A flotation-based approach to the quantification of pyrrhotite in concrete aggregates

Pyrrhotite-bearing aggregates are a major cause of internal sulphate attack (ISA) in concrete. The concentration pyrrhotite is usually too low to permit direct accurate quantification. Hence, safety restrictions put on expressed terms the total sulphur content. This paper outlines an analytical approach which froth flotation employed produce bulk sulphide concentrate amenable quantification pyrrhotite. expected be more than order magnitude higher that original sample. Aided by mass balancing based conventional analysis, safe and estimate maximal feed can obtained. could facilitate better resource utilization. Extensive work required develop optimize specific procedure obtain robust protocol. • Pyrrhotite An (Po) proposed. Froth used prior Po-analysis. yield concentration.