Function of activator

The function of activator can be roughly divided into:

1. Spontaneous activation
When processing non-ferrous polymetallic ores, the surface of the minerals spontaneously interact with some soluble salt ions during the grinding process. For example, when sphalerite and copper sulfide minerals coexist, there will always be a small amount of copper sulfide in the oxidation after the ore is mined. The substance is oxidized into copper sulfate. In the slurry, Cu2+ ions interact with the sphalerite surface to activate it, which makes the separation of copper and zinc difficult. It is necessary to add lime or sodium carbonate and other adjusting agents to precipitate. Some "inevitable ions" that may cause activation.

2. Pre-activation
Refers to adding an activator to activate it in order to select a certain mineral. When the pyrite is heavily oxidized, add sulfuric acid to dissolve the oxide film on the surface of the pyrite before processing the pyrite to expose the fresh surface to facilitate flotation.

3. Resurrection
Refers to a certain mineral that has been inhibited, such as sphalerite inhibited with cyanide, which can be revived by adding copper sulfate.

4. Vulcanization

It means that the metal oxide ore is first treated with sodium sulfide to form a thin metal sulfide mineral film on the surface of the oxide ore, and then flotation is carried out with xanthate.