Pyrite grain and air bubble attachment kinetics in agitated pulp

Abstract

Air bubble and pyrite grain attachment is studied. It is found that mineralization area on an air bubble depends on pulp agitation time, potassium butyl xanthate concentration and pyrite grain size. The authors show the relation between mineralization area of air bubble and weight of mineral load. Using experimental data, it is calculated how many pyrite grains from a narrow size range attach to an air bubble during pulp agitation time, and the weight of these grains is estimated. Physical forces on mineral loading exerted by pyrite grains of–0.1 + 0.071,–0.071 + 0.044 and–0.044 + 0 mm in size at an air bubble at different pulp agitation times, as well as the absolute and specific retention forces are calculated, as well.