Flotation of Germanium from Dilute Solutions

Abstract

In laboratory experiments, ion flotation was found effective as a concentration method for germanium from dilute aqueous solutions. Removals over 90% were obtained at neutral pH conditions and stoichiometric addition of the flotation reagents, these being pyrogallol as activator for complex formation and laurylamine as cationic surfactant. Parameters investigated were initial and residual concentration, gas flow rate, pH of the solution, ionic strength, type of salts added, laurylamine concentration, retention time, ethanol addition, and surface tension on the germanium recovery.