ABSTRACT
Because of the fine grinding often needed to achieve sufficient liberation, the separation process as well as product dewatering may be difficult. Particle size enlargement by aggregation of fine particles may thus be required to improve both the separation and dewatering results. This is commonly achieved by the use of flocculants. But flocculants, highly hydrophilic polymers, produce flocs that are hydrophilic and are not compatible with flotation. Only selective aggregation that produces hydrophobic aggregates such as oil agglomeration and/or aggregation with hydrophobic flocculants can be incorporated into flotation circuits. While the use of common flocculants is justified in the thickening and filtration of flotation tailings, the hydrophobic agglomerants should also be used in the dewatering of flotation concentrates.
