Mechanical separations techniques

Mechanical separations techniques

• Mechanical separations are applicable to heterogeneous mixtures, not to homogeneous solutions
• These techniques are based on physical differences between the particles such as size shape or density and grouped into five headings as

1.     Separation of solids from solids

·        Screening, Electrostatic separation, and Magnetic separation

2.     Separation of solids from solids in liquids

·        Jigging, Flotation, Classification, and tabling

3.     Separation of solids from liquids

·        Filtration and sedimentation

4.     Separation of solids or liquid drop from gases

·        Gravity settling, centrifugal separation or settling filtration and electrostatic precipitation

5.     Separation of liquids from liquids

·        Gravity decanter or centrifugal decanter