1. |
- Abdollahi, Morteza, et al.
(author)
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A process mineralogy approach to optimize molybdenite flotation in copper : molybdenum processing plants
- 2020
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In: Minerals Engineering. - : Elsevier. - 0892-6875 .- 1872-9444. ; 157
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Sungun copper-molybdenum operation in Iran uses a typical copper-molybdenum flowsheet to produce separate copper and molybdenum concentrates through flotation and regrinding of the rougher concentrates arising from the primary circuit. This site was used as a case study limited to the feed and products of the copper-molybdenum separation circuit, in which process mineralogy might improve the quality of the molybdenum concentrate thorough diagnostic analysis of key flowsheet streams. The undesirable presence of copper in the molybdenum concentrate was identified as a key focus for the investigation by process mineralogy, which has a history of successful process diagnosis. This is because it develops information on minerals, which is far more informative than chemical assays alone. Together with the assays, the mineralogical data inform the investigator of the type and quantity of minerals present, their state of liberation and textural associations, and metal recovery.A key finding was that the appearance of chalcopyrite in the molybdenum concentrate was due to the presence of a chalcopyrite-pyrite texture that avoided the chalcopyrite depression in the molybdenum circuit because of suitable pyrite flotation conditions. Recovery of liberated pyrite to this concentrate also diluted the molybdenum concentrate. The open-circuit format of the regrind circuit also contributed to the unnecessary production of ultrafine particles. This flaw expressed itself as ultrafine losses of molybdenite to the flotation tailings.
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2. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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A geometallurgical study of flotation performance in supergene and hypogene zones of Sungun copper deposit
- 2021
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In: Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy. - : Taylor & Francis. - 2572-6641 .- 2572-665X. ; 130:2, s. 126-135
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The feed of mineral processing plants, usually consist of different minerals from various geological zones, which show different behavior in separation processes. In this research, samples from supergene and hypogene zones were provided to investigate the flotation behavior of copper minerals. Flotation experiments were carried out in three phases of supergene sample, hypogene sample and mixed samples. Based on the results, the recovery rate of the mixed sample was 83.61%, which is 7.63% and 1.79% higher than the recovery of the samples of hypogene and supergene zones, respectively. The concentrate grade values obtained for blended, hypogene zone and supergene zone are 10.32%, 2.81% and 12.37%, respectively. The maximum values of flotation constant and infinite recovery are 0.956 (s−1) and 88.833% for the mixed sample. It was also concluded that the highest amount of k and infinitive recovery were related to supergene zone sulfide flotation which are 0.831 (s−1) and 84.33% respectively.
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3. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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Combined Effect of Operating Parameters on Separation Efficiency and Kinetics of Copper Flotation
- 2019
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In: Mining, metallurgy & exploration. - : Springer. - 2524-3462 .- 2524-3470. ; 36:2, s. 409-421
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study aims to investigate the effects of operational variables on concentrate grade, recovery, separation efficiency, and kinetic parameters of the copper flotation process. For this purpose, the effects of the pulp solids content, collector and frother dosage, and preparation and concentrate collection time were studied using a Taguchi experimental design. The results of statistical analyses indicated that the concentrate collection time and pulp density were the most influential parameters on concentrate grade. Considering copper recovery, concentrate collection time, collector dosage, and pulp density were the most significant variables, in decreasing order of importance. Also, the separation efficiency was mostly influenced by the concentrate collection time. Furthermore, kinetic studies showed that the second-order rectangular distribution model perfectly matched the experimental flotation data. The highest kinetic constant of 0.0756 s−1 was obtained from the test, which was performed with 35% solids content and 40 and 20 g/t collector and frother, respectively. The highest predicted copper recovery of 99.57% was obtained from the test at 30% solids content, and the collector and frother dosages of 40 and 15 g/t, respectively.
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4. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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Configuration of flowsheet and reagent dosage for gilsonite flotation towards the ultra-low-ash concentrate
- 2021
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In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gilsonite has a wide variety of applications in the industry, including the manufacture of electrodes, paints and resins, as well as the production of asphalt and roof-waterproofing material. Gilsonite ash is a determining parameter for its application in some industries (e.g., gilsonite with ash content < 5% used as an additive in drilling fluids, resins). Due to the shortage of high grade (low ash) gilsonite reserves, the aim of this study is to develop a processing flowsheet for the production of ultra-low-ash gilsonite (< 5%), based on process mineralogy studies and processing tests. For this purpose, mineralogical studies and flotation tests have been performed on a sample of gilsonite with an average ash content of 15%. According to mineralogical studies, carbonates and clay minerals are the main associated impurities (more than 90 vol.%). Furthermore, sulfur was observed in two forms of mineral (pyrite and marcasite) and organic in the structure of gilsonite. Most of these impurities are interlocked with gilsonite in size fractions smaller than 105 µm. The size fraction of + 105 − 420 µm has a higher pure gilsonite (approximately 90%) than other size fractions. By specifying the gangue minerals with gilsonite and the manner and extent of their interlocking with gilsonite, + 75 − 420 µm size fraction selected to perform flotation tests. Flotation tests were performed using different reagents including collector (Gas oil, Kerosene and Pine oil), frother (MIBC) and depressant (sodium silicate, tannic acid, sulfuric acid and sodium cyanide) in different dosages. Based on the results, the use of kerosene collector, MIBC frother and a mixture of sodium silicate, tannic acid, sulfuric acid and sodium cyanide depressant had the most favorable results in gilsonite flotation in the rougher stage. Cleaner and recleaner flotation stages for the rougher flotation concentrate resulted in a product with an ash content of 4.89%. Due to the interlocking of gilsonite with impurities in size fractions − 105 µm, it is better to re-grinding the concentrate of the rougher stage beforehand flotation in the cleaner and recleaner stages. Finally, based on the results of mineralogical studies and processing tests, a processing flowsheet including crushing and initial granulation of gilsonite, flotation in rougher, cleaner and recleaner stages has been proposed to produce gilsonite concentrate with < 5% ash content.
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5. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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Effect of different reagent regime on the kinetic model and recovery in gilsonite flotation
- 2019
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In: Journal of Materials Research and Technology. - : Elsevier. - 2238-7854 .- 2214-0697. ; 8:5, s. 4498-4509
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gilsonite is a natural fossil resource, similar to an oil asphalt high in asphaltenes. To determine the effect of reagent regime on the kinetic order and rate of flotation for a gilsonite sample, experiments were carried out in both rougher and cleaner flotation process. Experiments were conducted using different combinations of reagent: Oil-MIBC; gasoline-pine oil; and one test without any collector and frother. According to results, kinetic in the test performed using the oil-MIBC and without any collector and frother were found to be first-order unlike the kinetic in the test conducted using the gasoline-pine oil. Five kinetic models were applied to the modeling of data from the flotation tests by using MATrix LABoratory software. The results show that all experiments are highly in compliance with all models. The kinetic constants (k) in rougher stage were calculated as 0.1548 (s-1), 0.2300 (s-1) and 0.2163 (s-1) for oil-MIBC, gasoline-pine oil, and test without any collector and frother, respectively. These amounts in the cleaner stage were 0.0450 (s-1), 0.1589 (s-1) and 0.0284 (s-1), respectively. The relationship between k, maximum combustible recovery (R) and particle size was also studied. The results showed that the R and k were obtained with a coarse particle size of (-250 + 106) μm in the rougher and (-850 + 500) μm in cleaner flotation processes.
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6. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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Isolation and removal of cyanide from tailing dams in gold processing plant using natural bitumen
- 2020
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In: Journal of Environmental Management. - : Elsevier. - 0301-4797 .- 1095-8630. ; 262
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Gilsonite as a natural occurrence of bitumen and due to the presence of carbon in its structure is a suitable adsorbent for a wide variety of pollutants. In this research, the adsorption of cyanide from the wastewater of gold processing plants using gilsonite were investigated. In this way, the effect of particle size of gilsonite, the weight and mixing time with solution, on the amount of cyanide adsorption have been studied. In addition, in one experiment, the effect of processed gilsonite on its adsorption ability was investigated. Based on the obtained results, the maximum adsorption of 61.64% was obtained in the size range of −1+0.5 and −2+1 mm of gilsonite. With increasing adsorbent weight and mixing time, the cyanide adsorption rate were increased. On the other hand, with the processing of the gilsonite sample, the amounts of adsorption were increased considerably. This study indicated that gilsonite can be used as an isolation and absorbent in the structure and floor of the tailing dumps of mineral processing plants.
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7. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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Oxidation-reduction effects in the flotation of copper sulfide minerals and molybdenite – A proof of concept at industrial scale
- 2022
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In: Minerals Engineering. - : Elsevier. - 0892-6875 .- 1872-9444. ; 180
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Redox potential (Eh) control plays a significant role during sulfide mineral flotation by influencing the reactions on the surface of the minerals and accordingly the flotation behaviour. In this study, the metallurgical performance of typical copper sulfide minerals, molybdenite as well as gangue minerals (e.g., pyrite, tennantite, and enargite) under different pH and Eh conditions of the flotation cell were investigated. The copper and molybdenum processing plant at the Sungun complex-Iran were selected as a case study. For this purpose, Eh of flotation cells of phases 1 and 2 of copper and molybdenum processing circuits – Sungun complex – were measured by off-line method. After performing chemical analysis, the mineralogical study of the input load and products of each of the aforementioned flotation circuits in the rougher, cleaner, re-cleaner, and scavenger stages was performed. Based on the results, the potential in cells of phases 1 and 2 of copper concentration plants is in the range of −60 to −100 mV; and for the molybdenum plant, is in the range of −500 to −700 mV. The potentials of more than −100 mV in the phases of copper concentration plants have created suitable conditions for the separation of copper sulfide and molybdenite minerals from gangue minerals, especially pyrite. Adjustment of Eh in the range of −500 to −700 mV in the molybdenum processing plant has also led to the depression of copper minerals and the flotation of molybdenite, resulting in the effective separation of these minerals. However, grade analysis and mineralogical studies indicate the misplaced copper minerals into tailings, the passage of chalcopyrite and pyrite to molybdenum concentrate, the misplaced molybdenite to copper concentrate, and also the presence of minerals containing harmful elements such as arsenic in copper concentrate. Eh fluctuations in phase 1 and 2 of copper plants, the interaction of copper sulfide minerals, especially chalcopyrite with pyrite (and the depression of pyrite in Eh more than −100 mV), are reasons for the misplaced copper minerals into tailings. The interaction of chalcopyrite and pyrite with molybdenite and the high flotation tendency of molybdenite at the potential of +600 mV is the main factor in increasing the Cu and Fe grade in molybdenite concentrate. The interaction of copper minerals with arsenic-bearing minerals and the similar flotation behavior of these minerals in the potential of the rougher cells of the molybdenum processing plant has increased the arsenic grade in the copper concentrate or molybdenum tailings.
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8. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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Process mineralogy as a key factor affecting the flotation kinetics of copper sulfide minerals
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials. - : Springer. - 1674-4799 .- 1869-103X. ; 26:4, s. 430-439
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study is to apply process mineralogy as a practical tool for further understanding and predicting the flotation kinetics of the copper sulfide minerals. The minerals’ composition and association, grain distribution, and liberation within the ore samples were analyzed in the feed, concentrate, and the tailings of the flotation processes with two pulp densities of 25wt% and 30wt%. The major copper-bearing minerals identified by microscopic analysis of the concentrate samples included chalcopyrite (56.2wt%), chalcocite (29.1wt%), covellite (6.4wt%), and bornite (4.7wt%). Pyrite was the main sulfide gangue mineral (3.6wt%) in the concentrates. A 95% degree of liberation with d80 > 80 µm was obtained for chalcopyrite as the main copper mineral in the ore sample. The recovery rate and the grade in the concentrates were enhanced with increasing chalcopyrite particle size. Chalcopyrite particles with a d80 of approximately 100 µm were recovered at the early stages of the flotation process. The kinetic studies showed that the kinetic second-order rectangular distribution model perfectly fit the flotation test data. Characterization of the kinetic parameters indicated that the optimum granulation distribution range for achieving a maximum flotation rate for chalcopyrite particles was between the sizes 50 and 55 µm.
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9. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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The beneficiation of tailing of coal preparation plant by heavy-medium cyclone
- 2018
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In: International journal of coal science & technology. - : Springer. - 2095-8293 .- 2198-7823. ; 5:3, s. 374-384
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dense-medium cyclones have been used for beneficiation of fine particles of coal. In this study, the usability of cyclones in the beneficiation of tailings of a coal preparation plant was investigated. For this purpose, separation tests were conducted using spiral concentrator and heavy medium cyclones with the specific weight of medium 1.3–1.8 (g/cm3) on different grading fractions of tailing in an industrial scale (the weight of tail sample was five tons). Spiral concentrator was utilized to beneficiate particles smaller than 1 mm. In order to evaluate the efficiency of cyclones, sink and float experiments using a specific weight of 1.3, 1.5, 1.7 and 1.9 g/cm3, were conducted on a pilot scale. Based on the obtained results, the recovery of floated materials in cyclones with the specific weight of 1.40, 1.47 and 1.55 g/cm3 are 17.75%, 33.80%, and 50%, respectively. Also, the cut point (ρ50), which is the relative density at which particles report equally to the both products are 1.40, 1.67 and 1.86 g/cm3. The probable errors of separation for defined specific weights for cyclones are 0.080, 0.085 and 0.030, respectively. Also, the coefficients of variation was calculated to be 0.20, 0.12 and 0.03. Finally, it could be said that the performance of a cyclone with a heavy medium of 1.40 g/cm3 specific weight is desirable compared with other specific weights.
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10. |
- Bahrami, Ataallah, et al.
(author)
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The effect of grinding circuit efficiency on the grade and recovery of copper and molybdenum concentrates
- 2022
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In: Energy Sources, Part A. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 1556-7036 .- 1556-7230. ; 44:3, s. 8121-8134
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The efficiency of grinding and flotation process in copper-molybdenum processing circuit, largely affected by performance of thickeners and hydrocyclones devices. The goal of this paper is to investigate the effect of the rate-limiting factors on the performance of these devices and consequently on grinding and separation efficiency of the molybdenum processing circuit. So, a full process mineralogical study have been carried out on outputs of thickeners and hydrocyclone of the molybdenite flotation circuit. According to the results, coarse-grained fractions (>50 μm) of the planar molybdenite will not necessarily be recovered by thickener and hydrocyclones. This is especially true for hydrocyclones when the inlet-load rate is high, i.e., the erroneous discharge of planar molybdenite particles from the overflow of hydrocyclone, as well as their floatability in the thickener overflow, can be attributed to the effect of particle shape and size. This issue harms the grade and recovery of flotation due to the increase in the amount of circulating load (regrinding) and consequently the generation of fine particles (<10 μm) in the hydrocyclone-milling circuit. On the other hand, the almost spherical particles of copper minerals, as well as the nonplanar molybdenite fine-grained particles, are easily removed from the hydrocyclone underflow or settled in thickeners. The introduction of copper mineral particles into molybdenum concentrate and vice versa has reduced the quality of the produced concentrate and undesirable flotation performance.
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