Selective Agglomeration of Engineered Artificial Minerals (EnAM) in a Suspension of Comminuted Slag

该项目的目的是通过在工程人工矿物（EnAM）的碎渣相悬浮液中结块来选择性地提取有价值的矿物。选择性团聚是基于对粒径≤10-20µm的悬浮颗粒润湿特性的控制和修饰，根据颗粒的润湿特性，选择性地结合成典型粒径为0.2-1mm的团聚体。选择性团聚后，这些团聚体可以通过筛分从剩余的悬浮液中分离出来。该项目的重点将是系统地改变润湿性能，并研究颗粒与结合液体之间的相互作用，以及选择性团聚。结合选择合适的结合液，可以通过改变pH值、使用表面活性物质或络合剂来改变润湿性能。本项目主要解决以下核心问题：1)如何对悬浮液中有价值物质的润湿特性进行特异性修改？为此，将研究表面活性物质的使用、络合剂的使用以及pH值对润湿性能的影响。2)有针对性的选择性团聚需要哪些结合液和团聚条件？对于这个问题，必须考虑可能的粘合剂的筛选，添加方式，整个团聚过程中能量输入的变化和监测以及时间发展。3)经表面改性后，陶瓷陶瓷的润湿性能和颗粒与结合液滴之间的相互作用力发生了怎样的变化？对单个颗粒的润湿特性和相互作用力的精确量化和研究是理解有价EnAM选择性团聚的重要基础。

The aim of the project is to extract selectively valuable minerals by agglomeration in the suspension of a crushed slag phase of the Engineered Artificial Minerals (EnAM). The selective agglomeration is based on the controlled use and modification of the wetting properties of suspended particles in the size range ≤ 10-20µm Depending on the wetting properties, particles are selectively bound into agglomerates with a typical diameter of 0.2-1mm. These agglomerates can be separated from the remaining suspension by sieving after selective agglomeration.The focus of this project will be on the systematic modification of the wetting properties and the investigation of interparticle interactions between particles and binding liquid with regard to selective agglomeration. In conjunction with the selection of suitable binding fluids, the wetting properties can be modified by changing the pH value, the use of surface-active substances or complexing agents.The following central questions are being addressed in this project:1) How can the wetting properties of valuable substances in suspension be specifically modified?For this purpose, the use of surface-active substances, the use of complexing agents and the modification of the pH value on the wetting properties will be investigated.2) Which binding liquids and agglomeration conditions are required for targeted selective agglomeration?A screening of possible binders, the way of addition, the variation and monitoring of the energy input over the whole agglomeration process as well as the temporal development have to be considered for this question.3) How do the wetting properties and interaction forces between particles and binding liquid droplets change after surface modification of the EnAM-crystals?The precise quantification and investigation of the wetting properties and interaction forces on individual particles is an essential basis for understanding the selective agglomeration of valuable EnAM.