Mechanism of ultrasonic cavitation to improve the effect of siderite on quartz flotation

Abstract

In order to effectively eliminate the effect of fine carbonate minerals on quartz flotation, the influence of fine siderite on quartz flotation was studied as well as the mechanism or role of ultrasonic treatment in the process. The results of adsorption capacity measurement and flotation solution chemical calculation show that fine siderite and its dissolved components have a great influence on the collector consumption and the surface properties of quartz. In addition, SEM, EDS and XPS analysis were used to study the surface morphology and chemical environment changes of quartz with and without ultrasonic treatment. The results of flotation test show that the recovery of quartz increase from 38.79% to 58.38% under the condition that ultrasonic time was 0.5 min and ultrasonic power was 200 W. The mechanical effect caused by ultrasonic cavitation can clean the quartz surface to a certain extent and increase its active sites, thus improving the floatability of quartz.