Abstract

REYES-BOZO, LORENZO et al. USE OF BIOSOLIDS AS FROTH REAGENT IN FLOTATION PROCESS: CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION. Dyna rev.fac.nac.minas [online]. 2011, vol.78, n.167, pp.66-73. ISSN 0012-7353.

Froth flotation uses various organic and inorganic reagents to increase performance and selectivity of the flotation process. Froth flotation takes place mediated by tensioactive substances that are adsorbed on the air/water interface. Potential substitutes for the currently used frothers, organic wastes of animal origin, like biosolids are found. This study was to evaluate biosolids and humic acids as foaming agents in froth flotation by quantification of their tensioactive capabilities, foam-forming potential and foam stability. Biosolids was able to change the surface tension of a solution, creating and stabilizing foams. Dosages under 4 g L-1 of flotation reagents showed a better tensioactive effect using biosolids instead of conventional flotation reagents, type MIBC. For an effective use of these substances as frothers, it is recommended to consider a preconditioning stage. That stage will permit separating soluble and colloidal fractions that show a tensioactive effect. Further research will be needed in order to scale-up current laboratory assays to operational mining scales.

Keywords : foam; sewage sludge; organic matter; concentrates.

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