Abstract
The influence of certain surfactants on the dewatering of fine iron ore sludge flocculated with anionic flocculants has been investigated in a laboratory-scale vacuum filtration unit. The filtration data have been used in calculating the cake parameters from an integrated form of Darcy's law. A narrow concentration range of surfactant enables reduction of the specific cake resistance and an enhanced rate of filtration. The non ionic surfactant polyethylene oxide (PEO) was most effective in reducing the moisture content of the cake. Filter cake with 12.6% moisture content has been obtained using this surfactant. The surface tension reduction mechanism is responsible to some extent for the enhanced dewatering, but does not account for all the effects. A complex surfactant adsorption mechanism in the presence of flocculants seems to play a greater role in enhancing dewatering.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
