Principles of flocculation

Selective ion Attachment

Brownian movement

Surface energy
Selective ion sorption:
A pulp of finely divided mineral particles in water consists of the
mineral matter and water molecules at various stages of association.
There will be large variety of ions which makes the particles hydrated
and hence gives raise to a continuous exchange of molecules of the
solids with the ions in the fluid phase, however equilibrium is attained
if the system is given sufficient time. This phenomenon is known as
selective ion sorption.
Brownian movement:
Brownian movement is the second phenomena. This may
be defined as the rapid vibratory motion of extremely
small particles suspended in a liquid caused the
bombardment of particle by the moving molecules of the
liquid. The velocity varies inversely with the size of the
particles. And depends also upon the viscosity of the
medium. Brownian movement provides the means to
bring individual suspended particles together.
Surface energy:
Surface energy provides the third basis for the
flocculation-dispersion phenomena. It is generally accepted
that any interface is the seat of energy, surface energy; this is
related to the forces residing at the interface. According to
second law of thermodynamics, “ all naturally occurring
processes are accompanied by an increase in the entropy of the
system”. It simply means that the various forms of energy are
of different quality and that naturally occurring processes
display a tendency for energy of some particular quality to
form at the expense of a less suitable quality. In the particular
instance of surface energy there is a marked tendency to
change to kinetic energy.
Approach of two like charge particles
 The degree of flocculation is controlled by

a. Probability of collision between particles and

b. Tendency of adhesion after collision.

The flocculation process depends on:

Type and properties of the flocculent;

ii. The electro-chemical state of the surface;
iii. Solubility and other physical properties of the
minerals and
iv. Concentration of other reagent, and pH of the
pulp.
Type and properties of the flocculent;
ii. The electro-chemical state of the surface;
iii. Solubility and other physical properties of the
minerals and
iv. Concentration of other reagent, and pH of the pulp.
Type and properties of the flocculent
 The electrochemical state of the surface

a. A layer of negatively charged ions contributed by the

particle surface,
b. A corresponding layer surrounded by positively
charged ions and
c. A diffusion layer consisting of positive and negative
ions contributed by the bulk.
 Factors affecting flocculation and coagulation:

a. pH of the medium
b. Nature of the dispersion medium
c. Concentration of colloidal system
d. Temperature
 Sedimentation of the flocs:

a. Free settling of the flocs,

b. Hindered settling of the flocs,
c. exudation of water from the settled flocs
under the influence of pulp pressure, and
d. Exudation of water from the settled and
naturally exuded flocs by the application
of out side pressure and suction.
 Types of polymers used in flocculation:

Non-ionic:
Action of nonionic flocculants involve bridging of particles.
Cat ionic:
Adsorption of these polymers on mineral surfaces is governed by
the effect of surface potential of the particles i.e. highly charged
particles will hinder the flocculation by similarly charged
flocculants. Cat ionic flocculants influence a strong adsorption
attach to the negatively charged particles.
Anionic:
Anionic flocculants are also most widely used in mineral industries.
These flocculants adsorb on particles to relatively smaller area
compared to the cationic flocculants and form loose open
agglomerates.
Apparatus used for flocculation
Types of flocculants