ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION

• Electrostatic separation is a process that uses

electrostatic charges to separate particles of
material.
• Separation of minerals using difference in their
electrical properties is carried out using an
electrostatic separator
• It will separate those that are electrical
conductors from those that are non conductors
 PRINCIPLE

• The principle of separation is that as the particles

to be treated are passed through an intense electric
field each particle acquires a charge.
• The conductorspass on their charge when emerging
from the field ,while the non-conductors retain
their charge momentarily.
• The non-conducting particles retain their charges
retain their charges and are attracted to the roll
while the conducting particles loose their charge
and follow the normal trajectory.
 EXAMPLES

•  Toexhibit electrostatic separation at home, an experiment

can be conducted, by using an electrostatically charged
device, like a comb rubbed quickly against a wool sweater,
will pick up pieces of paper
 EXAMPLES

• An example is the electrostatic precipitator used in coal-fired power plants to treat exhaust

gas. It is a filtration device that removes fine particles, like dust and smoke, from a
flowing gas using the force of an induced electrostatic charge minimally obstructing the
flow of gases through the unit.
•  The air stream flows horizontally through the spaces between the wires, and then passes
through the stack of plates.
• A negative voltage of several thousand volts is applied between wire and plate. If the
applied voltage is high enough, an electric  discharge ionizes the air around the electrodes,
which then ionizes the particles in the air stream.
• The ionized particles, due to the electrostatic force, are diverted towards the grounded
plates. Particles build up on the collection plates and are removed from the air stream.