The process of flocculation and sedimentation for ore slurry
Flocculation and sedimentation are the two main processes by which ore slurry (slurry) is treated. The purpose of flocculation process is to make the ore particles suspended in the slurry bigger and heavier and can sedimentation. Sedimentation is a process of removing suspended particles from the slurry by gravitational settling.
The combination of the two processes is very effective in the treatment of ore slurry. In the treatment process, the ore slurry is first processed by flocculation, then subjected to sedimentation. During the flocculation treatment, various chemicals, such as polymers, Surfactants, and other chemicals, are added to the ore slurry, which are really helpful in flocculating slurry particles. The added chemicals and ore particles mix together and form a flocculated structure in the form of small aggregates and flocs. Then, the resulting flocs are allowed to settle down due to the effect of gravity.
The formation of the flocculated structure is a very important factor in determining the efficiency of direct sedimentation. Generally, the efficient formation of optimal flocculated structure includes high velocity, large angle fluctuations and a sufficient amount of stirring. There should be enough time, such as several hours, to make sure that flocculated structure is sufficiently compact, and all of the flocculated particles have combined together.
The direct sedimentation process only removes the particulates in the ore slurry that can be deposited by gravity. In order to increase the efficiency of the sedimentation process, a flocculation-sedimentation method is often used. This method first involves the flocculation of ore slurry particles, and then a sedimentation process is initiated following the flocculation process. The efficiency of this process depends on the properties flocs formed during the flocculation process, as well as the size and density of the particles.
The flocculation-sedimentation method is widely used for the treatment of ore slurry for various industrial applications. This method is used in the removal of suspended solids from wastewater, in the clarification of drinking water, and for the removal of oil or other contaminants from process water. By using this process, the ore slurry can be effectively processed, separated from the entrapped foreign substances, and sedimentation can be fully realized.
Ore slurry may be further treated by other methods, such as flotation, filtration, and adsorption. Adsorption is a process in which particles are bound to a surface by a chemical bond, and it is often used to separate oil or grease suspended particles. Filtration is a process in which the solid particles are separated from the liquid by passing a filter membrane. It is usually used to reduce the particle size of slurry particles. Flotation is a separation process in which solid particles are separated from the liquid by passing a gas or a surfactant. It is widely used to separate valuable minerals from ore.
In conclusion, the flocculation and sedimentation process is an effective method for ore slurry treatment. By using this process, the suspended particles in the ore slurry can be flocculated, and the sedimentation process can be carried out effectively. The combination of flocculation and sedimentation is often used with other processes, such as flotation, filtration, and adsorption, in order to further treat the ore slurry.
