With Modifying Agents Patents (Class 209/166)
  • Patent number: 5840179
    Abstract: Processes for treating fly ash to enhance the fly ash as a pozzolan for portland cement mixes and to separate therefrom a substantial carbon compound and/or to increase the fineness of the fly ash include the treatment of a fly ash slurry with ultrasonic energy using ultrasonic horns immersed in a slurry of fly ash and water and imparting to said slurry such ultrasonic energy as to cause microscopic cavities to form and implode with high localized energy to break up fly ash agglomerations along cleavage lines and to break up carbon particles and matrices which have entrapped fly ash microspheres therein to release the microspheres into the slurry. A conditioner agent may be added at or during ultrasonic treatment to enhance the flotation of the carbon compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: JTM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafic Y. Minkara, Jerry L. Heavilon
  • Patent number: 5837210
    Abstract: Provided is a method for processing a gold-bearing sulfide ore which involves maintaining the ore in a substantially oxygen free environment, preferably beginning with comminution of the ore and ending when a desired final concentrate, enriched in sulfide minerals, is obtained by flotation. In one embodiment, nitrogen gas is used to substantially prevent contact between the ore and air during comminution of the ore and during flotation operations. It is believed that oxygen gas present in air detrimentally affects the recovery of sulfide minerals in a flotation concentrate through surface oxidation of sulfide mineral particles. The use of a gas such as nitrogen can significantly reduce the potential for such surface oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Newmont Gold Company
    Inventors: Gary L. Simmons, John C. Gathje
  • Patent number: 5817230
    Abstract: A method for improving the pozzolanic character of fly ash includes the steps of first hydraulically classifying and then flotation separating the fly ash in order to reduce particle size distribution and remove carbon. The method also includes the steps of spiral concentrating separated coarse particles to recover iron, pyrite and marcasite and screening the fly ash to remove ultra-light carbon and plant debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: John G. Groppo, Jr., Thomas L. Robl, Charles J. McCormick
  • Patent number: 5810998
    Abstract: Fine-grained kaolin clays having improved brightness can be produced by (a) using centrifugation to fractionate the clay starting material into finer and coarser fractions, (b) subjecting the coarser fraction to flotation to remove discoloring impurities and (c) combining the finer and floated coarser fractions to produce fine-grained kaolin clays having improved brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Thiele Kaolin Company
    Inventors: Lee Ann Arrington-Webb, Chris B. Maxwell, Prakash B. Malla, Amy C. Semratedu
  • Patent number: 5807479
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process that employs both non-selective flotation and oxidative leaching of the resulting concentrates to recover an increased amount of copper from porphyry copper ores. The non-selective flotation step uses collectors and conditions, such as pH, that are conducive to the strong flotation of sulfide minerals generally. In the oxidative leach, the copper sulfide minerals in the concentrate fraction are oxidized to copper compounds, which are soluble in the leach solution. The oxidative leach includes the use of ammonia and sulfite under agitation leaching conditions to convert the copper sulfide minerals into ammonia soluble forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: COPROCO Development Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Arbiter
  • Patent number: 5799882
    Abstract: The efficiency of grinding materials is improved by the addition of hydroxy-carboxylic acids of five to six carbon atoms contasining at least three hydroxyl groups and from one to two carboxyl grpous or their soluble salts as grinding aids. The grinding aids can be added as such or formed in situ by the oxidation of saccharides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Richard R. Klimpel
  • Patent number: 5795466
    Abstract: A multi-stage froth flotation process is provided for concentrating sulphide minerals or middlings containing non-ferrous metal values such as nickel, cobalt and copper, which co-exist with significant amounts of pyrrhotite. The process is carried out without relying on any specific reagent as pyrrhotite depressant, but rather by exploiting the natural pulp environment with low REDOX potentials generated by mild steel grinding media in the grinding step preceding the froth flotation. The concentrate from the flotation stage(s) in which the REDOX potential rises above a predetermined value, is recycled back to the grinding step and/or to preceding flotation stage(s) from which concentrate is collected as the final product or is subjected to an up-grading in a further cleaning stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Falconbridge Limited
    Inventors: Sadan Kelebek, Peter F. Wells, Simon O. Fekete, Michael J. Burrows, Daniel F. Suarez
  • Patent number: 5795465
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process that employs both non-selective flotation and oxidative leaching of the resulting concentrates to recover an increased amount of copper from porphyry copper ores. The non-selective flotation step uses collectors and conditions, such as pH, that are conducive to the strong flotation of sulfide minerals generally. In the oxidative leach, the copper sulfide minerals in the concentrate fraction are oxidized to copper compounds, which are soluble in the leach solution. The oxidative leach includes the use of ammonia and sulfite under agitation leaching conditions to convert the copper sulfide minerals into ammonia soluble forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Coproco Development Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Arbiter
  • Patent number: 5795484
    Abstract: An ultra-fine coal particle fraction forms a coal product with particles that are dilatant due to the mechanical stripping of the clay contaminates from the coal surface and the subdividing of the clay to clay platelets which are peptized to maintain discreetness in an aqueous slurry. The coal particles are unflocculated and can produce an aqueously permeable barrier on a sieve. The ultrafine coal product has an increase of 100-150 BTU per pound and when combusted reduced Nox production of 20-40% is realized. In a 15.times.0 micron coal fraction, the sulphur content is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Edward H. Greenwald, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5772042
    Abstract: A method for the flotation processing of mineral ores is disclosed. At least one collector is introduced into the flotation process by atomization. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the collector is provided as a mixture of the thiol and corresponding oxidized thiol (e.g., a dithiol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: University of Queensland
    Inventors: Mark Cleeton Nott, Jonathan James Davies, Emmanuel Manlapig
  • Patent number: 5720873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of floating calcium carbonate ore containing silicates as impurities. Floatation is performed in the presence of a quaternary ammonium compound and an alkylene oxide adduct of an amine compound. The silicate being concentrated in the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventors: Anders Klingberg, Lisbeth Olsson
  • Patent number: 5700369
    Abstract: A novel process for adsorptive aggregation and also floatation of Carling type gold ores, which goes far beyond the conventional floatation method. Said novel technological procedures comprise fine grinding as well as sluicing of raw ores and adding special floatation agents such as stripping agent, adsorptive aggregation agent as well as collecting agent and flocculant in the course of coarse screening and sweep screenings. The fine ore obtained using the present process is graded as 22 g/T with a recovery yield langer than 83%. Said process has a screening index high and stable, it is safe and reliable and can be effectively put into industrial production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Zheng Zhou, Zailan Zou
  • Patent number: 5685899
    Abstract: Kaolin clays are conditioned for the removal of colored titaniferous impurities by (A) first mixing the kaolin clay with a collector to condition the impurities, in the absence of a dispersant, but in the presence of sufficient water to yield a mixture having a solids content of at least 65 percent by weight and (B) then deflocculating the kaolin clay mixture at a pH of at least 4.0 with a dispersant in amounts sufficient to yield a kaolin clay slurry which is suitable for subsequent processing to remove colored titaniferous impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Thiele Kaolin Company
    Inventors: Joseph Allen Norris, Jorge L. Yordan
  • Patent number: 5653867
    Abstract: An improved method is provided for separating acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS) plastics from each other. The ABS and HIPS plastics are shredded to provide a selected particle size. The shredded particles of the ABS and HIPS plastics are applied to a solution having a solution density in a predefined range between 1.055 gm/cm.sup.3 and 1.07 gm/cm.sup.3, a predefined surface tension in a range between 22 dynes/cm to 40 dynes/cm and a pH in the range of 1.77 and 2.05. In accordance with a feature of the invention, the novel method is provided for separating ABS and HIPS, two solid thermoplastics which have similar densities by selectively modifying the effective density of the HIPS using a binary solution with the appropriate properties, such as pH, density and surface tension, such as a solution of acetic acid and water or a quaternary solution having the appropriate density, surface tension, and pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Bassam J. Jody, Bayram Arman, Dimitrios E. Karvelas, Joseph A. Pomykala, Jr., Edward J. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5611916
    Abstract: A composition, adapted to be used in the beneficiation of coarse potash ore fractions in the substantial absence of extender oil, which consists essentially of: (a) water; and (b) a long chain primary aliphatic amine, for example, a tallow-based amine, having an iodine value of from about 20 to about 70 cg/g, preferably from about 40 to about 60 cg/g. The composition may further contain an acid to assist in the dispersion of the amine in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Janusz S. Laskowski, Qun Wang
  • Patent number: 5599442
    Abstract: New and improved processes and compositions for use in flotation recovery of metal values from base metal zinc sulfide ores are disclosed. The collector compositions for froth flotation of metal sulfide minerals comprise the combination of combination of 1) at least one allylalkylthionocarbamate compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is a C.sub.2 to C.sub.8 alkyl radical, preferably R is an isobutyl group, and 2) a xanthate having the formula ##STR2## wherein R' is a C.sub.2 to C.sub.8 alkyl radical, preferably a C.sub.4 radical. More preferably, the C.sub.4 radical of the xanthate is a butyl or isopropyl group. Preferably, the concentration of allylalkylthionocarbamate to xanthate of a ratio of from about 1:99 to about 50:50 percent by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Colin McRae, Danny Lee, Peter Avotins
  • Patent number: 5578198
    Abstract: The automatic regulator device comprises a channel for measuring the level and density of pulp in the chamber of a floatation machine, in which two bubbling pipes are in communication with a differential pressure pickup connected to the input of a frother flow-rate regulating channel and to one input of a correction unit whose other input is connected to a pressure pickup communicating with one of the bubbling pipes. The output of the correction unit is connected to the input of a circuit designed to regulate the rate of flow of water with frother in a pulp level stabilizing channel, the output of said circuit being connected to an actuator valve installed on a pipeline feeding water with frother and furnishing a control signal with respect to a pulp level deviation from a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Yakutsky Nauchno-Issledovatelsky I Proektny Institut Almazodbyvajuschei Promyshlennosti
    Inventors: Fedor A. Chumak, Vladimir N. Cherednik, Mikhail N. Zlobin
  • Patent number: 5554657
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides a process for recycling a mixed polymer recycle stream containing polyester polymers, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) typically in the form of carbonated soft drink or other containers. This novel process includes the steps of: (1) contacting the mixed polymer recycle stream with a solvent which selectively dissolves the PET. (2) separating the selective solvent containing PET from the residual mixed polymer, (3) cooling the selective solvent to precipitate the PET, and (4) removing the selective solvent from the precipitated PET. It is preferable that the mixed polymer recycle stream be prepared for recycling by conventional steps, such as water washing. In a preferred embodiment, the mixed polymer recycle stream is chemically washed subsequent to water washing and prior to contact with the selective solvent. The PET recovered is preferably combined with "virgin" PET and further processed to increase its molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Brownscombe, Howard L. Fong, Zaida Diaz, Hoe H. Chuah, Raymond L. June, Kevin L. Rollick, Thomas C. Semple, Mark R. Tompkin
  • Patent number: 5544760
    Abstract: An improved method for recovering lead sulfides from a mineral deposits. Pulverized mineral deposit material is mixed with water, agitated with pH adjustment from about 8 to about 10.5 to form a slurry. Rapeseed oil is added to the conditioned slurry to render the surface of the lead sulfide particles hydrophobic. After agitating and adding a frothing agent, air bubbles are injected into the resultant composition to cause hydrophobic lead sulfide particles to become attached to the air bubbles and to rise and form a froth fraction which is then separated and recovered. The process uses substantially non-toxic rapeseed oil as a hydrophilizing agent. The process is less environmentally damaging, less costly and more specific in separating lead sulfides from iron containing minerals which are normally present in ores together with the lead sulfides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventors: Freddy W. Benn, Marion Dattilo, William L. Cornell
  • Patent number: 5545351
    Abstract: Stearic acid monoesters and diesters of polypropylene glycol (PPG), together with a hydrocarbon diluent, give exceptional defoaming performance in mineral processing streams over defoaming compositions made with esters of other fatty acids. The defoaming ability of compositions made from stearic acid esters of PPG is further enhanced by the inclusion of a relatively small amount of a non-ionic dispersing surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William F. Riggs, Thomas A. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5542545
    Abstract: A process is described for separation of oxidic minerals, such as phosphate. The process is a froth flotation process utilizing a novel collector, which is comprised of:1. tall oil or any other commercial fatty acids that may contain rosin;2. fuel oil;3. N-substituted-N-mixed alkyoxy-propylmaleimic acid derivative;4. fatty acid sulfonate;5. alkyl alcohol ether sulfate;6. alkyl alcohol sulfate;The collector is added to the aqueous slurry of phosphate ore to be conditioned in a conventional manner. The conditioning reagents include alkaline pH modifiers, such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or ammonia. The conditioning pH value is controlled at 7.0-11.5. After conditioning, the reagentized slurry is transferred into a flotation cell and flotation is conducted in a traditional process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ying Xue Yu
    Inventor: Ying X. Yu
  • Patent number: 5540337
    Abstract: A process of separating at least one mineral, e.g. silica, from an aqueous medium, e.g. one containing iron ore, by froth flotation using cationic alkyloxyalkaneamine collectors free of acrylonitrile is described. Alkyloxyalkaneamines free of acrylonitrile may be made by reacting an alcohol with an alkenenitrile having at least 4 to 13 carbon atoms. This process produces branching on the third carbon from the nitrogen of the resulting compound, e.g. 3-hexoxypentaneamine. In addition to the absence of acrylonitrile, the alkyloxyalkaneamines give better selectivity than some conventional etheramines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William F. Riggs, Carlos Andress
  • Patent number: 5540336
    Abstract: Iron ore concentrates can be obtained by the flotation of iron ores providing mixtures containing at least one ether canine of formula (I):R.sup.1 O--(C.sub.n H.sub.2n).sub.y --NH--(C.sub.m H.sub.2m --NH).sub.x H,in which R.sup.1 is a linear or branched chain aliphatic hydrocarbon moiety having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and 0, 1, 2 or 3 double bonds; n and m independently of one another represent the number 1, 2 or 3; x=0 or the number 1, 2 or 3; and y=2 or 3, and at least one other anionic and/or nonionic collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Berthold Schreck, Rita Koester
  • Patent number: 5534158
    Abstract: A process is provided for clean-up of soils contaminated with highly viscous coal tar and/or petroleum derived organics. This new invention is based on application of the modified Clean Soil Process integrated with modified thermal desorption technology. This new invention utilizes the unexpected advantages of integration of the Clean Soil Process and conventional thermal desorption which cannot, when applied separately or in sequence (Clean Soil Process followed by Conventional Thermal Desorption), furnish satisfactory clean-up, but when integrated have the capacity to clean the most difficult contaminated soils (including soils contaminated by manufactured gas plants) to about 100 ppm, or less of total soluble organics and less than 3 ppm of PAH's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Envirotech Consulting Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa Ignasiak
  • Patent number: 5522986
    Abstract: Colored impurities are removed from kaolin clay by an improved flotation process in which a blend of a fatty acid compound and a hydroxamate compound is used as a collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Thiele Kaolin Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. S. Shi, Jorge L. Yordan
  • Patent number: 5510044
    Abstract: A composition, adapted to be used in the flotation of ore fractions in aqueous suspension, with the advantages of better dispersability of the amine and improved flotation results. The composition consists essentially of: (a) water; (b) a long chain aliphatic amine; and (c) a frother. The composition may further contain a carboxylic or mineral acid emulsifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Janusz S. Laskowski, Qun Wang, Elena A. Alonso
  • Patent number: 5507394
    Abstract: A composition, adapted to be used in the flotation of ore fractions in aqueous suspension, consists essentially of: (a) water; (b) a hydrocarbon extender oil, preferably one having a low aromatics content; (c) a long chain aliphatic amine, such as a tallow-based amine, preferably one with an iodine value is less than about 20 cg/g; and (d) an acid emulsifier. This composition is prepared by the following successive steps: (a) dissolution of the amine in the oil at an elevated temperature, (b) addition of the acid to the aqueous phase, (c) addition of the oil containing the amine to the aqueous phase, and (d) emulsification of the mixture using an appropriate shearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Janusz S. Laskowski, Oun Wang
  • Patent number: 5505310
    Abstract: A process for the selective flotation of at least one sulfide selected from the group of copper sulfide, silver sulfide, and activated zinc sulfide performed in the presence of 2-mercapto-benzoxazole derivatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
    Inventors: Anna Marabini, Giorgio Bornengo, Vittorio Alesse, Fabrizio Bergamini
  • Patent number: 5458738
    Abstract: Liquid process streams--such as white water, pressate, or washer filtrate from a pulp and paper mill--are clarified in an efficient manner using a gas sparged hydrocyclone, which takes up a minimum of floor space. A liquid stream having a consistency of less than about 0.5% solids is introduced into a first end of a vortex. Gas is sparged into the liquid in the vortex to cause particles to attach to gas bubbles and move through a rejects outlet at the first end of the vortex, while clarified liquid is removed from a second end of the vortex. A pedestal is typically provided at the accepts outlet, having a radial clearance with the inside of a porous tube through which the gas is sparged that is about 8-12% the radius of the porous tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Wayne Chamblee, Brian F. Greenwood, Louis O. Torregrossa, Gunther Plattner
  • Patent number: 5456363
    Abstract: An improved froth flotation method is provided for the removal and recovery of an ultra-fine constituent such as carbon from tailings such as fly ash. A flotation apparatus is utilized that preferably includes a slurry conditioning tank and a flotation cell. The method of the present invention comprises the improvement of utilizing a flotation reagent formulation comprising a mixture of fuel oil and petroleum sulfonate. The method broadly includes the steps of (1) producing a slurry, or solid suspension, of the material containing the constituent to be recovered by adding a preselected amount of water or other slurrying liquid; (2) adding the flotation reagent comprising a mixture of fuel oil and petroleum sulfonate to the slurry that renders the selected constituent hydrophobic; (3) aerating the conditioned slurry; (4) recovering the selected ultra-fine constituent from an upper portion of the flotation apparatus; and (5) withdrawing and recovering tailings from a lower portion of the flotation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: John G. Groppo, Jr., Steven M. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5456362
    Abstract: A process for the flotation of coarse potash ore fractions in an aqueous brine containing frother that comprises: (a) using a column flotation device in which air bubbles are generated by a sparger that utilizes high intensity shearing to mix and disperse air into brine containing frother; (b) removing a portion of the suspension at another point in the direction of flow of the suspension to regulate the upward flow rate of the suspension past the point where the air is dispersed into the suspension and thereby reducing fine particles entrainment in the froth product. The suspension can be conditioned with an aqueous composition comprising a hydrocarbon extender oil and a substantially saturated long chain primary mine, optionally comprising an acid, such as a mineral acid or carboxylic acid, to emulsify the oil in the composition, or can be conditioned with an aqueous composition comprising a long chain primary amine having an iodine value ranging from about 20 to about 70 cg/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Janusz S. Laskowski, Qun Wang
  • Patent number: 5443158
    Abstract: A process for the flotation of particles of lignitic coal, subbituminous coal or oxidized bituminous coal contained within a slurry of coal and gangue, comprising the steps of dispersing a surfactant throughout the slurry, first conditioning the slurry such that the surfaces of the particles of coal are selectively coated by the surfactant to produce activated particles of coal, dispersing an oil throughout the slurry, second conditioning the slurry such that the surfaces of the activated particles of coal are selectively coated by the oil to produce oiled particles of coal, and floating the oiled particles of coal on the surface of the slurry for separation from the slurry and gangue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Fording Coal Limited
    Inventors: Colin J. McKenny, Brian W. Raymond
  • Patent number: 5441156
    Abstract: Minerals can be recovered by flotation from non-sulfidic ores by using detergent mixtures containing:a) salts of sulfonation products of unsaturated fatty acids corresponding formula (I):R.sup.1 C(O)--OH (I)in which R.sup.1 CO is a linear or branched aliphatic acyl radical containing 12 to 24 carbon atoms and 1 to 5 double bonds, andb) salts of sulfonation products of unsaturated fatty acid glycerol esters corresponding to formula (II): ##STR1## in which R.sup.2 C(O) is a linear or branched aliphatic acyl radical containing 12 to 24 carbon atoms and 1 to 5 double bonds and R.sup.3 C(O) and R.sup.4 C(O) independently of one another represent a linear or branched aliphatic acyl radical containing 6 to 24 carbon atoms and 0 or 1 to 5 double bonds,and, optionally, other anionic and/or nonionic surfactants, as collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Bernd Fabry, Rita Koester, Hans-Christian Raths, Frank Wangemann, Heinz Mueller
  • Patent number: 5439115
    Abstract: In a process for a selective flotation of a copper-lead-zinc sulfide ore the raw ore is ground and slurried with water and the resulting suspension is aerated with air to adjust a certain oxidation-reduction potential and is subsequently successively conditioned with SO.sub.2, Ca(OH).sub.2, and collecting and frothing agents, whereafter a flotation of Cu is effected. An oxidation-reduction potential which is 70 to 90% of the oxidation-reduction potential desired for the flotation of Cu is adjusted by the aeration of the suspension with air before the flotation of Cu, the desired oxidation-reduction potential of 60 to 340 mV is adjusted during the flotation of Cu by the aeration with air, the flotation of Cu is effected at a pH of 8.5 to 10.5 and Cu is removed from the flotation process with the froth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ali-Naghi Beyzavi, Leo Kitschen, Friedrich Rosenstock, Horst Dittmann
  • Patent number: 5439116
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the recovery of micas by flotation starting with slurried ore from which the fines have been optionally removed, comprising a stage of bringing the said slurry into contact with an appropriate cationic collector, followed by an actual flotation stage and recovery of the supernatant formed for subsequent treatment and optional rewashing, characterized in that it is carried out at a pH higher than 6 and in that the stage of bringing the said slurry into contact with the cationic collector is preceded by a stage of bringing the said slurry into contact with an activating agent chosen from soluble metal salts.The invention also relates to the micas obtained by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Mircal
    Inventors: Andre Van Lierde, Jean-Philippe Beuvelet
  • Patent number: 5417102
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed a differential densitometer for continuously measuring total undissolved solids in a liquid. The densitometer comprises:a) a first densitometer having liquid inlet and outlet;b) a second densitometer having liquid inlet and outlet; andc) a filter connecting the outlet of the first densitometer to the inlet of the second densitometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Thomas H. Prevost
  • Patent number: 5413703
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Edward H. Greenwald, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5411148
    Abstract: This invention provides a process for improved separation of mono/multi-metallic sulphide minerals from significant amounts of iron sulphides, mainly pyrrhotite and/or their finely divided process middlings. The process comprises subjecting such material to a conditioning stage with at least one water-soluble sulphur-containing inorganic compound as a prerequisite step for further conditioning with nitrogen-containing organic chelating agents, preferably polyethylenepolyamines, prior to froth flotation wherein iron mineral, primarily pyrrhotite is depressed, thus allowing selective recovery of mono/multi-metallic minerals containing non-ferrous metal value(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Falconbridge Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadan Kelebek, Peter F. Wells, Simon O. Fekete
  • Patent number: 5407080
    Abstract: This invention relates to apatite flotation reagents which can be used simultaneously with silica collectors in a coflotation process without problems of incompatibility between the apatite flotation reagent and the silica collectors. The apatite flotation reagent includes soya lecithin. The soya lecithin can be used as an apatite collector by itself or can be blended with a phosphate ester, preferably an ethylene oxide modified alcohol based phosphate ester. In an additional embodiment, the apatite flotation reagent can be solely comprised of a phosphate ester, preferably an ethylene oxide modified alcohol based phosphate ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Tomah Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Welch, John C. Miller
  • Patent number: 5402894
    Abstract: A process for improving the efficiency of coal dewatering and deashing uses complexing agents such as sodium gluconate in alkaline solution to form soluble compounds with cations such as Al.sup.+3, Fe.sup.+3, Mg.sup.+2, and Ca.sup.+2. The formation of such compounds reduces the adsorption and/or desorbs clay slimes from the coal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Chemical Dewatering Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mary A. Winterhoff
  • Patent number: 5379902
    Abstract: A single dose of additive contributes to three consecutive fine coal unit operations, i.e., flotation, dewatering and reconstitution, whereby the fine coal is first combined with water in a predetermined proportion so as to formulate a slurry. The slurry is then mixed with a heavy hydrocarbon-based emulsion in a second predetermined proportion and at a first predetermined mixing speed and for a predetermined period of time. The conditioned slurry is then cleaned by a froth flotation method to form a clean coal froth and then the froth is dewatered by vacuum filtration or a centrifugation process to form reconstituted products that are dried to dust-less clumps prior to combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Wu-Wey Wen, McMahan L. Gray, Kenneth J. Champagne
  • Patent number: 5368166
    Abstract: The automatic control device comprises a channel used to measure the level and density of pulp in a chamber of a floatation machine, in which two bubbling tubes communicate with a differential pressure transducer connected to the input of a frother flow control channel and to the input of a correction unit whose other input is connected to a pressure transducer communicating with one of the bubbling tubes. The bubbling tubes are installed in hydrostatic tubes located outside the chamber and communicating therewith at different levels relative to the pulp level. The output of the correction unit is connected to the input of a circuit designed to control the flow rate of water and frother in a pulp level stabilizing channel and having its output connected to an actuator valve of a pipeline feeding water and frother.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Fedor A. Chumak, Vladimir N. Cherednik, Mikhail N. Zlobin
  • Patent number: 5318185
    Abstract: A froth flotation method is disclosed for separating fine particles of fossil resin from by use of frothing reagents which include an aliphatic organic compound having a polar group and containing not more than four carbon atoms. Butanol is an effective frothing reagent in this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventors: Jan D. Miller, Ye Yi, Qiang Yu
  • Patent number: 5314073
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for beneficiating a silicious phosphate ore by flotation, the process comprising the steps of conditioning an aqueous slurry of phosphate ore at a pH of from 7.5 to 10.5 with a fatty acid and a fuel oil and aerating the conditioned phosphate slurry to float the phosphate, the improvement comprising conditioning the aqueous phosphate slurry prior to aeration with a water dispersible sulfo-polyester having a glass transition temperature of 28.degree. C. to 60.degree. C. and consisting essentially of repeat units from a dicarboxylic acid, a diol and a difunctional sulfomonomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mahendra K. Sharma, George J. O'Neill, Brij M. Moudgil
  • Patent number: 5311997
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Gantt, Thomas J. Adkisson, Preston B. Gladin, Randall E. Ussery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5307938
    Abstract: The described invention relates to the processing of iron ore, particularly taconite ore. In particular, the invention relates to the separation of the iron containing component from the silicious and other gangue components such as phosphorus compounds in low grade iron ore. Typically, the separation is accomplished by a flotation process to remove the gangue to recover the iron component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Glenn Lillmars
  • Patent number: 5307937
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventor: Joel F. Hutwelker
  • Patent number: 5304317
    Abstract: Additive composition for use in separating particles of a desired material from particles of an undesired material in a froth flotation process using a frother. The composition includes an alkylated polymer of vinylpyrrolidone and a liquid carrier comprising the frother.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Fospur Limited
    Inventors: Christopher H. Barwise, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 5295585
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method for separating a first copper-containing mineral from a second copper-containing mineral using froth flotation where one of the minerals has a more readily oxidizable surface than the other. Prior to flotation, a slurry containing the copper-containing minerals is oxidized and conditioned to achieve an effective pH. Thereafter, the slurry is subjected to a froth flotation process by which a first copper-containing mineral, such as chalcocite, and a second copper-containing mineral, such as enargite, are recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Cyprus Mineral Company
    Inventor: Richard O. Huch
  • Patent number: 5295584
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the selective flotation of phosphorus minerals, in which process the flotation collectors used are one or more compounds of the formula 1a and/or 1b ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a branched or straight-chain C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 -, in particular C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 -alkenyl,R.sup.2 is a branched, straight-chain or cyclic alkyl having 5 and/or 6 carbon atoms andM is hydrogen, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, ammonium or NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 R.sup.5 where R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 independently of one another are hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 -hydroxyalkyl,optionally as a mixture or combination with co-collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Hoechst AG
    Inventors: Jens M. Krause, Kurt Bauer