Principle of Operation
Froth flotation commences by comminution (that is, crushing and grinding), which is used to increase the surface area of the ore for subsequent processing and break the rocks into the desired mineral and gangue in a process known as liberation, which then has to be separated from the desired mineral. The ore is ground into a fine powder and mixed with water to form a slurry. The desired mineral is rendered hydrophobic by the addition of a surfactant or collector chemical. The particular chemical depends on which mineral is being refined. As an example, SEX is added as a collector in the selective flotation of galena and sphalerite, after the addition of other flotation reagents. This slurry (more properly called the pulp) of hydrophobic particles and hydrophilic particles is then introduced to a water bath which is aerated, creating bubbles. The hydrophobic particles attach to the air bubbles, which rise to the surface, forming a froth. The froth is removed and the concentrate (con) is further refined.
Read more about this topic: Froth Flotation
Famous quotes containing the words principle of, principle and/or operation:
“The principle of fashion is ... the principle of the kaleidoscope. A new year can only bring us a new combination of the same elements; and about once in so often we go back and begin again.”
—Katharine Fullerton Gerould (1879–1944)
“Antagonistic cooperation is the principle of all markets and many marriages.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“You may read any quantity of books, and you may almost as ignorant as you were at starting, if you don’t have, at the back of your minds, the change for words in definite images which can only be acquired through the operation of your observing faculties on the phenomena of nature.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)