Flotation

The anionic flotation method for collection of fatty acids was first used in Karlsbad (Germany) in 1934. It is based on the different ability of ores to hold at the interphase boundary in a liquid medium. It is possible to artificially alter the wettability of mineral surfaces by applying flotation reagents. Poorly-wetted (hydrophobic) particles stick to the air bubbles, float to the surface and form a mineralised foam whereas well-wetted (hydrophilic) particles do not stick to the bubbles.

Three types of flotation:
1. Film flotation. The crushed ore is poured from a low height to the water surface. Non-wettable particles remain on the surface and are distilled into the flotation product while wettable particles pass into the aqueous phase. This process is not widely used due to its low efficiency.

2. Oil flotation. Mineral particles are wetted with light oil dispersed in water forming aggregates of particles enclosed into oily membranes, which float to the surface.

3. Foam flotation. Floating (hydrophobic) particles are fixed to the air bubbles, which take them to the surface, forming a layer of mineralised foam. Hydrophilic particles remain inside. Foam flotation is widely used in the global potash industry.
ORE
30% KCl
Granulation
Pink KCl 95,8% KCl


Granular
MOP
Crushing
Sizing
Desliming
Slimes Flotation
Primary Flotation
Reflotation 3 stages
Concentrate debrining
Dumping
and Mine
Backfilling
Slimes
Thickener
Tailing Debrining
Reheat
Compaction
Crushing
Dry Settlement
Post Treatmet