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Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) plays a key role in the field of mineral processing, especially in copper ore processing. Its role is mainly reflected in the selective regulation and surface modification of mineral flotation process. The following are its core application scenarios:
Sulfide ore inhibitors
In the copper-molybdenum mixed flotation process, sodium hydrosulfide can inhibit the flotation activity of copper and iron sulfide minerals (such as chalcopyrite and pyrite) by releasing HS⁻ ions. HS⁻ ions bind to the metal sites on the surface of the mineral to form a hydrophilic film, thereby reducing the adsorption efficiency of xanthate collectors and achieving the separation of target minerals (such as molybdenite) from gangue minerals. Its inhibitory effect varies significantly with concentration, and the amount added needs to be strictly controlled to balance the selectivity.
Oxide ore sulfiding agent
For oxidized copper ores (such as malachite and azurite), sodium hydrosulfide can be used as a sulfiding agent to form a hydrophobic sulfide film (such as CuS) on the surface of the mineral through chemical reaction. This process significantly improves the floatability of the mineral, enabling it to be effectively combined with xanthate collectors. In practical applications, it needs to be added in stages to avoid excessive inhibition, and is often used in conjunction with amine salt activators to enhance the effect.
Slurry Environmental Conditioner
The alkaline solution of sodium hydrosulfide can adjust the pH value of the pulp, and its reducing property can eliminate the residual metal ions (such as Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺) in the pulp, reducing the interference with flotation. In addition, as a sulfide precipitator, it can react with heavy metal ions to form insoluble sulfides, reduce the toxicity of the pulp and improve the subsequent dehydration process.
Mixed concentrate dedoping
Before the separation of copper-lead or lead-zinc mixed concentrates, high-concentration sodium hydrosulfide can decompose the collector adsorbed on the surface of the mineral, destroy the original hydrophobic membrane, and create conditions for subsequent selective flotation. This process is often combined with concentration and washing processes to improve the efficiency of drug removal.