Froth Flotation

Froth Flotation – Fundamental Principles Froth flotation is a highly versatile method for physically separating particles based on differences in the ability of air bubbles to selectively adhere to specific mineral surfaces in a mineral/water slurry. The particles with attached air bubbles are then carried to the surface and removed, while the particles that remain completely wetted stay in the liquid phase. Froth flotation can be adapted to a broad range of mineral separations, as it is possible to use chemical treatments to selectively alter mineral surfaces so that they have the necessary properties for the separation. It is currently in use for many diverse applications, with a few examples being: separating sulfide minerals from silica gangue (and from other sulfide minerals); separating potassium chloride (sylvite) from sodium chloride (halite); separating coal from ash-forming minerals; removing silicate minerals from iron ores; separating phosphate minerals from silicates; and even non-mineral applications such as de-inking recycled newsprint. It is particularly useful for processing fine-grained ores that are not amenable to conventional gravity concentration.