USE OF LINEAR ALKYLBENZENE SULFONATE (LAS) AND POLYCARBOXYLATE-ETHER (PCE) AS REAGENTS IN IRON ORE FLOTATION

Abstract

Flotation is one of the separation techniques that has been used by the mineral industry and its importance has increased due to its better performance in the concentration of low grade ores. Specific chemical reagents are used in flotation in order to promote the hydrophobicity control of minerals dispersed in a pulp, among them, surfactants have been studied with good results. In this study, a substance based on Linear Alkylbenzene Solfonate (LAS), and a concrete admixture based on Policarboxilate-ether (PCE) were tested as reagents in iron ore flotation. The tests were performed in a friable hematite sample, using the microflotation technique. The Yates complete replicated factorial method for three variables and two levels was used in experimental planning. The variables evaluated was pH (9-11); LAS content (1000-5000 g/cm³); and PCE content (100-1000 g/cm³). The best result (84.1% floated) was obtained for combination pH=9, LAS content = 5000 g/cm³ and PCE content = 100 g/cm³