Research on the Interaction between Sphalerite and Silica Particles with Different Calcium Ion Solutions

Hao Ren, Mengqi Ren, Jing Ning, Zhen Li

Key Laboratory of Chemical Sensing & Analysis in Universities of Shandong, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Shandong, China.
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Shandong, China.

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2013.14030                

Abstract

The interactions among fine particles are unavoidable in solutions, and the strong particle interactions have a negative impact on mineral separations. How to reduce and prevent the agglomeration of particles is one of the important chal-lenges facing production and research. The interactions of sphalerite and silica particles were studied with variation of calcium ions solutions. Zeta potential measurement and a novel Zeta potential distribution (ZPD) measurement method were used in this paper. The phenomena of mineral coagulation and absorption of flotation reagent were analyzed in solutions of different pH and calcium ion concentration.

Keywords

Sphalerite; Silica; Interaction; Zeta Potential; Flotation Reagent

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	R. M. Beauchamp, J. W. Choung and Z. Xu, “Mineral Particle Interactions in Gypsum Supersaturated Process Water,” In: Z. Xu and Q. Liu, Eds., Interfacial Phenomena in Fine Particle Technology: The 6th UBC-McGill-UA International Symposium & 45th Annual Conference of Metallurgists of CIM, Montreal, 2006.
[2]	Z. Xu, J. Liu, J. Choung and Z. Zhou, “Electrokinetic Study of Clay Interactions with Coal in Flotation,” International Journal of Mineral Processing, Vol. 68, No. 1-4, 2003, pp. 183-196. doi:10.1016/S0301-7516(02)00043-1
[3]	J. Liu, Z. Zhou, Z. Xu and J. Masliyah, “Bitumen-Clay Interactions in Aqueous Media Studied by Zeta Potential Distribution Measurement,” Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 252, No. 2, 2002, pp. 409-418. doi:10.1006/jcis.2002.8471
[4]	H. Ren, G. L. Song and F. F. Ji, “Effect on Electrochemical Properties for Calcium Ions in Silica-Sphalerite-Mixture (Silica:Sphalerite = 4:1) Systems,” In: J. G. Wu, J. Yang, N. Nakagoshi, X. X. Lu and H. Xu, Eds., Natural Resources and Sustainable Development II: Part 2. 1st International Conference on Energy and Environmental Protection, Hohhot, 23-24 June 2012.
[5]	R. J. Hunter, “Foundations of Colloid Science,” Oxford Science Publications, New York, 1987, pp. 395-449.
[6]	J. M. Vergouw, A. DiFeo, Z. Xu, et al., “An Agglomeration Study of Sulphide Minerals Using Zeta Potential and Settling Rate. Part II: Sphalerite/Pyrite and Sphalerite/ Galena,” Minerals Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 7, 1998, pp. 605-614. doi:10.1016/S0892-6875(98)00045-4
[7]	N. P. Finkelstein, “The Activation of Sulphide Minerals for Flotation: A Review,” International Journal of Mineral Processing, Vol. 52, No. 2-3, 1997, pp. 81-120. doi:10.1016/S0301-7516(97)00067-7
[8]	A. R. Gerson, A. G. Lange, K. E. Prince and R. S. C. Smart, “The Mechanism of Copper Activation of Sphalerite,” Applied Surface Science, Vol. 137, No. 1-4, 1999, pp. 207-223. doi:10.1016/S0169-4332(98)00499-1
[9]	S. R. Popov and D. R. Vucinic, “The Ethylxanthate Adsorption on Copper-Activated Sphalerite under Flotation-Related Conditions in Alkaline Media,” International Journal of Mineral Processing, Vol. 30, No. 3-4, 1990, pp. 229-244. doi:10.1016/0301-7516(90)90017-S
[10]	R. A. D. Pattrick, K. E. R. England, J. M. Charnock and J. F. M. Mosselmans, “Copper Activation of Sphalerite and Its Reaction with Xanthate in Relation to Flotation: An X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (Reflection Extended X- Ray Absorption Fine Structure) Investigation,” International Journal of Mineral Processing, Vol. 55, No. 4, 1999, pp. 247-265. doi:10.1016/S0301-7516(98)00036-2
[11]	A. P. Chandra and A. R. Gerson, “A Review of the Fundamental Studies of the Copper Activation Mechanisms for Selective Flotation of the Sulfide Minerals, Sphalerite and Pyrite,” Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 145, No. 1-2, 2009, pp. 97-110. doi:10.1016/j.cis.2008.09.001