Froth-Flotation and Density-Separation Facility

Argonne Froth-Flotation/Density-Separation Test Facility: Large-scale test facilities are also in place at Argonne to conduct the research to define process conditions for selective separation of thermoplastics from any type of mixed-plastics waste stream. The test facilities include a froth-flotation test stand shown above. The froth-flotation test stand (from right to left) includes a feedhopper, screw-conveyor for feeding the plastics into the mixing tank, a froth-flotation/density-separation tank with a window to allow measurements of settling velocities, and tanks for recovering the plastics which float and those which sink. Controls and instrumentation for measuring solution pH, surface tension, density, and viscosity are included in the stand.