Vaahdotusaineen

Vaahdotusaineen, also known as frother, is a chemical substance used in froth flotation processes. Froth flotation is a separation technique used to separate hydrophobic materials from hydrophilic materials. In this process, finely ground ore is mixed with water to form a slurry. A frother is then added to the slurry, which stabilizes the air bubbles that are introduced into the mixture. The hydrophobic particles attach themselves to the air bubbles and rise to the surface, forming a froth that can be skimmed off. The hydrophilic particles, which do not attach to the bubbles, remain in the slurry and are discharged.

Frothers are typically surface-active agents, meaning they have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts. This allows them to accumulate at the air-water interface, reducing the surface tension of the water and promoting the formation of stable bubbles. Common types of frothers include alcohols, such as methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC), and pine oils. The choice of frother depends on the specific mineral being processed and the desired selectivity of the separation. Frothers play a critical role in ensuring the efficient recovery of valuable minerals from ores. Their ability to create and maintain a stable froth is essential for the successful operation of froth flotation plants worldwide.