flotationprosessissa

Flotation prosessi, often referred to as froth flotation, is a physico-chemical separation process widely used in the mining industry to selectively separate minerals from gangue. This method exploits differences in the surface properties of the desired minerals and the unwanted rock material. The core principle involves introducing finely ground ore into a slurry of water and then conditioning it with specific chemical reagents. These reagents, known as collectors, selectively attach to the surface of the valuable minerals, making them hydrophobic (water-repellent).

Air is then introduced into the slurry, typically by bubbling it through the mixture in a flotation cell. The hydrophobic mineral particles, coated with collectors, adhere to the air bubbles. These mineral-laden bubbles rise to the surface of the slurry, forming a froth. Froth stabilizers are often added to create a more stable and manageable froth layer. The froth, containing the concentrated valuable minerals, is then skimmed off the surface, while the hydrophilic gangue minerals, which did not attach to the air bubbles, remain in the slurry and are discharged. This process allows for the efficient separation and concentration of valuable minerals like copper, gold, and coal from their associated waste materials.