The relationship between the stability of emulsified diesel and flotation of graphite

• The recovery of graphite grows with the stability of emulsified diesel.
• The proper HLB value for the stability of the emulsion is 13–14.
• The best co-emulsifier for the stability of the emulsion is hexyl alcohol.

The emulsified diesel is a good collector of non-metallic minerals, such as coal and graphite, but it suffers from easily stratification which may lead to the change of graphite flotation. This paper reports research on the relationship between the stability of emulsified diesel and graphite flotation. The results shows that the proper Hydrophile Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value (13–14) and co-emulsifier (hexyl alcohol) can improve the stability of emulsified diesel and increase the recovery of graphite. Better dispersion state of diesel in water and smaller oil droplets could be formed when the stability of emulsified increases, which leads to enhancement of graphite recovery. Besides, the tests of the real ore proved that emulsified diesel is better collector than common diesel.