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Feldspar–Mica Flotation (2D)

2D froth-flotation cross-section: a pH-dependent HF-activation window, a Langmuir collector isotherm and a grind-size window drive real bubble-particle attachment as feldspar floats and iron-bearing mica gangue reports to tailings.

Chemistry & Materials2DModerate60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

This 2D companion drives a real particle-by-particle mass balance for HF-activated cationic froth flotation of feldspar: a Langmuir collector-adsorption isotherm, a narrow pH-activation window centred near pH 2.6, and a grind-size recovery window all combine into a per-particle attachment probability, so pushing pH outside its activation range or over-aerating the cell visibly drags the concentrate's Fe2O3 grade back up as iron-bearing mica reports by entrainment.

⚙ Under the hood

2D froth-flotation cross-section with a pH-dependent HF-activation window, a Langmuir collector isotherm and a grind-size window driving real bubble-particle attachment, mass balance and Fe2O3 concentrate grade.

froth flotationfeldsparmicamineral processinglangmuir isothermph activation

2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install

Why does pH matter so much in feldspar flotation?

Feldspar only becomes floatable with an amine collector after its surface is activated by hydrofluoric acid in a narrow acidic pH band centred near pH 2.6. Outside that window the collector barely adsorbs, so recovery collapses even at high dosage.

Why is Fe2O3 the grade metric instead of a mineral percentage?

Ceramic and glass manufacturers specify feldspar by its iron-oxide content, typically under 0.1% Fe2O3, because iron discolors glass and ceramic glazes. The simulation tracks the same metric a real plant is run to hit.

What happens if the pulp gets too acidic?

Below roughly pH 2.2 the HF starts etching the iron-bearing mica as well, so it begins reporting to the froth by entrainment and true selectivity, which drags the concentrate's Fe2O3 grade back up even as overall recovery looks strong.