Two stage flotation of sodium feldspar – from laboratory to industrial application

Abstract

In this study, results are presented of laboratory flotation tests and industrial application to separate colouring minerals (muscovite, biotite, rutile, sphene), some iron oxides and clays from Çine-Ceyhan sodium feldspar ore owned by Kalemaden A.S. In the first stage, conventional mica flotation was carried out at pH 2·5–3 by using tallow amine acetate as collector together with a frother mixture of 50% MIBC and 50% pine oil. Following mica flotation, in the second stage, the effect of sodium oleate, pH and the fineness of grind were tested. Experimental studies indicated that the ore should be ground to –300 μm and clayey slimes (–25μm) washed out prior to flotation so as to separate colouring gangue minerals effectively. Under optimum conditions, a high quality concentrate containing 0.1% TiO₂ + Fe₂O₃ and giving very glossy white firing test button at 1260°C was obtained by two stage flotation at pH 2·5–3 with 225 g/t Armac TD for micas and at pH 5·5–6·5 with 2000 g/t Na-oleate for titanium and iron oxides. Based on the extensive experimental data, a flotation plant was designed, built and started up in November 1999.