Effects of single and mixed reagent systems on improved diaspore recovery

Frothing performance and stability of sodium oleate (NaOL) alone and in presence of methyl isobutyl methanol (MIBC), octanol (OCT) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) systems were studied and compared in order to enhance flotation separation of diasporic bauxite ore. Performance of a single (NaOL) and mixed systems (NaOL-MIBC, NaOL-OCT, NaOL-PEG) was evaluated through flotation tests, three-phase dynamic froth stability tests, zeta potential measurements and adsorption analysis. The mixed systems showed a stable froth and an improved recovery with their descending order NaOLPEG˃NaOL-OCT ˃ NaOL-MIBC. Adsorption analysis and zeta potential measurements suggested that, except NaOL adsorption, there was no significant co-adsorption of alcohols on the diaspore surface. However, adsorbed amount of NaOL on the diaspore surface was extremely high; accounts for more than 90% of the total substance used in the pulp.