A new collector scheme for strengthening ilmenite floatability in acidic pulp

Abstract For a long time, ilmenite floatability in strongly acidic pulp has not received enough attention, which violates compliance requirements for the industrial production of ilmenite concentrate. In this present study, decanoic acid was found to be an effective collector, to float ilmenite in strongly acidic pulp (especially for the pH range from 3 to 6). The combination of decanoic acid and oleate proved to be significant in improving ilmenite floatability within a broad pH range, and especially at a pH around 4. The most synergistic and effective result occurred when the ratio of decanoic acid and oleate was 1:2, and the difference in flotation recovery of ilmenite and titanaugite was also increased at a pH around 4. Therefore, the collector scheme with a 1:2 ratio of decanoic acid and oleate was significant in strengthening ilmenite flotation behavior and its selective separation.