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Ionic Crystal Structures02:42

Ionic Crystal Structures

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Combined Size and Density Fractionation of Soils for Investigations of Organo-Mineral Interactions
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Published on: February 15, 2019

Kaolinite flocculation structure.

Marek S Zbik1, Roger St C Smart, Gayle E Morris

  • 1Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia. m.zbik@qut.edu.au

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|October 7, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Effective flocculation and dewatering of mineral processing streams require understanding aggregate structure. Pre-flocculant aggregate structure significantly impacts settling and water release, with larger voids enhancing permeability.

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Published on: November 15, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Mineral Processing
  • Colloid Science
  • Water Management

Background:

  • Efficient dewatering of mineral processing slurries is critical for water recycling.
  • Colloidal clays in tailings streams present challenges for rapid water release.
  • Aggregate structure formation is key to improving settling and reducing retained water.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of pre-flocculant aggregate structure on dewatering efficiency.
  • To analyze the role of inter-particle associations in kaolinite dewatering.
  • To correlate aggregate structure with dewatering rates and permeability.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) image analysis of kaolinite aggregates.
  • Observation of dewatering stages without and with flocculant addition.
  • Analysis of pH and Ca ion effects on aggregate structure and dewatering.

Main Results:

  • Pre-flocculant aggregates exhibit open, chain-like structures (edge-edge, edge-face, face-face associations).
  • These structures limit dewatering due to steric effects and sponge-like networks.
  • Flocculant addition binds pre-formed aggregates, preserving their structure.
  • Inverse correlation between intra-aggregate porosity and inter-aggregate permeability.
  • Positive correlation between permeability and settling/dewatering rates, dominated by larger voids.

Conclusions:

  • Aggregate structure before flocculant addition critically determines dewatering outcomes.
  • Larger intra-aggregate voids, not total porosity, are key drivers of permeability.
  • Understanding and controlling aggregate formation is essential for efficient mineral processing dewatering.