Study of the kinetics and mechanism of Flocculation lateritic minerals

Abstract

This work was done with the aim of developing a methodology to study the kinetics of flocculation, the floc properties and the predominant mechanism of flocculation in suspensions of lateritic minerals. Were used synthetic organic flocculants, marketed by the company CIBA, and was applied Smoluchowski kinetic model to study the processes of flocculation, deflocculation and reflocculation. FBRM applications to the study of suspension flocculation using flocculation lateritic minerals, showed the potential of this technique, with which not only receives information on the flocculation, but also on the breaking of the flocs and reflocculation, which make determinations closer to the actual conditions of industrial practice. It was shown that its application in the case of studies for the selection of flocculants for lateritic mineral deposits, can significantly influence a more effective choice with fewer trials. It was also found that the mechanism of flocculation, induced by Percol Percol 155 and LT-20, is bridging; while for Percol LT-24 is by neutralization.