ABSTRACT
Flocculation refers to forming spontaneous agglomerates, or flocs, from fine particles by means of surfactants. Selective flocculation refers to forming these flocs from only a small number of mineral species, such as pyrite. By enlarging the size of these mineral species, they can be separated from the bulk more easily. This chapter discusses the basic principles and several reagents involved in selective flocculation. This chapter also discusses the limitations of selective flocculation so far, many of which seem to be inherent to the process as a whole. As such, selective flocculation is not a technique presently used at any industrial facility. However, this technique does show potential for the removal of extremely fine pyritic sulfur from coals, as a possible alternative to flotation.
