RECOVERY OF CO(2-SOLUTIONS BY FROTH FLOTATION() IONS FROM AQUEOUS)

The recovery of Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions under acidic condit ions (pH 5) was investigated in flotation columns with inside diameter s of 4.0 and 8.0 cm. Three surfactants, dodecylamine, cetyl pyridinium chloride, and sodium dodecyl sulfate, were used as collectors. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was found to be the most efficient; all three, howeve r, produced hydrated froths, leading to rather low recoveries and sepa ration efficiencies. The volumetric ps flow rate was found to affect t he process in relation to the amount of surfactant added and the colum n diameter. The scale-up of the column should be done in terms of the same superficial gas velocity in order to maintain similar levels of m etal ion recovery.