ABSTRACT
Flotation originated from mineral processing is a technique based on gravity separation. It utilizes bubble generation which is achieved by dispersed air flotation, dissolved-air flotation or electroflotation. Electroflotation (EF), a physical-chemical method, is used for the removal of dispersed particles from water. The primary advantages of EF include its ability to enable proper treatment without the use of additional chemicals and high dispersion of bubbles in the range of microns and tens of microns, which is up to two times smaller than the conventional froth flotation. Moreover, removal efficiencies of 99% within 5–10 minutes are achieved with EF. The removal efficiency of the EF process depends on certain operating parameters including type and configuration of electrode, current density, acidity and composition of medium, solution flow rate, bubble size and surface charge. EF process with the advantage of very fine and uniform dispersed gas bubbles, arrangeable gas bubbles concentration in the flotation medium is an easy process to combine with other water treatment processes. With this advantage, EF is a promising process.
