An on-line electrochemical sensor to measure Eh and pH in copper and molybdenite flotation plants

摘要

An electrochemical sensor for on-line measurements of pH and E_h in copper and molybdenum sulfide flotation plants has been developed. The electrochemical device includes a metallic Sb electrode, an ORP electrode, a RTD 1000Ω and a stainless steel ground bar. Potentiometric sensors are being successfully installed in a conventional and SAG grinding and rougher flotation copper mining circuits for on-line control of pH. An ORP sensor has been also testing in a molybdenum flotation circuits, for on-line control of E_h. Platinum and antimony electrodes have proved to be useful for continuous monitoring of pH and E_h in copper and molybdenite flotation circuits. The robustness, electrochemical stability, rapidity and specificity of the electrochemical device, are the principal properties of the potentiometric sensor. The aim of this paper is to examine the behavior of antimony, platinum and references electrodes for on-line pH and E_h measurements in copper and molybdenum rougher flotation circuits for sulfide minerals concentration plants.