A New Approach to Classification of Flotation Collectors

A collector is needed at the point of particle to bubble attachment and can be brought to this point either on the surface of particles, bubbles or both In order for this to happen the collector must first be introduced Into the flotation pulp The water-soluble collectors are utilized as aqueous solutions, water-insoluble oily hydrocarbons must be dispersed in water and are used as emulsions, while water-insoluble amphipathic compounds can spread at the gas/water interface The rational classification of flotation collectors based on such observations is presented in this paper The analysis of the accompanying phenomena leads to the conclusion that in all these mechanisms a very important and not always recognized part is played by the surface of bubbles The role of bubbles in transportation of collectors to the point of particle-to-bubble attachment is especially important for the two types of water-insoluble collectors oily hydrocarbons and long-chain amphipathic compounds