The Low-Temperature Plasma Effect of Dielectric Barrier Discharge on Physicochemical and Process Properties of Natural Iron Sulfides

Abstract

The authors describe the integrated studies into the influence exerted by nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma of dielectric barrier discharge in air under normal conditions and pressure on the acid-base, adsorption and flotation properties of natural iron sulfides (pyrite and arsenopyrite). The studies aimed to correlate the plasmachemical treatment parameters with the physicochemical and process properties of sulfide minerals. Using the Hammet indicator method, it is found that plasma treatment strengthens acceptor properties and weakens electron donor properties of pyrite surface, as well as weakens acceptor properties of arsenopyrite. Adsorptive properties of pyrite relative to the electron-donor butyl xanthate grow, and, as a consequence, flotation activity of the mineral improves. In case of arsenopyrite, the adsorptive properties and flotation activity decrease. It is shown that the low-temperature plasma pretreatment of minerals reduces arsenic yield in flotation froth by 10–11% at the reduced arsenic content of concentrate by 0.71–0.78%.