Work

Synchronous separation of limonite from calcite and quartz in the sodium dodecyl sulfate system

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The synchronous flotation separation of limonite from its associated gangue minerals, calcite , and quartz, has long posed a significant challenge in mineral processing. Given that previous studies have focused more on the separation of limonite from single vein minerals or a certain type of vein mineral, as well as the common use of reverse flotation processes. This study innovatively investigated the synchronous positive flotation separation of guar gum (GG) from limonite, silicon containing vein quartz, and calcium containing vein calcite in the sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) system. Flotation test results showed that GG significantly reduced the flotation recovery of calcite and slightly reduced the recovery of limonite and quartz, resulting in a significant flotation difference between limonite and calcite/quartz. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and adsorption quantity tests revealed that in the presence of GG, SDS had weak adsorption ability on the surfaces of quartz and calcite, but strong adsorption on limonite surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis further indicated that GG slightly reduced SDS adsorption at Fe sites on limonite surfaces while substantially hindering SDS adsorption at Ca sites on calcite. Notably, GG showed negligible interference with the weak SDS adsorption at Si sites on quartz surfaces. Extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory calculations confirmed that the introduction of GG into the SDS system led to mutual attraction between limonite particles and bubbles while inducing mutual repulsion between quartz and calcite particles and bubbles. Therefore, GG significantly improved the separation efficiency of limonite and gangue minerals, and 98.55 % quartz and 84.77 % calcite were removed to achieve synchronous separation of limonite from quartz and calcite.

Source: Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2025.04.018

Authors: Xueming Yin, Jin Yao, Xiufeng Gong, Wanzhong Yin, Jianwei Yu, Yulian Wang

Institutions: Northeastern University, Shenyang Ligong University

Language: English

Topic: Minerals Flotation and Separation Techniques

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,500

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China