Abstract
Physical characteristics of mineral aggregates (such as density, size, shape, structure and strength) formed by either electrolytic coagulation or polymeric flocculation, need to be critically controlled by optimum conditioning in mineral processing. The present paper discusses the various experimental techniques used to determine these properties. In addition, physical and chemical factors that determine the rates of floe growth and which subsequently influence the floe morphology are summarised. This review also elucidates the hydrodynamic aspects of creeping flow and summarises the various settling velocity equations pertaining to the calcuation of floe density.