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 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: Alkoxylated alkyl amines and alkoxylated alkyl guanidines are excellent collectors when used in mineral froth flotation to remove quartz, micaceous minerals, chlorite, pyrite and other mineral impurities from finely ground calcium carbonate to control tint, color, and abrasiveness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating off polyester plastics from a mixture of polyester, polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics, wherein in the flotation the polyester remains as the residue and the polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics are recovered in floated form, which comprises treating the mixture of plastics with an aqueous alkaline solution and separating off the polyester from polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics by flotation.

Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of foils, in particular aluminum foils, and the other components in waste foil-containing laminates includes subjecting the waste laminates to agitation in a heated polyalkylene glycol polymer solution. The thus heated mixture is cooled to permit density variations to separate the plastic and paper components of the waste laminate from the foil components therein. The separated foil components can be recovered from the polyalkylene glycol polymer solution for recycle or other use. Using a polyalkylene glycol polymer solution permits recovery of the glycol polymer in a heated recovery tank to recycle the polymer to facilitate further foil separation while minimizing adverse effects on the environment.

Abstract: Particles of a calcium borate mineral, such as colemanite or ulexite, are recovered from an ore by a froth flotation process using a dialkyl sulfosuccinate as collector. Suitable dialkyl sulfosuccinates include sodium or ammonium dinonyl sulfosuccinate, sodium or ammonium di-isodecyl sulfosuccinate, and sodium or ammonium dialauryl sulfosuccinate. The dialkyl sulfosuccinates may be used as aqueous solutions or as solutions in solvents consisting of water and methylated spirit, a dihydric alcohol such as ethylene glycol or hexylene glycol or a monohydric alcohol containing more than 5 carbons. Preferred collectors are the dinonyl sulfosuccinate salts, such as a compound of the formula, ##STR1## wherein X.sup.+ is a counterion.

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 hydrophobic polyvinyl chloride chip composition is described which has a preferred affinity for air when in water. The chip is supernatant in water after contact with air and has a skin layer containing a surface conditioning agent.A method for separating a PET/PVC chip admixture is also disclosed. The chip admixture is contacted with a surface conditioning agent to produce relatively hydrophobic polyvinyl chloride chips which can be floated in an aerated aqueous medium. The polyethylene terephthalate chips are recovered from the bottom of the aqueous medium. The flotation can be conducted in pure water without frothing or densifying agents.

Abstract: Collector compositions for use in froth flotation processes for the beneficiation of gold, silver and platinum group values from base metal ores are disclosed. The collector compositions comprise at least one dithiophosphate compound of the formula: ##STR1## and at least one allylalkylthionocarbamate of the formula: ##STR2## wherein each R is, individually, a C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkyl radical. The use of the collector combination provides excellent selective recovery of the gold, silver and platinum group metal values into froth flotation processes conducted under neutral to alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A wet process for the beneficiation of a fly ash by-product has the following steps: a) forming a slurry mixture of a fly ash material and a liquid; b) gravitationally separating and collecting a first material fraction of the fly ash having a density less than the liquid by skimming off floating slurry material; c) separating a first magnetic fraction from the slurry by subjecting the slurry to a magnetic field of from about 300 gauss to about 10 kilogauss; d) separating the unburned carbon from the remaining slurry components by adding an effective amount of an oil having a carbon chain greater than octane, and a frothing agent whereby the oil coats the unburned carbon forming hydrophobic carbon materials and inducing air into the system for frothing the slurry mixture wherein the hydrophobic unburned carbon froths to the surface and is removed by skimming off the frothing layer; and e) collecting the remaining fraction of silicate spheres and silicates.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method for the rougher flotation of phosphate ore using sodium carbonate to control the pH at about 9.6-10.5. The method facilitates improved recovery of phosphate from its ore; in addition the Bone Phosphate of Lime (BPL) of the phosphate concentrate increases, which provides further advantages in that subsequent steps are improved by virtue of receiving a feed of greater purity. There are also certain environmental advantages obtained when ammonia is replaced with sodium carbonate and the operational safety of the flotation system is enhanced when ammonia is replaced with sodium carbonate.

Abstract: Particles of a desired mineral are separated from an aqueous slurry containing the desired particles and particles of an undesired mineral by adding a collector, a frother and an alkylated polymer of vinylpyrrolidone, and then floating off the desired particles in a froth flotation cell.

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: Flotation aids, for use in ore flotation and beneficiation processes, comprising polyamines in the presence of fluorosubstituted organic compounds, either mixed therewith or at least partially-neutralized thereby, such that the resulting compositions separate silicate impurities and the like while also modifying and/or suppressing the froth generated. The synergistic nature of such compositions, certain embodiments of which are structurally novel, provide a cost-effective route to higher yields and increased production rates.

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 novel flotation aid for use in the flotation removal of contaminates or impurities from mineral slurries. The flotation aid is an alkali aluminate compound. The flotation aid may be incorporated into a flotation reagent system that includes a chemical collector.

Abstract: Dialkylated aryl monosulfonic acids or salts thereof or their mixture are useful as collectors in the flotation of minerals, particularly oxide minerals. Particularly useful are those sulfonic acids or salts in which the alkyl substituents are unsymmetrical. Collector compositions comprising these salts and sulfide collectors such as xanthates are useful in flotations conducted at natural pH of the slurry.

Abstract: Dialkylated aryl sulfonic acids or salts thereof or their mixture are useful as collectors in the flotation of minerals, particularly oxide minerals. Collector compositions comprising these salts and oleic acid are particularly useful in hard water. Collector compositions comprising these salts and sulfide collectors such as xanthates are useful in flotations conducted at natural pH of the slurry.

Abstract: Arsenopyrite is separated from a mixture with pyrite by contacting the mixture with a sulfitic agent providing HSO.sub.3.sup.- ions at elevated temperature and pH below about 8 for a period sufficient to impart a selective depression property to the arsenopyrite. On addition of a collector the pyrite is rendered floatable, enabling froth flotation to achieve a concentrate rich in pyrite and tailings rich in arsenopyrite.

Abstract: A process for the froth flotation separation of phosphate containing minerals by the use of a new collector agent is described. The new phosphate collector agent is prepared by mixing a fatty acid, tall oil pitch, an amine, and optionally sarcosine with fuel or furnace oil, and subsequently oxidizing the mixture by known methods. The new phosphate collector agent is added to the conditioned slurry of the ground and deslimed phosphate containing ore. The slurry is then subjected to froth flotastion in one or more stages to collect the phosphate concentrate in the froth. The phosphate collector agent is also effective in recovering phosphates from slime.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved flotation composition comprising a mixture of (A) at least one metal salt of a phosphorus acid represented by the Formula: ##STR1## wherein each R.sub.1 is independently a hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy of hydrocarbylthio group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, each X is independently oxygen or sulfur, and the lowest oxidation state of the metal is plus two, and (B) at least one dithiocarbamate represented by the formula: ##STR2## wherein each R.sub.2 is independently hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, or R.sub.2 taken together with R.sub.3 and the nitrogen atom form a five, six or seven member heterocyclic group; each R.sub.3 is independently a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, or R.sub.3 taken together with R.sub.2 and the nitrogen atom form a five, six or seven member heterocyclic group; and R.sub.4 is a hydrocarbylene group having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing high brightness kaolin from ore containing silica, other types of clays, minerals such as ilmenite micas, feldspars and various metal silicates as well as organic matter. The process consists of sizing, a double floatation step, magnetic separation, leaching and oxidative brightening steps. This is a novel combination of conventional unit operations and in particular the use of a double floatation step to remove quartz and various trace minerals that interfere with achieving high optical brightness for kaolin.

Abstract: Bis(alkylthio) alkanes or bis(arylthio) alkanes are synthesized by reacting alkenes with excess dialkyl disulfides or diaryl disulfides and are useful in ore flotation process as flotation agents for ores containing metal sulfide minerals.

Abstract: A process is provided for the froth flotation of oxide and salt type minerals utilizing as the collector a combination of a monoester of a dicarboxylic acid of the general formula ##STR1## in which R' is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 7-21 carbon atoms, R" is a hydrocarbon radical with 2-6 carbon atoms and A is an alkylene oxide group derived from an alkylene oxide with 2-4 carbon atoms; and a monocarboxylic acid having the general formulaR'"COOH IIwherein R'" is a hydrocarbon group with 5-23 carbon atoms, the acid as being in an amount to increase the yield and/or the selectivity of the monoester in the flotation of alkaline earth metal-containing oxide and salt type minerals, such as apatite, fluorspar, calcite, baryte, scheelite, dolomite, and magnesite.

Abstract: Collector compositions for use in froth flotation processes for the benefication of precious metals i.e. gold, silver and platinum group metals (PGM) from sulfide ores containing especially pyrrite and pyrrhotite are disclosed. The collector comprises alkyl hydroxamic acids or their alkali metal or ammonium salts, preferably in combination with standard sulfide ore collectors such as xanthates etc.

Abstract: Silica and siliceous gangue are separated from desired mineral values, particularly iron and phosphate, by reverse froth flotation in the presence of amine collectors and effective amounts of alkanol amines such as diethanol amine.

Abstract: Particles of a calcium borate mineral, such as colemanite or ulexite, are recovered from an ore by a froth flotation process using a dialkyl sulphosuccinate as collector. Suitable dialkyl sulphosuccinates include sodium or ammonium dinonyl sulphosuccinate, sodium or ammonium di-isodecyl sulphosuccinate, and sodium or ammonium dilauryl sulphosuccinate. The dialkyl sulphosuccinates may be used as aqueous solutions or as solutions in solvents consisting of water and methylated spirit, a dihydric alcohol such as ethylene glycol or hexylene glycol or a monohydric alcohol containing more than 5 carbons.

Abstract: The invention is a collector composition for a flotation process containing a primary or secondary amine or amine salt and at least one of xanthates, dithiophosphates, mercaptobenzothiazoles, xanthogen format and thiococarbamate and a flotation process which utilizer the collector composition.

Abstract: A process for the selective flotation of metal ores is described, wherein ionic organic collectors are utilized, which have the formula: ##STR1## where R and R.sub.1, like or different from each other, represent: H, a halogen, a straight or branched C.sub.1-9 alkyl group, an alkoxyl or hydroxyalkyl group in which the alkyl moiety contains from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group; and M represents: H, Na, K, Li, Cs, NH.sub.4.

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: The present invention involves a method for separating copper sulfide from rimmed iron sulfide by flotation. Prior to flotation, a slurry containing the sulfides is oxidized and conditioned to achieve a pH greater than pH 9. Thereafter, the slurry is subjected to a froth floatation process by which a copper sulfide, such as chalcopyrite, concentrate is recovered.

Abstract: A collecting agent and method for the recovery of valuable minerals in the froth flotation beneficiation of non-sulfidic ores is provided. The collecting agent is selected from alkyl glycosides, alkenyl glycosides and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the collecting agent is a combination of an alkyl glycoside, an alkenyl glycoside and mixtures thereof with a non-thio ionizable surfactant collector. Glycosides containing from about 2 to 8 glycoside residues may be used. The alkyl and alkenyl components of these glycosides may be linear or branched, may contain from about 2 to 18 carbon atoms and may optionally contain a hydroxyl group or an ether linkage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for recovering a bulk concentrate of zircon and a bulk concentrate of rutile-ilmenite from dry plant tailings. A process has been discovered for froth flotation by manipulating the surface charges of dry plant tailings. Conditioning reagents, sulfuric acid to lower the pH; corn starch to coat the minerals to be depressed; sodium fluoride to activate the minerals to be floated; and amine to float the activated minerals, are used in the flotation process.

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 process for froth flotation for the recovery of sulfide minerals, or sulfidized oxide minerals, from their ores utilizing a 5-Alkyl, 5-Alkenyl, or 5 Aryl-1,3,5,-Dithiazine as a collector reagent, either alone or in combination with other known collector reagents in the froth flotation of an aqueous pulp of such ores.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for purifying a calcium carbonate-containing mineral which process comprises the following steps:a) mixing the calcium carbonate-containing mineral with water and a dispersing agent to form a suspension containing from 60% to 80% by weight of the dry mineral;b) comminuting the suspension of calcium carbonate-containing mineral prepared in step a) to give a product containing not more than 5% by weight of particles which are retained on a sieve having a nominal aperture of 53 microns and not more than 50% by weight of particles which are smaller than 2 microns e.s.d.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved process for beneficiating an ore-containing sulfide material. In particular, the process is useful for beneficiating ores and recovering metals such as gold, copper, lead, molybedenum, zinc, etc., from the ores. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of:(1) forming a slurry comprising at least one crushed mineral-containing ore, water and a collector which is at least one metal salt of a phosphorus acid represented by the Formula: ##STR1## wherein each R.sub.1 is independently a hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy or hydrocarbylthio group having from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, each X is independently oxygen or sulfur, and wherein the metal is i) at least one single metal having a lowest oxidation state of plus two or ii) at least one mixture of metals wherein at least one of the metals has a lowest oxidation state of plus two, provided that when the primary mineral is copper, zinc or silver, the metal (i) is other than zinc.

Abstract: A process for recovering molybdenite from feed materials containing copper sulfide and molybdenite (e.g. copper/molybdenum concentrates from flotation processes) wherein the feed material is treated with ozone and then floated to recover molybdenite.

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: A flotation process is disclosed wherein the selectivity to the valuable mineral is improved by the depression of silica or siliceous gangue by the use of a hydroxy-containing compound such as an alkanol amine. The process is useful in the flotation of oxide minerals as well as in sulfide flotation.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing potassium chloride with a K.sub.2 O content of 55 wt. % from the fine salt resulting from the decomposition of carnallite, n-alkyl amine salts are used as conditioning agents, and flotation media containing magnesium and potassium chloride are used to separate this fine decomposition salt in an initial flotation stage into a grain size fraction of <0.1 mm as the first pre-concentrate and a residue having a grain size of >0.315. After the conditioning, this residue is again floated and the potassium chloride comes to the surface as a second pre-concentrate. Then the potassium chloride is separated from the mixture of the two pre-concentrates, without any further conditioning, in another flotation stage, and collected.

Abstract: Ores of metal oxides and oxide-like compounds such as chromite and pyrochlore are beneficiated by froth flotation in the presence of substituted amino phosphonic acids or salts thereof.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for substantially reducing the radioactivity of heavy mineral concentrates or mineral mixtures. The process comprises the removal of radioactive minerals present in the heavy mineral concentrate or mixture by a selective flotation procedure. The process yields a single flotation fraction containing the radioactive minerals.

Abstract: Particles of a desired mineral are recovered from particles of an unwanted mineral in an aqueous slurry by means of a froth flotation process in which, after treatment of the mineral particles with a collector, a predominantly hydrophobic polymeric flocculating agent, which will selectively flocculate the desired mineral particles, is added to the slurry.The predominantly hydrophobic polymeric flocculating agent may be for example a polyvinyl ether or a polybutandiene and may be predispersed in a carrier liquid, which may be the frother used to produce the froth.

Abstract: A wet process for the beneficiation of a fly ash by-product has the following steps: a) forming a slurry mixture of a fly ash material and a liquid; b) gravitationally separating and collecting a first material fraction of the fly ash having a density less than the liquid by skimming off floating slurry material; c) separating a first magnetic fraction from the slurry by subjecting the slurry to a magnetic field of from about 300 gauss to about 10 kilogauss; d) separating the unburned carbon from the remaining slurry components by adding an effective amount of an oil having a carbon chain greater than octane, and a frothing agent whereby the oil coats the unburned carbon forming hydrophobic carbon materials and inducing air into the system for frothing the slurry mixture wherein the hydrophobic unburned carbon froths to the surface and is removed by skimming off the frothing layer; and e) collecting the remaining fraction of silicate spheres and silicates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the separation of minerals by flotation in the presence of activators and suppressors. Activators are cation-active condensation products and suppressors are anion-active products of aminoplast formers, formaldehyde and amines, ammonium salts, acids or a sulphite, in combination with either an anion-active or cation-active tensides.

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 present invention relates to an improved process for beneficiating an ore containing sulfide materials with selective rejection of pyrite, pyrrhotite and other minerals and gangue. In particular, the process is useful for beneficiating ores and recovering metals such as copper, lead, zinc, etc., from said ores. In one embodiment the process comprises the steps of:(A) forming a slurry of at least one crushed mineral-containing ore, water and at least one collector which is an acid, or an anhydride, ester, ammonium salt or metal salt of the acid that is represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein each R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is independently a hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbyloxy or hydrocarbylthio group;each X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 is independently sulfur or oxygen;R.sub.3 is a divalent hydrocarbyl group, hydrogen or hydrocarbyl group;a is 0 or 1;b is 0 or 1;c is 1 or 2;Q is a divalent, trivalent or tetravalent hydrocarbyl group or --C(X.sub.3)NR.sub.5 Q';X.sub.

Abstract: A flotation process is disclosed for cleaning of particulate coal and separation therefrom of pyrite and ash. A flotation pulp is prepared comprising a particulate coal feed material and an anionic surfactant selected from among alkanesulfonic acids, alkenesulfonic acids, alkynesulfonic acids, arenesulfonic acids, alkyl sulfuric acids, alkenyl sulfuric acids, alkynyl sulfuric acids, aryl sulfuric acids and salts of these acids. Among the particularly preferred surfactants are substituted ethenesulfonic acids and salts thereof. Other preferred embodiments include the use of at least about 0.3 pound surfactant per ton of particulate feed material; implementation of the process via aggregate flotation, in which at least about 50% by weight of the particulate coal feed material is smaller than about 400 mesh; and use of combinations of anionic surfactants and nonionic frothing agents. A novel composition of matter comprising the anionic surfactants adn a nonionic compound is also disclosed.