Froth flotation of mixed feldspar

Abstract

© 2019, Prince of Songkla University. All rights reserved. The purpose of this research was to study a mixed feldspar processing. The study included characterization, flotation and evaluation. Characterization was carried out using hand lens, ore microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescent and electro-kinetic measurement. Froth flotation was used to separate feldspar from micas, iron-bearing minerals and quartz using cationic, anionic and acid flotation respectively. Evaluation of the separation was done by using data from yield of feldspar, X-ray fluorescence and cone firing test. The feldspar yield was used to evaluate the process efficiency. Besides, chemical analysis, cone shrinkage, fired color and degree of vitrification were used to monitor the quality of the floated feldspar. The feldspar was furthermore compared to the standard feldspar samples obtained from a ceramic manufacturer. Finally, the finished feldspar was graded for using in various kinds of ceramics.