Abstract: A process for improving the efficiency of coal dewatering and deashing uses complexing agents such as sodium gluconate in alkaline solution to form soluble compounds with cations such as Al.sup.+3, Fe.sup.+3, Mg.sup.+2, and Ca.sup.+2. The formation of such compounds reduces the adsorption and/or desorbs clay slimes from the coal surface.

Abstract: A targeted particulate, synthetic organic plastic material having normally hydrophobic surface characteristics is separated from a mixture of two or more of such plastic materials by conditioning the mixture of plastic materials in a flotation cell with a heteropolar surfactant which has a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) value greater than 5 and which selectively depresses the targeted plastic material by making the surfaces thereof more hydrophilic without substantially affecting the surfaces of the other plastic material(s) and introducing gas bubbles into the resulting conditioned pulp such that the gas bubbles selectively adhere to the surfaces of the other plastic materials(s) and cause them to float. The targeted plastic material is recovered in the cell product and the other plastic material(s) is recovered in the float concentrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for beneficiating a silicious phosphate ore by flotation, the process comprising the steps of conditioning an aqueous slurry of phosphate ore at a pH of from 7.5 to 10.5 with a fatty acid and a fuel oil and aerating the conditioned phosphate slurry to float the phosphate, the improvement comprising conditioning the aqueous phosphate slurry prior to aeration with a water dispersible sulfo-polyester having a glass transition temperature of 28.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. and consisting essentially of repeat units from a dicarboxylic acid, a diol and a difunctional sulfomonomer.

Abstract: The described invention relates to the processing of iron ore, particularly taconite ore. In particular, the invention relates to the separation of the iron containing component from the silicious and other gangue components such as phosphorus compounds in low grade iron ore. Typically, the separation is accomplished by a flotation process to remove the gangue to recover the iron component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the selective flotation of phosphorus minerals, in which process the flotation collectors used are one or more compounds of the formula 1a and/or 1b ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a branched or straight-chain C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 -, in particular C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 -alkenyl,R.sup.2 is a branched, straight-chain or cyclic alkyl having 5 and/or 6 carbon atoms andM is hydrogen, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, ammonium or NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 R.sup.5 where R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 independently of one another are hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -hydroxyalkyl,optionally as a mixture or combination with co-collectors.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for separating a first copper-containing mineral from a second copper-containing mineral using froth flotation where one of the minerals has a more readily oxidizable surface than the other. Prior to flotation, a slurry containing the copper-containing minerals is oxidized and conditioned to achieve an effective pH. Thereafter, the slurry is subjected to a froth flotation process by which a first copper-containing mineral, such as chalcocite, and a second copper-containing mineral, such as enargite, are recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating off polyester plastics from a mixture of polyester, polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics, wherein in the flotation the polyester remains as the residue and the polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics are recovered in floated form, which comprises treating the mixture of plastics with an aqueous alkaline solution and separating off the polyester from polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics by flotation.

Abstract: Describes a process for separating metallic mercury from soil containing same by producing an aqueous pulp of the contaminated soil in a mixing tank (12), screening the pulp in screening means (14) to separate a coarse fraction, further screening the pulp in screening means (17) (19) to produce a fines fraction, charging said fines fraction to solid-solid separating means (20) (24) to provide a first aqueous soil slurry (83) that is substantially free of metallic mercury and a second aqueous soil slurry (75) (81) containing metallic mercury, charging the second aqueous soil slurry to froth flotation cell means (28), thereby to provide a metallic mercury-containing froth (90) and an aqueous soil slurry (87) substantially free of metallic mercury, removing the froth from the flotation cell, and separating metallic mercury that settles out of the froth (95). Soil slurry substantially free of metallic mercury is flocculated (32), dewatered (35), filtered (36) and removed to a landfill (9).

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method for the rougher flotation of phosphate ore using sodium carbonate to control the pH at about 9.6-10.5. The method facilitates improved recovery of phosphate from its ore; in addition the Bone Phosphate of Lime (BPL) of the phosphate concentrate increases, which provides further advantages in that subsequent steps are improved by virtue of receiving a feed of greater purity. There are also certain environmental advantages obtained when ammonia is replaced with sodium carbonate and the operational safety of the flotation system is enhanced when ammonia is replaced with sodium carbonate.

Abstract: Flotation aids, for use in ore flotation and beneficiation processes, comprising polyamines in the presence of fluorosubstituted organic compounds, either mixed therewith or at least partially-neutralized thereby, such that the resulting compositions separate silicate impurities and the like while also modifying and/or suppressing the froth generated. The synergistic nature of such compositions, certain embodiments of which are structurally novel, provide a cost-effective route to higher yields and increased production rates.

Abstract: Micron sized gas bubbles produced by electrolysis (e.g., oxygen and/or hydrogen gas bubbles by the electrolysis of water) are introduced into a flotation cell which is also provided with larger bubbles produced by sparging a gas such as air into the flotation cell. The mixed presence of both large bubbles and small bubbles serves to improve the recovery of various copper-containing ores. The small bubble producing electrodes can be retrofitted into an existing sparged gas driven flotation cell.

Abstract: A novel flotation aid for use in the flotation removal of contaminates or impurities from mineral slurries. The flotation aid is an alkali aluminate compound. The flotation aid may be incorporated into a flotation reagent system that includes a chemical collector.

Abstract: Arsenopyrite is separated from a mixture with pyrite by contacting the mixture with a sulfitic agent providing HSO.sub.3.sup.- ions at elevated temperature and pH below about 8 for a period sufficient to impart a selective depression property to the arsenopyrite. On addition of a collector the pyrite is rendered floatable, enabling froth flotation to achieve a concentrate rich in pyrite and tailings rich in arsenopyrite.

Abstract: A process of selectively agglomerating coal in an aqueous environment while leaving the mineral matter dispersed has been developed. This process is autogenous for hydrophobic particles in that neither an agglomerating agent nor an electrolytic coagulant is needed. It is based on the finding that hydrophobic particles are pushed against each other by the surrounding water structure. This process, which is referred to as selective hydrophobic coagulation, is driven by the so-called hydrophobic interaction energy, which is not included in the classical DLVO theory describing the stability of lyophobic suspensions. The relatively small coagula formed by the selective hydrophobic coagulation process can be readily separated from the dispersed mineral matter by several different techniques such as screening, elutriation, sedimentation and froth flotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved flotation composition comprising a mixture of (A) at least one metal salt of a phosphorus acid represented by the Formula: ##STR1## wherein each R.sub.1 is independently a hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy of hydrocarbylthio group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, each X is independently oxygen or sulfur, and the lowest oxidation state of the metal is plus two, and (B) at least one dithiocarbamate represented by the formula: ##STR2## wherein each R.sub.2 is independently hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, or R.sub.2 taken together with R.sub.3 and the nitrogen atom form a five, six or seven member heterocyclic group; each R.sub.3 is independently a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, or R.sub.3 taken together with R.sub.2 and the nitrogen atom form a five, six or seven member heterocyclic group; and R.sub.4 is a hydrocarbylene group having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for the froth flotation separation of phosphate containing minerals by the use of a new collector agent is described. The new phosphate collector agent is prepared by mixing a fatty acid, tall oil pitch, an amine, and optionally sarcosine with fuel or furnace oil, and subsequently oxidizing the mixture by known methods. The new phosphate collector agent is added to the conditioned slurry of the ground and deslimed phosphate containing ore. The slurry is then subjected to froth flotastion in one or more stages to collect the phosphate concentrate in the froth. The phosphate collector agent is also effective in recovering phosphates from slime.

Abstract: A process is provided for the froth flotation of oxide and salt type minerals utilizing as the collector a combination of a monoester of a dicarboxylic acid of the general formula ##STR1## in which R' is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 7-21 carbon atoms, R" is a hydrocarbon radical with 2-6 carbon atoms and A is an alkylene oxide group derived from an alkylene oxide with 2-4 carbon atoms; and a monocarboxylic acid having the general formulaR'"COOH IIwherein R'" is a hydrocarbon group with 5-23 carbon atoms, the acid as being in an amount to increase the yield and/or the selectivity of the monoester in the flotation of alkaline earth metal-containing oxide and salt type minerals, such as apatite, fluorspar, calcite, baryte, scheelite, dolomite, and magnesite.

Abstract: Collector compositions for use in froth flotation processes for the benefication of precious metals i.e. gold, silver and platinum group metals (PGM) from sulfide ores containing especially pyrrite and pyrrhotite are disclosed. The collector comprises alkyl hydroxamic acids or their alkali metal or ammonium salts, preferably in combination with standard sulfide ore collectors such as xanthates etc.

Abstract: Silica and siliceous gangue are separated from desired mineral values, particularly iron and phosphate, by reverse froth flotation in the presence of amine collectors and effective amounts of alkanol amines such as diethanol amine.

Abstract: A process for the selective flotation of metal ores is described, wherein ionic organic collectors are utilized, which have the formula: ##STR1## where R and R.sub.1, like or different from each other, represent: H, a halogen, a straight or branched C.sub.1-9 alkyl group, an alkoxyl or hydroxyalkyl group in which the alkyl moiety contains from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group; and M represents: H, Na, K, Li, Cs, NH.sub.4.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for separating copper sulfide from rimmed iron sulfide by flotation. Prior to flotation, a slurry containing the sulfides is oxidized and conditioned to achieve a pH greater than pH 9. Thereafter, the slurry is subjected to a froth floatation process by which a copper sulfide, such as chalcopyrite, concentrate is recovered.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for recovering a bulk concentrate of zircon and a bulk concentrate of rutile-ilmenite from dry plant tailings. A process has been discovered for froth flotation by manipulating the surface charges of dry plant tailings. Conditioning reagents, sulfuric acid to lower the pH; corn starch to coat the minerals to be depressed; sodium fluoride to activate the minerals to be floated; and amine to float the activated minerals, are used in the flotation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved process for beneficiating an ore-containing sulfide material. In particular, the process is useful for beneficiating ores and recovering metals such as gold, copper, lead, molybdenum, zinc, etc., from the ores. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of:(1) forming a slurry comprising at least one crushed mineral-containing ore, water and a collector which is a mixture of (A) at least one metal salt of a phosphorus acid represented by the Formula: ##STR1## wherein each R.sub.1 is independently a hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy or hydrocarbylthio group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, each X is independently oxygen or sulfur, and the lowest oxidation state of the metal is plus two, and (B) at least one thio compound comprising (i) at least one dithiocarbamate represented by the formula: ##STR2## wherein each R.sub.2 is independently hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, or R.sub.2 taken together with R.sub.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for purifying a calcium carbonate-containing mineral which process comprises the following steps:a) mixing the calcium carbonate-containing mineral with water and a dispersing agent to form a suspension containing from 60% to 80% by weight of the dry mineral;b) comminuting the suspension of calcium carbonate-containing mineral prepared in step a) to give a product containing not more than 5% by weight of particles which are retained on a sieve having a nominal aperture of 53 microns and not more than 50% by weight of particles which are smaller than 2 microns e.s.d.

Abstract: A sequential flotation process for the separation of components of an ore containing sulfides of copper and molybdenum involves initially effecting selective flotation of the copper component directly from the ore by conditioning the ore with a combination of a source of bisulfite ion and causticized starch to produce a conditioned ore having a pH between approximately 5.2 and 6.2, and thereafter treating the conditioned ore with a collector selected from the group consisting of dialkyl dithiophosphates and alkyl dithiophosphinates.

Abstract: A sequential flotation process for the separation of components of a sulfide ore selected from the group consisting of copper and lead sulfide containing ores and copper, zinc and lead sulfide containing ores in which the copper component is initially selectively floated directly from said ore by conditioning the ore with a combination of a source of bisulfite ion and causticized starch to produce a conditioned ore having a pH between approximately 5.7 and 6.5, and thereafter treating the conditioned ore with a collector selected from the group consisting of dialkyl dithiophosphates and alkyl dithiophosphinates.

Abstract: A method of flotation of sulfides wherein pyrrhotite is depressed by use of a water-soluble polyamine while non-ferrous metal-containing sulfide or sulfidized minerals are floated selectively.

Abstract: A process for recovering molybdenite from feed materials containing copper sulfide and molybdenite (e.g. copper/molybdenum concentrates from flotation processes) wherein the feed material is treated with ozone and then floated to recover molybdenite.

Abstract: A flotation process is disclosed wherein the selectivity to the valuable mineral is improved by the depression of silica or siliceous gangue by the use of a hydroxy-containing compound such as an alkanol amine. The process is useful in the flotation of oxide minerals as well as in sulfide flotation.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for substantially reducing the radioactivity of heavy mineral concentrates or mineral mixtures. The process comprises the removal of radioactive minerals present in the heavy mineral concentrate or mixture by a selective flotation procedure. The process yields a single flotation fraction containing the radioactive minerals.

Abstract: A new depressant for use in enhanced separation of polymetallic sulphides is described. The depressant agent is used in conjunction with conventional collector agents and forthing agents in the flotation separation of copper, nickel, lead, zinc sulphides by depressing iron sulphides such as pyrrhotite, pyrite and marcasite in the tailing. The depressant consists of a cross-linked starch chemically combined with a polyacrylate and sugar free lignin sulphonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the separation of minerals by flotation in the presence of activators and suppressors. Activators are cation-active condensation products and suppressors are anion-active products of aminoplast formers, formaldehyde and amines, ammonium salts, acids or a sulphite, in combination with either an anion-active or cation-active tensides.

Abstract: A novel flotation aid for use in the flotation removal of contaminates or impurities from mineral slurries. The flotation aid is an alkali aluminate compound. The flotation aid may be incorporated into a flotation reagent system that includes a chemical collector.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of mineral values from base metal and precious metal ores is disclosed. Specifically, a froth flotation process is disclosed which comprises contacting an aqueous ore slurry with an effective amount of a dihydroxyalkyl group containing polysaccharide, a mineral collector and a frothing agent.

Abstract: A flotation process is disclosed for cleaning of particulate coal and separation therefrom of pyrite and ash. A flotation pulp is prepared comprising a particulate coal feed material and an anionic surfactant selected from among alkanesulfonic acids, alkenesulfonic acids, alkynesulfonic acids, arenesulfonic acids, alkyl sulfuric acids, alkenyl sulfuric acids, alkynyl sulfuric acids, aryl sulfuric acids and salts of these acids. Among the particularly preferred surfactants are substituted ethenesulfonic acids and salts thereof. Other preferred embodiments include the use of at least about 0.3 pound surfactant per ton of particulate feed material; implementation of the process via aggregate flotation, in which at least about 50% by weight of the particulate coal feed material is smaller than about 400 mesh; and use of combinations of anionic surfactants and nonionic frothing agents. A novel composition of matter comprising the anionic surfactants adn a nonionic compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various acrylic acid allyl/thiourea polymers and their use as depressants in the beneficiation of sulfide minerals from ores are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention resides in the use of a bacterial cellulose as a depressant for readily flotatable silicate minerals in an ore flotation process. Depending on the particular ore being treated, from 0.2-1.5 lb/ton of ore of the bacterial cellulose is effective as a talcose mineral depressant. Usually only about 0.10-0.25 lb/ton of the bacterial cellulose will produce optimum results.

Abstract: A method for separating ash and sulfur (including pyritic sulfur) contaminants from coal in a flotation process. The method comprises the steps of grinding the coal to small particlate size, forming a slurry of the ground coal and mixing the slurry with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of peroxy compounds, peroxides and superoxides the preferred compound being oxone which is a mixture of potassium monopersulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate and potassium sulfate. This slurry is allowed to react to condition the particulate coal and develop increased hydrophobicity for the coal while depressing the sulfur contaminants and ash during froth flotation.

Abstract: Flotation of a kaolin clay slurry to remove titanium-based impurities is improved by adding a biocide to the slurry prior to the flotation and effecting the flotation in the presence of the biocide. The addition of the biocide improves the efficacy of flotation and thereby increases the brightness of the clay. Preferred biocides are tetrahydrothiadiazine thiones, especially tetrahydro-3,5-dimethyl-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione.

Abstract: Fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers terminally blocked by hydrophobic radicals are used as co-collectors together with cationic or ampholytic surfactant components in the flotation of non-sulfidic ores.

Abstract: A process for separating and recovering minerals, such as molybdenum or graphite, from ores with which they occur by addition of an amino mercaptothiadiazole to an ore flotation process.

Abstract: A new depressant composition is provided for the enhanced separation into separate value metal concentrates of copper, nickel, zinc, lead present in polymetallic and massive sulphide ores.The depressant is added in an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving first a mixture of quebrachio and dextrin, or quebracho and guar gum. To the solution of modified quebracho a water soluble salt of lignin sulphonate is added. The aqueous polymer of modified quebracho lignin sulphonate is further mixed with one or more of the following inorganic reagents: water soluble cyanide, metal sulphates and water soluble sulphites. The resulting depressant is added together with conventional flotation reagents in conventional mineral separation stages as required.

Abstract: A process for separating dissolved organic solutes from a solution is provided. The process includes the steps of mixing the solution with a surfactant in order that the surfactant adsorbs substantially all of the organic solutes and forms a surfactant/organic solute aggregate. The aggregate is then separated from the solution by either reducing the solubility of the surfactant, ultrafiltration of the solution or foam fractionation of the solution. If it is desired to re-use the surfactant, the surfactant/organic solute aggregate is further treated in order to desorb the organic solutes from the surfactant.

Abstract: A low temperature process for separating bitumen from tarsands comprises slurrying tarsands in water at a temperature in the range of above about freezing to 35.degree. C., preferably in the range of 2.degree. to 15.degree. C., mixing said aqueous slurry with a conditioning agent for a time sufficient to release bitumen from tarsands and to uniformly disperse the conditioning agent on the bitumen, and subjecting the resulting slurry to froth flotation for recovery of a bitumen product and production of sand tails.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved froth flotation separation for beneficiating phosphate containing ores wherein an ore is preliminarily conditioned with an anionic agent and then subjected to froth flotation separation to concentrate the phosphate containing fraction. The improvement comprises the addition of sodium silicate near the end of the conditioning step before the beginning of the froth flotation.

Abstract: disclosed is a process for separating resin from a mixture of resin-bearing coal particles by increasing the pH of a froth flotation process to a value of at least 12. Particles of reduced size resin-bearing coal are preferably mixed with water to from a slurry. The pH of the slurry is then adjusted with a chemical agent to about 12. The slurry is then subjected to froth flotation. The coal particles aggregate to one another allowing the remaining resin-rich particles to attach to the bubbles formed during the flotation process. A much improved separation efficiency for resin flotation from coal is observed.

Abstract: A novel polymer composition comprising recurring units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein each R.sup.1 is, individually, hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; each R.sup.5, individually, is hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyl group; X is OH or SH; Y is OR.sup.2, SR.sup.2, NR.sub.2.sup.2, or NR.sup.2 -NR.sub.2.sup.2 ; R.sup.2 is hydrogen, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyl or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 substituted lower alkyl, no more than one of Y and X being hydroxyl, and M is hydrogen, an alkali metal cation or an ammonium ion; x represents a residual mole percent fraction; y is a mole percent fraction ranging from about 0.5% to about 25%; z is a mole percent fraction ranging from about 0% to about 25%; and the molecular weight of the polymer is between about 1,000 and 500,000.

Abstract: Various acrylamide/allyl thiourea polymers and their use as depressants in the beneficiation of sulfide minerals from ores are disclosed.

Abstract: Ores containing mineral values are separated into two slurries, one having primarily fine particles and gangue and the other having primarily coarse particles. The slurry having fine particles and gangue is adjusted to a solids content of less than about 15 percent, as necessary, and then conditioned by the addition of appropriate promoter reagents, a flotation collector, and a froth modifier. The gangue, containing a disproportionate share of impurities, is floated in a column flotation cell wherein the fine particulates are not mechanically agitated, and removed. The remaining fine particulate underflow, containing a disproportionate share of the minearl values, is then processed directly, or combined with the slurry containing the coarse particulate to yield a flow having reduced impurity content and increased recovery of the mineral values.

Abstract: A new depressant composition is provided for the enhanced separation into separate value metal concentrates of copper, nickel, zinc, lead present in polymetallic and massive sulphide ores.The depressant is added in an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving first a mixture of quebracho and dextrin, or quebracho and guar gum. To the solution of modified quebracho a water soluble salt of lignin sulphonate is added. The aqueous polymer of modified quebracho lighin sulphonate is further mixed with one or more of the following inorganic reagents: water soluble cyanide, metal sulphates and water soluble sulphites. The resulting depressant is added together with conventional flotation reagents in conventional mineral separation stages as required.