Application of Hydrofluoric Acid for Activation/Depression of Feldspa / Quartz of Wadi Zirib Feldspar Ore
M. M. Ahmed1, G. A. Ibrahim1, A. M. E. Rizk1, N. Abbas2, N. A. Mahmoud1
1Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
2Department of Mining Engineering, Karakoram International University, Gilgit, Pakistan
Keywords: Feldspar, quartz, flotation, hydrofluoric acid (HF), industry
Abstract
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) proved to be the most efficient reagent for the flotation separation of feldspar minerals from quartz. This research aimed to improve the quality of Wadi Zirib feldspar ore for industrial applications. Furthermore, the effect of HF on the feldspar separation process was studied. Laboratory scale flotation experiments were conducted with quaternary ammonium salt solution as a cationic collector for feldspar minerals. HF was used as a surface modifier for the activation of feldspar minerals and quartz depression, as well. The optimum concentration of HF varied between 1800-2000 g/ton. A 1800 g/ton HF dosage gave a feldspar assay of 89.81% with 44.20% recovery. A 2000 g/ton HF dosage gave a feldspar assay of 85.05% with a 67.78% recovery. Overall, a suitable quality feldspar concentrate was obtained with a mass recovery of 52.11%, having a composition of 69.04% SiO2, K2O & Na2O combined more than 11%, 17.34% Al2O3 and about 0.4% Fe2O3. This product could fulfill the requirements of glass, porcelain, ceramic, vitreous tiles and semi-vitreous tiles industries.
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