M F199 0.

95 NO 82 na to S

Flottec F100 Series Frothers Product Data Sheet

reducebubblesize and to stabilize the mineral The mainpurpose of frothers in froth flotation is to cost effectively laden bubble just long enough to remove it from the flotation cell with minimal detrimental effects on operability and grade/recovery performance. Many factors must be considered when choosing the right frother for the flotation circuit such as: ability to carry load (weak vs. strong) ability to break down (brittle vs. persistent) dilutablility for easy feeding (water vs. non water soluble) operability (wide vs. narrow operating flexibility) kinetics (fast acting vs. long lasting ) selectivity (does it promote insols or dilute grade) cost performance (price per lb. vs. cost per ton) drainage (froths ability to clean the concentrate)

A wide range of frothers are available to choose from. The choice is somewhat difficult because most specific frothers have inverse relationships between the many desired characteristics, such as getting fast both kinetics and high strength from one type of frother. This has lead to a trend to formulate different types of frothers to provide the desired performance.

Flottec F100 Series Frothers

Flottec offers a wide range of products to meet the needs of the operator. (such as TEB, MIBC, Terpenes) with well known characteristics. F100 130 series frothers are traditional materials Flottec F100 Series Frothers F140 series are non water soluble, fast acting, and relatively weak frothers when the desired effect is for fast kinetics and flexible operability. F150 series are very strong, water soluble frothers when maximum load support is needed. F160 series are water soluble, moderate strength and kinetics products that are a good compromise between strength and speed. Colorless to Dark Brown Liquid F170 190 series products are specifically formulated to provide customized characteristics, specific to the unique needs of each plant. They are formulated to provide the maximum load support at acceptable selectivity, operating flexibility and minimum cost.

Typical Properties

Product Appearance Strength Specific Gravity @ 25C Boiling Point (C) Flash Point (C) Water Solubility

F140

F150

F160

F173

F181

Weak 0.85 >125 61 NO

Strong 1.01 na >166 YES

Mod. 0.97 272 140 Miscible

W to M 0.90 na 70 NO

Weak 0.89 na 67 NO

Flottec F100 Series Frothers Product Data Sheet

Methods of Addition and Uses
As stated earlier, the selection of the most suitable frother is difficult to predict and essentially unique to the set of conditions in each circuit. There are some general guidelines to follow that may help narrow the type of frother that will be optimal for a particular application. Alcohol based frothers, such as Flottec F120 140 series products are preferred when fast kinetics, maximum operator flexibility, minimal downstream effects and selectivity are the major factors. They produce very dry froths and stay with the mineral phase after separation thus eliminating any recirculation problems. They are excellent choices for the flotation of naturally hydrophobic materials such as talc and coal. Alcohol based frothers are also preferred when the pH is such that flocculation does not occur and concentrates are slow draining or when the collector used contributes to excess frothing, or when slimy ores contribute to stabilizing the froth. Glycol and glycol ethers, such as Flottec F150 160 series products are preferred when ease of feeding, load support of heavy coarse minerals, operation of large cells and recovery are the major factors. They produce wet froths and tend to stay in the aqueous phase which will lower the overall dosage requirements and cost as the frother is recirculated. They are good choices when achieving a froth is difficult (such as in flotation in sea water), when floating coarse grind materials at high alkalinities and when using large cells where a more persistent froth is needed. The use of blends of alcohol and glycol based frothers, such as Flottec F170 F190 series products is a growing trend as this offers the best opportunity of obtaining the optimum froth for the circuit, especially for balancing the needs between good metallurgical performance, operating ease and cost. Because the correct choice of frother is so dependent on equipment and operating factors as well as chemistry, it is very difficult to translate lab data to the plant. It is recommended that plant testing be used in properly managed and designed test program to determine the optimum frother and operating procedures. Flottec representatives are available to assist in conducting this testwork and to advice on proper frother choice. Usual treatment levels are 2 100 g/t and stage addition is preferred when possible. Water soluble products may be diluted up to 10 times for easy feeding but the non water soluble products must be added neat.

Toxicology and Industrial Hygiene

Because of the wide variety of materials used in the Flottec frother product line, please refer to the MSDS for each product for details on the toxicity and industrial hygiene.

Shipping, Handling and Storage

Flottec frothers are available in 55 gallon poly drums, 275 gallon returnable totes and bulk. Check with Flottec customer service for the net weights for each product. Because of the wide variety of products, please check with you Flottec representative on the storage and handling requirements for each individual product.