Flotation or froth flotation is a process used to separate hydrophobic materials from hydrophilic materials. Hydrophobic materials are those that have little affinity for water. Oil is a very common example of a hydrophobic material. Hydrophilic materials, on the other hand, have a great affinity for water. Alcohols are common examples of hydrophilic materials.
The froth flotation process is commonly used in the mining industry to separate out minerals from other materials. Here, the material is first crushed and then mixed with water and flotation agents. Air is passed through the mixture and bubbles form. The hydrophobic matter attaches to these bubbles and is easily removed from the top. Hydrophilic materials, on the other hand, are part of the solution and hence get separated out.
Froth flotation can also be used in the wastewater treatment process to remove fat, oil and grease from wastewater.
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