue particles by water.