Introduction to graphite ore flotation process

Graphite, as an important industrial mineral, its flotation process is crucial to improving ore grade and recovery rate. This article will briefly introduce the flotation process of crystalline graphite ore and cryptocrystalline graphite ore, including the use of processes, equipment and chemicals.

1. Crystalline graphite ore flotation process

Crystalline graphite ore is mainly divided into dense crystalline graphite and flake graphite. Dense crystalline graphite ore is of higher grade and can usually be used after simple hand selection. The flotation process of flake graphite ore is relatively complex, and it is necessary to protect the integrity of the flake graphite and improve the recovery rate.

For flake graphite ore, multi-stage grinding and multiple flotation processes are effective recovery methods. By separating large sheets of graphite in time, the quality of the ore can be protected. Rod mills and packed flotation machines excel at separating large-scale graphite ores, improving concentrate quality and recovery. For fine flake graphite ore, multi-stage intensified grinding is required to gradually dissociate the ore, which is beneficial to subsequent flotation operations.

2. Cryptocrystalline graphite ore flotation process

Cryptocrystalline graphite ore has the characteristics of high grade but poor floatability. Traditional processing methods include simple hand selection, fine grinding and grading to obtain the finished product. However, for some cryptocrystalline graphite ores that need to further improve their quality, the flotation process is still an effective option.

In the flotation process, chemical methods such as high-temperature alkali method, pickling method, chlorine roasting method and hydrofluoric acid method are often used to improve the quality of cryptocrystalline graphite. In addition, multiple grinding and beneficiation are also common processes. In recent years, newer methods such as hydrophobic flocculation and selective flocculation have also been applied to the flotation of cryptocrystalline graphite and have achieved good results.

3. Flotation equipment and chemicals

In the graphite ore flotation process, commonly used flotation machines include mechanical stirring flotation machines, compressed air flotation machines and combined flotation machines. Each of these equipment has its own characteristics in terms of aeration and stirring. It is crucial to select a suitable flotation machine based on the nature of the ore and process requirements.

In addition, the use of flotation reagents also has an important impact on the flotation effect. Collectors, frothers, regulators and surfactants are commonly used flotation agents. Non-polar oils such as kerosene and diesel are commonly used collectors in graphite ore flotation, while active substances such as alcohols and phenols are commonly used as frothers. Conditioners are used to adjust the pH value of the mineral slurry and inhibit or activate the mineral surface, while surfactants contribute to the adhesion and foaming mineralization of hydrocarbon oil on the surface of mineral particles.

In summary, the flotation process for graphite ore needs to be customized according to the type and properties of the ore. Through reasonable process flow, equipment selection and chemical use, the grade and recovery rate of graphite ore can be improved, providing strong support for the development and utilization of graphite resources.