2002 Volume 39 Issue 3 Pages 169-174
Rapid mutual separation of ultra-fine particles in suspension is one of the most difficult techniques in materials processing. A column bed method, which utilizes the difference in surface characteristics of particles, was investigated for mutual separation. Fibrous slag packed in a column was used as a collector. The fibrous slag offers large surface area for selective adhesion of particles, which results in mutual separation of ultra-fine particles. In mutual separation of mixed hematite (107.2nm) and silica (142.9nm) suspension, only the hematite attached onto the fibrous slag and the silica was separated in the effluent. In the present work, mutual separation was achieved at pH11 by zinc hydroxide modified fibrous slag. The limiting particle concentration to achieve mutual separetion was 50mg/dm3. Mutual separation of large particles (300nm) was achieved at pH10. These results were well explained by DLVO theory. These novel methods were proved to be simple, quick, and cost effective process.
