Application of Column Flotation for Egyptian Graphite

Abstract

Abstract This paper focuses on the graphite flotation from Bent Um Qureia ore at Eastern desert of Egypt. Minerals in ore were evaluated by XRD. The sample was crushed in jaw crushing. The sample was ground minus 74 μm and the product was then sieved +45 and −45 μm. The conventional and column flotation were used to float the graphite. In two flotation techniques, kerosene was used as a collector. Factor affecting the graphite grade was investigated. The rougher concentrate was cleaned in both conventional cell and column to compare the performance. The effects of different variables were evaluated in both cases and the conditioned were optimized to achieve better grade and recovery. The results indicate that column can give superior performance compared to conventional cell by either reducing the number of stages of operation or by improving grade and recovery.