Separation of CRT phosphors by flotation

摘要

This paper describes the preliminary results ofmicroflotation experiments on the separation of the green andblue cathode ray tube (CRT), phosphors (ZnS) from the red CRTphosphor (Y_2O_2S) for recycling purposes. Several collectorswere tested using both individual phosphors and phosphormixtures (1:1:1). Choosing an optimum collector concentrationand pH, the collectors dialkylphosphate, dialkylsulphide, andoleate selectively float the blue and green phosphors.Experiments on flotation of phosphor mixtures provide amaximum recovery of 65 percent for ZnS at a grade of 79percent. Sodium sulphide, added to the suspension, works as adepressant for the flotation of both ZnS and Y_2O_2S.