Comparative Performance Analysis of Frothers — A Review of Available Methodologies

Abstract

Separation efficiency in flotation depends to a considerable extent on the efficiency of the frother used. A successful frother must achieve a delicate balance between froth stability and non-persistency. Ideally the frother is not supposed to influence the state of the surface of coal and a minerals. In practice, however, interaction does occur between the frother, other reagents and solid surfaces. Various commercially available frothers can differ slightly or significantly in their influence on the flotation results. Therefore, the selection of a suitable frother is a very difficult preposition and can only be made after extensive test work. This paper makes a critical review of the methodologies that have been proposed and are being followed to compare and evaluate frother performance.