Question

Write a note on froth floatation?

Answer 1

Froth floatation

This method is based on the principle of difference in the wetting properties of the ore and gangue particles with water and oil. This method is commonly used for sulphide ores (such as copper zinc and lead). In this method, the finely powdered ore is mixed with water and a small amount of oil (pine oil or eucalyptus oil) in a tank. Air is blown into the mixture. The ore particle floats in the froth on the surface. So, this process is known as froth floatation process. The heavier impurities (gangue) settle at the bottom. The froth at the surface is transferred into another tank and some acid is added to break the froth. The concentrated ore particles are separated by filtration and dried.