Abstract: A method for beneficiating a kaolin clay which includes quantities of smectite contaminants to reduce the low and high shear viscosities of high solids aqueous slurries of the kaolin. The smectite is converted into a pillared clay by intercalating it with a polymeric cationic hydroxy metal complex wherein the metal is ferromagnetic or diamagnetic. The kaolin and pillared smectite is then subjected as an aqueous slurry to high intensity magnetic separation, to separate the pillared smectite, and the beneficiated kaolin is recovered as product.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of regulating a flotation system having an inflow quantity of suspension flow dependent on production demands, including a primary flotation stage and a secondary flotation stage where the secondary flotation stage treats the froth of the primary stage, transporting de-aereated froth from the primary flotation stage to a collection vessel which is in fluid communication the secondary flotation stage; recycling suspension flow from the secondary flotation cells of the secondary flotation stage in part to an inlet of the primary flotation stage, and in part to an inlet of the secondary flotation stage, and regulating the level of de-aereated froth in the collection vessel by controlling the amount of suspension flow recycled from said secondary flotation stage to the inlet of the secondary flotation stage.

Abstract: Separation of impurities from kaolin clay is accomplished by conditioning a dispersed aqueous pulp of the clay with an anionic flotation collector, followed by centrifugation or hydrocloning to cause the impurities to settle from a dispersed pulp of the clay without an intermediate froth flotation step or a flotation waste froth is centrifuged or hydrocloned to recover valuable kaolin contained in the froth.

Abstract: A high efficiency method for the recovery of relatively coarse constituent utilizing a flotation column is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of (1) establishing and maintaining a net upward flow of water (negative bias) through the upper portion of the flotation column which is maintained below a predetermined critical limit; (2) establishing and maintaining an upwardly moving stream of diffuse air which is introduced at the lower portion of the flotation column and which has a superficial air velocity between about 0.5 and 2.0 cm/sec.; (3) introducing a feed stream comprising a slurry of the ore into the upper portion of the flotation column wherein the mineral particles therein substantially range between about 20 mesh (840 microns) and about 325 mesh (44 microns) in size; (4) establishing and maintaining the percent solids in the flotation column between about 35 and 50%; (5) establishing and maintaining column throughput of the slurry between 1.8 and 4.0 tons/hour/sq. ft.

Abstract: A floatation separation method is described for separating pieces of fruit or vegetable of the same type, but wherein desirable pieces have a slightly different specific gravity from the undesirable ones, and all have a specific gravity about the same as that of water. The pieces (12, FIG. 3 ) are placed near the surface of a body of water, and a cloud (40) of tiny air bubbles is maintained in the water. As the bubbles float to the surface they encounter the articles and slightly increase their buoyancy. The increase in buoyancy is slight and uniform, so those articles having a density slightly greater than that of the water will remain at the water surface, while those of a slightly greater density cannot be floated by the air bubbles and will sink to the bottom. The cloud of air bubbles is created by allowing air at about atmospheric pressure, to emerge from apertures in a rapidly spinning rotor that open in a direction primarily opposite to the spin direction.

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: An improved process for the mechanical separation of complex, intergrown ores containing mineral of at least one of lead or zinc comprises a differential flotation process followed by an agglomeration process. The improved separation process is useful for bulk separation of mixed, intergrown minerals or for separation of one mineral from another, e.g., separation of lead-containing mineral from zinc-containing mineral.

Abstract: A flotation method for separating particulate material including at least two separate passageways within each of which slurry is separated from froth by an interface, a feed supply within each passageway for feeding the slurry into each passageway below the interface, bubble generator located below or within the passageways, and at least one tailings outlet below the bubble generator.

Abstract: A floating method employing a cylindrical chamber having a tapered bottom to which there are secured a pipe for feeding a flotation pulp carrying mineral particles of fine fraction and a pipe for discharging gangue. Secured to the walls of the chamber is a trough for collecting froth concentrate, and a group of pulp aerators, whereas positioned axially inside the chamber is a group of tapered shells spaced equidistantly from one another with bases of larger diameter thereof facing the top part of the chamber and resting substantially at one tapered surface. Positioned over the chamber is a means for feeding mineral particles of coarse fraction in the form of a hydrocyclone, a cylindrical casing of this hydrocyclone having a pipe for evacuating the liquid phase of the floatation pulp positioned tangentially and communicating with the pipe for feeding the flotation pulp carrying mineral particles of fine fraction.

Abstract: A method and several embodiments of apparatus are disclosed for use in foam flotation separation. The method discloses performing the separation in a module operated at nonatmospheric pressure, and the apparatus disclosed are suitable for use as the module of the method. Both the method and the apparatus contemplate positive and negative pressure operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering an aqueous coal slurry includes imparting high shear forces to the aqueous coal slurry in the presence of a peptizing agent to render coal particles hydrophobic by stripping clay from the coal particles and peptizing the clay in the aqueous medium of the slurry. The slurry is separating to recover coal particles and the aqueous medium is draining medium from the hydrophobic surface of the coal particles.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are described for separation of water and solids from oil sands froth in which heated froth is fed into a gravity settling vessel at a level below a bitumen-water interface established between a bitumen froth layer floating on a quiescent body of water whereby water and solids contained in the froth separate from the froth stream, the oil rises to accumulate in the bitumen froth layer, and the solids fall by gravity to the bottom of the gravity settling vessel. The apparatus comprises an injector manifold suspended horizontally within the vessel below the bitumen-water interface, said injector manifold having a plurality of equispaced, inwardly facing openings for the inward discharge of oil sands froth into the body of water. The injector ring manifold may also have a plurality of outwardly facing openings for both inward and outward discharge of froth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for concentrating a certain mineral fraction attached to air bubbles from a slurry to the foam layer accumulated on the surface, so that the concentration takes place in three different mixing zones. The apparatus of the invention is formed of a colon-like flotation arrangement and of flow guides, a flow attenuator and an agitator belonging thereto. The flotation reactions are created in the bottom zone, wherefrom air bubbles and mineral particles carried by them are directed in a controlled fashion onto the surface of the apparatus. The flotation apparatus is so designed, that a strong agitation in the bottom zone can be used without causing harmful separation of the foam in the bottom part of the apparatus.

Abstract: A highly versatile fluids and particulate separator that can be used in a centrifugal mode or centrifugal with gas flotation mode without the use of rotating apparatus within the cell. A pump and recirculation system provide the means for centrifugal force and gas flotation. A buoyant self adjusting discharge assembly with a vortex of fluids surrounding it provide the exit path for separated light fluids and light particles. In oil and water separation the buoyant assembly allows self discharge of the oil and can be used with high oil to water ratios at high volume. Oil spill cleanup is possible. Conversely gas flotation may be used for low volume separating applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for separating particles in a slurry based on different physical, magnetic and/or chemical properties of the particles, the slurry including a mixture of solid particles and/or liqid particles which are immiscible in the slurry.

Abstract: A stream containing kerogen-rich and mineral-rich oil shale particles flow in a downward helical course such that the stream is confined in a manner to give the stream an outer and upper side having a first depth and comprising a substantial amount of said kerogen-rich particles, and an inner and lower side having a second depth and comprising a substantial amount of said mineral-rich particles, the first depth being greater than the second depth. The kerogen-rich and mineral-rich particles are subsequently separated in order to recover the kerogen-rich particles. The mineral-rich particles are further processed using froth flotation.

Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of minerals separation flotation cells (1,2) each having a feed inlet (9,14) a values outlet (11) and a gangue outlet (12,15), and each flotation cell being located at substantially the same level. A feed box (3) is located alongside the flotation cells (1,2) which are connected in series such that the outlet (7) from the feed box (3) is connected via a first pump (8) to the feed inlet (9) of a first flotation cell (1), the gangue outlet (12) from the first flotation cell (2) is connected via a second pump (13) to the feed inlet (14) of the next flotation cell (2), and so on until all of the flotation cells are connected in series. Each flotation cell also has a recycle outlet (19) from the lower part of the flotation cell arranged to return a predetermined proportion of the material flowing through that flotation cell to the feed box (3).

Abstract: A process for separating bitumen from tar sands, which comprises: a) agitating a mixture of tar sand with substantially coarse clean sand at ambient or below ambient temperature in the presence of water, so as to mechanically shear bitumen and enhance the detachment of bitumen particles from mineral matter in said tar sand, b) eluting the detached bitumen and fine mineral matter from the coarse sand by an upward flow of water while stirring gently, c) returning the coarse sand to step a) for reuse, and d) subjecting the eluted bitumen and fine mineral matter to froth flotation to separate the bitumen from said fine mineral matter, wherein the flotation is effected without using any reagents.

Abstract: Micron sized gas bubbles produced by electrolysis (e.g., oxygen and/or hydrogen gas bubbles by the electrolysis of water) are introduced into a flotation cell which is also provided with larger bubbles produced by sparging a gas such as air into the flotation cell. The mixed presence of both large bubbles and small bubbles serves to improve the recovery of various copper-containing ores. The small bubble producing electrodes can be retrofitted into an existing sparged gas driven flotation cell.

Abstract: A froth flotation method and apparatus for the recovery of ultra-fine constituent are provided. The apparatus includes a flotation column having a drain for withdrawing tailings and underflow and an overflow for recovering the selected ultra-fine constituent. A mechanism is provided for delivering a wash medium to an upper portion of the column as well as for delivering diffuse air to a lower portion of the column. A slurry including the constituent to be recovered is received and conditioned within a tank that is connected by means of a feed line to the column. Additionally, a mechanism is provided for dissolving air in the slurry in the conditioning tank. Further, one or two matrixes may be mounted across the flotation column to further improve recovery.

Abstract: A soil reclamation system that separates the contaminant from all soil particles greater than one micron in diameter and generates resuable soil and contaminant products. The process is based on a novel application of gas-sparged centrifugal separation under operating conditions and equipment specifications tailored to optimize the separation of the particular contaminant. The apparatus is mounted on a front-end loader for mobility and self-contained on site operation.

Abstract: In the process for beneficiating a crude kaolin by the method which includes a wet classification step to provide a classified kaolin fraction having a PSD such that at least 50% by weight thereof are of less than 1/2.mu.m ESD and substantially 100% by weight are of less than 10 .mu.m ESD; and one or more steps wherein an aqueous slurry of the classified kaolin is at least partially dewatered by filtration; the improvement which comprises effecting at least one of said one or more filtration steps, by flowing said aqueous kaolin slurry through a ceramic filter plate which is characterized by a porous support layer and an overlying porous filtration layer, the ratio between the respective mean pore sizes of the filtration layer material and the base layer material being between about 2 and 50; the pore size in said filtration layer being in the range of from about 1 to 3 .mu.m, and the pore size in the base layer being in the range of from about 4 to 50 .mu.

Abstract: A froth flotation apparatus includes a gas bubble-particle contact unit including a mixing means for breaking a gas into fine bubbles, such as a packed tower packing or mechanical agitation means, and a separate phase separation unit. A conditioned aqueous pulp containing a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles and a substantially inert gas, such as air, are introduced into one end of the contact unit and flow concurrently through the mixing means, such that the gas is broken into fine bubbles which intimately contact and become attached to the hydrophobic particles. The resulting gas bubble-particle mixture is introduced into the phase separation unit which is operated under substantially quiescent conditions. A concentrate fraction containing primarily hydrophobic particles and a tailing containing primarily hydrophilic particles are discharged from the upper and lower portions of the phase separation unit, respectively.

Abstract: A process for recovering elemental sulfur from volcanic and non-volcanic ores is disclosed. Ore is processed by crushing the ore to a coarse particle size autoclaving to separate the sulfur from the ore, mild grinding to selectively reduce the size of the liberated sulfur particles, flotation and sulfur separation/filtration steps to produce a sulfur of at least 99% purity. The process recovers at least 90% of the elemental sulfur contained in the ore. The particular crushing of the ore and selective grinding techniques for reducing sulfur particles for reducing sulfur particles size are important factors in the efficiency of the process since the grinding techniques inhibit the formation of fine gangue which is difficult to separate from the liberated sulfur.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of foam which uses a piston-cylinder arrangement to receive foam at the rapid flow rate of a foam generator until the cylinder is substantially full of foam and then to dispense the foam at a lower flow rate by using the piston to gradually push the foam out of the cylinder.

Abstract: A wire guided float level measurement system includes a float, a nozzle and an ultrasonic level detector which are attachable to an open frame. The float, which is supportable on a froth, is slideably attached to te frame via one or more guide wires, and the nozzle and ultrasonic level detector are fixed near the top of the frame. In operation the frame, with attachments, is disposed in a flotation cell in an upright position so as to traverse a froth layer which is formed in the cell. The float, while supported by the froth so as to follow the froth level, serves as a target for pulses transmitted from the ultrasonic level detector, and the detector continually measures the distance to the float which is an indirect indication of froth level. Any mineral accumulation on the float, which would interfere with its buoyancy, is washed off the top of the float by spraying wash water through one or more nozzles.

Abstract: In a flotation system, the generated quantity of foam is determined and, independent thereof, process parameters which directly or indirectly affect the generated foam quantity are reduced in their quantity depending on foam quantity. This is brought about by reduction of specific substance flows and also such substance flows that circulate in a flotation system. Production waters used for dilution are partly replaced by fresh water. This precludes an excessive amount of generated foam from causing difficulties in the operation of a flotation system.

Abstract: An ultrasound flotation unit for separation of tails from liquors obtained by floating ores, wherein the unit comprises a vertically disposed cylindrical mixing chamber that forms a bubble-particle contact region within a cylindrical flotation cell that has a bubble-pulp separation region surrounding said mixing chamber; the chamber having an air feed conduit in a lower portion thereof, an ore pulp feed conduit in a higher portion above said air feeding chamber, an ultrasonic transducer disposed above an aperture in a top portion of the mixing chamber and means for subjecting said chamber to an amount of power in kilowatt-hours per metric ton through a sonic probe to focus an amount in watt/ml of ultrasonic power to the chamber to provide a residence time of slurry within the bubble-pulp separator region that is about 30 to 100 times longer than in the ultrasonic mixing chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for salvaging conductive material from electrical power transformers. In the method, the transformer core is removed from the transformer casing and cut so as to separate laminations from windings. The windings with conductive materials and insulative paper are cut into relatively short segments. These segments are then subjected to an aqueous caustic solution with sparging for separating the conductive material from paper insulation and lacquer coatings thereon. The solution is treated with a coagulating or flocculating agent in a separate vessel to remove dissolved cellulose, processed to separate oil and PCBs therefrom and then returned to treat additional windings. The method is adapted to continuous processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation machine for flotating minerals and the like from slurries containing these particles. In the flotation machine of the invention, above the feed opening (15) of the flotation cell there is formed a froth bed (11) which is adjustable in volume and/or surface area. The regulating and washing members (10, 13) of the froth bed are arranged within the froth bed (11), and the height of the froth bed is 20-40%, advantageously 30-35% of the height of the flotation cell (1).

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 device for controlling the flow of foam which uses a piston-cylinder arrangement to receive foam at the rapid flow rate of a foam generator until the cylinder is substantially full of foam and then to dispense the foam at a lower flow rate by using the piston to gradually push the foam out of the cylinder.

Abstract: A process for recovering gold from a refractory sulfidic ore which has been suspended in an aqueous slurry and oxidized using nitric acid so that substantially all of the gold in the ore is made available for recovery and at least a portion of the sulfidic components present during the oxidation are oxidized to elemental sulfur, comprises bubbling air as a discontinuous phase upwardly through the oxidized slurry, thereby creating a froth containing elemental gold and sulfur. The froth is separated from the slurry to provide a concentrate, and the gold is recovered from the concentrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating hydrophilic particles from a fluid suspension containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles. A generally cylindrical separation vessel includes tangential inlet and outlet ports. The fluid suspension is introduced into the separation vessel through the inlet port to circulate around the inner surface of the separation vessel in a forced vortex swirl flow. Air sparged through a porous wall portion of the side walls of the separation vessel forms air bubbles to which attach hydrophobic particles in particle/bubble aggregates. These migrate as a froth towards the axial center of the separation vessel where they are discharged at the upper end thereof. A froth washing tube having an open end proximate to the upper end of the separation vessel discharges pressurized water thereinto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the microbubble flotation separation of very fine particles, especially coal, so as to produce a high purity and large recovery efficiently. This is accomplished through the use of a high aspect ratio flotation column, microbubbles, and a countercurrent use of wash water to gently wash the froth. Also, disclosed are unique processes and apparatus for generating microbubbles for flotation in a high efficient and inexpensive manner using either a porous tube or an in-line static generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively separating a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic mineral particles. A mineral pulp is prepared which includes minerals ground to a predetermined size. A bubble slurry is then prepared which includes a gas entrained in a liquid to form bubbles of a predetermined size. The mineral pulp and bubble slurry are simultaneously injected into the cell apparatus. The cell has an enclosed body with a feed receiving portion, a narrowed apex portion with an underflow discharge, and an intermediately disposed merger zone. A mineral pulp feed port extends into and is directed tangentially to the feed receiving portion in the mineral pulp feed zone. The bubble slurry feed port, disposed in the same direction as the mineral pulp feed port, extends into and is directed tangentially to the feed receiving portion in the bubble slurry zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of components of a slurry by froth flotation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flotation column having an upper section, an intermediate section and a lower section, a spray bar, mounted in the intermediate section of the flotation column, for providing a downwardly directed fine mist in the intermediate section of said flotation column, and at least one spray nozzle mounted in the lower section of the flotation column, the at least one spray nozzle provided with aerating means. A method for the separation of the components of a slurry employing the present apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mineral processing device for floating relatively large particles and middling particles is disclosed. The device provides a uniform upward flow of pulp in a flotation zone. Gas bubbles are introduced into the pulp with minimal agitation. Agitation in the flotation zone is also controlled by a plate with a multitude of holes of varying size. The upward flow velocity in the flotation zone is controlled by means of a variable speed impeller and an adjustable partition. Further, a flotation process utilizing uniform upward flow is provided.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry is provided wherein improved recycling capability is provided by utilization of a partition in the flotation tank in which the froth flotation is performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the benefication of mineral ores by the flotation method whereby a slurry is introduced under pressure into the top of a first column through a downwardly facing nozzle, and air is entrained into the slurry forming a downwardly moving foam bed in the first column. The foam bed passes from the bottom of the first column into a second column where the froth and liquid separate, the froth carrying the values floating upwardly and over a weir and the liquid being drained with the gangue. The liquid/froth interface level in the second column is kept above the bottom of the first column, and the air flow rate into the top of the first column is controlled to keep the first column substantially full of foam.

Abstract: A process for the purification of soil contaminated with organic material is provided. The preferred process generally involves superposed attrition and classification processes, which lead to removal and concentration of highly contaminated fractions. The process may also include a step of flotation whereby hydrophobic materials in the soil are released to an interface with air bubbles, and are floated to the top of a flotation cell. In preferred processes according to the present invention, soil to be treated is extracted from a contaminated site, and is broken into relatively small particles. These particles are preferably treated in attrition and classification steps, to remove fine, slow settling, contaminated materials such as wood and fine soil materials. The resulting isolated coarser materials are then treated by flotation for a final polishing step.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for froth flotation of particulate matter is disclosed wherein ridges or ribs are provided on the froth discharge surface of the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for removing mineral matter from coal is disclosed. The process involves creating ultrafine coal by pulverizing the coal feed material and mixing it with an aqueous amine solution. The coal/amine solution is fed into a flotation cell and gaseous carbon dioxide is charged into the cell. The carbon dioxide reacts with the amine solution to form bubbles which carry the "clean" coal component of the coal feed material to the top of the cell for subsequent removal from the cell. The bubbles are reduced in size as they move up within the cell. The mineral matter, which is heavier than the clean coal, stays at the bottom of the cell and can be removed spearately. The amine and the carbon dioxide used in the process can be recycled. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and an apparatus for beneficiating a mineral ore, such as phosphate-containing ore, in a substantially vertical column. The feed subjected to the benefication preferably has a particle size of less than 20 mesh. The feed is introduced into the column, containing at least one baffle, into which there is also introduced a gas at the bottom portion thereof and a liquid through at least one column inlet at the top of the column. The baffle and the rates of introduction of the feed, the gas, and the liquid are such as to create relatively high turbulence conditions within the column. The enriched, beneficiated product is removed at the top of the column, while the waste products, such as silica-containing material, in the case of a phosphate ore, are recovered at the bottom of the column.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to air sparged hydrocyclone flotation apparatus and methods for separating particles from particulate suspensions (such as coal and mineral ore slurries), wherein fluid discharge is removed annularly from a flotation vessel. Preferably, the flotation apparatus includes a vertically oriented cylindrical flotation vessel having a tangential inlet at its upper end and an annular outlet at its lower end. The annular outlet allows for the smooth exit of fluid discharge from the flotation vessel so as to avoid disturbance of the fluid flow within the flotation vessel. Air is sparged into the vessel and a froth which contains the recovery products exits through a vortex finder positioned in the upper end of the vessel. The apparatus includes a froth pedestal positioned within the vessel which forms the annular outlet with the wall of the vessel. The froth pedestal may take a generally cylindrical or a generally conical configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flow of a foam uses a bellow enclosed in a housing. The bellows is filled with foam under pressure from a foam generator and expands a preselected amount at which point the flow of foam into the bellows is interrupted. Simultaneously with the interrupting of the flow of foam into the bellows, air under pressure is routed into the housing which causes the bellows to collapse forcing the foam out of the bellows. The apparatus is particularly useful in the froth flotation (benefication) of minerals.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a method for the separation of hydrophobic from hydrophilic materials in a liquid suspension by means of gas bubbles and a flow of water that drags the hydrophobic material upwards. A distinctive feature of the method is an upward flow of water countercurrent to the flow of settling hydrophilic particles. The disclosure describes a cell in which gas is caused to disperse into an ascending flow of liquid and in which a feed port is provided to introduce particles in a flow countercurrent to that of the bubbles and water.

Abstract: A defrothing apparatus whose inlet opening of the foamed liquid contained in a foam duct of a primary flotation apparatus is provided in the bottom of the foam duct. Starting from the lower area of the defrothing apparatus, a rotary flow (potential vortex) is generated in the apparatus by a recirculated lqiuid quantity from a secondary flotation apparatus. In the core of the rotary flow the gas quantity (air) is collected and removed through a removal pipe. Consequently, the foamed liquid from the foam duct of the primary flotation stage which is pumped to the secondary flotation stage contains small shares of gas relative to the total quantity of liquid, thereby allowing the pump to be optimally sized of efficiency and better control of the system.

Abstract: In the froth flotation of ore in a column, the froth/pulp interface level and the efficiency of the froth washing operation are controlled by determining a profile of temperatures measured in the froth layer and slurry below the interface. Temperatures are measured with temperature sensing elements immersed in the froth layer and extending to below the interface level. The measured profile is compared with a target profile and deviations are corrected by changing the tailings flowrate or the washwater flowrate to return a measured profile to the target profile. An inflection point in the profile occurs at the interface level. The inflection point in a measured profile is compared with a level set point, and a deviation from set point value is corrected by increasing or decreasing the flow of tailings whereby the interface level returns to its set point.

Abstract: A process for the froth flotation beneficiation and separation of molybdenite from copper mining by-product is disclosed.