Question

Give example of following steps used in froth floatation method:
(i) Frothing agent
(ii) Collector/ Floating agent
(iii) Forth stabilizers
(iv) Activator
(v) Depressant or depresser.

Answer 1

(i) Frothing Agent:
Examples :
Mainly fatty acid, pine oil and eucalyptus oil are good frothing agent.
(ii) Collector/Floating Agent:
Main floating agent is sodium ethyl xanthate.

(iii) Stabilizers:
Examples: Cresol and aniline
(iv) Activator:
Example: Copper sulphate (CuSO₄)
(v) Depressant:
Example:
Sodium cyanide (NaCN), Base (Na₂CO₃).