MIN4263 Technology of Mineral Flotation

1.      Brief description of aims and content

As a most widely used mineral separation method, mineral flotation is the preferred method of mineral recovery for many of the most important minerals that are recovered in mining industry. The course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental elements of flotation systems such as solid, liquid and gas phases, electrochemical potential and thermodynamics of interfaces. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to flotation applications on naturally floatable minerals, sulfide, oxide, silicate and salt type minerals.

1. 2.     Indicative Content

Chemistry of flotation, mechanics of flotation, surface charge and zeta potential, surfactants, adsorption, flotation techniques, ore and pulp properties, flotation machines, flotation circuits, auxiliary apparatus. Surface chemistry of flotation, solid, liquid and gas phases, electrochemical potential, surfaces and interfaces, thermodynamics of interfaces, contact angles in three-phase systems. Flotation reagents, anionic and cationic collectors, non-ionizing collectors, control reagents, froths, interaction of reagents with minerals. Coagulation, flocculation and dispersion, aggregation with inorganic chemicals and organic polymers, selective flocculation. Flotation applications on naturally floatable minerals, sulfide, oxide, silicate and salt type minerals.

1. 3.     Learning and Teaching Strategy

Lectures are given to help students get basic understanding and knowledge on Technology of Mineral Flotation. Interactive discussions during lectures help students develop innovative skills and problem examples are intended to stimulate students to search topics of their own interest. Exercises are intended to reinforce the lecture materials, to encourage the student to read the study notes and to illustrate the application of the concepts to explicit and practical problems. Tutorial sessions help students to catch-up on what they have not understood during lectures or problems they have not been able solve. Lecture notes, problem sheets for tutorials and exercises are provided.