FLOTATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Flotation refers to a process or method used in various industries, particularly in mining and metallurgy, to separate and concentrate valuable minerals from gangue or waste materials. It involves the use of air bubbles or other gas-filled particles to selectively adhere and rise to the surface of a liquid, to which the valuable material attaches. This process relies on the differences in surface properties of different materials.
In mining, flotation is employed to separate minerals from ore by utilizing the property of hydrophobicity. The crushed ore is mixed with water and chemicals, creating a slurry. Air bubbles are then introduced into the slurry, which latch onto hydrophobic minerals, forming a froth layer on top of the liquid. This froth is skimmed off, containing the valuable minerals, while the hydrophilic gangue sinks to the bottom.
The flotation process is also extensively used in wastewater treatment plants. Here, it facilitates the removal of suspended solids and oily substances from water by incorporating chemicals that promote the attachment of these impurities to gas bubbles. The resulting sludge can be easily removed, leaving behind treated water.
Furthermore, flotation can involve the use of flotation devices or personal flotation devices (PFDs), which are buoyancy aids used to support a person or object in water. PFDs are equipped with materials that provide sufficient buoyancy to prevent the sinking of the wearer, ensuring their safety and preventing drowning. These devices are commonly used in water sports, recreational boating, and other water activities.
In summary, flotation is a process of separating valuable materials from waste or undesirable substances by utilizing the difference in surface properties and the attachment of these materials to gas bubbles, allowing their removal or concentration.
-
• The act of floating; the science of floating bodies.
• The act of floating; the science of floating bodies: float-bridge, a bridge of rafts or boats floating on the water: floating-light, a ship in a fixed position bearing a light: any floating vessel bearing a light: float-board, one of the boards of a water-wheel, or of a steamer's paddle-wheels: floating battery, a battery erected on a raft, or on the hulls of ships: float-stone, a porous silicious stone which floats on water: floating debt, debt not funded: floating capital, capital employed in business, but of uncertain amount.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for FLOTATION *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for FLOTATION
Etymology of FLOTATION
The word "flotation" is derived from the Latin term "fluctuare", meaning "to float" or "to fluctuate". The root of this Latin word is "fluctus", which means "a wave" or "a flow". In English, "flotation" specifically refers to the process of floating on or in a liquid, often used in reference to a flotation device or flotation tank.
Similar spelling words for FLOTATION
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
