Optimizing composition of collectors and temperature conditions of froth separation in processing of diamond-bearing kimberlites

The aim of the study is to enhance efficiency of flotation for fine diamond-bearing kimberlite grains through careful selection of interconnected reagent and temperature conditions for the primary and secondary processes toward improved attachment of a collector and better floatability of diamonds. The required result is achieved when an apolar collector is added with low- and medium-polymeric fractions of oil and low-density oil with a high percentage of such fractions by weight, and in case of adding surfactants with dispersing properties relative to a collector in water phase of flotation pulp. The implemented physicochemical research shows that cutting of fuel oils with light and medium-molecular weight fractions of oil, or addition of slightly soluble surfactants, as well as heating of a collector to the temperature of 35–50 °С changes the phase of the latter, and first of all, solubilizes asphaltene–tarry fractions. In this case, efficiency of dispersion of the collector in the water phase increases in operation of seasoning of a float material with the reagents. Activity of collecting agents also rises when the water phase is introduced with the water-soluble surfactants possessing dispersing properties. The flotation tests proved efficiency of the modified collectors and tested conditions of the reagent and heat treatment of water–mineral dispersion systems, and also determined conditions of their combination toward enhanced floatability and reduced loss of diamonds in froth separation. The commercial testing of the modified collectors confirmed their efficiency in froth separation in a wide range of temperatures of flotation pulps and fortified the increase in the diamond recovery by 1.1–2.9%. 

Kovalenko E. G., Morozov V. V., Dvoichenkova G. P., Babushkina A. L., Chut-Dy V. A. Optimizing composition of collectors and temperature conditions of froth separation in processing of diamond-bearing kimberlites. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026; (4):136-150. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_4_0_136.

E.G. Kovalenko¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Chief Engineer, e-mail: kovalenkoeg@alrosa.ru, e-mail: kovalenkoeg@gmail.ru, Scopus Author ID: 57200340844,
V.V. Morozov, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, NUST MISIS, 119049, Moscow, Russia, e-mail dchmggu@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4105-944X, Scopus Author ID: 7402759618, 
G.P. Dvoichenkova², Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Leading Researcher; Professor, Polytechnic Institute (branch) North-Eastern Federal University named after M. K. Ammosov, Mirny, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia, e-mail: dvoigp@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-3637-7929, Scopus Author ID: 8837172700, 
A.L. Babushkina¹, Head of Sector, e-mail: babushkinaal@alrosa.ru, Scopus Author ID: 58790569100, 
V.A. Chut-Dy^1,2, Leading Process Engineer; Graduate Student, e-mail Verhoturova-vale@mail.ru, Scopus Author ID: 58037854600, 
¹ Yakutniproalmaz Institute, JSC ALROSA (PJSC), Mirny, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia,
² Institute of Problems of Integrated Development of Mineral Resources of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.

E.G. Kovalenko, e-mail: kovalenkoeg@alrosa.ru, V.V. Morozov, e-mail: dchmggu@mail.ru.

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