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Separations
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Separation and Extraction Technology in Mineral Processing
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Separation and Extraction Technology in Mineral Processing

A special issue of Separations (ISSN 2297-8739). This special issue belongs to the section "Separation Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2025 | Viewed by 6464

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Guixia Fan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Henan Critical Metals Institute, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
Interests: theory and technology of low-quality mineral separation
Dr. Jianhua Kang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China
Interests: mineral processing; wastewater treatment; separation technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Separations is dedicated to the dissemination of novel methods utilizing separation and extraction technology in mineral processing. This includes the separation and/or extraction of metallic ore, non-metallic ore, oxidized ore, sulfide ore and mining solid waste. Methods involving the theory and technology of gravity, magnetic and flotation separation, chemical reaction extraction engineering, environmental chemical engineering and so on are also of interest. Papers which describe novel theory and its application to practice are welcome, as are those which illustrate the transfer of techniques from other disciplines.

Dr. Guixia Fan
Dr. Jianhua Kang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Separations is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fine-grained minerals
  • surface and interface process
  • adsorption kinetics
  • flotation mechanism
  • molecular dynamics simulation
  • solution chemistry
  • selective separation
  • reagent development

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 5169 KiB  
Article
Research on the Flotation Mechanism of Microemulsion Collector Enhanced Removal of Dyeing Impurities from Phosphogypsum
by Xiaosheng Yu, Lijun Deng, Changpan Shen, Huiyong Li, Jingchao Li, Yijun Cao, Guoli Zhou and Guosheng Li
Separations 2025, 12(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12010007 - 31 Dec 2024
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Phosphogypsum is an industrial byproduct that is limited in its high-value application due to the presence of dyeing impurities (such as organic matter and carbon black). The flotation method has been verified to be effective in separating these dyeing impurities from gypsum. In [...] Read more.
Phosphogypsum is an industrial byproduct that is limited in its high-value application due to the presence of dyeing impurities (such as organic matter and carbon black). The flotation method has been verified to be effective in separating these dyeing impurities from gypsum. In this study, microemulsion was used as the collector method of dyeing impurities for their separation from gypsum. The results of flotation tests showed that the microemulsion collector exhibited excellent collection capability and selectivity under natural pH conditions (pH = 1.5). With a microemulsion collector consumption of 400 g/t, purified gypsum of 65.1% whiteness, 95.74% yield, and 97.01% recovery was obtained. The purified gypsum of 65.1% whiteness, 95.74% yield, 97.01 recovery obtained by a used microemulsion collector amount of 400 g/t was better than using the same dosage of kerosene collector. The dispersion behavior of the microemulsion collector was studied by low-temperature transmission electron microscopy. The microemulsion collector demonstrated superior dispersibility, as it forms nano-oil droplets with an average size of 176.83 nm in the pulp, resolving issues associated with poor dispersibility observed in traditional kerosene collectors. Additionally, the nano-oil droplets effectively adsorbed onto the surface of dyeing impurities through hydrogen bonding, enhancing their hydrophobicity. Therefore, the microemulsion collector holds great potential for application in flotation whitening processes involving phosphogypsum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Separation and Extraction Technology in Mineral Processing)
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18 pages, 4958 KiB  
Article
Roles of Nitrogen- and Sulphur-Containing Groups in Copper Ion Adsorption by a Modified Chitosan Carboxymethyl Starch Polymer
by Zhongbao Hua, Yujie Dong, Liang Chen, Feng Jiang, Honghu Tang and Dongxia Feng
Separations 2024, 11(10), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11100283 - 1 Oct 2024
Viewed by 868
Abstract
Owing to the toxicity and widespread use of copper, the pollution caused by copper ions has become a long-standing environmental and industrial challenge. In this study, a new adsorbent was developed to dispose of and remove copper ions from water. The modified chitosan–carboxymethyl [...] Read more.
Owing to the toxicity and widespread use of copper, the pollution caused by copper ions has become a long-standing environmental and industrial challenge. In this study, a new adsorbent was developed to dispose of and remove copper ions from water. The modified chitosan–carboxymethyl starch (MCTS-CMS) polymer was characterised, and FTIR and SEM-EDS confirmed the successful graft modification of the receptor. The adsorption behaviour was investigated through various parameters, and the results showed that the optimal parameters were pH > 4.0, an adsorption time of 30 min, a reaction temperature of 293 K, and an initial concentration of 100–120 mg/L. The experimental data exhibited a good fit with pseudo-second-order models, and the Langmuir isotherm revealed that the polymer was found to be highly suitable for adsorption, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 321.16 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous. XRD and XPS confirmed the generation of posnjakite after the adsorption and the predominant roles of nitrogen- and sulphur-containing groups in the adsorption. Further analysis confirmed the existence of chemisorption and physical adsorption, with chemisorption mainly facilitating the Cu(II) absorption of the polymer. MCTS-CMS showed an excellent removal efficiency of 98% in acidic solutions. On the basis of these findings, the MCTS-CMS polymer demonstrates excellent performance and high selectivity in the removal of copper ions from industrial wastewater or polluted water bodies. This work recommends expanding the polymer’s practical applications to contribute to water purification efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Separation and Extraction Technology in Mineral Processing)
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16 pages, 8600 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Flotation Bubbles Movement Behavior under the Influence of an Immersed Ultrasonic Vibration Plate
by Kuidong Gao, Wenchao Zong, Zhihua Zhang, Liqing Sun and Lin Li
Separations 2024, 11(8), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11080234 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1152
Abstract
Ultrasonic flotation is widely used as an efficient mineral separation method. Its efficiency is related to the adhesion behavior between fine particles and flotation bubbles, which can be influenced by the bubbles’ movement behavior. This paper used two immersed ultrasonic vibration plates to [...] Read more.
Ultrasonic flotation is widely used as an efficient mineral separation method. Its efficiency is related to the adhesion behavior between fine particles and flotation bubbles, which can be influenced by the bubbles’ movement behavior. This paper used two immersed ultrasonic vibration plates to generate ultrasonic action and investigated the effect of ultrasonic action on the rising process of flotation bubbles. The distribution, aggregation and fusion, velocity, and other characteristics of bubbles generated by different needle apertures were studied by experimental and simulation methods. The results showed that a 0.4 mm needle produced bubbles that were more evenly spaced and more uniform in size and shape. The ultrasonic action can make the bubbles aggregate together and reduce the bubble rise velocity, as well as prolong their time in the flotation process at the same time. It is beneficial to the sufficient collision and adhesion behavior between flotation bubbles and particles, eventually improving the efficiency of mineral flotation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Separation and Extraction Technology in Mineral Processing)
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14 pages, 6020 KiB  
Article
Flotation Separation of Cassiterite from Calcite Using Low-Molecular-Weight Citrus Pectin as Depressant
by Chenyang Yao, Yachao Li, Peng Li, Xiaokui Che, Guosheng Li, Fanfan Zhang, Weijun Peng, Bozeng Wu and Guixia Fan
Separations 2024, 11(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11040095 - 25 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1476
Abstract
This paper presents the development of an environmentally friendly, small molecular depressant citrus pectin for improving the recovery of cassiterite resources. Citrus pectin extracted from citrus peel was utilized as the depressant, and it demonstrated significant potential in separating calcite from cassiterite in [...] Read more.
This paper presents the development of an environmentally friendly, small molecular depressant citrus pectin for improving the recovery of cassiterite resources. Citrus pectin extracted from citrus peel was utilized as the depressant, and it demonstrated significant potential in separating calcite from cassiterite in micro-flotation tests. The molecular weight of the citrus pectin extracted in this paper decreased from 11,485,412 Da to 32,959 Da compared to commercial pectin, resulting in the depressant efficiency of the reagent. The results of a zeta potential and adsorption test indicated that citrus pectin had less and weaker adsorption on the cassiterite surface and could be replaced with NaOL. The chemical adsorption process of citrus pectin on the surface of calcite was determined through FTIR spectroscopy analysis. XPS analysis results indicated that the interaction between the carboxyl groups of citrus pectin and calcium atoms enables adsorption to occur. The AFM revealed that citrus pectin displayed a uniform and dense pattern of point-like adsorption on the surface of calcite. Micro-flotation experiments showed that cassiterite recovery of 80% can be obtained at a citrus pectin dosage of 10 mg/L. Citrus pectin has the advantages of being low-cost, highly selective, and environmentally suitable, making it a promising alternative to conventional reagents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Separation and Extraction Technology in Mineral Processing)
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18 pages, 7788 KiB  
Article
Preparation and NH4+ Adsorption Performance of Ultrafine Lignite-Based Porous Materials
by Siyuan Zhang, Yuping Fan, Xianshu Dong, Xiaomin Ma, Maoqing Yang and Wei Xiao
Separations 2024, 11(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11020040 - 27 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1790
Abstract
This study aimed to increase the ammonium nitrogen adsorption capacity of lignite using ultrafine grinding, aiming to reduce eutrophication in water bodies. Ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 was employed as a stand-in for ammonium nitrogen in water solutions. The lignite [...] Read more.
This study aimed to increase the ammonium nitrogen adsorption capacity of lignite using ultrafine grinding, aiming to reduce eutrophication in water bodies. Ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 was employed as a stand-in for ammonium nitrogen in water solutions. The lignite sample for adsorption was processed with varying milling times. Adsorption efficacy was assessed primarily through isothermal adsorption tests and other techniques. Additionally, the study delved into the adsorption mechanisms. The results demonstrate that lignite ground for 50 min follows monolayer adsorption, characterized by minimal pore size and reduced diffusion rates, thereby extending the time to reach equilibrium and maximizing adsorption. BET and SEM analyses show that coal powder is effectively ground by zirconia balls in a vertical stirring mill, diminishing its particle size and forming new micropores. Concurrently, larger native pores are transformed into mesopores and micropores, providing numerous sites for NH4+ adsorption. XPS and FTIR analyses indicate an increase in exposed carbonaceous surfaces and oxygen-containing functional groups in ultrafine lignite. Ammonium ions replace hydrogen in carboxyl groups to form COONH4, and hydrogen bonds may form between NH4+ and C-O groups. Additionally, the electrostatic attraction between NH4+ and the coal surface further enhances adsorption. It can be concluded that the physical grinding process increases the specific surface area and creates more active adsorption sites, which in turn, boosts NH4+ adsorption capacity. The maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity is as high as 550 mg/g. This study suggests that ultrafine lignite is a promising material for treating ammonia-nitrogen wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Separation and Extraction Technology in Mineral Processing)
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