Chemical attraction
ADDING the right chemicals to solids/liquid separation processes will help lower the total cost of operation. With the right choice of chemical, the solid particles will flocculate: that is, bind together to make larger particles. Adding chemicals to aid flocculation is a common practice in the resources industry, as those in the know realise that as the solid particle size gets bigger, both the capital and operating cost to separate it from the surrounding water decreases. Choosing the best chemical to achieve flocculation is not easy. There is a wide range of choice, from inorganic coagulants, to organic coagulants, to organic polymers. Sometimes a combination of these chemical types will give the best results. Knowing what best suits a specific…