Theory of Flocculation of Mineral Suspensions: Current Situation

The review of literature and research findings exhibit current situation and the most challenging problems in theory of flocculation of mineral suspensions. With a view to enhancing efficiency of flocculants, it is advisable to have a science-based concept of selecting flocculants and their compositions, including functionally modified flocculants, with branched macro-molecules, with regard to laws of adsorption of flocculants at the surface of minerals. In the light of the revealed strength characteristics and laws of destruction of floccules, it is shown that for the further development of the theory, it is important to find interconnection of these parameters and fluid dynamics, and to study recombination of floccules. It is undoubtedly interesting to determine small concentrations of flocculants both for the analysis of formation of floccules and to disclose conditions of smart use of flocculants in the industry.