The Application of Numerical Taxonomy Technique in the Iron Ore Flotation to Determine Appropriate pH and Particle Size Distribution

Abstract

The numerical taxonomic technique is one of the multivariate decision-making techniques for assessment and ranking. It is widely used for planning and development studies. In this research, flotation experiments were conducted for Band Narges mine iron ore using different pH and particle size ranges. Numerical taxonomy technique, as one of the most important multi-attribute decision-making techniques, was used to determine the best range of particle sizes for the input feed of the flotation cell as well as the pH of the pulp. For this purpose, two different particle size ranges were selected for six different pH values as options. Criteria for evaluating particle size ranges and pHs were determined. Subsequently, effective criteria were determined by performing various tests. Finally, the ranking of the tests was determined using numerical taxonomy. Based on the F_i value (a parameter indicating the appropriate status or developmental rate of the option), the particle sizes <74 µm and pH = 9 were proposed as the optimum conditions to float Band Narges Iron Ore.