Abstract:
The flotation process is influenced by a large number of variables, such as the characteristics of each type of ore, the types and dosages of reagents used, conditioning conditions and operating conditions. However, studies of how these parameters affect the recovery of individual particles are lacking. This study aims to understand the interference of some variables for a binary system composed of pyrite and quartz, a common system of sulfide ores. To this end, the effect of: air flow rate (Jg), rotor speed (Vs), collector and frother agent dosages, collection time on the flotation of the binary system, composed of pyrite and quartz, were investigated. The experiments were carried out in a 6 liter nextSTEPTM flotation cell, following a full factorial DoE approach. The Jg parameter were 0.40 and 0.50 cm/s, Vs were 4.7 and 5.50 m/s, while the collector and foamer values were equal to 20 and 50g/t and 30 and 60g/t, respectively. Collection time Pulp density and pH were kept constant. Logistic regression-based models were applied using experimental data to calculate the recovery probabilities of each particle under different operating conditions. The results highlight the influence of hydrodynamics and particle properties on process behavior, providing important information for optimizing flotation processes in mining and metallurgy industries.