Abstract: A method of preparing agglomerates of ultra-fine coal particles includes mixing a film forming agglomeration aid (FFAA) with a quantity of ultra-fine coal particles to form ultra-fine coal particles coated with the FFAA. The FFAA has a lower surface energy relative to a surface of the ultra-fine coal particles. The FFAA is mixed with the ultra-fine coal particles in an amount less than 3% by weight of the ultra-fine coal particles on a dry basis. Agglomerates of the ultra-fine coal particles coated with the film forming agglomeration aid are formed using vibration, pelleting, and/or briquetting. The agglomerates have a size of at least 2 mm. The ultra-fine coal particles have a particle size less than 100 ?m. The agglomerate has a tumbler test friability less than 3%. The drop shatter friability is also less than 3%.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods, processes and devices that remove or release organics from ores, such as phosphate ores or secondary sources such as mine tailings or waste. The method comprises: preparing an ore to a pre-set size; mixing the ore with a reagent having an initial pH value in a slurry comprising the ore and the reagent; and while mixing the slurry, maintaining a pH level in the slurry to a pH range. While mixing the slurry, the slurry may produce a supernatant containing organic material removed from the ore and sediment containing refined ore. The method may also screen the slurry to create a first stream of materials that does not pass through the screen and a second stream of materials and refined ore that pass through the screen.

Abstract: A method of preparing agglomerates of ultra-fine coal particles includes mixing a film forming agglomeration aid (FFAA) with a quantity of ultra-fine coal particles to form ultra-fine coal particles coated with the FFAA. The FFAA has a lower surface energy relative to a surface of the ultra-fine coal particles. The FFAA is mixed with the ultra-fine coal particles in an amount less than 3% by weight of the ultra-fine coal particles on a dry basis. Agglomerates of the ultra-fine coal particles coated with the film forming agglomeration aid are formed using vibration, pelleting, and/or briquetting. The agglomerates have a size of at least 2 mm. The ultra-fine coal particles have a particle size less than 100 ?m. The agglomerate has a tumbler test friability less than 3%. The drop shatter friability is also less than 3%.

Abstract: Coal-derived mineral matter is used to capture or remove combustion gas emissions from flue gas or exhaust gas. The coal-derived mineral matter may be obtained by separating it from coal particles, such as by use of a flotation separation process. Coal-derived mineral matter may also be present in fine coal refuse. In the method of removing combustion gas emissions from flue gas, an aqueous suspension of coal-derived mineral matter particles is contacted with the combustion gas emissions for sufficient time to cause the combustion gas emissions to react with the aqueous suspension and form an enhanced aqueous suspension. The combustion gas emissions may comprise NOx, SOx, CO, or mixtures thereof. An aqueous suspension of coal-derived mineral matter particles containing enhanced amounts of soluble and insoluble sulfate, sulfite, nitrate, nitrite, or carbonate reaction compounds formed by reaction of the aqueous suspension of the coal-derived mineral matter particles with combustion gas emissions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diverter or flow controller 1.060, 26.060 for controlling a flow on or within an apparatus 1.001, 26.500, including at least one diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 and one or more displacement members 1.064, 26.064 adapted to move at least part of the diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 or a corresponding one of the diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 into or out of contact with a flow path. The invention also provides a remotely controlled diverter or flow controller and is applicable to flow devices or apparatus such as spiral concentrators and banks of these as up-current classifiers, hydraulic classifiers, teeter bed style classifiers, sluices, weirs, or channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distributor for distribution of a liquid to a mineral processing apparatus, the distributor including a housing formed by an outer wall and a central chamber formed by an inner wall and located in the housing, the central chamber being adapted to receive the liquid for distribution to distribution chambers located between the outside of the central chamber and an internal surface of the housing, characterised in that passage from the central chamber to respective ones of the distribution chambers is by means of respective apertures which are formed through a generally horizontally oriented surface formed as part of the inner wall.

Abstract: A method of recovering a mineral product from carpet by preparing a feed of carpet pieces; thermally separating organic components from mineral components in the carpet by heating the carpet pieces to a particle bed temperature in the range of 600° C. to 1000° C., wherein the mineral component is oxidized to form a mineral oxide; slurrying the mineral oxide with water to produce 15 to 35% solids slurry within a period of approximately 30 minutes to 24 hours, whereby the mineral oxide forms a mineral hydroxide; stabilizing the pH of the slurry in the range between 6 and 10 by carbonation, resulting in a slurry containing mineral carbonates.

Abstract: A spiral concentrator has a spiral trough (2.001) has a concentrate gutter (2.010) and a pocket (2.008) located near the outer edge of the gutter. An inflatable bladder (2.012) is located in the pocket and can be deformed from a first state in which the bladder does not interfere with the flow of the slurry, to a second state, in which the bladder diverts the concentrate towards a concentrate gutter (2.101). Alternatively, a spiral trough has a deformable device that sits above and separate from the trough and acts as a flow diverter. As the device changes form, shape or state, it gradually contacts the trough or flow diverting more or less concentrate in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diverter or flow controller 1.060, 26.060 for controlling a flow on or within an apparatus 1.001, 26.500, including at least one diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 and one or more displacement members 1.064, 26.064 adapted to move at least part of the diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 or a corresponding one of the diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 into or out of contact with a flow path. The invention also provides a remotely controlled diverter or flow controller and is applicable to flow devices or apparatus such as spiral concentrators and banks of these as up-current classifiers, hydraulic classifiers, teeter bed style classifiers, sluices, weirs, or channels.

Abstract: A method of recovering a mineral product from carpet by preparing a feed of carpet pieces; thermally separating organic components from mineral components in the carpet by heating the carpet pieces to a particle bed temperature in the range of 600° C. to 1000° C., wherein the mineral component is oxidized to form a mineral oxide; slurrying the mineral oxide with water to produce 15 to 35% solids slurry within a period of approximately 30 minutes to 24 hours, whereby the mineral oxide forms a mineral hydroxide; stabilizing the pH of the slurry in the range between 6 and 10 by carbonation, resulting in a slurry containing mineral carbonates.

Abstract: A method for controlling the liquid stroke of a pneumatically driven jigging machine for the separation of mineral mixtures uses a jigging machine that consists of an air chamber and a jigging chamber with a jigging bed located above it. The stroke of the liquid in the jigging machine depends on the period of time the air is allowed into the chamber. The differential pressure between the air chamber and the jigging chamber as parameter for controlling the jigging machine is measured, and as a result, a much better opportunity for controlling will be achieved, and disruptions in the jigging bed are detected and can be counteracted.

Abstract: A process for the oxidative leaching of sulphide mineral species, the method characterized by the method steps of: leaching a slurry containing the mineral species in one or more reaction vessels; circulating a stream of leach liquor to a flash cooler; flashing the liquor in the flash cooler at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure so as to dissipate heat; and recirculating the liquor to the or each reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving contact between a liquid and a reactant gas by moving the liquid in a serpentine path that moves horizontally and vertically through individual chambers or stations in an elongated tank or reactor and introducing a reactant gas into the liquid in one or more of the stations or chambers as the liquid moves through the tank or reactor.

Abstract: A process for the oxidative leaching of sulphide mineral species, the method characterised by the method steps of: leaching a slurry containing the mineral species in one or more reaction vessels; circulating a stream of leach liquor to a flash cooler; flashing the liquor in the flash cooler at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure so as to dissipate heat; and recirculating the liquor to the or each reaction vessel.

Abstract: Composition comprising a fluorescent material comprising the mixture of one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal oxides and metal hydroxides; one or more carbohydrate(s) selected from the group consisting of sugar and starch; and one or more organic acid(s), method of preparation comprising mixing the components in the presence of water and then drying, and use of the fluorescent material in paper, plastic, polymer, resin, and paint. The resultant papers, plastics, polymers, resins, and paint have whiteness and brightness due to the fluorescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acid-stabilized calcium carbonate slurry having a pH of less than 7, preferably between about 6 and about 7, containing water, calcium carbonate, preferably precipitated calcium carbonate, and an acid-stabilizer of a water soluble calcium salt, a weak acid, a chelating agent, a weak acid capable of chelating calcium ion, or a mixture thereof. The acid-stabilizer is present in an amount sufficient to provide an aqueous calcium carbonate slurry having an increased calcium ion concentration and an acidic pH. In a typical acid-stabilized calcium carbonate slurry of the invention, the acid-stabilizer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a calcium ion concentration of about 1 millimolar to about 5 molar, preferably from about 1 to about 120 millimolar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product, a process for its preparation and the use of such in plastic film production. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antiblock talc, a process for the preparation of such and its use as an additive in the production of polyolefin film.

Abstract: Novel polymers are provided having phosphonated and sulphonated substituent groups such that the polymer is multifunctional in its use. Optional amide substituents are used to reduce electrostatic charge density or for hydrogen bonding. An advantage of the polymer is the flexibility of using it for multiple purposes. A particular application is for bonding paper fillers and paper fiber together.

Abstract: A method of improving the brightness of calcium carbonate filled paper. The filled paper is dried and then bleached with an aqueous solution of a bleaching agent. The process may be used on all grades of paper that contain filler and is particularly useful in the bleaching of low brightness grade papers that are produced from mechanical pulp that contain calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product, a process for its preparation and the use of such in plastic film production. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antiblock talc, a process for the preparation of such and its use as an additive in the production of polyolefin film. Polyolefin films produced according to the process of the present invention are useful in a broad range of packaging and film covering applications.