What are the commonly used flotation reagents in flotation machines?

For nearly a century, the flotation process has been widely used in mineral processing, primarily due to the special effects of flotation reagents. Currently, the commonly used flotation reagents in flotation machines mainly fall into the following five categories:

1. Collectors

They interact with the mineral surface, adhering to it and enhancing its hydrophobicity, thus facilitating the collection of mineral particles onto air bubbles.

2. Frothing Agents

During flotation, foam acts as a medium for the floating of mineral particles.

3. Depressants

These are reagents that reduce the floatability of minerals. They can form a hydrophilic film on the surface of mineral particles, creating a colloidal adsorption film that hinders the interaction between the collector and the mineral surface. Depressants can also dissolve adsorbed collectors from the mineral surface or dissolve active films on the mineral that facilitate collector action.

4. Activators

These eliminate the inhibitory effect, promote floatability, and create a surface on the mineral that easily interacts with the collector. In current production practice, some minerals cannot directly adsorb collectors. Activators are often added to alter the surface properties of the minerals, making them more suitable for collector adsorption.

5. Medium Conditioner

Its main functions are to adjust the pH value of the pulp (pH value represents acidity or alkalinity), adjust the effects of other reagents, eliminate the harmful effects of ions on flotation, and adjust the dispersion and agglomeration of slime.