Frother-Assisted Flotation of Different Origin Pyrites

Hallimond tube flotation of different origins pyrites (coal-derived, Rio Tinto and Huanzala) and copper –bearing shale, having dif - ferent hydrophobicities determined by contact angle, were investigated in water and aqueous solutions of butyl diethylene glycol ether. Pyrites flotation depended on hydrophobicity, particle size fraction and frother concentration. Three regions of the yield-frother concentration plot were distinguished: Jones-Ray region at low frother concentration with decreasing yield due to entopic effects, Ly - ster region at medium frother concentration with increasing yield due to decreasing film stability and Zisman region at high frother concentration with decreasing yield due to surface tension drop. The flotation kinetics in the form of 1st order specific rate, equal to the kinetic constant, was similar for all three pyrites and was equal to 0.032±0.002 min -1 , while their yield after 45 min flotation was dependent on pyrite origin.