INVESTIGATION OF ULTRASONICS USE FOR COLEMANITE FLOTATION

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate ultrasonics use for colemanite flotation. The samples used in the study were provided from Eti Mines Inc.'s Emet Boron Works. The samples were 0-3 mm concentrates which could have not been increased to desirable B2O3 % grades. At first, determination of moisture and grinding experiments were carried out. The liberation size of the ore was determined as minus 250 mu m and minus 38 mu m was removed because of the negative effect of slime coatings in flotation. Then, it was decided to use -250 +38 mu m fractions in flotation tests. Flotation tests were carried out in two different approaches for purpose of determination of the effects of ultrasonic pre-treatment in colemanite flotation. Conventional flotation tests were carried out in the first step. After that, ultrasonically pre-treated samples were floated. The reagents were a sodium sulphonate type collector and an alcohol type frother. The frother quantity was kept at 100 g/t. However, the collector was tested in four different dosages: 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 g/t. In conclusion, ultrasonic pre-treatment was found to have positive effects on B2O3% grade and % recovery values. 41% B2O3 feed grade was increased to 49% by ultrasonic pre-treated flotation with 85 B2O3 recovery.