Flotation behaviors of chalcopyrite and pyrite in the presence of thiourea-based collectors

Abstract

The flotation characteristics of chalcopyrite and pyrite were investigated in the presence of phenyl thiourea (PTU), diphenyl thiourea (DPTU), and diethyl thiourea (DETU) using a micro-flotation cell. Micro-flotation experiments and FTIR spectroscopy were employed to study the interaction between chalcopyrite, pyrite, and thiourea-based collectors. The results of the flotation tests demonstrated favorable recovery of chalcopyrite when DETU was used, indicating its effectiveness as a collector. Conversely, the presence of DPTU facilitated a suitable separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite. The optimal conditions for chalcopyrite flotation with DETU were determined to be at pH 12 and a collector concentration of 1×10-3M. On the other hand, using DPTU as the collector, an increase in concentration resulted in diminished chalcopyrite recovery. DPTU exhibited a better separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite at pH 12 and a collector concentration of 1×10-4M. Furthermore, FTIR analysis results indicated that thiourea compounds adsorb more effectively on chalcopyrite than on pyrite and the results were consistent with the results obtained from the flotation tests.