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Title: Control of pyrite surface chemistry in physical coal cleaning

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5196241· OSTI ID:5196241

To better understand the surface chemical properties of coal and mineral pyrite, studies on the effect of flotation surfactants (frother and kerosene) on the degree of hydrophobicity have been conducted. The presence of either frother or kerosene enhanced the flotability of coal and mineral pyrite with a corresponding decrease in induction time over the pH range examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicate a correlation exists between the sample surface morphology and crystal structure and the observed hydrophobicity. As a result of the data obtained from the surface characterization studies, controlled surface oxidation was investigated as a possible pyrite rejection scheme in microbubble column flotation.

Research Organization:
Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (United States). Dept. of Mining and Minerals Engineering
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-89PC89789
OSTI ID:
5196241
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/89789-T6; ON: DE92015800
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English