FROTH FLOTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Froth flotation is a process widely used in the mining industry to separate valuable minerals from gangue, or waste materials. It relies on the differences in the surface properties of the minerals to be separated. The process involves adding a chemical reagent to a mixture of finely ground ore and water. This reagent, also known as a collector, selectively attaches to the surface of the desired mineral particles, making them hydrophobic or water-repellent.
Air is then injected into the mixture, creating bubbles that carry the hydrophobic mineral particles to the surface as a froth. The froth, containing the desired minerals, is then skimmed off and collected, while the remaining gangue material settles at the bottom of the flotation cell.
The success of froth flotation is greatly influenced by factors such as particle size, chemical reagents, and machine design. Various techniques and modifications have been developed over time to improve the efficiency of the process. These include optimizing the size and composition of the reagents, controlling the speed and intensity of air bubbles, and using different types of flotation cells.
Froth flotation has revolutionized the mining industry by enabling the concentration of low-grade ores into valuable, high-grade products. Besides mining, it is also used in wastewater treatment, paper recycling, and other industries where the separation of solids and liquids is desired. The process is a key component in the production of copper, lead, zinc, nickel, molybdenum, and other vital metals necessary for numerous applications in modern society.
Etymology of FROTH FLOTATION
The word "froth flotation" originated from the combination of two terms: "froth" and "flotation".
The term "froth" comes from Middle English "froth", which was derived from the Old Norse word "froda" meaning "froth or scum". It referred to the foamy substance that forms on the surface of liquids, generally formed by air bubbles.
The term "flotation" can be traced back to the Latin word "flotāre", meaning "to float". "Flotāre" was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "pleu-", meaning "to flow, float".
The combination of these two terms resulted in "froth flotation", a process used in mineral processing to separate minerals from ore by making use of the differences in their surface properties.
