Influence of particle shape on the flotation of magnetite, alone and in the presence of quartz particles
F Dehghani, M Rahimi, B Rezai

The influence of different grinding methods on the shape characteristics of magnetite particles was investigated. Also, the effect of particle shape on the flotation of the magnetite, both alone and in the presence of quartz particles, was investigated. The shape characteristics of the magnetite particles were measured and calculated from images obtained by scanning electron microscopy via an image analysis system. The flotation tests were performed using a laboratory flotation cell. Results showed that in the -250+212 ìm and -106+75 ìm size fractions, ball mill products have a higher elongation value than rod mill products, while in the -150+125 ìm size fraction, rod mill products have a higher elongation value. Particles with higher elongation values and lower roundness values have a higher flotation kinetic constant. Furthermore, the influence of magnetite particle shape on flotation is greater, and the flotation kinetic constant is higher, in the presence of quartz particles than in the flotation of magnetite alone
Keywords: shape, elongation value, flotation kinetics, magnetite.