Andalusite Flotation Using Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate as the Collector

Abstract

Andalusite flotation using alkyl benzene sulfonate as the collector has been investigated in this work. This study was performed firstly with a high-grade andalusite sample in a micro-flotation cell and then with an ore sample in a mechanical flotation cell. Electrokinetic measurements showed that the isoelectric point of andalusite was pH 5.2 while that of quartz and biotite these were pH 2.1 and 3.8, respectively. Alkyl benzene sulfonate was found to be effective for andalusite flotation in acidic pH range where andalusite surfaces were positively charged. A pre-treatment by desliming and pre-float (to remove carbonaceous species) followed by flotation produced a concentrate assaying 56.5% Al₂O₃ at an aluminum recovery of 65.7%.

Keywords:

• alkyl benzene sulfonate
• andalusite
• desliming
• flotation
• pre-float

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors of this paper are grateful to Dr. Zongfu Dai for reviewing the manuscript and making fruitful suggestions to help finalize it.