Feature extraction from 2D and 3D images of flocs

Flocculation is a chemical treatment to improve the settling of fine particulate suspensions in the food, chemical, agricultural, and mineral processing industries. The size, shape, and density of the flocs influences their mechanical strength and settling rate; which are critically related to the efficiency of solid-liquid separation processes. The objective of this research is to test the theoretical predictions of 3D structure from 2D images of flocs by a direct comparison of 3D predictions and 3D measurements of floc structure. The broader context of the proposed work is to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of densification and thickening in difficult-to-treat mineral suspensions so that improved solid-liquid separation (SLS) treatment methods and technology may be designed. From an environmental standpoint, improved SLS processes result in decreased fresh water needs, a smaller ecological footprint, and a decreased likelihood of tailings spills.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marek Pawlik

Student:

Partner:

Delft University of Technology

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: