Removal of hematite from silica sand ore by reverse flotation technique

Reverse flotation of hematite from a local silica sand ore has been investigated using a batch, bench-scale mechanical flotation cell. The effects of various operating parameters such as type and concentration of collectors, type of acid, pH, conditioning time, solid-in-pulp concentration, particle size and temperature have been studied on the hematite removal efficiency by reverse flotation. The results showed that the separation of hematite from silica sand by reverse flotation is possible and good selectivity can be achieved. Experimental data indicate that a larger amount of hematite can be removed from quartz in the presence of hydrochloric acid at elevated temperatures. Also, there exists an optimum collector concentration (Aero 800-series) at which the hematite removal is maximum. A first-order kinetic rate was obtained for the hematite removal from the silica sand.