Question

Which type of ore is concentrated by froth floatation process?

Answer 1

The froth floatation process is used for the separation of the hydrophobic materials
from the hydrophilic. One can elaborate on the ore froth floatation process in the answer.

Complete step by step answer:

1. First of all let’s learn about the froth floatation process where this method is based on the
   principle of the difference between the wetting properties of the ore with the gangue particles of
   the water and oil.
2. The sulfide ores are concentrated by the froth floatation method. This method of froth floatation
   process involves the mixture of water and pine oil which is then made to froth in a tank to separate
   out the sulfide ores. The differences between the wetting properties of the sulfide ore and gangue
   particles of water and oil separate them from each other and the concentrated ore is separated.
3. Therefore, the sulfide ore is concentrated by the froth floatation process.

Additional information: The process of froth floatation of the sulfide ore involves a mixture of water,detergent, powdered ore, and pine oil which is first taken in a processing tank. A compressed air
The blast is blown through the pipe of a rotating agitator in order to produce froth. The particles of the
sulfide ore are wetted and they get coated by the pine oil and rise up along with the froth as it is
lighter than other particles. The gangue particles which are wetted by the water molecules sink to
the bottom of the tank. At last, the froth of the sulfide ore is moved to another container which then
washed and dried.

Note:
The sulfide ore particles are more electronegative which attracts the covalent oil molecules
present in the mixture. The gangue particles are less electronegative and they are attracted by the
water molecules. This difference in electronegativity separates the sulfide ore froth from the gangue
particles of water and oil.