Abstract: In froth flotation apparatus for separating solid particle impurities from a liquid suspension stock in a flotation cell, provision is made for aerating the stock flowing through the inlet conduit leading to the cell by positioning a drum-shaped rotor having an irregular outer surface in the conduit on an axis extending transversely of the conduit, directing a supply of air against the rotor surface on the upstream side of its rotational axis, and causing the rotor to rotate at a linear speed of its outer surface which is substantially higher than the linear flow rate of the stock in the conduit so that the rotor surface breaks up the air impinging thereon into bubbles and distributes those bubbles in the stock flowing therepast to create foam within the cell.

Abstract: A froth flotation apparatus for elimination of solid particle impurities contained within a liquid includes a vessel defining a flotation cell which includes an upstanding foam discharge conduit, an inlet conduit communicating with the vessel such that fluid flowing through the inlet conduit and into the vessel moves in a vortical fashion within the vessel, a skimmer, and a sparger. The skimmer consists of a generally cylindrical roller which is rotatably mounted between the discharge conduit and a side wall of the vessel and is buoyant so that it floats on the surface of the fluid within the vessel such that it is rotated by the vortical movement of the fluid within the vessel to prevent buildup of foam and maintain the motion of the fluid within the vessel. The sparger includes a substantially cylindrical porous element mounted on a tubular shaft which is rotatably mounted within the inlet conduit and driven by a motor.

Abstract: Flow spreading method and apparatus particularly adapted for use with a generally parabolic, slotted screening or dewatering surface, which redimensions the cross-sectional shape of a flow of material from a relatively narrow width, deep depth flow to a relatively shallow depth, wide width flow approximately equal to the width of the surface to which the flow is delivered. The apparatus includes a curved plate preferably having a substantially constant radius of curvature and a conduit which directs the material against the curved plate non-tangentially with respect to its surface to induce a smooth but rapid redirection and hence, redimensioning of the flow cross-sectional configuration. The conduit feeding the material may have at least its terminal portion constructed of a flexible material which allows the conduit outlet to be pressed against the surface of the curved plate and deformed somewhat to enhance flow spreading while still permitting the passage of relatively large objects through the conduit.