Flotation process and flotation requirements of fluorite ore

Fluorite, also known as fluorspar, is a mineral composed of calcium fluoride (CaF2). It is commonly used as a flux in metallurgical processes and as a source of fluorine for the chemical industry. In order to obtain high-grade fluorite concentrate, flotation is the main beneficiation method used. There are several different types of fluorite ore flotation technology, each with its own advantages and requirements.

1. Direct flotation Direct flotation is a process in which fluorite mineral is directly floated using anionic collectors such as fatty acids and their soaps. This method is suitable for the beneficiation of low-grade fluorite ore with impurities, as well as for the separation of fluorite and calcite, quartz, and other gangue minerals. The disadvantage of direct flotation is that it requires a large amount of collector and has a high consumption rate.

2. Reverse flotation Reverse flotation is a process in which the gangue minerals are first floated using anionic or cationic collectors, and then fluorite is floated using fatty acids or their soaps. This method is suitable for the beneficiation of high-grade fluorite ore with low impurity content. The advantage of reverse flotation is that it reduces the consumption of collectors and produces high-quality concentrate.

3. Acidized flotation Acidized flotation is a process in which fluorite is selectively floated in the presence of sulfide minerals using sulfuric acid or hydrofluoric acid as a modifier. This method is suitable for the beneficiation of fluorite ore containing sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. The advantage of acidized flotation is that it improves the selectivity of fluorite and reduces the consumption of collectors.

4. Mixed flotation Mixed flotation is a process in which fluorite and other minerals are floated together using mixed collectors such as fatty acids and their soaps, or xanthate and aerofloat. This method is suitable for the beneficiation of fluorite ore with complex mineral compositions and high impurity content. The advantage of mixed flotation is that it can improve the recovery rate of valuable minerals and reduce the consumption of collectors.

In addition to the different flotation methods, there are also different flotation requirements for different types of fluorite ore. For example, the requirements for the flotation of high-grade fluorite ore are strict, and the concentrate grade is generally required to be above 97%, while the requirements for the flotation of low-grade fluorite ore are relatively loose. The pulp pH value, temperature, and flotation time also have a significant impact on the flotation effect, and should be adjusted according to the specific ore characteristics.