CHZ 332E - Flotation and Flocculation

Course Objectives

1. To give both theoretical and practical knowledge on flotation and flocculation both of which are the most important mineral processing techniques for very finely liberated particles.
2. To provide knowledge on flotation properties of different minerals and their interactions with various reagents (collectors, control reagents, frothers),
3. To explain industrial applications of flotation with some relevant examples.

Course Description

Surface chemistry of flotation, Solid, liquid and gas phases, electrochemical potential, surfaces and interfaces, thermodynamics of interfaces, contact angles in three-phase systems. Flotation reagents, anionic and cationic collectors, non-ionizing collectors, control reagents, froths, interaction of reagents with minerals. Coagulation, flocculation and dispersion, aggregation with inorganic chemicals and organic polymers, selective flocculation. Flotation techniques, ore and pulp properties, flotation machines, flotation circuits, auxiliary apparatus. Flotation applications on naturally floatable minerals, sulfides, oxides and salt type minerals.