Non-Metallic Minerals, Processing Methods

Fluorite

Fluorite Ore Processing

Fluorite ore processing methods include gravity separation and flotation. Due to the requirements of the chemical industries for the production of hydrofluoric acid, a calcium fluoride grade of over 97% and a silica content of less than 1% are necessary. As a result, fluorite flotation is typically performed in 5 to 7 stages. The flotation efficiency is optimized when the pulp pH is between 8 and 11. Additionally, increasing the pulp temperature can enhance flotation performance.

The flotation process for fluorite can be applied to ores with complex mineral properties, such as high clay content, the coexistence of impurities with fluorite, and fine-grained minerals present in the ore.

Processed Fluorite Powder Along with Fluorite Ore Samples

Process Flowchart

Separation of Sulfide Fluorite Ore: In the flotation of fluorite containing sulfide minerals, xanthate is commonly used as a collector to float the sulfide materials. Subsequently, a fatty acid is added as a collector to float the fluorite. During the process, a small amount of sulfide depressant is added to the cell to ensure the quality of the fluorite concentrate by preventing the flotation of remaining sulfide minerals.

Separation of Fluorite and Barite: Generally, to separate fluorite and barite, cumulative flotation is employed. In this process, oleic acid is used as a collector to achieve the concentrate. Reverse flotation is then applied to separate fluorite and barite in the concentrate, resulting in the production of fluorite concentrate.

 

Separation of Fluorite from Quartz: In this process, fluorite is adsorbed by fatty acids, while quartz is inhibited by sodium silicate/water glass (liquid glass). The amount of sodium silicate used must be carefully controlled. Using a small amount can activate fluorite but is not sufficient to inhibit quartz. An excessive amount of water glass will also depress fluorite. To enhance the inhibitory effect of water glass on quartz, a polyvalent metal ion may be added, which also inhibits calcite in addition to quartz.