Removing Mechanism of Bacteria of LKD in Bauxite Flotation Separation
The depressing function of bacteria of LKD on diaspore and kaolinite is studied through flotation experiments, mineral ζ-electric potential and infrared spectroscopy analysis. Waste beer has better selective and depressing effects on diaspore in the range pH 2-10 than starch-like substances do. The analysis of mineral ζ-electric potential and infrared spectra shows that the bacteria of LKD is chemically adsorbed to diaspore via its –COOH and stays on the surface of mineral firmly. Meanwhile, the functional groups -OH of yeast itself and some -COOH are hydrophilic, which helps the mineral being hydrophilic as well. Although the structure of phyllosilicate kaolinite determines its good floatability on the condition of strong acid, the recovery of diaspore by yeast is 30% more than kaolinite when the diaspore is depressed by bacteria of LKD on the condition of weak acid, pH-6. It indicates the possibility of Al-Si separation by reverse-flotation under neutral conditions.