THE EFFECT OF MICRO-NANO BUBBLES FORMED AS A RESULT OF DEPRESSURIZATION DURING THE FLOTATION PROCESS ON CHALCOPYRITE PARTICLES

Abstract

This article deals with the effective beneficiation of sulfide copper ores. We used the method of creating micro- and nano-sized bubbles in the aqueous mixture. This method improves the quality of the separation of fine-grained minerals and helps to reduce the consumption of chemical reagents. In research, the effects of micro-nanobubbles and collectors (chemical reagents) formed as a result of the release of gas contained in the bottle through pressure reduction (depressurization) were studied. According to microflotation experiments, the pre-deaeration process significantly improves chalcopyrite separation. Additionally, when micro-nanobubbles form, the collector adheres to the surface of these bubbles rather than the minerals. This procedure facilitates the aggregation of small chalcopyrite particles, increasing the probability that they will stick to large bubbles during the flotation process. n top of that, the sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate collector stays strongly attached to the chalcopyrite surface even when the pressure is lowered. Thus, micro-nanobubbles have a positive effect on the flotation of small chalcopyrite particles, even if the amount of the collector is reduced. This study helps us better understand the importance of micronanobubbles in mineral beneficiation processes.