Dolomite flotation of high magnesium phosphate ores using fatty acid soap collectors

Abstract

The separation of dolomite from apatite has been recognized as one of the most difficult subjects in mineral processing due to the similarities in their physiochemical properties. In this study, selective surfactants were used with a fatty acid soap collector to improve the flotation performance of separating dolomite from high magnesium phosphate ores. Three surfactants, diethyl phthalate (DP), Tween-80 (TW) and derivative of sulfonate salt (DSS1) were used. Hallimond cell flotation was conducted using pure dolomite sample to determine the effects of various factors including dosages, particle size, Ca 2+ ions and slimes on the dolomite flotation recovery. The results showed that the surfactants can significantly improve dolomite flotation performance by increasing collecting ability and tolerating the effect of calcium ions and slime contents. The stirrer-tank cell batch flotation tests were carried out using two natural high magnesium phosphate ore samples containing 3.3% and 1.5% MgO. The test results showed that the surfactant DP could improve dolomite flotation at low dosages, and DSS1 could enhance the separation of dolomite from phosphate by improving both iii collecting ability and flotation selectivity. When 10% of DSS1 was used with the fatty dissertation committee Chair, Dr. Felicia F. Peng for her persistent guidance during the course of the research work. The valuable suggestions and comments by dissertation committee members, Dr.

Study of the feasibility of valorizing phosphate ore by electrostatic separation

“…[7][8][9]. However, none of these processes can reduce dolomite to less than 1 % without a significant loss of phosphate and environmental impact [10][11][12].…”