Tungsten Ore Processing: Technological Advances and Optimization

01Wolframite beneficiation process

Wormite ore is mainly composed of coarse and medium particles, and is traditionally separated by gravity separation. Pre-selection, jigging, shaking table and other processes play a core role in the beneficiation of wolframite, with the goal of avoiding excessive crushing of tungsten minerals and obtaining a higher recovery rate of beneficiation.

1. Importance of pre-selection process

The pre-selection stage of wolframite is an important step in the beneficiation process. By hand selection or simple equipment rough selection of ore, useless gangue can be removed at an early stage, thereby improving economic benefits. This step aims to separate low-grade ore as early as possible, reduce the burden of subsequent processes, and improve beneficiation efficiency.

2. Gravity process

Gravity separation is the core process of wolframite ore beneficiation. In recent years, traditional gravity separation equipment such as jigs and shakers are still the main means of processing coarse-grained wolframite ores. However, with the development and promotion of new gravity separation equipment such as spiral chute and vibration chute, the gravity separation process has been optimized, especially the separation effect of fine-grained minerals has been significantly improved. These devices further improve the recovery rate of wolframite mineral processing through precise control of water flow and gravity.

3. Difficulties in processing fine mud

The fine mud treatment in wolframite ore beneficiation is a difficult point in the process. In order to avoid the loss of tungsten ore in fine mud, a process combining multi-stage gravity separation and flotation is usually used for separation. In recent years, improvements in flotation reagents, including the application of collectors and frothers, have significantly improved the recovery rate of fine mud.

02Scheelite dressing process

Unlike wolframite, the mineral embedding particle size of scheelite is finer, which is suitable for flotation process. The flotation performance of scheelite is better than that of wolframite, especially when the ideal dissociation particle size is reached, the flotation efficiency is very high, so the flotation process has become the main beneficiation method of scheelite.

1. The core of flotation process

The flotation process of scheelite mainly depends on the selection and optimization of collectors. Traditionally, fatty acid collectors such as oleic acid and sodium oleate are widely used in the flotation process of scheelite. In recent years, the development of new collectors such as benzohydroxamic acid has not only improved the recovery rate of scheelite, but also improved the selectivity of flotation. Usually, these new collectors are mixed with fatty acid collectors, and lead nitrate is added as an activator in an appropriate amount to improve the flotation effect.

2. Innovative application of collectors

In the flotation process of scheelite, although fatty acid collectors have good flotation effect, their selectivity is low, which easily affects the separation effect of gangue minerals. Therefore, the promotion and application of integrated collectors such as benzohydroxamic acid and CF (nitrosophenylamine salt) have greatly improved the economic benefits of scheelite flotation. This type of collector not only improves the recovery rate of scheelite, but also reduces the dosage of reagents and flotation costs.

03Comparison of wolframite and scheelite beneficiation processes

1. Mineral processing method:

 - Wolframite: Mainly using gravity separation process, suitable for the separation of coarse-grained ores.

 -Scheelite: Mainly flotation, because its embedded particle size is fine, and the flotation separation effect is remarkable.

2. Equipment selection:

 - Wolframite: Jig, shaker, spiral chute and other equipment are widely used in the gravity separation process of wolframite.

 -Scheelite: The flotation machine is the main equipment for scheelite beneficiation. The core of the flotation process is the reasonable selection of collector.

3. Medication use:

 - Wolframite: The mineral processing process uses less chemicals and relies more on physical separation.

 -Scheelite: The application of collectors and activators in the flotation process is crucial, especially the promotion and application of new collectors, which has significantly improved the flotation efficiency of scheelite.

Although the mineral processing processes of wolframite and scheelite have different emphases, they have both made significant progress in terms of technological progress and process optimization. In wolframite ore beneficiation, the overall recovery rate has been improved through the introduction of new gravity separation equipment and improvements in fine mud treatment technology. The continuous optimization of the scheelite flotation process, especially the application of new collectors, has significantly improved the mineral processing efficiency and economic benefits.

With the continuous improvement of mineral processing technology, the tungsten ore processing technology will develop in a more efficient, environmentally friendly and economical direction, providing a more solid guarantee for the full utilization of tungsten ore resources and the improvement of economic benefits.