Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation column including a plurality of controlled recycle chambers intentionally introduced into the column to cause the non-float fraction or gangue to drop down in the main float stream while the desired float fraction travels in the opposite direction by recycling to continually mix the pulp while coursing through the column. Recycle zones are positioned on the periphery of the main passage or flotation zone within chambers located in series along the column. A portion of the slurry is drawn into a recycle zone where it passes downwardly to return to the flotation zone or the main passage through the column to again be swept through the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation column including a plurality of controlled recycle chambers intentionally introduced into the column to cause the non-float fraction or gangue to drop down in the main float stream while the desired float fraction travels in the opposite direction by recycling to continually mix the pulp while coursing through the column. Recycle zones are positioned on the periphery of the main passage or flotation zone within chambers located in series along the column. A portion of the slurry is drawn into a recycle zone where it passes downwardly to return to the flotation zone or the main passage through the column to again be swept through the column.

Abstract: The invention consists of an upright tank structure that includes axially aligned first and second tank parts, the first tank part being smaller in diameter than the second part. A first horizontal barrier plate having holes therethrough is mounted in the first tank part between upper and lower regions of the same. A second annular barrier having holes therethrough is mounted between the side walls of the first and second tank parts between upper and lower regions. Feed slurry is introduced into the upper region of the first tank part. Water under pressure is introduced into the region below both the first and second barriers and is caused to flow upwardly through the openings of the barriers with the formation of water jets extending upwardly from the openings. In operation the solids of the feed slurry are separated into coarse, fine and intermediate or middling fractions. The invention includes both apparatus and a method of operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the separation of solid particles from hydrous slurries being particles of different settling velocities, such as slurries containing minerals including ore solids, coal and sands. The slurry solids are subjected to the jetting action of water discharged through barrier plate openings to effect separation between particles of greater settling velocity, which progress downwardly through the openings and are discharged in an underflow, and particles of lower velocity that progress upwardly and are discharged in an overflow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a hydrous slurry into overflow and underflow fractions which have particles differing in settling velocities. When applied to slurries of natural sand the invention provides an overflow containing fine sand particles and an underflow containing coarse sand particles. A barrier is employed having openings through which water flows upwardly with jetting action to provide a separating action in which coarse solids pass downwardly and fine particles progress upwardly. The apparatus is constructed whereby the slurry is introduced tangentially into the space above the barrier to cause continuous swirling movement of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the concentration of particulate matter by froth flotation and in particular to improvements in hydraulic-pneumatic flotation apparatus. The apparatus includes an upstanding flotation compartment adapted to contain a relatively quiescent body of aqueous pulp. Aqueous pulp is introduced into and float fraction is collected from the upper portion of the floatation compartment, and a hydraulic chamber is disposed near the bottom of the compartment for supplying aerated water thereto. Retardation plate means spans the flotation compartment intermediate the ends thereof for retarding the descent of pulp therewithin. The plate means is provided with a plurality of apertures to receive rising air bubbles and descending pulp therethrough. Retarding or prolonging the descent of the aqueous pulp within the flotation compartment enhances the probability of floatable particles becoming attached to bubbles and thereby being recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to the concentration and benefication of particulate matter by froth flotation and in particular to improvements in hydraulic-pneumatic flotation apparatus which contributes to efficiency of operation. Such apparatus employs a constriction plate which separates vertically arranged flotation and aerating compartments. A discharge duct may be used to extend through the aerating compartment and to open through the constriction plate centrally thereof. Orifices in both the constriction plate and the discharge duct are in communication with the aerating compartment to provide a uniform dispersion of air bubbles in the flotation compartment. To prevent build-up of non-float fraction on the constriction plate, the latter may be dish-shaped toward the discharge opening. In an alternative embodiment, the discharge duct is omitted and the constriction plate is conically shaped with the apex uppermost.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrothermal processes, such as defluorination of phosphate rock, wherein the novel feature resides in the use of an emulsion of water and fuel oil.