SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL OF XANTHATE, PERXANTHATE, SULFIDE, AND REDOX POTENTIAL IN FLOTATION

This paper examines developments in the measurement and control of xanthate, perxanthate, sulphide, and redox (pulp) potential. The role of xanthate in flotation is still open to question but measurement of its residual concentration by UV spectrometry using any of the recently developed monitors should provide useful operating information. Perxanthate is also measured by UV spectrometry. Its use as a complimentary collector is under investigation. Controlled potential sulphidization, which was developed by CSIRO in 1978 and subsequently commercialized by AMDEL, is showing promise in both sulphide and oxide flotation plants and has been recently applied to gold/cuprite flotation. Redox (pulp) potential continues to be investigated by a large number of workers in an attempt to better understand and control flotation. The use of nitrogen and oxidants/reductants to influence the redox potential in laboratory studies is well established but is not yet widespread in commercial practice.