University of Alaska, Institute of Water Resources
Abstract
The foaming technique has found extensive use for organic, ion,
and colloid separations from liquid systems. When used to remove
an ion or a colloid, a specific surface-active agent of opposite
charge to the particle being removed is added to the solution and
floated to the surface of the suspension by gas bubbles. The ion
or colloid is adsorbed at the bubble interfaces and collected within
the froth formed at the surface of the container. The froth, with
the contaminant or concentrated material (depending upon the process
and its use) is physically separated at this point and further processed
or discharged to waste. The clarified bottom liquid is
therefore suitable for other uses. In the water supply field, the
bottom liquid is the important product that is to be recovered and
used for consumptive purposes.
Much research has been performed on the theory and applications
of various adsorptive bubble separation methods. These studies are
well documented in the literature for various industries and applications
which might take advantage of the method. It was not the
intent of this work to amplify the findings of other research. The
project was undertaken in an attempt to scale-up laboratory experiments
previously performed at this Institute. No extension of theory,
new processes, or revolutionary findings were attempted.The work upon which this report is based was supported by
funds provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior,
Office of Water Resources Research, as authorized under
the Water Resources Research Act of 1964. Project Number: A-024-ALAS
Agreement Number: 14-01-0001-107
