RI 2970 Reaction Of Metallic Iron And Copper Sulphate In The Flotation Of Sphalerite ? Introduction

Copper sulphate is a common flotation reagent for blonde ores. Metallic iron also is present in the mill circuit, and a reaction between the iron and the salt would be in accord with well-known chemistry. The abundance of metallic iron in a flotation food may be noted by even perfunctory examination. First of all the mine contributes metallic iron, then the coarse-crushing machines add their share, and finally the fine-grinding medium its portion. If the grinding is with cast-iron balls the amount of metallics is greater than when steel is used. Thus it, is that much more metallic iron is present than would be indicated by noting the ball consumption. An estimate that the total amount of metallics is twice that supplied by the balls and liners might not be far amiss. That copper sulphate plates out on iron in an acid solution is well known, but since flotation is practiced commonly in solutions where acid has not been added this reaction has not been given sufficient thought.