L1 /
15
CH1012
PRE-TREATMENT
•Flotation: air is passed thru a suspension of crushed ore in oil/water/surfactant. The
Cu-mineral particles (<100mm) are coated with surfactant and become
hydrophobic.
Cu-mineral particles (<100mm) are coated with surfactant and become
hydrophobic.
• Bubbles form in
the oil layer
and the particles are attracted
to the oil bubbles. The mineral particle/bubbles float on the
surface. Silicates are not wet
by the oil & remain to sink to
the bottom = gangue.
and the particles are attracted
to the oil bubbles. The mineral particle/bubbles float on the
surface. Silicates are not wet
by the oil & remain to sink to
the bottom = gangue.
