摘要 |
<p>Siliceous and phosphatic material is separated from iron ore by subjecting a finely ground body of such ore in aqueous suspension to treatment with a conditioning agent which causes selective species in the ore body to become hydrophobic, and a hydrocarbon oil is employed with agitation to cause preferential agglomeration of the hydrophobic particles. Water may be added during the treatment to decrease the pulp density. There is thus formed a densely packed phase agglomerated by the oil, and a residual aqueous phase, the oil phase being rich in P or iron and the other phase being rich in iron or phosphorous, respectively. These agglomerates are easily separated to recover the desired products. The pH of the mixture is suitably adjusted during the treatment and separation steps for most effective results by additions of certain acids and alkalis.</p> |