The oxidation of minerals has an impact on the flotation plant , especially the metal sulfide ores,
the impact is more significant. Research and practice has proved that: the mild oxidation of the mineral surface of some sulfide ores within certain limits will enhance the floatability of the minerals. The minerals are subject to air oxidation in the stacking, transport, crushing and flotation process. However, excessive oxidation will decline the floatability. Taking the galena for example, the test has proved that the surface of fresh pure galena (i.e. unaffected oxidized) is hydrophilic and the action against the xanthate is weak, but after the preliminary oxidation of the its surface, the role of the xanthate is enhanced. In addition to galena, the floatability of the sulfide ores such as the pyrite, copper, zinc, nickel is also affected by the extent of surface oxidation.
In order to control the degree of oxidation of minerals, the following measures can be taken:
adding oxidants (such as potassium permanganate, manganese dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) or a reducing agent (such as S02, etc.) to promote or inhibit mineral surface oxidation.
(2) to adjust the the inflatable amount of slurry tank and the flotation concentrator .
adjusting the pH of the slurry. In a different pH range, the rate of oxidation of the minerals is different, so the adjustment of the slurry pH value can adjust the degree of oxidation.
(4) to adjust the the stirring slurry and flotation time. Practice has proved that the inflatable stirring strength is related with the length of time, which is an important factor to control the oxidation of the mineral surface.
