Question

Which of the following is used as froth stabilizer in froth floatation process?

• A. xanthate
• B. aniline
• C. pine oil
• D. NaCN

Hint:

Components in Froth Flotation: - Collectors: Enhance hydrophobicity of ore particles (e.g., xanthates, fatty acids). - Frothers: Create stable froth (e.g., pine oil, eucalyptus oil). - Froth Stabilizers: Stabilize the froth (e.g., cresols, aniline). They increase the persistence of the froth. - Depressants: Selectively prevent certain minerals from floating (e.g., NaCN, Na\(_2\)CO\(_3\)). - Activators: Enhance floatability of a specific mineral (e.g., CuSO\(_4\)).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In the froth flotation process, various reagents are used: 1.
Frothers (Foaming agents): These substances enhance the formation of a stable froth.
Examples include pine oil, fatty acids, eucalyptus oil.
Pine oil is a primary frother.
2.
Collectors: These enhance the non-wettability of the mineral particles and help them attach to air bubbles.
Examples include xanthates (e.
g.
, sodium ethyl xanthate) and fatty acids.
3.
Froth Stabilizers: These substances stabilize the froth, making it last longer so that the mineral can be skimmed off.
Cresols and aniline are common examples of froth stabilizers.
They reduce the surface tension of the froth bubbles to prevent them from coalescing too quickly.
4.
Depressants/Activators: Depressants prevent certain minerals from floating (e.
g.
, NaCN for ZnS in presence of PbS).
Activators enhance the floatability of a desired mineral (e.
g.
, CuSO\(_4\) for ZnS).
Based on this: - Xanthate: Collector.
- Aniline: Can act as a froth stabilizer.
Cresols are more commonly cited, but aniline fits the role.
- Pine oil: Frother.
- NaCN: Depressant.
Therefore, aniline is used as a froth stabilizer.
This matches option (2).