Recovery of Diatom Skeleton from Low Grade Diatomaceous Earth by Shape Separation Method Using Fluid Field

Shape separation method - a separation process which utilizes the fact that particles of different shape behave differently in force fields- is regarded as an useful measure for recycling, mineral processing, upgrading powdered material and so on. In this study, a trial was given to shape separation method using fluid field to recover pure diatom skeleton - which is thought to have many uses in itself and potential for various applications -from low grade diatomaceous earth of southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. The striking difference of shape between diatom skeleton and other minerals like clay and quartz made it natural to choose shape separation method. Considering the size of particles to be separated, among many possible methods of shape separation, hydrodynamic field using hydrocyclone was adopted. And it resulted in recovery of pure diatom skeleton with high purity