Synergistic effects between thiol collectors used in the flotation of pyrite

This thesis investigates, firstly, whether synergism occurs between the thiol collectors, potassium n-butyl xanthate (PNBX) and cyclohexyl dithiocarbamate (cyclohexyl DTC) when a mixture of these collectors is used in the flotation of pyrite at pH =4 and, secondly, why synergistic effects are observed, if any. The focus of the investigation was a 90:10 mole ratio mixture of PNBX and cyclohexyl DTC, although other collector ratios were compared in the batch flotation tests. This ratio was chosen to test the effect of a small amount of the one component in a manner synonymous with studing thermodynamic excess pro.perties. The high cost of dithiocarbamate collectors also argued in favour of the ratio. The effect of copper sulphate on the flotation performance obtained with pure cyclohexyl DTC and PNBX as well as with the collector mixture was also investigated.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Chemical Engineering

Year dc:date.issued

1997

Author dc:creator

• Bradshaw, Deidre Jane

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• O' Connor, Cyril

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/20456

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/20456