Since flocculation depends on molecular weight of
the flocculant, settling tests were used to evaluate the effect of
shearing, i.e., the effect of flocculant molecular weight on flocculation.
Fig. 8 shows the settling rate of the fine quartz suspension
(a 325/+400 mesh fraction of purified quartz), at a constant
dosage of A-110 flocculant of 5 g/t as a function of stirring time.
As Fig. 8 demonstrates, the tested flocculant was losing its flocculation
power as a result of stirring.