Hydrophobic Flocculation Applied to Fine Mineral and Coal Processing

摘要

This paper highlights hydrophobic flocculation applied to fine minerals and coal processing. Initially, hydrophobic flocculation and its separation technology are briefly described. Then, several examples on the application of this technology to the beneficiation of fine minerals and coals are presented. Finally, the three main parameters affecting hydrophobic flocculation, namely particle hydrophobicity, non-polar oil addition and suspension stirring, are discussed. It is demonstrated that the separation technology based on hydrophobic flocculation is a potential mean to efficiently recover valuable minerals in the fine size range and to effectively remove finely disseminated impurities from coals.