Floatability of Magnesium Carbonates by Sodium Oleate in the Presence of Modifiers

Abstract

A laboratory study has been carried out on the anionic flotation behavior of magnesium carbonates in the presence of modifying reagents, followed by experiments of adsorption and zeta-potential measurements aimed at their selective separation. Sodium pyrophosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate were found to be strong depressing agents for dolomite in the alkaline region, presenting only a slight action on magnesite flotation. Carboxymethylcellulose also depressed dolomite in the pH range 7.0–12.0, but it did not affect magnesite. The modifying action was attributed to adsorption on sites where calcium exists.