Investigation of the effect of two different collector usage on recoveries of the extreme particle sizes in copper slag flotation

In this thesis, the effect of mixed collector usage on the recovery of coarse and fine particle sizes on the slags of Samsun Eti Bakır Smelter was studied. In order to simulate the plant conditions, the coarse size was defined as +150 µm and the fine size as -45 µm. A slag sample which is composed of 80% flash furnace and 20% converter was used throughout the study. In first phase, grinding tests for defined sizes were conducted for the following flotation tests. Flotation kinetics tests conducted with KAX and SIPX to determine the main collector for specified particle sizes; the flotation time was determined by selecting SIPX as the main collector. In the second phase, the flotation tests were completed for both coarse and fine sizes with chosen Xanthate (SIPX) and Mercaptobenzothioazole (Cytec AP407), R-Isobutyl Dithiophosphate (Cytec 3477), Modified Thionocarbamate (Cytec XD5002) and a second xanthate being supplementary (KEX). Results were discussed in terms of recovery, grade and concentrate particle sizes. According to obtained results, SIPX (100 g/t) and Dithiophosphate (30 g/t) mixture was shown to be the best option for this type of slag as it effectively recovers coarse (R: %92,87; %Cu 11,46) and fine (R: %97,30, %Cu 8,19) at the highest recovery and grade. However the recovery difference in fine size is not as pronounced as the difference in the coarse size between DTP and other secondary collectors. This is due to lack of coarse size in the fine test feed which the DTP is excel to recover and gain an edge in total recovery.