ontkoppelingsflotatie
Ontkoppelingsflotatie, also known as decoupling flotation, is a process used in mineral processing. It refers to a method of separating valuable minerals from unwanted gangue material by exploiting differences in their surface properties. Specifically, it involves manipulating the flotation conditions to selectively attach air bubbles to certain mineral particles, causing them to float to the surface, while leaving other particles submerged. This separation is often achieved by altering parameters such as pH, reagent dosage, or aeration intensity. The "decoupling" aspect implies that the flotation is designed to effectively separate specific minerals from a complex ore, allowing for a cleaner concentrate. This technique is a variation of standard froth flotation but emphasizes a more precise and targeted separation of valuable components from the bulk of the ore. It is particularly useful in situations where multiple valuable minerals are present or when dealing with finely disseminated or intergrown mineralogy. The goal is to optimize recovery and grade of the desired mineral while minimizing losses to the tailings.