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 stock liquid is made to flow into a cell through a stock inlet at one end of the cell. The stock liquid is admixed with air bubbles from an air bubble generating device disposed at a lower portion of the cell and extending between the opposite end plates of the cell, thereby forming the stock liquid into a spiral flow. Ink particles are entrapped by the air bubbles to deink the stock liquid and the air bubbles remain as froth over the free surface of the stock liquid. The froth is made to flow down to the froth trough. The deinked stock liquid is discharged to the exterior of the cell through the stock outlet at the other end of the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for feeding air into a flotation cell provided with a rotor and a stator. According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, air is fed into the intermediate space formed in between the rotor and stator covers, to above the rotor, wherefrom the air is distributed symmetrically.

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: A stock liquid is made to flow into a cell through a stock inlet at one end of the cell. The stock liquid is admixed with air bubbles from an air bubble generating device disposed at a lower portion of the cell and extending between the opposite end plates of the cell, thereby forming the stock liquid into a spiral flow. Ink particles are entrapped by the air bubbles to deink the stock liquid and the air bubbles remain as froth over the free surface of the stock liquid. The froth is made to flow down to the froth trough. The deinked stock liquid is discharged to the exterior of the cell through the stock outlet at the other end of the cell.

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 wastewater flotation separation system is provided, which operates effectively with a minimum of maintenance. The apparatus includes a container (12) for holding wastewater, an inlet (14) located at a lower portion of the container, and an aerator (24) adjacent to the inlet for generating air bubbles that cling to waste particles to bring them to the water surface. A skimming apparatus (30) which skims particles off the surface of the wastewater into a sludge receiver (44) includes a beach device (42) with an inclined upper surface (40), and a belt device (34) that moves a series of scrapers (32) along the surface of the water and along the beach device into the sludge discharge. Each scraper includes a flap of resilient material which is bent as it scrapes along the inclined beach surface.

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: The efficiency of operation of vortex grit removal devices, typically used in wastewater treatment plants, is improved by measuring changes in the vertical level of liquid contained in the device as the grit removal operation progresses and using such level change measurements to automatically control the speed of rotation of the grit remover's rotor used to impart vortical motion to such body of liquid. Devices for performing such improved vortex grit removal operations are disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to a separator for two liquids which are not miscible, consisting of a cylindrical casing (1) in which there are active capacities (9, 10) and passive capacities (8, 35), the passive capacities (8, 35) being disposed at each of the ends of the direction of circulation (FF) of the liquid in the cylinder and serving either as a tranquilizing zone or as a decantation zone or as a buffer zone, at least two active capacities (9, 10) being connected by a common skimmer disposed in the center of the cylindrical casing (1), the active capacities (9, 10) being disposed between the passive capacities (8, 35) and being provided with a rotor-stator assembly (13, 14) adapted to carry out separation by induced air.

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: Aeration apparatus for use in recovering values from slurries in a flotation cell wherein the impeller has a plurality of blades extending generally radially and downwardly on its lower surface, each blade extending from the hollow drive shaft of the rotor to the periphery of the impeller and generally increasing in height radially outwardly along the length of the blade. In the preferred form of the invention a stator is provided having corresponding radial blades located beneath the impeller.

Abstract: A flotation chamber separates fine kaolin particles or the like by flotation out of a slurry. A generally cylindrical column has an inlet for injecting slurry into the column, a froth launder at an upper end of the column, and a tailings outlet at the lower end of the column. A draft tube is vertically oriented within the column and has upper and lower open ends. A sparger within the draft tube injects air into the slurry within the draft tube, and a rotary impeller immediately above the top end of the draft tube produces a fine bubble in the slurry and permits quiescent zones in the slurry above and below the position of the impeller. Aeration of the slurry supplied to the impeller lowers power draw.

Abstract: A system for separating phases of a liquid stream, comprising a plurality of members each member having an inlet and an outlet such that the outlet of one member is connected to the inlet of another with members being horizontally or vertically stacked in relation to each other.

Abstract: A mixing system for dispersing gas or other fluids in liquid which may have a solid suspension so as to improve mass transfer to the liquid or its solids suspension while maintaining a low pattern which is substantially axial (up and down) in the tank containing the liquid thereby also facilitating mixing (blending) utilizes an (unshrouded) axial flow impeller which provides the desired single stage axial flow downwardly to the bottom of the tank and upwardly along the sidewalls of the tank with radial flow confined principally to the bottom region of the tank. A sparge system which releases the gas or other fluid in the region at the bottom of the tank where the flow is predominantly radial allows attainment of gas rates with complete dispersion of gas throughout the tank which rates are much higher (about four times as great) as when conventional sparge systems are used with axial flow impellers.

Abstract: A mechanical flotation machine comprises a flotation cell, a circulating pipe vertically installed therein, an axial impeller mounted in the lower portion of the pipe and a guide device secured to the lower end of the pipe. The guide device has an annular gap through which pulp flow generated by the impeller returns from the cell to the pipe. Vanes are installed in the annular gap to create, above the impeller, pulp flow rotating opposite to the rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: An improved flotation cell for recovery of minerals from ore using a three phase system flotation process provides improved metallurgical recovery through improved rotor/stator and cell design by establishing good zonal separation within the cell and minimizing froth turbulence, providing uniform aeration in the cell, and accommodating higher aeration volumes before encountering turbulence. Parameters for the rotor/stator pump assembly, a deflector vane forming part of the stator and for pump assembly/cell configuration are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for suspending solid particles in a turbulent fluid for the purpose of concentrating particles of interest such as mineral particles comprises an upright column provided with a plurality of impellers spaced along a rotatable shaft extending centrally within the column. An inlet is provided near the bottom of the column to introduce compressed gas which is dispersed by the rotating impellers to create a rising column of bubbles through a slurry of particles in a liquid so that a gas to liquid gradient is provided along the column. Disks are spaced along the shaft between the impellers, and baffles are provided longitudinally at the inner surface of the column to control the swirling of the fluid caused by the impellers.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are specified by which emulsions or suspensions of both different and changing composition can be separated in a particularly reliable manner. Proceeding on the principle of turbo-flotation, which is known per se, according to one embodiment, the gas is dispersed in the lower region of the vessel so that it is finely dispersed directly at the point where the emulsion is broken up or the suspension is separated, respectively, mechanically. Furthermore, the emulsion or suspension to be separated is supplied to the vessel close to the surface of the emulsion and the residue is removed at the bottom of the vessel. In this way, in continuous operation, a counter-flow between gas or gas/liquid suspension and emulsion can be achieved, thereby avoiding recontamination and re-emulsification. A strictly separated turbulence zone and a superposed flotation zone are formed. Foam carrying the flotate is formed on the surface.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing an alternative to chemical precipitation, electroplating and hydroxide floculation and for improving the separation of heavy metal from water.

Abstract: A flotation device provided with a raw water tank; a flotation tank thereto the flowing of raw water from said raw water tank is generated by a water level differential; a stirring apparatus for air mixing located at flowing passage of raw water flows from said raw water tank to said flotation tank; a chemicals supply apparatus adding the cationic polymer coagulant at the upper stream side and the anionic polymer coagulant at the lower stream side of said stirring apparatus of said flowing passage; a gas supply apparatus feeding air with lowering the upper stream side of flowing passage at just before upper stream side of said stirring apparatus of said flowing passage.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and apparatus to improve the treatment capacity in the flotation process and to reduce the cost of equipment improving the dehydration of the separated scum using only natural dehydration and air-dry that have no need of mechanical dehydration process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation machine designed for floating minerals from sludges containing coarse particles. The flotation machine comprises a rotor (3) and a stator (2) provided with actuator machinery and auxiliary equipment (7, 8, 9). The bottom (14) of the stator (2) is solid and the stator-rotor mechanism is located within the cell apart from the cell bottom (10). The feed inlet pipe (12) is connected to the cell so that the feed is directed towards the mixing zone of the rotor flow.

Abstract: An improved froth flotation installation for separating solid particles from an aqueous slurry by delivering a stream of the aqueous slurry directly into a vortex chamber along with a supply of bubble-forming gas. The kinetic energy of the slurry creates necessary froth bubbles, and provides mechanical agitation of the contents of a froth flotation separation zone upon discharge from the bottom of the vortex chamber. In multi-zone froth flotation installations, the direction of flow of the aqueous slurry of unrecovered solid particles is deliberately changed at least twice between a first froth flotation zone and a last froth flotation zone to improve solids-froth contact and to minimize the possibility of particles adopting a short circuit path through the installation. Multiple froth flotation zones are serviced by a single slurry pump in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a repeating flotation machine for floating minerals from sludges. The repeating flotation machine comprises a flotation cell (1) and a repeat flotation cell (16) placed therein. Inside each cell there is placed a mixer apparatus composed of a stator-rotor combination (2, 3; 17, 18).

Abstract: In a froth flotation beneficiation, the rate of addition of collector reagent is varied in response to the change in particle size effected by the beneficiation, as determined by comparing a size analysis of solid particles in one of the separated streams with a size analysis of solid particles in the feed stream.

Abstract: A froth flotation machine (40) having a rotary air-supply shaft (42) vertically disposed in a vessel (41) includes an impeller (50) comprising a series of interconnected blades (52,53). Extending radially and fixedly depending from a flat impeller plate (52) is a pumping blade extending over one-half the distance from the plate outer periphery to the shaft. Blade (53) is an air-inducing vane of lesser radial length which aids in inducing air from shaft (42) to pumping blades (52). The vane has a height less than 50% of the height of the pumping blade. The pumping blade has an L/H ratio of from 0.8 to 1.4 where L is its radial length and H is its vertical height. Slurry is pumped by the blades (52) from bottom of the vessel through a central aperture in a surrounding fixed stator base (56) having stator bars (55) extending upwardly and forming parallel-sided passageways (63,64) for pumped fluid.

Abstract: A method for directing a desired amount of gas below the liquid surface in a solution reactor, to mix the bubbles as effectively as possible with a suspension of a pulverous solid and a liquid, and to produce in the mixed gas-liquid-solid suspension a strong, suspension-maintaining flow field which is downward in the center of the reactor and upward along its sides, is disclosed. A so-called gls-mixer according to the invention consists of a circular plate fitted at the lower end of a rotating shaft suspended by its upper end, vertical dispersion blades situated radially at the edges of the circular plate, and baffles attached to the dispersion blades by means of arms. An upwardly directed gas-feeding conduit is fitted at the bottom of the reactor, and from this conduit the gas jet discharges to the center point of the circular plate.

Abstract: A fluid diffuser for dispersing a gas or liquid into a body of receiving liquid in which it is immersed. The diffuser includes a rotatable shaft, a thin disk-like member mounted for rotation on the shaft, and an annular ring positioned adjacent the outer perimeter of the disk-like member. At least one of the top and bottom walls of the annular ring is porous. These top and bottom walls define a fluid plenum, into which gas or liquid under pressure is introduced to be emitted from the plenum as small, nascent fluid spheroids on the surface of the annular ring. The boundary layer flow from rotation of the disk-like member within the body of receiving liquid shears fine gas bubbles or liquid particles from the foraminous surface or surfaces of the annular ring. The annular ring may be fixed, or rotatable in the opposite annular direction from the rotation of the disk. Impeller blades may be mounted on the top and/or bottom surfaces of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: A grit settling basin including a cylindrical grit settling chamber adapted to contain liquid sewage and a grit storage chamber positioned beneath the grit settling chamber and adapted to receive grit settling out of the liquid. A vertical shaft is positioned centrally in the grit settling basin and extends into the grit storage chamber. A partition comprising a truncated cone surrounds the central shaft and defines the two chambers. A first annular opening is provided between the shaft and the partition and a second annular opening is provided between the partition and an upper portion of the grit storage chamber. A plurality of vanes project from the central shaft below and adjacent the partition and cause upward fluid flow through the first annular opening in response to rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: The coating on the stator vanes in a flotation machine is subject to abrasive load caused by the air/suspension flow and acting on the top part of the vane facing the rotor. In prior art, the coating placed on the vane was stationarily joined, serving single use only. In the invention a detachable coating (6) has been developed, which is placed like a sock upon the stator vane (4) and secured in place with the aid of a cover member (8). This securing, or locking, is accomplished with the aid of a groove (7) machined in the stator vane and of tooth-like projections (9) provided on the cover member. A locally worn-out coating may be detached and either turned through 180.degree. or inverted and put back in its place.

Abstract: A method is proposed for processing high-ash coal sludges by flotation of a slurry in the cells of flotation units, particularly for processing gas coal and open burning coal which are difficult to float, in which the coal slurry to be processed flows through the cells of the flotation unit pre-conditioned and controllably, particularly with control of the dwell time. In a preferred embodiment, the control of the dwell time occurs by a controlled distribution of the slurry to cells of the flotation unit which operate in parallel. For the purpose of controlling the dwell time of the slurry in a flotation unit, cells which are traversed in parallel are additionally connected or disconnected as a function of operating parameters, such as slurry density or solids content or solids distribution.

Abstract: A motor rotated agitator is adapted to be inserted within a container of liquid wherein the agitator has a plurality of curved blades secure at their top edges to a disc adapted to be rotated by a motor. The lower edges of the blades have a circular plate secure thereto, having a central circular opening for input of fluid to inner ends of the blades. A sparge ring is disposed about the periphery of the agitator for ejecting a gas into output of fluid at the periphery of the agitator in an area spaced from the input area of the agitator, which is limited by use of the circular plate.

Abstract: In a process for mixing a gas and a liquid in an apparatus having an axial flow down-pumping impeller located in a draft tube and preceded by a first baffle wherein a vortex and turbulence are created and gas is drawn into the vortex, the improvement comprising providing liquid velocity of at least one foot per second, increasing the turbulence, providing a second baffle below the impeller, and a high shear zone between impeller and the second baffle.

Abstract: A flotation separation cell is disclosed having a rotor-stator pump assembly wherein a rotor body comprises integrally formed hub, blade and top plate members. These members form a gas chamber in an upper sector of the rotor. The blades are curvilinear and of parabolic or vortex shape. A gas stream which is conveyed to the gas chamber is discharged from the gas chamber in a transverse direction and flows in gas pockets along surfaces of moving blades for dispersion in a slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing gas with liquid comprising:(a) an inner cylindrical member comprising an elongated tube having upper and lower ends and a plurality of turbines, which are free to rotate about their longitudinal axis, mounted within the tube, the turbines being spaced apart from one and another and so constructed that adjacent turbines have different rotational direction or velocity;(b) optionally, an outer cylindrical member comprising an elongated tube having upper and lower ends and a plurality of openings in the lower half of the tube wall;(c) a base member to which the lower ends of the outer and inner cylindrical members are attached so that the lower ends are sealed, the outer and inner cylindrical members being arranged in a concentric manner; and(d) a gas inlet pipe for introducing gas bubbles into the apparatus.The apparatus is useful for aerating sludge, separating the fine particles contained in a slurry, and separating particles having smooth surfaces from particles having jagged surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for reprocessing old paper in a series of flotation cells arranged one behind another, the suspension discharge 11 from the front cell being connected to the suspension inlet 8 of the following cell, each cell being provided with a stirring impeller 3, an air infeed device 9 and a foam outlet opening 12. The cells are provided by a substantially tubular body 1 which is horizontal or slopes gradually downward towards the rear, the tubular body being divided into a plurality of sections by partition walls 2 extending substantially vertically. Each section is provided with a suspension inlet 8, a suspension discharge outlet 11, a foam outlet opening 12, a stirring impeller 3, and an air infeed device 9.

Abstract: A radial injector having a rotational disk through which gases are aspirated from the atmosphere and mixed with a fluid contacting the disk at the other side thereof. The disk is defining a ring slot by cooperating with a flange portion of the housing. Upon rotation of the disk, the fluid is accelerated towards the periphery of the disk thereby developing an undertow in the ring slot. Consequently gases are aspirated and injected into the fluid.

Abstract: A flotation apparatus having a rotor adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation, which rotor includes an impeller shaft, e.g. a hollow shaft, having a disc at the end immersed in the pump. The apparatus also includes an effective quantity of stabilizer members which are inclined, at least at the height of the rotor, about a perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A foam breaker for a fermentation reactor has one or more curved rods, preferably hollow rods with open ends (tubes), and an arrangement for so mounting these on the rotor of the reactor that they rotate with the rotor. The rods or the tubes have leading ends or inlets respectively which scoop up liquid of the liquid phase contained in the reactor, and opposite closed ends or outlets respectively at or through which this liquid is slung away or expelled in form of jets which pass through and destroy a layer of foam that forms above the liquid phase in the reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a gas and a liquid is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a hollow outer tube and a hollow inner tube received coaxially within the outer tube. The inner tube is mounted for rotary motion within the hollow interior of the outer tube. A motor is attached to the outer tube adjacent a first end thereof and is drivingly coupled to a first end of the inner tube. The inner tube has a section which extends beyond the second end of the outer tube. A propeller is attached to this section of the inner tube for rotation therewith. The propeller is adapted to be placed in a liquid and to propel the liquid in which the propeller rotates. An inlet is formed in the inner tube for admitting a gas to the hollow interior of the inner tube. A diffusion tube forms a portion of the inner tube and extends beyond the propeller. The diffusion tube has a hollow interior which forms a portion of the hollow interior of the inner tube.

Abstract: A flotator for use in benefication, coal dressing, wet refining and so forth, incorporating a surface flotation technic. The flotator has a funnel-shaped liquid cell having a bottom of an area smaller than that of the top opening. A bubbling device is constituted by an upper sleeve partly immersed in the liquid contained by the cell, a lower sleeve disposed coaxially with the upper sleeve and fully immersed in the liquid. The upper end of the lower sleeve is spaced by a predetermined distance from the lower end of the upper sleeve to form therebetween a spaced region located at a small depth from the liquid surface. The bubbling device further has a rotary blade unit constituted by upper and lower blades separated by a flat partition plate.

Abstract: A provision of the disclosed grating composed of closed loops of plurality of parallelly-arranged straps with clearances between adjacent straps is made to encompass a space of a body of a revolution defined by a vane-type impeller. It proves to be effective for improving gas-absorption by a better gas-liquid contact in a chemical process or fermentation process.

Abstract: A static diffuser for use within the water tank of an ozonator system. The diffuser comprises a depending water pipe into which water is fed under pressure by an external pump. The lower end of the pipe flares outward and has an internal fixed cone which combines with the flared end of the pipe to provide an annular laterally directed water discharge. The annular discharge includes angularly directed vanes to enhance the water discharge and assist in forming a high velocity outwardly directed circular sheet of water. The pipe is surrounded, in spaced relation, by a shroud through which the ozone is introduced. The shroud is provided with an annular slot outward of the pipe discharge, the shape of the shroud at the slot forming a modified 360.degree. circular venturi whereby the discharging high velocity sheet of water creates a negative pressure drawing the ozone therewith into the surrounding body of water for a ozonation thereof.

Abstract: In a process for mixing a gas and a liquid in an apparatus having an axial flow down-pumping impeller located in a draft tube and preceded by a first baffle wherein a vortex and turbulence are created and gas is drawn into the vortex, the improvement comprising providing liquid velocity of at least one foot per second, increasing the turbulence, providing a second baffle below the impeller, and a high shear zone between impeller and the second baffle.

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