Abstract: A froth crowder device is disclosed for incorporation into a froth flotation cell to improve the froth removal dynamics of the flotation cell. The froth crowder device is positioned within a froth flotation cell above and below the overflow launder, and provides a sloped surface to direct froth toward the overflow launder in an expedited manner. Experimental data confirms that use of a froth crowder device as disclosed expedites movement of the froth toward the launder for more efficient operation, permits operating the rotor of the flotation cell at reduced speeds without compromising the efficiency of operation, and reduces the amount of air necessary to produce a froth in the cell. Experimental data also confirms that little or no surface eddies are observed in froth flotation cells in which a crowder device as disclosed is used.

Abstract: A machine for dispersing gas bubbles in a liquid includes a horizontal series of adjacent flotation cells without baffles or mechanical gas distribution means. In each cell, an ejection device is mounted to expel a two-phase gas-liquid mixture into the cell. Liquid is pumped into the ejection devices so that the density and energy of the mixture at the point of ejection falls within Region I In FIG. 3.

Abstract: A machine which utilizes hydraulic effects to disperse gas bubbles throughout a contained liquid includes a feed duct mounted to introduce raw liquid into the contained liquid. The feed duct comprises a first hollow tubular member into which a stream of processed liquid is pumped. A second hollow tubular member is affixed outside, and concentric with, the first tubular member so that space is formed around the open end of the first tubular member. Raw liquid is introduced into the space between the two members, and the processed liquid aspirates the raw liquid through the feed duct.

Abstract: A flotation process wherein hydraulic effects are used to disperse gas bubbles throughout a contained liquid body with a free surface. The process comprises ejecting a two-phase fluid into the liquid body with the density and the kinetic energy of the ejected fluid per unit of the contained volume being such as to define a point within the area encompassed by Regions I and II in the graph of FIG. 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for ingesting and mixing gas into a liquid body includes a tank, a rotatable impeller fixed to a vertical drive shaft, and a vertically-extending conduit which surrounds the drive shaft and which extends to a location in the liquid above the impeller to serve as a channel of communication between a source of gas and the impeller. In the conduit, a vortex-turning baffle having an enlarged gas-flow aperture formed centrally therethrough is fixedly mounted above the impeller so that when a rotor-induced liquid vortex rises along the wall of the conduit, the vortex is turned downwardly by the baffle to aid in the ingestion of gas into the liquid.