CALCIUM-ION EFFECTS IN AMINE FLOTATION OF QUARTZ AND MAGNETITE

The flotation of quartz and magnetite was studied as a function of pH when using N-alkyl-1, 3 diaminopropanes as collectors in the presence of Ca(II). The alkyl chains of the diamines were 8, 12 and 16 carbons in length. Two collector concentrations were used and flotation studie d in the absence of additives and in the presence of CaCl2. All the am ines are relatively stronger collectors for quartz than for magnetite in both the absence and presence of CaCl2. The CaCl2, in the concentra tion studied, 0.1 mol/dm3, functions as a depressant for the minerals. Probable surface chemical phenomena giving rise to the observed exper imental results are discussed.