Study of the dispersing properties of microemulsion mercaptan-containing collectors based on oil products

The article discusses the production of flotation reagents based on domestic sulfur-containing oil products using the ultrasonic cavitation method. Particular attention is paid to the selection of oil products based on the analysis of their qualitative and quantitative composition. Mercaptans (thioalcohols) are known to be the most effective sulfhydryl collectors. This study utilizes sulfur-containing oil products with the same sulfur content but differing in the form of sulfur presence in the starting materials: refined oil, mercaptan-containing product, and an intermediate product obtained during oil demercaptanization. Compositions were developed using these oil products and butyl xanthate. During ultrasonic cavitation, the dependence of emulsion stability over time on ultrasonic power and component ratios was determined. Optimal conditions for ultrasonic cavitation and the appropriate proportions of components in the compositions were established. Despite having the same sulfur content, it was found that only sulfur-containing products with specific structural characteristics are suitable for flotation reagent production. Additionally, ultrasonic cavitation's role in modifying the compositions' properties was identified, significantly influencing their efficiency as collectors.