flotation
nounUS /floʊˈteɪʃən/ · UK /fləʊˈteɪʃən/
Etymology From float + -ation.
1
A state of floating, or being afloat.
2
The ability (as of a tire or snowshoes) to stay on the surface of soft ground or snow.
3
Business, Mining A process of separating minerals by agitating a mixture with water and detergents etc; selected substances being carried to the surface in air bubbles.
Chemical engineering