Sonochemical activation of amine hydrochloric acid solution used as a collector in sylvinite ore flotation

This paper covers the problems of improving the efficiency of a specific flotation reagent (amine hydrochloric acid solution) through the dispersion of floccules using preliminary sonochemical activation. The influence of various combinations of acoustic power (from 168 to 420 W in increments of 84 W) and ultrasound exposure time (30, 60 and 150 s) on the physical and chemical characteristics of the mineral/flotation reagent system has been studied. The results demonstrate that preliminary ultrasonic exposure of the reagent reduces the size of amine hydrochloric acid floccules. This, in turn, increases the specific surface area of collector micelles, improving the reagent distribution on the mineral surface. The contact angles for KCl particles were measured after the sonochemical activation and after the amine adsorption, which confirmed better hydrophobization of the sylvite mineral surface. It has been found that higher power values and ultrasonic exposure times produce a more electropositive zeta potential of the reagent solution. It has also been established that the use of a pre-activated solution of hydrochloric acid amine improves KCl recovery as compared with the use of a non-activated flotation reagent. The efficiency of ultrasonic activation of the amine emulsion used at potash flotation plants has been assessed. A positive effect of preliminary ultrasonic exposure of the emulsion on the KCl flotation process was established.The study was carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation as part of the implementation of the program of activities of the world-class scientific and educational center "Rational Subsoil Use".