CIM Academy

The effect of metal cations on the rutile flotation using styryl phosphoric acid (SPA) as the collector was investigated by micro-flotation test, bench scale flotation test, zeta-potential measurements and adsorption measurements. The micro-flotation results indicated that Fe (III) and Al (III) ions in low concentrations had obvious activation on the rutile flotation, and Pb (II) ions in low concentrations had smaller activation of rutile, but Fe (III), Al (III), Pb (II), Ca (II) and Mg (II) have strong inhibition of rutile flotation in high concentrations. The bench scale flotation results indicated ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), boracic acid, and sodium hexametaphospate can decrease the metal ions concentrations, and increase the recovery of rutile flotation. Adsorption measurements and zeta-potential measurements revealed that Fe (III), Al (III) and Pb (II) ions were adsorbed on the rutile surface, and had interaction with SPA. But when these ions concentration were over the largest adsorption capacity, residual metal ions could occur chemical reaction with SPA.