Abstract: An inflatable froth crowder assembly (1) is disclosed. The inflatable froth crowder assembly (1) is configured for directing froth from a flotation machine tank (21) to a launder (25) of a flotation machine and comprises an inflatable body (2), at least one valve (25), and first tethering means (4) for securing the inflatable body (2) within the flotation machine (35) using second (15) and third tethering means (23). Also disclosed is a flotation machine (35) comprising the inflatable froth crowder assembly (1) and a method of installing the inflatable froth crowder assembly (1).

Abstract: A filter cake analyser (1) is disclosed. The analyser (1) may include a probe (7) configured to extend into a path of filter cake (6) (or other material) and convey a sample amount of filter cake (6) from a catch basin (9) to a probe discharge (11). A sample cup (17) of an indexable cup assembly (16) is filled with the sample amount of filter cake (6). A rotational actuator (22) supporting the cup assembly (16) indexes the cup assembly (16) between three cup assembly positions. A dryer (15) of the filter cake analyser (1) dries the contents of the sample cup (17), and a load cell (28) intermittently engages and disengages with the cup assembly (16) via an actuator (26) to obtain dry and wet mass measurement values to calculate moisture content of the sample amount of filter cake (6).

Abstract: A separator device (100) includes a separation chamber (107) defined at its lower end by a fluidization fluid panel (111). The separation chamber (107) receives incoming slurry (113) via a slurry inlet (102). The separator device may be characterized in that means (122) for supplying pre-sheared aerated fluidization fluid is provided above the fluidization fluid panel (111). The means (122) for supplying pre-sheared aerated fluidization fluid includes a novel sparger (119) comprising a flexible perforated membrane which is configured to supplementally shear the pre-sheared aerated fluidization fluid and uniformly distribute microbubbles (129) throughout the separation chamber (107).

Abstract: A feedwell assembly (1) having a feedwell (3) and feed dilution apparatus (27) is characterised in that the feed dilution apparatus (27) includes a centrifugal impeller (16) arranged within a pump housing (9). The pump housing is arranged below a weir box (12) having an upper opening and a spill lip (12b). The spill lip (12b) is arranged at an upper periphery of the weir box (12). The spill lip (12b) is configured to be arranged below an air-liquid interface (20) during operation such that there is a depth of submergence (26) between the spill lip (12b) and the air-liquid interface (20).

Abstract: A feedwell assembly (1) having a feedwell (3) and feed dilution apparatus (27) is characterised in that the feed dilution apparatus (27) includes a centrifugal impeller (16) arranged within a pump housing (9). The pump housing is arranged below a weir box (12) having an upper opening and a spill lip (12b). The spill lip (12b) is arranged at an upper periphery of the weir box (12). The spill lip (12b) is configured to be arranged below an air-liquid interface (20) during operation such that there is a depth of submergence (26) between the spill lip (12b) and the air-liquid interface (20).

Abstract: A self-aspirated froth flotation cell 100 may include a slurry vortex stabilizer 166 having an annular body 234 with an upper annular edge 176 and an aperture 180 extending through a central region of the annular body 234. The aperture 180 may have an inner surface 182 bounded between an upper inner edge 178 and a lower inner edge 200 that is configured to allow the drive shaft 142 to rotate freely therein in close proximity to the inner surface 182. The slurry vortex stabilizer 166 may have an annular undersurface 210 configured with a inner first portion 212, a second portion 236 provided around the first portion 212, and an annular intersection, transition, or inflection 214 therebetween. A sloped upper surface 242 which tapers downwardly towards the central region of the annular body 234 as it approaches the aperture 180 forms a lower fluid surface boundary within a standpipe 152 of the self-aspirated froth flotation cell 100.

Abstract: A system for the continuous monitoring of wear is disclosed. The system comprises a flotation cell having at least one flotation component. At least one detector is provided to the at least one flotation component, and at least one sensor is provided to the flotation cell which is configured to communicate with the at least one detector during operation of the flotation cell. In use, the at least one flotation component wears away and ultimately affects a function of the least one detector. The at least one sensor is configured to monitor said function of the least one detector. When the at least one sensor detects a change in the signal of the at least one detector, an operator is notified that maintenance or flotation component replacement may be necessary.

Abstract: A system for the continuous monitoring of wear is disclosed. The system comprises a flotation cell having at least one flotation component. At least one detector is provided to the at least one flotation component, and at least one sensor is provided to the flotation cell which is configured to communicate with the at least one detector during operation of the flotation cell. In use, the at least one flotation component wears away and ultimately affects a function of the least one detector. The at least one sensor is configured to monitor said function of the least one detector. When the at least one sensor detects a change in the signal of the at least one detector, an operator is notified that maintenance or flotation component replacement may be necessary.