The shear flocculation flotation behaviors of micro fine ilmenite and titanaugite

The shear flocculation characteristics of micro fine ilmenite and titanaugite were investigated by the minerals floatability tests, particle size analysis, light microscope measurements, turbidimetric sedimentation tests and calculation of interaction between particles. The results show that the floatability of micro fine ilmenite and titanaugite can be improved under optimum stirring intensity and time. With the increasing of hydrophobicity of particles, the effect of stirring intensity on shear flocculation decreases. The size of flocs increased with the increasing of stirring intensity. The open branch chain structure is observed from titanaugite flocs. The more compact and closed branch chain structure are acquired from ilmenite flocs. The shear flocculation power is consistent with minerals floatability. For these two minerals, the flocculation behaviors can occur easily in the collecting agent. ©, 2015, China University of Mining and Technology. All right reserved.