Optimization of Concentration Parameters for the Flotation of Alawa Graphite to Pencil Grade
Authors: Akindele UM, Yaro SA, Kasim A, Asuke F, Umar AH
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
This work presents optimization of concentration parameters for the flotation of Alawa graphite to pencil grade. The graphite samples obtained from Alawa, Rafi local government area of Niger State, Nigeria were crushed, pulverized, coned and quartered to yield a representative sample. The optimum particle size, collector, frother, depressant volume and pH value were determined as 50 ?m, 2 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml and 8.5 respectively. Fresh flotation experiment using optimum concentration parameters obtained was examined and this yielded clean graphite concentrate of 95.4% fixed carbon with recovery of 75.2%. Therefore, the result of the study has shown that the recommended grade of graphite for pencil making has been achieved, which requires 95-98% fixed carbon and a maximum size of 50 ?m.
Affiliations: Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Keywords: Alawa Graphite, Flotation, Concentration Parameters, Optimization, Pencil Grade
Published date: 2019/06/30
