Comparative Studies on Flotation of Kasolite Using Cationic and Anionic Surfactants

Abstract

Low grade uranium ore was obtained from Abu Rusheid area, South Eastern Desert of Egypt The present work is concerned with the flotation studies which were performed towards pre-concentration of uranium mineral. In the studied sample two chelating agents were used as collectors for flotation of uranium bearing mineral in the sample, those are sodium lauryl sulfate (sodium dodecyl sulfate) (SLS) and cupferron (ammonium N-nitroso phenyl hydroxyl amine). Variables such as grain size, effect of pH, collector concentration and conditioning time were studied. The tests were done using hallimond tube. When finely ground sample (less than 62 µm) was floated using both (1×10-3 M) of cupferron at pH 6.5 for 120 sec. and (1×10-4 M) of sodium lauryl sulfate at pH 7.8 for 120 sec., the recovery of uranium was 91.29% and 79.11% respectively.