flotációra

Flotációra, often translated as flotation, is a physico-chemical separation process widely used in various industries, most notably in mineral processing and wastewater treatment. The fundamental principle behind flotation relies on the differences in surface properties of particles, specifically their hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity. In mineral processing, the objective is to selectively separate valuable minerals from unwanted gangue material. This is achieved by introducing finely ground ore into a suspension of water and specific chemical reagents.

These reagents, known as collectors, selectively adsorb onto the surface of the desired mineral particles, rendering them hydrophobic (water-repelling). Frothers are also added to create a stable froth layer on the surface of the water. Air is then introduced into the tank, creating bubbles. The hydrophobic mineral particles, coated by the collector, attach themselves to these air bubbles and rise to the surface, forming a mineral-laden froth that can be skimmed off. The hydrophilic gangue particles remain suspended in the water and are discharged separately.

In wastewater treatment, flotation is employed to remove suspended solids, oils, and greases. Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is a common technique where air is dissolved under pressure into the water stream. As the pressure is released, microbubbles form and attach to suspended particles, causing them to float to the surface for removal. Other variations include dispersed air flotation and induced air flotation, each utilizing different methods of air introduction and bubble generation. The efficiency of flotation depends on factors such as particle size, reagent dosage, air flow rate, and tank design.