Flotation separation of smithsonite from calcite using 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid as a depressant.

The effect of depressant 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTCA) on the flotation separation of smithsonite from calcite was studied by micro-flotation and electro-kinetic tests. The micro-flotation results showed that good floatability of both smithsonite and calcite were achieved in the presence of sodium oleate. The depressant PBTCA selectively depressed calcite without interfering the floatability of smithsonite. The mixed minerals flotation results showed that efficiency separation of smithsonite from calcite was achieved using PBTCA as the depressant. Zeta potential measurements indicated that NaOl was able to adsorb on the PBTCA pre-treated smithsonite surface, but failed to adsorb on the PBTCA pre-treated calcite surface. Unlabelled Image • Both smithsonite and calcite floated well in the presence sodium oleate • Separation of smithsonite and calcite using PBTCA depressant was attempted • Calcite can be selectively depressed by PBTCA • This might be attributed to the matched-degree of PBTCA with calcite [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]