EARTH

[3812-23-09] Kinetic modeling of agglomeration-flotation of finely ground chalcopyrite

○Vothy Hornn¹, Ryosuke Yamazawa¹, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin¹, Naoki Hiroyoshi¹, Imaizumi Yuji², Mayumi Ito¹ (1. Hokkaido university, 2. Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd)

Chairman:Richard Alorro (Curtin University)

Keywords:Kinetic model, Flotation, Agglomeration

Experimental results for flotation of finely ground chalcopyrite were compared with first order kinetic model. Batch flotation experiments were carried out with potassium xanthate as collector, using three ground samples having different size distribution. In the model, particle-bubble collision probability was considered as a function of size and velocity of mineral particle and bubble, and attachment and detachment probabilities were assumed to be 1 and 0, respectively. Flotation recovery was calculated from particle size distribution measured before flotation by laser diffraction and bubble size was assumed to be 1 mm. Particle size measured in ethanol as a dispersion medium was smaller than that measured in water (or flotation pulp), indicating that particles are naturally agglomerated in the flotation pulp. The results of model calculation fitted well with the experimental results (recovery – time curve) when size distribution measured in flotation pulp was used. Details of the application of the model to agglomeration-flotation are also discussed.