In literature, neutral polyethylene oxide (PEO) flocculated fines at low shear rates, while with cofactor (CF) addition, the formed CF-PEO complex showed larger ability to bridge fines, producing flocs. In this work, some process factors were found having significant effects on fines flocculation. Increases in CF to PEO ratio at constant PEO enhanced the bridging bonds, causing increases in flocculation initial rate (efficiency), amplitude (floc size), and fastness (a decrease in characteristic time). O n the other hand, an increase in stirring rate (shear rate) in flocculation vessel caused decreases in initial rate and amplitude, and an increase in the fastness. All runs showed transient flocculation; the amplitude increased with time, reached maximum at equilibrium, and then started to decrease showing deflocculation. In brief, the CF to PEO ratio and the shear rate were found important parameters in mill operation, having significant effects on flocculation efficiency, fastness, and floc size.
KeywordsPolyethylene OxideCofactorFlocculationShearing and Bridging
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