Patent ID: 6536595
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: B01F,B03D

Abstract:
A method for separating mineral ore from gangue via froth flotation including the steps of forming an aqueous mixture of mineral component and gangue, adding thereto an effective amount of a treatment reagent comprising an organophosphonate and a polymeric dispersant comprises a co-polymer the formula: wherein R1 is H or lower alkyl (C1-C3): R2 is OH or OM, or NH2; M is a water-soluble cation, R3 is a hydroxy substituted alkyl or alkaline radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a nonsubstituted alkyl or alkylene radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; X, when present, is an anionic radical selection from the group consisting of SO3, PO3, PO4, and COO, Z when present, is H or hydrogens or any water soluble cation or cations which together counterbalances the valence of the anionic radicals, a is 0 or 1, and x:y ranges from about 30:1 to 1:20 in a concentration of from about 0.1 to 100 parts per million said aqueous mixture and subjecting the aqueous mixture to a settling and/or decanting separating processes.