Patent ID: 8915374
Filing Date: 2014-12-23
Classification: B01D,B03D,C02F

Abstract:
1. A process for separating finely divided particulate matter and/or liquid droplets from a liquid containing the same including: (i) a flocculation and flotation step in which an amount of a stimulus-sensitive polymer is added to the liquid containing the finely divided particulate matter and/or liquid droplets for a time and under conditions sufficient to partition a portion of the finely divided particulate matter; (ii) a separation step in which a portion of the partitioned finely divided particulate matter and/or liquid droplets is separated from step (i), wherein the flotation step is conducted under first conditions such that the stimulus-sensitive polymer is substantially hydrophilic and then second conditions such that the stimulus-sensitive polymer is substantially hydrophobic, whereby the substantially hydrophilic stimulus-sensitive polymer minimises heterocoagulation between two different types of finely divided particulate matter and/or liquid droplets.