Pyrite selective flocculation, separation

A novel technique for separating ultrafine pyrite particles (minus 1 0 micrometers) from coal fines has been conceptually developed and tested. The technique involves the use of a selective polymeric dispersant for pyrite, while flocculating coal particles with a polymeric flocculant. The suspended pyrite can then be removed from the flocculated coal fines which settle preferentially by gravity. 

One of the promising new technologies for separation of very fine particles is selective flocculation. The selective flocculation process has been used effectively to separate very finely disseminated minerals from mixed ore suspensions (5.). The process is based on the preferential adsorption of an organic flocculant on the wanted minerals, thereby flocculating them, while leaving the remainder of the suspension particles dispersed. The dispersion of certain components in the suspension such as pyrite can be enhanced by using more selective or powerful dispersants. Methods for achieving selective flocculation and dispersion have been recently described by Attia (6j. 

Separation of Ultrafine Pyrite from High Sulfur Coals by Selective Dispersion and Flocculation... 

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