Project Details
Projekt
MultiDimFlot - efficient multidimensional ultrafine particle separation using a mechanical flotation cell combined with froth fractionation
Applicant
Dr.-Ing. Martin Rudolph
Subject Area
Mechanical Process Engineering
Term
from 2017 to 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 382122670
MultiDimFlot stands for the development of a technology aiming for the efficient multidimensional separation of ultrafine particles (x < 10 µm) by a combination of intensive mechanical flotation in a rotor-stator cell and fractionation in a deep froth, as part of a total of six years lasting priority program DFG SPP2045 MehrDimPart. The separation is meant to be multidimensional (based on various separation parameters) with respect to the following, often synergistic and usually statistically distributed particle properties: size, shape (including roughness) and surface energy (including surface compositions). The main aims are: (i) expand the limits of conventional flotation processes (10 µm < x < 200 µm) towards ultrafine particles, for a sustainable value chain within the raw materials and recycling branch avoiding disposal of slimes and at the same time (ii) enabling the efficient multidimensional separation technology through an in depth understanding on the microscale and usage for (iii) the technology transfer of the well-known method from the raw materials industry to the German and European based chemical industry of the production and processing of ultrafine particles.MultiDimFlot has as an applicative goal the development of the processing technology concept of separating ultrafine particles based on several, even combined particle properties: size, shape, roughness and surface energy (wettability). The concept is based on froth flotation bringing together the advantageousness of high collision rates with in a mechanical cell and the fractionating properties of a deep, water-washed froth based on the latest in knowledge on the flotation of ultra-fines. The technology shall be valid also for larger amount of material for a broad application range from resource industries to the general chemical industry. By through investigations on the micro scale and investigations on particle and process property relations it is envisaged to follow the scientific goal of high impact findings within the chemical engineering community especially for interface engineering and particle technologies. It is thought to serve the improved understanding of the behavior of ultra-fines in general, opening up the path to novel, efficient and sustainable processes. Having MultiDimFlot be part of the DFG SPP2045 priority program aims to profit from the improved transfer of knowledge amongst a group researchers by strong networking capabilities, through discussions and joint usage of research infrastructure.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
