Beneficiation of Venezuelan graphitic ore through electrostatic separation and direct flotation

摘要

Graphite is useful material in the modern industry. In Venezuela, the ore contains 8 to 14/100 of graphite from Cerro Osumita, Edo Cojedes, with enough reserves for explotation. Samples from this deposit were characterized and tests of electrostatic and flotation were carried out. The electrical potential and velocity of drum were varied for two different size fractions. Kerosene, sodium silicate as depresant and pulp agitation were varied. The results indicate the important of size for the separa- tion. Size below 0.5 mm is necessary. For good quality fixed carbon an electrical potential up to 15 kV and 0.02 g of kerosene is recommended.