A Mini Review on Flotation Techniques and Reagents Used in Graphite Beneficiation

Table 4

Merits and demerits of different beneficiation techniques.

Beneficiation techniques	Merits	Demerits
Microwave pretreatment	(i) Selective and easy heating; (ii) Energy efficient; (iii) Environment-friendly output	(i) Low absorption of microwave; (iii) Overall high energy requirement; (iii) Longer processing time
Comminution	(i) Enhanced surface area; (ii) Modifies particle-size distribution as per industry requirements	(i) Very low gangue elimination; (ii) Can alter and damage particle shape; (iii) Further processing is required
Flotation	(i) Cost effective; (ii) Suitable for hydrophobic material; (iii) Specific gangue removal is possible; (iv)High purity output obtained up to 98%	(i) Multiple rougher/cleaner stages required; (ii) Use of chemicals which might be hazardous
Gravity Separation	(i) Inexpensive; (ii) Chemical free; (iii) Low heating involved; (iv) Large space requirement	(i) Less extent of separation; (ii) High capital investments
Air Elutriation	(i) Easy segregation by varying air velocities; (ii) Simple and easy maintenance	(i) Feed must have low moisture; (ii) Low size particles input feed is unfavourable
Electroflotation	(i) Higher efficiency; (ii) Faster bubble-particle interaction as compared to air bubble-particle interaction	(i) Complex process; (ii) High electric supplies required
Ultrasound-assisted flotation	(i) High purity product obtained; (ii) Release entrapped impurities	(i) Expensive; (ii) Complex; (iii) Less research done