Influence of sodium silicate modulus on iron ore flotation with sodium oleate.

Abstract

This paper presents the influence of sodium silicate modulus on iron ore flotation with sodium oleate collector. Bench flotation tests were performed at pH 7 with actual iron ore from Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil, with 42.8% Fe and 37.2% SiO2. Iron recovery averaged above 90% and the Fe contents in the concentrate were above 55%. The highest values of Fe grade and lowest of SiO2were obtainedwith lowlevels of pulp density and sodium silicate dosage and with high level of sodiumoleate. Increase of sodiumsilicate modulus had a small influence on response variables.