Particle Flotation Technology of Solid Particles to Liquid Surface

10 Particle Flotation Technology (of Solid Particles to Liquid Surface) 

In mineralogy, the technique of separating particles of minerals from water media are of great interest. In only rare cases does one find minerals or metals in pure form (such as gold). The earth surface consists of a variety of minerals (major components are iron-silica-oxides-calcium-magnesium-aluminum-chromium-cobalt-titanium). Minerals as found in nature are always mixed with different kinds (e.g., zinc sulfide and felspar minerals). In order to separate zinc sulfide, one suspends the mixture in water and air bubbles are made to achieve separation. This process is caWeAflotation (ore [heavier than water] is floated by bubbles). 

Flotation is a technical process in which suspended particles are clarified by allowing them to float to the surface of the liquid medium (Fuerstenau et al., 1985 Klimpel, 1995 Rao et al., 1995 Yoon et al., 1990). The material can thus be removed by skimming at the surface flotation is found to be a highly versatile method for physically separating particles based on differences in the ability of air bubbles to selectively adhere to specific mineral surfaces (as determined by surface forces). This is economically much cheaper than any other process. If the suspended particles are heavier than the liquid (such as minerals), then one uses gas (air or CO2 or other suitable gas) bubbles to enhance the flotation. 

The flotation industry is a very important area in metallurgy and other related processes. The flotation method is based on treating a suspension of minerals (ranging in size from 10 to 50 pm) in 

Flotation leads to separation of ores from the mixtures (add). Especially, in modem mineral industry where rare metals are processed, this techiuque is being widely applied. It has been suggested that among other surface forces, the contact angle plays an important role. The gas (air or other gas) bubble as attached to the solid particle should have a large contact angle for separation. 

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