Safer Frother Option for Coal Flotation – A Review

Abstract

A safer frother option for coal flotation in comparison with the common frother methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) was searched and compared through literature review. Results of literature review and comparison of different frothers in safety and environmental aspects show that pine oil and DowFroth have a strong potential to replace MIBC since it has high flash point (78 °C, 149 °C, respectively), and dual frothing and collecting properties to be used as a stand-alone reagent for coal flotation. It can significantly reduce the risk of potential hazard associated with MIBC and oil collector.