Abstract
The collection of ultrafine silica particles (23nm in diameter) and oilwater emulsion (500nm in diameter) from low concentrated suspensions were studied by using an ecomaterial (slag fibers) -collector bed system. The collec tion efficiency was highly dependent on the sol's pH and less on the specific surface area ratio between collector and ultrafine particles. The highest collec tion efficiency was attained at pH 4 for silica and at pH 3 for oil-water emulsion. The experimental results were partially interpreted by the total interac tion potential theory. In the case of the collection of ultrafine silica a second. mechanism regarding flocculation by the dissolved fraction of the SF comple mented the DLVO theory. In the case of the collection of oil-water emulsion effects regarding the deformable character of the oil drops as well as the hydrodynamic effects derived from the high molecular weight of the oil comple mented the DLVO theory.
