An Improved Process for Separating by Flotation Zinc Blende from Ores, Tailings and Concentrates and for Preparing such Ores to enable such Separation to be effected.

摘要

18,660. Bavay, A. J. F. de. Aug. 29. Treating ores; washing zinc ores.-In a process for separating zinc blende particles from ores, tailings, and concentrates, they are first freed from carbonates and other impurities which cover them by submitting the ore, contained in a vessel with stirrers, gas pipes, &c., to the action of a half to ten per cent. solution of ammonium carbonate, or sodium or potassium bicarbonate ; or carbonic acid is passed through the pulverized wet ore. Any. other reagent which will bring about the separation of the coating may be used, means such as trituration or friction and washing out also being employed. The strength of solution, sufficiency of washing &c. are found by trial, the combined action of trituration and carbonic-acid gas being very effective. The ore is then mixed with water and passed down an inclined surface into a trough of water where particles of zinc sulphide float off, the gangue sinking. The apparatus described in Specification No. 25,858, A.D. 1904, is well adapted for carrying out the process. The method of preparing the ore is applicable in the presence of sulphides of iron, lead, and silver, and where the separation is effected by the use of vanners or tables.