Aminas na flotação de minério de ferro

Abstract

The main collectors utilized in the reverse cationic flotation of iron ores belong to the amines group, more specifically the etheramines. In addition, depressants (starches), dispersants, pH modulators, etc. are also employed. The cost of these reagents represents the major expense of the flotation process, the collector (amine) cost being the major item. Therefore, the search for less expensive collectors or collector combinations is a common practice of investigations. This work primarily reviews the different types of reagents used in the flotation process and, in detail, a review of the amines. The characteristics of organic amines, their industrial production routes, variables affecting the quality, the properties of the amines as surfactants and the correlation of those properties with the flotation processes were discriminated. There is also a series of analytical methods for quality control of the amines, useful to check the specifications of the products supplied by the manufacturers.