Froth Flotation



 Froth flotation is a process for separating hydrophobic materials from hydrophilic ones. In mining, it is used to separate the desired minerals from gangue, such as sulfides.

Process
 The process begins when the raw ore is crushed into a powder. This increases the surface area of the pieces of ore. The powder is mixed with water and a surfactant, a compound with a hydrophillic head and hydrophobic tail. In the case of their application to froth flotation, the surfactant makes the solution hydrophobic. The compound, known as pulp, is then added to a large bath of aerated water in the froth flotaton cell. The air in the water creates bubbles, which the hydrophobic powder clings to, rising to the surface. This creates a froth of desirable minerals, leaving gangue in the water. Depending on the contents of this gangue, it can then be disposed of, or further treated.