Although the world's fluorite ore resources are abundant, with the continuous exploitation and utilization of rich ores, the proportion of low-grade fluorite ores has gradually increased; according to statistics, the proportion of high-grade fluorite resources that can be used without beneficiation processing is decreasing sharply. Most of the remaining fluorite ores are of low grade and contain many gangue impurities. It is difficult to reach the minimum grade required by the industry by relying solely on traditional beneficiation technology. Therefore, it is necessary to update and optimize the traditional fluorite ore beneficiation technology to improve the utilization rate of fluorite resources. Fluorite ores with different mineral compositions require different beneficiation processes and methods. The following mainly introduces the common beneficiation methods of fluorite ores and the flotation methods of different types of fluorite ores.
Basic beneficiation methods include manual hand selection, gravity selection and flotation methods.
(1) Fluorite hand selection
This hand selection method is mainly used to select fluorite lumps with large particle size, simple mineral composition and obvious boundary with gangue minerals that can be distinguished by human eyes. Hand selection is mainly set up after crushing and screening operations in fluorite ore beneficiation plants, and is completed by manpower on the ore conveyor belt. This is the simplest fluorite beneficiation method, which is simple and easy to operate, but inefficient and easy to waste ore resources.
(2) Fluorite gravity selection
Gravity selection is mainly used for pretreatment of fluorite ore before flotation, and is often used as an auxiliary operation in beneficiation plants. Shakers, jigs and heavy medium concentrators are commonly used equipment for fluorite gravity selection. This process has the advantages of simple equipment and large processing capacity, and can remove a large amount of waste rock before re-selection. The quality of fluorite ore after gravity selection can meet the requirements of the metallurgical industry.
(3) Fluorite flotation
The flotation method is widely used in fluorite beneficiation plants and can process various low-grade, complex mineral relationships, fine-grained and difficult-to-select fluorite ores. The quality of the fluorite concentrate obtained by flotation can meet the requirements for ceramic production, and the CaF2 content in the ore can exceed 98%, meeting the special needs of the chemical industry for high-frequency fluorite.
(1) Quartz-fluorite type: During flotation, water glass reagent is added to inhibit quartz from floating. Water glass can also disperse the slurry, which is particularly suitable for flotation of fluorite ores with a high mud content. The slurry regulator for this type of fluorite ore is Na2CO3, and oleic acid is used as a collector. Quartz-type fluorite has high requirements for grinding during processing, with many times of concentration and a long flotation process. Only after multiple concentrations can high-quality fluorite concentrate be obtained.
(2) Carbonate-fluorite type: Calcite is a common carbonate ore in fluorite ore. Calcite contains calcium as well as fluorite ore, which leads to similar floatability of fluorite and calcite, which in turn causes flotation difficulties.
(3) Barite-fluorite type: Ore dressing plants generally adopt two beneficiation processes: first suppressing fluorite flotation and then barite, or first suppressing barite flotation and then fluorite. The specific selection will be determined according to the different properties of the ore and the results of the beneficiation test. No matter which mineral processing process is chosen, the selection of inhibitors is particularly important. Common inhibitors include dextrin, tannin, etc.
In summary, with the gradual depletion of high-grade fluorite ore resources, it is particularly important to optimize and update the mineral processing process. For different types of fluorspar ores, using appropriate beneficiation methods can not only improve resource utilization, but also meet the needs of industrial production. Whether through hand selection, gravity separation or flotation, advanced beneficiation technology can significantly improve the purity and quality of fluorspar ore.
As an enterprise that continuously innovates in mineral processing equipment and processes, Xinhai Mining is committed to providing comprehensive and efficient fluorite ore processing solutions. We have rich industry experience and technology accumulation, and can tailor beneficiation processes according to different types of fluorspar ores. When you choose Xinhai Mining, you will receive efficient, environmentally friendly mineral processing equipment and professional technical support to help you realize the maximum value of your mineral resources.
Inner Mongolia 700t/d Fluorite Mineral Processing Plant
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