FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION (sedimentation in general B01D21/00; in combination with other separation of solids B03B; sink-float separation B03B5/28; detergents, soaps C11D)

Description

B03D covers flotation and differential sedimentation processes for separating solid materials based on their physical and chemical properties in liquid media. Flotation methods exploit differences in surface wettability and hydrophobicity to selectively separate mineral particles, while differential sedimentation separates solids by exploiting differences in settling rates under gravity or centrifugal forces. This subclass encompasses flotation equipment (cells, columns), reagent systems, and process control methods, as well as sedimentation and clarification devices used in mineral processing, wastewater treatment, and industrial separation applications. Related separations by magnetic or electrostatic means are classified elsewhere in B03.