Flotation processes are based on the different surface wettability properties of materials . In principle, flotation works very similarly to a sink and float process, where the density characteristics of the materials, with respect to that of the medium where they are placed are at the base of the separation. Sometimes a centrifugal field is applied to enhance separation. Flotation works in a different way in the sense that in a liquid medium, usually water, a “carrier” is introduced, air bubbles, responsible to float hydrophobic particles that adhere to the bubbles with respect to the hydrophilic ones that sink.

The behavior of ores in the flotation process is determined not only by ores’s natural floatability (hydrophobicity), but also by the acquired floatability resulting from the use of flotation reagents. The general classification of the reagents for  flotation is shown here

Flotation collector

1.Xanthate–PAX,PBX,SEX,SIPX,SIBX and so on

2.Aerofloate–Dithiophosphate 25s,sodium diisobutyl/dibutyl dithiophosphate,ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate and so on

3.thionocarbamate–isopropyl ethyl thionocarbamate(z200/IPETC),isobutyl ethyl thionocarbamate

Foaming Agent

4.MIBC (methyl isobutyl carbinol)

5.New frother 2#

6.Pine Oil

Polymeric Flocculant

7.polyacylamide

Activator

8.Lead nitrate

9.copper sulphate

depressing agent

10.sodium thioglycolate

11.sodium metabisulfite/pyrosulfite

12.Sodium sulfite

13.Sodium Cyanide

14.Zinc Sulfate

15.Sodium Sulfide

16.Sodium hydrosulphide

PH Regulator

17.soda caustic

18.soda ash

water treatment

19.Active carbon

20.Calcium Hypochlorite

21.Ferric sulphate

other

22.Thiourea