Fine particle flotation has been a challenge for the mineral processing industry because the recovery of fine particles is negligible due to the low probability of bubble-particle collisions. The size of the bubbles has a significant impact on the probability of collision and, as a result, the efficiency of flotation. In this study, the presence of nano-micro bubbles produced by a two-phase vortex pump to recover zinc (sample obtained from Goushfil mine, Bama complex) was investigated using different percentages of nano-micro-bubble water participation. Flotation experiments were designed and performed in the presence and absence of nano-microbubble water using the minerals ground by wet and dry milling systems. Then, for further eva‎luation, a series of experiments were designed and implemented for different types of particles (106 microns, 75 microns and 38 microns) and then for fine particles (38 microns). The results indicated the positive effect of nanomicro-enriched water on concentrate grade (increase of 2.22%), metal recovery (increase of 14.8%) and separation efficiency (increase of 8.9%) for both types of wet and dry grinding, while metal loss to tailings decreased significantly. Also, the results of the design of the experiment with 4 factors of particle size, the percentage of nano-micro-bubble water participation, ethyl xanthate and amyl xanthate collector showed that with the increase of the percentage of nano-micro-bubble water, the recovery improved up to 6.11 percent for particles with a size of -106 microns and up to 2.37% for the particles with a size of -38 micron. Also, the results of the test conducted on fine particles with 4 variables of ethyl xanthate and amyl xanthate collector concentration, the percentage of nano-micro-bubble water and frother, indicated a 5% and 3.33% increase in zinc recovery, respectively, using 100% of nano-micro-bubble water and 50 g/t frother.

محمد رئوف حسيني

ابراهيم عظيمي، مهدي نامگر

علي احمدي عامله، رضا دهقان