I am interested in oil-particle aggregation in fresh water. I have used Kaolinite with DI water and tap water and mixed them in jar test for approximately 30 mins , but i did not notice any aggregation. Once I add the sediment to water it sinks immediately to the bottom of the jar. I tried to add alum and NaCl but still , no aggregation. do you guys have any recommendation ? and is jar test apparatus subtitle to form oil particle aggregates ? Thank you
Particle aggregation can be induced by adding salts or another chemical referred to as coagulant or flocculant. The term ”Flocculation” is commonly used when aggregation is induced by addition of polymers or polyelectrolytes.
Indeed, the addition of salt can promote flocculation, but not in all clays. In fact, in kaolin the effect can be quite the opposite. If you work with kaolin, you should know that pH is the strongest control on its behaviour, more than the saline concentration. On the other hand, adding salt to a suspension of montmorillonite in water will make it settle much faster. Depending on the dominant cation in the montmorillonite you are using, you will notice different behaviourw with sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium chlorides.
Salt don't usually have much effect on kaolin as it does on montmorrrillonite.
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