When is Serpeck's process preferred over Bayer's process? Both these processes are used in concentration of bauxite.
They use different reagents.   

Which is more commonly used (wikipedia says Bayer's) and why?
When is one preferred over the other?
Which is more efficient and why?
From this source

Baeyer's process: This method is mainly applied when ferric oxide is present as chief impurity.
Serpeck's process: This process is used when silica is present in considerable amount of bauxide ore.

I couldn't find any information on the efficiency , but I suspect both are efficient in their own way. We cannot compare these two processes as they are used for two different impurities.