Sodium metabisulfite is mainly used as an inhibitor in mineral processing. The following is the relevant information on its use, method and dosage:
Use:
Inhibition of sphalerite and pyrite: Sodium metabisulfite decomposes the xanthate copper and copper sulfide components on the surface of sphalerite through sulfite ions, oxidizes the mineral surface, promotes the formation of zinc hydroxide, and thus inhibits sphalerite; it also has an inhibitory effect on pyrite. However, it has no inhibitory effect on chalcopyrite, but can activate chalcopyrite.
Use method:
Preparation of solution: Dissolve sodium metabisulfite in water to prepare a solution of a certain concentration for use. Because sulfites are easily oxidized and ineffective in the slurry, the solution needs to be prepared on the day of use38.
Segmented addition: In order to maintain the stability of the inhibitory effect, the segmented addition method is usually adopted38.
Use with other agents: For example, in the mineral processing of high-iron sphalerite, it can be combined with calcium chloride, polyamines, sodium humate, etc. to form a combined inhibitor. When applied, the ore and lime are first ground; then the pulp is sent to the flotation machine, and the additives are added for roughing and scavenging to obtain lead rough concentrate, medium ore and lead tailings and other subsequent operations24.
Dosage:
There is no fixed standard value for the dosage of sodium metabisulfite, which will be affected by many factors such as ore properties, mineral processing technology, pulp concentration, pH value, etc. Generally speaking, the optimal dosage needs to be determined based on specific mineral processing tests. In some tests and actual production, the dosage of sodium metabisulfite may vary from a few grams to tens of grams or even more per ton of ore24. For example, for some ores with high content of sphalerite and pyrite, a relatively high dosage of sodium metabisulfite may be required to achieve a better inhibition effect; and for the case of more complex ore composition, it is also necessary to comprehensively consider the synergistic effect with other agents to determine the dosage of sodium metabisulfite.
In short, when using sodium metabisulfite in mine beneficiation, sufficient testing and debugging must be carried out to determine the most suitable method and dosage, so as to improve the beneficiation efficiency and the grade of the ore.
Post time: Dec-18-2024
