Write the principle behind the froth floatation process. What is the role of collectors in this process?
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Solution
Froth floatation process:
Froth floatation is the separation of minerals from the mixture ore by creating froth in the mineral.
It is an important concentration process used for the extraction of ores.
This process is used to selectively separate hydrophobic (water-repelling) materials from hydrophilic (water-loving) waste.
The sulfide ores are preferentially extracted by this process.
Principle:
There is a difference between the wettability of gangue and mineral particles which is the basic principle behind this.
Based on this fact, the mineral particles that we need to extract are treated with oil such as pine oil and fatty acids, which can increase the mineral's non-wettability, and the gangue is treated with water.
The ore is crushed into a fine powder and combined with water to form a slurry, which is then treated with a surfactant chemical to make it more hydrophobic.
The slurry has now been turned into pulp, which is added to a container filled with water and then air jets are forced into it to create bubbles.
The required mineral is repelled by water and thus gets attached to the air bubbles.
The froth is formed when air bubbles rise to the surface with mineral particles stuck to them.
This froth is separated and taken to the next stage of refinement and extraction.
Role of collectors:
A collector is an organic compound that can selectively attach to minerals and enhances its hydrophobic nature of it.
It acts as a critical factor for the adhesion of mineral particles to air bubbles.
