Abstract: A method for mineral upgrading or concentration, characterized in that a gangue-associated mineral having a hydrophobic surface and being in particulate form, is contacted with particles of a magnetic material also having a hydrophobic surface, whereby the mineral particles become attached to the surface of the magnetic particles, the magnetic particles with the attached mineral particles are separated from the gangue by magnetic means, and the mineral particles are then detached from the magnetic particles.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is a novel comprehensive process for maximizing the recovery of valuable mineral values from coal ash. Options may also be included for the production of saleable inorganic chemical by-products. The process employs both physical and chemical extraction techniques that maximize the yield of products while reducing the quantity of waste produced. Valuable minerals and chemicals such as cenospheres (hollow microspheres), carbon, magnetite (Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4), alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), iron oxide (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3) and iron chloride (FeCl.sub.3) may be produced. Due to removal of carbon, magnetite, and iron oxide from the coal ash, the processed ash comprises a quality pozzolan.

Abstract: A method of separating the constituent minerals of a mixture of minerals requires the introduction of fine particles of magnetic material such as finely ground particles of magnetite. The control of the zeta-potential of the minerals and particles of magnetic material provides heterocoagulation of the magnetized particles with one mineral but not the other to achieve separation. The method is ideally suitable for separating carbonates and phosphate ore and the separation process is enhanced by the addition of a surfactant such as oleate. The slurry is preferably subjected to low intensity magnetic separation to remove unattached particles of magnetic material which can be recycled to keep costs to a minimum.

Abstract: A magnetohydrostatic centrifuge of unique geometry in which an elongated separation space is provided within the bore of an elongate cylindrically shaped multipolar magnet. Separations are accomplished both with and without rotation by passing particles to be separated through the separation space within a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic fluid. Certain separations are preferably made using a quadrupolar magnet configuration with a paramagnetic fluid, others with a quadrupolar magnet and a ferromagnetic fluid, and still others, with a sextupolar magnet and a ferromagnetic fluid. Efficient use is made of the magnetic field through the use of a plurality of inner ducts creating a plurality of thin, elongate separation channels characterized by long particle dwell time and short drift distances during the separation process. Significant throughput capacity is achieved in a system in which the magnetic medium is pumped through the separator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method in the operation of magnetic separators comprising a plurality of canisters or like devices (4) containing magnetizable induction poles (41) arranged to pass through a magnetic field (1). While the canisters (4) are located in the magnetic field (1), a particle suspension is supplied (5) to the canisters, in which magnetizable particles are attracted to the induction poles (41). Rinsing fluid (6) may optionally be supplied to the canisters while the canisters are still located within the magnetic field (1), thereby to remove non-magnetic particles through discharge means (7a, 7b) for fluid and non-magnetic material. Outside the magnetic field flushing fluid is supplied in a flushing station (8, 56), this flushing fluid removing magnetic material through discharge means (8, 57) for magnetic material. The canisters (4) are provided with flexible sealing lips (36) as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: Particles having different properties (e.g. particulate fly ash and carbon) are separated by moving the particles forwards along a horizontal, gas-permeable electrode plate (1) above which is mounted a second electrode (2) having at least one plate (4) mounted at an acute angle (.alpha.) to the horizontal. Preferably, two plates (4) each extend sideways from a central block (3) of dielectric material. The particles are fluidized, continuously or intermittently, by a gas stream passed upwards through the plate (1), which may be of sintered metal. An alternating electric field is generated between the electrodes (1, 2) by a high voltage AC power source (14). The field lines (16) from each plate (4) curve to the side and impart centrifugal forces to particles charged by friction or conductive induction, which forces separate the lighter, more highly charged particles from the others. The particles may be moved by means of a vibratory transducer (12).

Abstract: An aluminosilicate ceramic product or article and a method of forming the article from as-mined ore. The product is useful as a proppant in gas and oil well fracturing. The ratio, on a calcined basis, of alumina to silica is between approximately 2.2 to 4.0. The amount of iron in the product is controlled as a function of the alumina to silica ratio so as to produce products having less than ten percent (10%) crush loss when subjected to a force of 10,000 psi.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for separating a concentrate containing two or more minerals having substantially similar paramagnetic properties by treating the minerals particles with a dispersing agent so as to maintain the particles adequately dispersed during a subsequent magnetic separation step. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention a method is provided for separating sulfide concentrate into at least two fractions. The process comprises obtaining a slurry of the sulfide minerals particles, adding a dispersing agent to the slurry so as to maintain the particles in the slurry dispersed during a subsequent magnetic separation step and thereafter passing the so dispersed particle slurry to a high gradient magnetic field whereby the more magnetic particles are retained within the field and the less magnetic particles pass therethrough thereby affecting separation.

Abstract: A method to isolate the paramagnetic fractions of a sediment to beneficiate the platinum and platinum group element ores therein comprising a differential magnetic filtration separation process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing and counting artificial drill cuttings from a returning drill mud containing a mixture of both artificial and natural drill cuttings. The artificial drill cuttings are injected into the drilling fluid and supplied to a drill string and have magnetic properties, while the natural drill cuttings do not. A rotary magnetic drum having a first endless belt travelling therearound receives the cuttings mixture and the magnetic artificial cuttings adhere to the first belt by being attracted to the drum, while the natural drill cuttings do not, thereby permitting separation of the two. The artificial cuttings are removed from the drum by a second endless belt cooperating with the first endless belt to define a nip between them. The belts positively engage with and remove the artificial cuttings from the drum.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustor is utilized as a source of drains, including spent calcium-based sorbent. The reacted sorbent is broken to expose unreacted portions which can be recycled to capture additional sulfur compounds. A separation is provided by a magnetic separator and an electrophoretic separator in order to obviate the load of recycling reacted sorbent and other waste material having no calorific value.

Abstract: A method of magnetically separating particles having different magnetic susceptibilities. A magnetic field is established in a colloidal suspension of magnetic particles which distribute to form a magnetic susceptibility gradient. The particles to be separated are introduced into the colloidal suspension. The introduced particles migrate along the magnetic susceptibility gradient to different regions having approximately the same magnetic susceptibilities as the introduced particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetic removal of nutshells from nutmeats is set forth wherein whole nuts are supplied to a glue applicator where they are covered with a water soluble glue. The covered nuts are sent to a normalizer which tumbles and conveys the nut and dissolves the binder to a substantially uniform, optimally thick coating. From the normalizer, the binder nuts are fed into a dusting drum which dusts iron filings, onto the coating and the nutshell. The coated nuts leaving the dusting drum are conveyed to a cracker which cracks the nutshells to separate the nutmeats therefrom. Cracked nutshells and nutmeats leaving the cracker is sent to a magnetic separator. To separate the coated nutshells from the nutmeat, the aggregate is conveyed past a magnetized roller, the shells being pulled from the aggregate by the roller and deposited onto a conveyor which transports the shells for collection or reprocessing.

Abstract: A method for the separation of suspended solids in waste water is disclosed. In order to clean waste water, suspended solids contained in the waste water are separated by adding a magnet-sensitive powder to the waste water, forming agglomerates by adhesion of the suspended solids with the magnet-sensitive powder, whereby the suspended solids are increased in weight to promote gravity settling, and attracting the agglomerates to one or more magnets attached to the bottom of the separation tank to precipitate the agglomerates rapidly. A device for the separation of suspended solids in waste water is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to separators for separating relatively magnetic particles from relatively non-magnetic particles in the dry state. The method of the invention involves allowing a mixture of the particles to flow past a magnet, preferably a high strength magnet, which is so arranged as to produce a strong magnetic field in a radial direction, the radial component greatly exceeding the axial component and the axial component exerting a force which is preferably substantially less than that of gravity. In this way, the magnetic particles are diverted towards the magnet but not retained by it while the non-magnetic particles continue in their original path.

Abstract: A rotary magnetic separator in which there are 4, 6, 8 or any greater even number of rotor plates and at least one yoke structure having 4, 6, 8 or any greater even number of legs corresponding to the number of rotor plates, the legs being arranged in two sets having equal numbers. A winding structure is provided for each set and energized such that the legs of one set present an opposite polarity pole to the legs of the other set. The central section of the or each yoke structure has an enlarged cross-section area arranged in step-wise manner.

Abstract: A unique, high-grade magnetite obtained from fly ash, the use thereof in the cleaning of coal, and low iron content fly ash.

Abstract: A method and a magnetic separator are disclosed particularly for the removal of particles of low magnetic susceptibility, present usually as impurities and often largely of submicron sizes, from aqueous slurries of clay or other minute mineral particles. A high intensity magnetic field is established between vertically spaced pole members in the general direction of flow of the slurry through a canister disposed between confronting surfaces of the pole members, the canister being packed with multitudinous elongate ferromagnetic elements which present surface irregularities with each contacting, yet also spaced from others, so as to constitute a flux conductive matrix that diverts the slurry flow into diverse courses and concentrates the flux at myriad points therein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating titaniferous and ferruginous discolorants from a crude kaolin clay. A dispersed aqueous slurry of the clay is formed containing a deflocculant and a fatty acid collecting agent, and the slurry is conditioned to coat the discolorants with the collecting agent to thereby render the discolorants hydrophobic. A system of sub-micron sized magnetic ferrite seeding particles, the surfaces of which have been rendered hydrophobic, is thereupon added to the slurry. The seeded slurry is mixed to coalesce the hydrophobic-surfaced discolorants with the hydrophobic-surfaced seeding particles, and the slurry is then subjected to a froth flotation, which removes substantial quantities of the discolorants and seeding partices coalesced therewith, and also removes excess seeding particles and excess collecting agent.

Abstract: Oil shale mineral solids are separated from a fluid in a process comprising heating the mineral solids to at least the magnetic transformation temperature of a portion of the solids and thereafter magnetically separating mineral solids from the feed. High gradient magnetic separation techniques are preferred.

Abstract: The process of concentrating tin oxide minerals of fine particle size from material containing the same comprising the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of said material and subjecting said slurry to high intensity wet magnetic separation at a field strength and for a time sufficient to form a concentrate containing a major proportion of the tin oxide minerals originally present in the slurry.

Abstract: Calcined trona and/or nahcolite bearing ore particles are separated into a plurality of fractions of relatively uniform particle size. Those calcined particles smaller than about 6.7 mm in size and larger than about 0.2 mm in size are passed through an electrostatic separator to obtain an ore concentrate containing a greater percentage of soda ash and a lesser percentage of insoluble impurities than were present in the ore; a middling fraction and an ore tailing fraction containing a lesser percentage of soda ash and a greater percentage of insoluble impurities than were present in the ore. The middling fraction may be recycled to increase the yield of ore concentrate. Calcined particles smaller than about 0.2 mm may be combined with the ore concentrate. The combined ore concentrate fraction may be marked as technical grade soda ash or used as a high grade feed to a monohydrate refining process.

Abstract: An improved high gradient magnetic separation device wherein field gradients are produced by applying a relatively uniform magnetic field to a matrix of filamentary ferromagnetic material contained in a separation chamber, the improvement comprising providing the filamentary material with a coating of a hydrogel polymer. The improved device is particularly useful for the separation of biological entities, such as cells, proteins, organelles, enzymes, and the like for mixtures containing same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering magnetic particles from a fluid stream is provided. The fluid is contacted with a ferromagnetic element to cause attraction and collection of the particles. The ferromagnetic element is then heated to a temperature near or above the Curie temperature of at least one of (1) the ferromagnetic element and (2) collected magnetic particles. The collected magnetic particles are then disengaged from the ferromagnetic element. Preferably the ferromagnetic element is disposed in an applied magnetic field and the heating is preferred by passing alternating electric current through the element thereby causing sufficient vibration to disengage the particles.

Abstract: A procedure for the separation of arsenic from fluorite by means of magnetization and flotation of the pyrites present in the fluorite ore, and in which arsenic is associated, irrespectively of the chemical form in which said arsenic is present.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating titaniferous and ferruginous discolorants from a crude kaolin clay. A dispersed aqueous slurry of the clay is formed containing a deflocculant and a fatty acid collecting agent, and the slurry is conditioned to coat the discolorants with the collecting agent to thereby render the discolorants hydrophobic. A system of sub-micron sized magnetic ferrite seeding particles, the surfaces of which have been rendered hydrophobic, is thereupon added to the slurry. The seeded slurry is mixed to coalesce the hydrophobic-surfaced discolorants with the hydrophobic-surfaced seeding particles, and the slurry is then subjected to a froth flotation, which removes substantial quantities of the discolorants and seeding particles coalesced therewith, and also removes excess seeding particles and excess collecting agent.

Abstract: Oil shale mineral solids are separated from a fluid such as retorted shale oil by heating the mineral solids to a temperature above about 480.degree. C. and above the magnetic transformation temperature of at least a portion of the solids. The temperature of the solids is maintained above 480.degree. C. for no longer than about one minute, and the solids are magnetically separated. High gradient magnetic separation techniques are preferred.

Abstract: Soda ash is produced from crude trona ore in a novel process which comprises(a) reducing the ore particle size to a maximum of about 4.0 millimeters in diameter,(b) removing fines from the ore to produce a minimum particle size of about 0.1 millimeter in diameter,(c) differentially electrifying the ore particles according to differences in conductance,(d) segregating the ore particles by electrostatic separation into at least two fractions according to the differences in electrical charge resulting from the electrification of step (c), and(e) calcining the fraction of least conductance to convert the trona contained therein to soda ash,steps (a) through (d) occurring at a temperature not to exceed about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: Magnetic and non-magnetic materials are separated by passing stream thereof past coaxial current-carrying coils which produce a magnetic field wherein intensity varies sharply with distance radially of the axis of the coils.

Abstract: A method of separating more magnetic particles from less magnetic particles, contained in a fluid medium which is subjected to a magnetic field, in which as fluid liquified gas is used.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing high grade phosphate rock from low grades, slime or tailings by subjecting the low grade rock, slime or tailings to a calcination treatment at a temperature within the range from 1000.degree. F. to 1600.degree. F., and preferably from 1400.degree. F. to 1600.degree. F., until a fraction of said rock, slime or tailings becomes magnetically attractable, and subjecting the treated material to a high strength magnetic field to separate the same magnetically into at least two fractions, one of increased BPL and one of decreased BPL.

Abstract: A unique, high-grade magnetite obtained from fly ash, the use thereof in the cleaning of coal, and low iron content fly ash.

Abstract: A process for the upgrading of aluminum mineral bearing raw materials by using at least three beneficiation treatment stages consisting of dispersion of a pulp of the material in specific pH ranges, screening in specific mesh sizes, and using at least one stage of high intensity magnetic separation.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for separating and recovering zinc and zinc alloy particles which are nickel plated from non-ferrous non-magnetic automotive scrap material. The scrap material is transported on a belt conveyor past a magnetic field where the path of the zinc particles with nickel are deflected into a path separated from the remaining scrap material. Subsequently the zinc and zinc alloy materials are recovered by a pyrometallurgical process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating accompanying minerals which are weakly magnetic from useful minerals or ores which are nonmagnetic or less magnetic than the accompanying minerals that are to be separated therefrom, and it is its objective to make magnetic pre-separation of such weakly magnetic accompanying minerals feasible. This is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the ore is crushed to a grain size of 0.2 mm at most, and is separated in a magnetic separator operating with a strong magnetic field, if desired after removal of the strongly magnetic fragments of grinding bodies by means of a magnetic separator operating with a weak magnetic field, and prior to separation by flotation, which may also be applied if desired.

Abstract: One or more mineral values of sulfide ores are beneficiated by cotreating the sulfide ore with a metal containing compound and a reducing gas under conditions such as to selectively enhance the magnetic susceptibility of the mineral values to the exclusion of the gangue in order to permit a physical separation between the values and gangue.

Abstract: An improved method for separating minute, weakly magnetically susceptible particles from an aqueous clay-water slurry containing said particles in minor concentration with substantially non-magnetic minute mineral particles. In accordance with the improvement, the effects of subjecting said particles to separation in a magnetic field, are augmented by subjecting the slurry to a preliminary treatment which mechanically works the dispersed phase of the slurry as to effect release of the contaminant particles. Such working may, for example, be provided by subjecting the slurry, preferably at high solids content, to mechanical shear, to high velocity impact, or to kneading.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing magnetic articles from a flow of loosely packed material containing a mixture of magnetic articles and non-magnetic articles having a rotatable elongated support shaft, a plurality of metal plates coaxially aligned in spaced parallel relationship with each other and coaxially aligned with and mounted on the elongated support shaft and rotatable therewith and wherein each of the metal plates extend substantially vertically outwardly from the elongated support shaft and by the material flow or by the elongated support shaft and a plurality of magnetic members coaxially aligned with and mounted on the elongated support shaft and located in the spaces between the metal plates wherein the magnetic members each extend substantially vertically outwardly from the support shaft and have a periphery which is spaced a predetermined distance from the periphery of the metal plates and wherein each magnetic member is formed of a magnetic material having a magnetic flux density of sufficient magnitude

Abstract: A process for the upgrading of aluminum mineral bearing raw materials by using at least three beneficiation treatment stages consisting of dispersion of a pulp of the material in specific pH ranges, screening in specific mesh sizes, and using at least one stage of high intensity magnetic separation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cleansing a matrix of a magnetic separator and more particularly a wet-magnetic separator having adherent magnetic material. The matrix is cleansed both with a liquid medium and an additional gaseous compressible medium. The introduction of the compressible medium is controlled in accordance with a measure of the adherent magnetic material present.

Abstract: A method of removing foreign materials from developers characterized by intermittently supplying a magnetic developer to the peripheral surface of a nonmagnetic sleeve provided with a rotatable magnet roller in its interior, while recovering, at a position a specified distance away from the location of supply of the developer along the sleeve peripheral surface, the forward end portion of a layer of the developer moving along the sleeve peripheral surface in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the magnetic roller to thereby remove foreign materials from the magnetic developer.

Abstract: One or more mineral values of metal oxide ores selected from the group consisting of bauxite, taconite, apatite, titanium oxides and the metal oxides of Groups, IIIB, IVB, VB VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, IIB and IVA are beneficiated by treating the ore with a metal containing compound under conditions such as to selectively enhance the magnetic susceptibility of the mineral values to the exclusion of the gangue in order to permit a physical separation between the values and gague.

Abstract: A process for the metallurgical treatment of pyroxenite-type ore, which comprises comminuting the ore to a particle size range of between about 40 and 600 micron, or alternatively between about 40 to 1000 micron, and thereafter subjecting the comminuted ore to dry HIMS to recover a non-attracted apatite concentrate from weakly attracted silicate minerals contained in the pyroxenite ore. Another aspect of the invention relates to the recovery of phlogopite and/or vermiculite from more weakly attracted diopside and non-attracted apatite by dry HIMS. A further aspect of the invention relates to particle size fractionation by pneumatic classification followed by dry HIMS, electrostatic separation and dry HIMS, and electrostatic separation alone, applied respectively to fine, medium, and coarse particle size fractions respectively to recover apatite from silicate minerals contained in pyroxenite ore.

Abstract: A method for reducing the sulfur content of coal which involves an integrated, continuous process including the steps of grinding the coal in a dry state, activating the ground coal to increase substantially the magnetic susceptibility of the pyrite contained therein, and separating the thus activated pyrite magnetically from the remainder of the coal.

Abstract: A method and device for separating particles suspended in a liquid by guiding these particles through a bed of balls of ferro magnetic material and by moving these balls together with the particles through a magnetic field, by supplying a washing liquid during the passage of the particles through the magnetic field for washing off the non-magnetic particles and by supplying a liquid outside the magnetic field for discharging the magnetizable particles. After leaving the magnetic field the balls and the magnetizable particles fall freely over some distance.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating magnetic particles from an ore material whereby an ore material intermixed with a liquid or gaseous carrier is fed through a separating zone acted upon by a magnetic field generated by a superconducting solenoid magnet. During passage through the separating zone, the magnetic particles in the ore material are attracted toward the periphery of the zone while the nonmagnetic particles substantially remain at the center whereupon each is then separately collected by mechanical means.

Abstract: One or more mineral values of sulfide ores are beneficiated by treating the sulfide ore with a metal containing compound under conditions such as to selectively enhance the magnetic susceptibility of the mineral values to the exclusion of the gangue in order to permit a physical seaparation between the values and gangue.

Abstract: A method for magnetically separating titaniferous discolorants from a crude kaolin clay. A dispersed aqueous slurry of the clay is formed and ferrimagnetic particles are thereupon spontaneously coflocculated with the titaniferous discolorants by seeding the slurry with a system of said particles. The system includes predominantly sub-micron size particles, and the particles further, have an isoelectric point in relation to that of the titaniferous discolorants to enable the spontaneous coflocculation. The slurry is thereupon passed through a porous ferromagnetic matrix in the presence of a magnetic field, to separate the coflocculated particles and discolorants at the matrix.

Abstract: A method for separating a metallic mineral from an ore containing same. An aqueous dispersed slurry of the ore is formed, and the slurry is mixed with a system of transiently suspended ferrimagnetic particles of predominantly colloidal size. The particles are further characterized by an isoelectric point in relation to the slurried mineral sought to be separated, such that the particles spontaneously co-flocculate with the mineral to seed same. The resultant seeded slurry is passed through a porous ferromagnetic matrix in the presence of a magnetic field, which separates the seeded mineral at the matrix.

Abstract: A unique, high-grade magnetite obtained from fly ash, the use thereof in the cleaning of coal, and low iron content fly ash.