ABSTRACT
The recovery of Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions under acidic conditions (pH 5) was investigated in flotation columns with inside diameters of 4.0 and 8.0 cm. Three surfactants, dodecylamine, cetyl pyridinium chloride, and sodium dodecyl sulfate, were used as collectors. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was found to be the most efficient; all three, however, produced hydrated froths, leading to rather low recoveries and separation efficiencies. The volumetric gas flow rate was found to affect the process in relation to the amount of surfactant added and the column diameter. The scale-up of the column should be done in terms of the same superficial gas velocity in order to maintain similar levels of metal ion recovery.