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Question

What is the role of depressants in the Froth Floatation Process?


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Solution

Froth flotation process

  • ‘’This method is used for removing gangue from sulfide 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 nonwettability of the mineral particles and froth stabilizers (e.g., cresols, aniline) stabilize the froth.
  • While the gangue particles are moistened by water, the mineral particles are moistened by oils.
  • The mixture is stirred by a rotating paddle, which also sucks air into it.
  • The outcome is the formation of froth, which transports the mineral particles. The light froth is scraped off.
  • The ore particles are then recovered by drying the material.

Role of depressants

  • Separating two sulfide ores can sometimes be done by changing the percentage of oil to water or by using 'depressants.'
  • The depressant used in the case of an ore containing ZnS and PbS is NaCN.
  • NaCN reacts with ZnSand forms a layer of Na2ZnCN4 complex on the surface of ZnSand thus prevents it from the formation of froth.
  • It selectively prohibits ZnSfrom reaching the froth while allowing PbS to do so.

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