Flottáció

Flottation is a physico-chemical separation process used to selectively separate hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) materials. This technique is widely employed in mineral processing, wastewater treatment, and various other industrial applications. The core principle relies on introducing air bubbles into a mixture of solid particles suspended in a liquid, typically water. Specific chemicals, known as collectors, are added to alter the surface properties of the target particles, making them hydrophobic. Frothers are also used to create a stable froth layer on the surface of the liquid. When air bubbles rise through the suspension, they attach to the hydrophobic particles, lifting them to the surface. These mineral-laden bubbles form a froth that can then be skimmed off, effectively separating the desired material from the hydrophilic gangue particles, which remain in the liquid. The efficiency of flotation depends on factors such as particle size, surface chemistry, bubble size, and agitation. It is a crucial method for concentrating valuable minerals from low-grade ores and for removing suspended solids and oils from industrial effluents.