Frothers: Plant Practice

Abstract

This paper summarizes current plant practice involving frothers. Included is a brief review of the several mechanisms proposed for froth formation and particle-bubble attachment and discussion of frother-collector surface complexes, important practical attributes of frothers, the effect of collector on froth properties, the importance of frother chemistry and dosage on the rate of flotation, and an introduction to recently developed new frother chemistry. Finally, a summary is given of typical industrial scale froth practice and usage levels.