Performance Evaluation of Process Variables for Selective Flocculation of Iron Fines Using Modified Amphoteric Starch Through Full Factorial Statistical Analysis

In this study, the effect of different process variables (pH, pulp density, and flocculant dosage) was investigated through statistical studies to know the individual and interactional effect on the responses of selective flocculation for low-grade iron fines using modified amphoteric starch as flocculant. For this study, a 3-level 3-factor (3(3)) full factorial experimental design was adopted and experiments were carried out accordingly to obtain the optimum values and its effect on responses. The maximum recovery of 84.05% and highest grade of 65.54% were recorded using 10% pulp density, pH value of 10, and 1.5 mg/g flocculant dosage from feed grade of 56.54%.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of different process variables on the responses of selective flocculation for low-grade iron fines using modified amphoteric starch as flocculant. It found that the maximum recovery and highest grade were achieved with specific values of pulp density, pH, and flocculant dosage.