The Evaluation of Starch-Based Flocculant on the Thickener Operation in the Molybdenum Processing Plant and Competency of Molybdenite Flotation

The type and dosage of flocculants used in the middle thickener copper-molybdenum plant, addition to adjusting quality recycled process water, is very effective on floatability molybdenite. In this study, effect starch-based flocculant (wheat starch) was investigated efficiency molybdenite flotation, molybdenum processing plant. First, sampling from overflow underflow Mo circuit (in industrial scale), presence absence starch, were collected. polished sections samples studied order determine starch particles settling with different shapes. Microscopic studies show that plate-like coarse are transferred (process water) flocculant, whereas fine present often needle-shaped. addition, terms grade distribution, higher than copper iron. Then, after sedimentation tests laboratory scale) concentrations flotation performed test samples. According results studies, increasing 0 1000 g/t increased recovery reduced access minerals concentrate. case, lab tests) by about 5% compared case not using starch. While increase adding scale 10%. dosages (2000 g/t), trend reversed decreased sharply due decrease contact angle depression, amount concentrate increased.