vaahdotusprosessissa

Vaahdotusprosessi, known in English as flotation process, is a separation technique used to selectively separate hydrophobic materials from hydrophilic materials. This method is widely applied in mineral processing, wastewater treatment, and the pulp and paper industry. The core principle involves introducing air bubbles into a liquid mixture containing the particles to be separated.

In mineral processing, for instance, valuable minerals are often made hydrophobic through the addition of specific chemicals called collectors. These collectors attach to the surface of the desired minerals, making them water-repellent. When air bubbles are introduced into the slurry, the hydrophobic mineral particles attach to the bubbles and rise to the surface, forming a froth. This froth can then be skimmed off, separating the valuable minerals from the hydrophilic gangue material.

The effectiveness of the flotation process depends on several factors, including the chemical reagents used, the pH of the slurry, the size and density of the particles, and the intensity of air introduction. Different types of flotation cells exist, such as mechanical flotation cells and pneumatic flotation cells, each suited for different applications and particle characteristics. The process is crucial for recovering valuable metals like copper, gold, and lead, and also plays a role in purifying water by removing suspended solids and oils.