Sampling and Flotation Experiments of Rare-Earth Elements
- Umut Eren Yıldız
- Jun 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Introduction
Rare-Earth Elements are a group of metal elements that consist of 17 lanthanides. They are used in the military defense field, vehicles, weapons, technological devices, GPS devices, etc. They are not rare as they are called. Although, they are difficult to mine for an economic value. Hence, the concentration process is significant for the Rare-Earth Elements. In addition, the most outstanding world production of these metals is provided by China. The production of them is mostly done by their oxide form (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d., Wikipedia, 2021). Some properties of the rare-earth Elements can be found in the below table.
Note: Adapted from King, H. M. (n.d.-c). REE — Rare Earth Elements — Metals, Minerals, Mining, Uses
About the Experiment
In the experiment, nearly five kilograms of REE samples are divided into three by the chute riffler. For better homogeneity, a spinning riffler is used. During the process, the particles are choked in the spinning riffler’s centrifugal tube. Hence, the sample is taken from the equipment and ground by using a roller by hand. Then, they are fed again. The bottles are chosen as diagonal for homogeneity. They are packed in small sample bags as 200 grams per.
After the sample preparation, the sample is subjected to flotation experiments. The below experiment is one of the experiments.
In the experiment, only one parameter is changed. It is the temperature. According to coordinator engineer, REE can be floated more efficiently at high temperatures. Hence, the water that is used in the pulp is kept at 100°C during the procedure. The flotation parameters are in the below Table.
Sodium silicate is used as a depressant to depress the silicates. The pulp is %15 solid. At the skimming process, which is continued for 5 minutes, concentrate do not come enough. Hence, the experiement is concluded as unsuccessful. However, the concentrate that is taken filter pressed and put in the furnace for drying. Even the experiment is not successful, and grade analysis is seen required for the sample.
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