Extraction of Aluminum Hydroxide from Aqueous Chloride Solutions in the Presence of Hardness Salts and Surfactants of Various Nature

The results of experimental studies of the electroflotation extraction of sparingly soluble Al3+ compounds from aqueous solutions in the presence of surfactants of various nature and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+) are reported. It was found that the Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+ ions in a solution at a concentration of 0.5 g L–1 reduces the electroflotation removal rate of Al(OH)3 up to 31, 23, and 28% in the presence of Mg2+, Ca2+, and Ba2+, respectively. Introduction of surfactants to the system increases the Al(OH)3 removal rate up to 64, 93, and 95% in the presence Mg2+, Ca2+, and Ba2+ ions, respectively. The high efficiency of the electroflotation extraction of the dispersed phase is associated with the adsorption of surfactants on Al(OH)3 and particle surface hydrophobization.