Empirical evaluation of factors affecting froth stability in copper flotation.

The relative effects were investigated of frother and collector type, feed particle size, solids percent, ore composition and grinding environment in relation to the use of mild steel or stainless steel and high or low pH on the froth stability in the flotation of a typical porphyry Cu ore. Experiments were carried out using a Cu ore containing 1.2 wt% chalcopyrite, 0.9 wt% pyrite and 0.04 wt% molybdenite and the frothers MIBC, PPG425, a propylene glycol, and Cytec Oreprep F593, a blend of glycol ethers. The results showed that the frother type and chemistry was the most important factor, with the glycol-based frothers providing a much higher froth stability, while other relevant factors were, in order, feed solids percent, grind size and pH. The type of xanthate collector employed had little effect on froth stability. Mild steel grinding media generally resulted in higher froth stability. From an operational point of view, controlling factors such as frother type and concentration, solids percent, and grind size can be used to compensate for changes in froth stability due to different grinding media or changes in feed grade and Cu/Fe ratio in the ore, without affecting overall metallurgical performance.
The relative effects were investigated of frother and collector type, feed particle size, solids percent, ore composition and grinding environment in relation to the use of mild steel or stainless steel and high or low pH on the froth stability in the flotation of a typical porphyry Cu ore. Experiments were carried out using a Cu ore containing 1.2 wt% chalcopyrite, 0.9 wt% pyrite and 0.04 wt% molybdenite and the frothers MIBC, PPG425, a propylene glycol, and Cytec Oreprep F593, a blend of glycol ethers. The results showed that the frother type and chemistry was the most important factor, with the glycol-based frothers providing a much higher froth stability, while other relevant factors were, in order, feed solids percent, grind size and pH. The type of xanthate collector employed had little effect on froth stability. Mild steel grinding media generally resulted in higher froth stability. From an operational point of view, controlling factors such as frother type and concentration, solids percent, and grind size can be used to compensate for changes in froth stability due to different grinding media or changes in feed grade and Cu/Fe ratio in the ore, without affecting overall metallurgical performance.