THE EFFECT OF COLLECTOR-FROTHER BLENDS ON BUBBLE SIZE IN THE FOAM PHASE

Abstract

Flotation performance is typically controlled by chemical reagents, such as collectors and frothers. Currently, chemicals are still being investigated in flotation, particularly their effect on bubble size. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the collector-frother interaction on bubble size in the foam phase at pH 9.5. Frothers of different families (MIBC, Dowfroth 250 and Pine oil) and Aerophine 3418A, a common collector used in the flotation of sulphide minerals were employed in the study. Tests were conducted in a two phase air-water system. Surface tension, bubble size and foam height were measured for single frother and collector-frother blends. Accordingly, Pine oil is much more surface-active than MIBC and Dowfroth 250. The smallest bubble size was obtained with MIBC. Adding Aerophine 3418A, the bubble size decreased compared to the single usages of frothers. Besides, the foam height of Dowfroth 250 was higher than MIBC and Pine oil, the foam height reached higher values after adding collector. © 2023 IMCET 2023 - Proceedings of the 28th International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey. All rights reserved.