Advances in Selective Flocculation Technology for Solid -Solid Separations

Abstract

Selective flocculation is a potential process for solid-solid separations in the fine particle size range. The critical barriers to further commercial applications of this technique are the loss in predicted single mineral selectivity in mixed mineral systems, extrapolation of mixed mineral selectivity to natural systems and scale up from bench to plant scale. A comprehensive review of the recent advances in selective flocculation technology which facilitate to overcome these barriers is presented. These include identification/ design of selective reagents based on the surface chemistry of particles, use of site blocking agents to reduce heteroflocculation, and tailoring the polymer characteristics to achieve the desired separation efficiency.