Mineral Processing

TECHNOLOGY NOTE

AERO 7260 HFP Application Information

Typical Use

Background

This Technical Note is specifically written for NaSH

type systems (i.e. reducing conditions and high pH). It
does not cover oxidizing conditions and lower pH such as
those in ferrocyanide systems.

Dosage of NaSH required for Cu-Mo separation is

quite variable
Highly ore dependent
Depends on the type of collector(s) used
Depends on the type of Cu minerals in the ore (in
general, secondary Cu minerals are harder to depress
and require higher dosages)
In lab tests, it is best to develop a dosage response with
NaSH, so that we can make an educated decision on
the value proposition, and select the right dosage
Best not to depend solely on the standard NaSH
dosage prescribed by the plant. It is just a guideline
and a starting point. Relying solely on the
prescribed standard dosage could be misleading in
our effort to establish the optimum conditions for
AERO 7260 HFP and the value proposition
In plant trials also, it is best to establish the minimum
NaSH dosage required

In the copper-molybdenum separation circuit, the

molybdenite is floated, while the copper sulfides and
pyrite are depressed. Sodium hydrosulfide has been the
preferred reagent. The use of nitrogen gas instead of air has
been introduced in some plants. The nitrogen reduces the
oxidation and consumption of the sodium hydrosulfide,
making the separation process more efficient.
Cytec has introduced AERO 7260 HFP Promoter as a
polymeric depressant to partially replace the hazardous
sodium hydrosulfide. This depressant requires much
lower dosages and is not affected adversely by aeration, as
is the case with sodium hydrosulfide. It is effective in a
wide pH range (6-12). It does not need long conditioning
time and there is no need for nitrogen or pre-treatment.
Its depressant effect persists through the cleaners, unlike
the case with NaSH. It is chemically inert and safe with
no toxic gas generation. AERO 7260 HFP Promoter is
a low viscosity solution with little or no odor and can
be diluted further to any strength required for ease of
handling and feeding. This Technology Note will provide
information on use of this depressant and information to
consider prior to a plant trial.

Pulp potential is a useful guideline. But we cannot

totally rely on this. It is preferable to rely on visual
observations and assays
In Cu-Mo separation, visual observations are quite
valid and useful both in the lab and in the plant
Often, we can judge the performance based on mass
recoveries. Dont need to wait for assays

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In lab tests, we do not have to wait for the assays. We

can screen depressants using visual observations and
mass recoveries
The lower the mass recovery, the lower the Cu
recovery; i.e. better depression of Cu minerals
Of course this does not tell us much about Mo
recovery. However, visual observations will certainly
help here
The efficiency of removal of collector from Cu mineral
surfaces by NaSH or other depressants (like Nokes) is
influenced by the type of collector used
Removal of collector coating requires chemical energy.
NaSH supplies the chemical energy
Amount of NaSH = amount of chemical energy input
The strength of collector adsorption on Cu minerals
varies from collector to collector (i.e. it is influenced by
the type (structure) of collector)
Some collectors adsorb very strongly, some weakly
Aerophine adsorption is very strong. IPETC
adsorption is not that strong. Removal (or desorption)
of xanthate from Cu sulfide surfaces is relatively easy
Some collectors are removed (desorbed) easily and
some require more NaSH
The situation gets more complicated when collector
formulations are used or when there are several Cu
minerals in the ore
Consequently, NaSH dosage must be ascertained on a
case-by-case basis. Dont rely on the so-called standard
conditions

Measuring Potentials during a Trial

Have a combination ORP (Gold) electrode and a
meter with you. Make your own measurements. Dont
rely on the plant probes. (Purchase price: ~$300; the
investment is well worth it. The electrode will last a
long time; Buy the Au disk-type; Cole-Parmer used to
sell them)
Clean the electrode frequently. Just polish the Au
disk on 0.05 micron Alumina polishing strip (or
powder on a filter paper or soft cloth) and rinse well
with water (Alumina polishing strips are readily
available)
Measure potentials at the head of the circuit and
then down the bank (no need to measure in every
cell)
If cells are covered then we have to find a way to
take a sample from the cell

Process Controls during a Trial

You have two Controls: NaSH dosage and 7260
dosage
Both will impact Mo Recovery and Cu depression
(Mo grade)
The impact of NaSH dosage: Good Mo on froth
surface in the first few cells and increasing Cu in
the froth as you go down the bank
The impact of 7260 dosage is progressively less Cu
down the bank
A very high NaSH dosage means that you will not
be exploiting the benefit of 7260
Insufficient NaSH dosage means that we will begin to
see Cu early on in the bank and we might depress Mo
A very high 7260 dosage means that Cu
depression will be excellent, but we may depress
some Mo
Insufficient 7260 mean there is too much Cu in
the froth down the bank

Covered Cells and use of Nitrogen

Under these conditions, we are delaying the onset
of 7260 effect

In this case, it is best to run lab tests on plant pulp

using N2 as a proxy for covered cells

A bit trickier to optimize NaSH and 7260 dosages

If N2 is the flotation gas, and if the cells are not

covered, we are OK because we can see the froth.
Again, lab tests are recommended before you select
the conditions

Need lab tests on plant pulp to figure out

approximate conditions
If possible, eliminate the use of N2. Use air
instead. This may be a value proposition. But this
is not always possible

These lab tests are very easy to do. No need to wait

for the assays

When using covered cells, it is very difficult to run a

plant trial because we cannot see what is going on

AERO 7260 HFP Blends

To further improve performance, you may consider blending AERO 7260 HFP with other products. Some general
guidelines are in the below table.
Blend
pH of Blend
Ratio of blend
Blend Performance rank

7260:Sodium Thioglycolate

7260:Orfom D8

6-8.5

9-11

1:3

1:3

Furthermore, AERO 7260 HFP can also be used in combination with Nokes (not as a blend, but co-dosed). A
charge scheme of 1 part AERO 7260 HFP to 3 parts Nokes can be targeted.

Summary
Pre-trial activities are critical in order to have a successful trial. We must ensure we understand the current process
flowsheet and actual current conditions. Upfront lab work is necessary to get an understanding of how to run the
plant trial and the potential benefits from this product. With this information, written success criteria should be
agreed to between Cytec and the plant personnel.

Email: custinfo@cytec.com Worldwide Contact Info: www.cytec.com US Toll Free: 800-652-6013 Tel: (+1) 973-357-3193
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