Effect of cationic surfactant addition on the electrokinetics and stability of silica/kaolinite suspensions in copper hydrometallurgy conditions

The presence of small particles at operating conditions the hydrometallurgy process forming crud is a complicated issue. These particles, most often silica and clays, remain in suspension or float to top. A potential solution for their elimination could be promote sedimentation solids by addition surfactant. However, such procedure these complex systems, with different kinds sizes requires evaluation composition optimal dose In this work, we explore use dynamic electrophoretic mobility indirectly evaluating adsorption CTAB on silica/kaolinite mixtures low pH, high ionic strength, particle concentration above 3%. electroacoustic technique (ESA) shows suitable predict effect surfactant individual kaolinite them. conclusions were agreement rate determinations. Moreover, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirm evolution aggregates formation structures between CTAB. Since final aim identification doses which described suspensions flocculate separate from continuous phase, investigation can potentially contribute solve operational problems associated generation process.