Characterization Techniques of Flotation Frothers-A Review

Many reagents are used as frother in flotation process, however, a general reference for their identification and characterization is not available. The present work categorizes the commonly used frothers and evaluates the available methodologies to determine their properties. In this paper, frothers properties such as molecular weight, viscosity, boiling and freezing point, hydrophile-lipophile balance number, solubility, surface activity and critical micelle concentration were discussed. The commonly used measurement methods for froth structure and dynamic and static frothability were also presented along with water recovery index and critical coalescence concentration (CCC). Results showed that the practical identification of frothers properties has not been thoroughly evaluated and therefore, there is a need for developing novel and easy-to-apply experimental methods in this area. For example, it was found that there is no promising single process to measure the CCC value. This review revealed that the 2D froth structure measurement methods are associated with a considerable bias, while 3D techniques can effectively represent the actual froth properties. It was also found that the potential interactions between various frothers properties and how they can influence the flotation performance in an industrial environment are not yet understood and needs further investigation. It was also identified that there is no standard instruction to provide a reliable connection between both manufactures and frothers consumers. In our opinion, the current review paves the path for the elaboration of knowledge and technology to provide promising methods for determining conventionally used and complex frothers properties.