The effect of structural properties of clay minerals on flotation performance of metal sulphides

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the effects of clay minerals on the flotation of chalcopyrite and to offer solutions for successful results in flotation. Experimental studies include zeta potential and contact angle measurements, flotation experiments, experiments determined of clay minerals effect on flotation grade/flotation recovery/froth stability, flotation kinetic and mechanical entrainment and experiments using different depressants/dispersants for the plant sample. Central composite design which is a statistical experimental design method has been used in experimental studies which investigated the effect of clay minerals. In the experiments, the amount of frother and dispersant, froth depth, air flow rate and the amount of clay were chosen as independent variables. Dependent variables in the evaluation of results were determined as chalcopyrite grade and recovery, pyrite grade and recovery, dynamic froth stability and mean bubble size. SEM, SEM-EDS, TOC and FTIR analyzes were performed to identify the mechanism of action of clay. As the amount of clay increased, chalcopyrite grade decreased; recovery, froth stability and bubble size increased. The order of negative interaction in terms of grade and recovery was determined as montmorillonite>kaolin>illite and in terms of dynamic froth stability was determined as kaolin>montmorillonite>illite. The largest foam diameter was obtained with montmorillonite. The effective mechanism is defined as mechanical entrainment. For a suitable flotation clay type (kaolin, illite and montmorillonite), clay ratio and flotation conditions that can be applied are modelled mathematically. Thus, the changes in the working parameters in the model depending on the time-varying clay ratio within the facility and the predictability of the recovery-grade values that can be achieved as a result of the flotation will be provided.