Reverse flotation method and process of laterite nickel ore

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Laterite nickel ore is a nickel-containing oxidized ore deposit formed by long-term weathering and leaching of nickel-containing peridotite in tropical or subtropical regions. Its mineral resources are rich and widely distributed. With the rapid development of the global economy, nickel, as an important strategic metal, is in increasing demand. As one of the important sources of nickel, laterite nickel ore has also been gradually concerned about mineral processing development. In terms of mineral processing methods, according to the properties of laterite nickel ore, flotation is usually used to complete the selection. There are many methods for flotation of laterite nickel. This article will focus on the reverse flotation method and process of laterite nickel.

1. Characteristics of laterite nickel flotation

Flotation is a mineral processing method that utilizes the differences in the physical and chemical properties of the mineral surface and adds flotation agents to make the surface of the target mineral hydrophobic and adhere to bubbles, thereby achieving mineral separation. In the flotation of laterite nickel ore, anionic collectors or cationic collectors are usually used to make the surface of nickel minerals hydrophobic and adhere to bubbles, thereby achieving the separation of nickel minerals from gangue minerals.

Flotation can process various types of laterite nickel ores, including nickel oxide ores and nickel silicate ores. At the same time, flotation can also adapt to laterite nickel ores of different particle sizes and water contents. It can achieve efficient separation of nickel minerals in laterite nickel ore and improve the recovery rate of nickel. At the same time, flotation can also remove impurity minerals in laterite nickel ore and improve the grade of nickel concentrate.

2. Laterite nickel reverse flotation process

Reverse flotation is a flotation method opposite to direct flotation. Its principle is to make the surface of gangue minerals hydrophilic and the surface of target minerals hydrophobic by adding inhibitors, thereby achieving the separation of target minerals from gangue minerals. In the reverse flotation of laterite nickel ore, inhibitors such as water glass and sodium hexametaphosphate are usually used to make the surface of gangue minerals hydrophilic, while anionic collectors or cationic collectors are used to make the surface of nickel minerals hydrophobic, thereby achieving the separation of nickel minerals from gangue minerals.

Reverse flotation can achieve high selectivity separation of nickel minerals in laterite nickel ore by selecting suitable inhibitors and collectors. At the same time, reverse flotation can also remove impurity minerals in laterite nickel ore and improve the grade of nickel concentrate. It can adapt to different types of laterite nickel ores, including nickel oxide ore and nickel silicate ore. At the same time, reverse flotation can also adapt to laterite nickel ores with different particle sizes and water contents.

In addition, the inhibitors and collectors used in the reverse flotation process are generally non-toxic or low-toxic chemicals, which have less pollution to the environment. At the same time, reverse flotation can also reduce the discharge of tailings and reduce the impact on the environment.

3. Laterite nickel ore reverse flotation process

Generally, the principle process of reverse flotation is crushing, grinding, desliming, sorting and dehydration.

Crushing and grinding:Crush and grind the laterite nickel ore to make its particle size meet the flotation requirements. Generally speaking, the grinding fineness of laterite nickel ore is -200 mesh, accounting for 70%~80%.

Classification and desliming:Classify and deslim the laterite nickel ore after grinding to remove fine mud and impurity minerals and improve the flotation effect.

Reverse flotation separation:According to the mineral composition and properties of laterite nickel ore, water glass or sodium hexametaphosphate is often used as a depressant; anionic collector or cationic collector; flotation is completed through roughing, scavenging and concentrating processes.

Concentrate/tailings dehydration:The nickel concentrate obtained by concentrating and the tailings produced during flotation are dehydrated and dried. According to the dehydration requirements, suitable dehydration equipment is selected to complete the operation so that the water content meets the sales requirements.

As an important nickel resource, the development and utilization of laterite nickel ore is of great strategic significance. Reverse flotation, as an efficient flotation method, has the characteristics of good selectivity, strong adaptability and good environmental protection. By reasonably selecting flotation reagents and optimizing the flotation process, efficient separation of nickel minerals in laterite nickel ore can be achieved, the nickel recovery rate and concentrate grade can be improved, and technical support can be provided for the development and utilization of laterite nickel ore.