Bench scale flotation experiments were performed testing three anionic collectors here called "partially hydrogenated Hidrocol", "non hydrogenated Hidrocol" (very similar oils from soybean) and oleic acid, with saponification degrees of 40 %, 55 %, 70 %, 85 % and 100 %, in order to purify carbonatitic phosphate ores from Tapira. The value of flotation pH was 9.5. A refined babassu oil sample (extracted from the babassu palm seed kernel) did not achieve a saponification degree above 40 %. Using the P2O5 content and recovery, the CaO/P2O5 ratio and MgO content of the concentrate as quality indicators, the best results were achieved with the saponification degree of 55%, for the oils tested. Cleaner lab flotation tests were carried out using the collectors with a saponification degree of 55%, at pH 9.5, in the absence and in the presence of KE883B (alkyl sulphosuccinate). The best results were obtained to the "partially hydrogenated Hidrocol" in the absence of KE883B. Starch was used as the depressant in all tests.
Phosphate ore; saponification; fatty acids; apatite flotation
