Abstract: An apparatus for froth flotation including a flotation vessel including a side wall and a bottom wall that includes a fluid drain, and a mixing eductor inside the vessel disposed to impart net rotational force to contents of the vessel about an axis; and a method of separating a desired constituent (e.g., coal) from a mixture of particulate matter, including the steps of conditioning a liquid mixture of particulate matter including a desired constituent with a frothing agent to create a pulp, and injecting the pulp into a vessel to impart net rotational movement of pulp in the vessel, are disclosed.

Abstract: A froth flotation process typically used to separate particulate materials such as coal, has a mixed size feed (1) separated in a sieve bend (2) into a stream of relatively fine particles (3) and a stream of relatively coarse particles (14). The fine particles are fed to a flotation cell (7) in the normal manner, while the coarse particles are mixed with wash water (16) and distributed onto or into the froth layer (10) by wash water distribution apparatus (19, 20). Alternative variations of wash water distribution apparatus able to handle coarse particles are also described.

Abstract: A separating device (10) especially for use in a pneumatic flotation system comprises an annular channel (18), at least one nozzle (16) for introducing aerated pulp substantially horizontally and tangentially into the annular channel (18), froth extraction means (26) for the removal of separated froth from the annular channel (18), and pulp extraction means (24) for the removal of separated pulp from the annular channel (18), the at least one nozzle (16) being configured so that the aerated pulp introduced into the annular channel (18) rotates therein with centrifugal forces of between 5 and 20 ms?2.

Abstract: A separation apparatus and method for use in separating magnetic material from non-magnetic material that includes the use of a magnetic grid, e.g., a permanently magnetic grid, which defines a plurality of openings. The grid assists in preventing magnetic material from being transported to an overflow.

Abstract: Device and process for the removal of air from flotation foam formed during the flotation of a paper-fiber-containing suspension. The device includes a driven rotor that includes a shaft and at least one rotor blade positioned on the shaft, and a non-rotating wall arranged to surround the rotor in a region of the rotor blade by a non-rotating wall. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a reactive oily bubble carrier comprising: (a) a gas bubble having an oil-coating; and (b) a collector dissolved within the oil-coating. The present invention also provides for the use a reactive oily bubble carrier in a flotation target particle separation process. The present invention also provides for a flotation target particle separation process using the reactive oily bubble carriers disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating solids from liquids by means of flotation, particularly for separating impurities and ink particles from fibre suspensions, with several injectors 10, which are provided inside a flotation cell 1. It is mainly characterised by the injectors 10 being arranged in one row.

Abstract: A device and process for aerating dispersions, particularly for flotation of pulp suspensions, in a de-inking process where the pulp suspension containing dirt particles is sprayed into a tank together with air. The air is injected at a minimum of two successive points and mixed with the suspension.

Abstract: A particle separating apparatus is provided with a stock solution feeder (1) for supplying a stock solution containing particles, a bubble generator (2) for generating air bubbles to promote the separation of particles, a first separator (3) for separating the stock solution into a first concentrated solution and a first clear solution, a first discharge passage (4) for discharging the first concentrated solution separated by the first separator (3), a filtering device (5) provided inside the first separator (3) for filtering the particles in the first clear solution, a second separator (6) provided inside the filtering device (5) for separating the first clear solution into a second concentrated solution and a second clear solution, a second discharge passage (22) for discharging the second concentrated solution separated by the second separator (6) to the outside, and a clear solution guide passage (8) for guiding the second clear solution to the outside.

Abstract: Method and flotation vessel for removing contaminants from aqueous fibrous suspension. The method includes damming up fibrous suspension at a head level above a bottom of flotation vessel, and forming a bubble flow via gas bubbles rising counter to gravity in dammed fibrous suspension, such that fibrous suspension is carried counter to ascending direction of bubble flow and contaminants are deposited on gas bubbles. Accepts, discharged in cleaned form, are carried counter to bubble flow, and contaminants and bubbles are discharged in thickened flotation foam. A flow cross-section of flotation vessel transverse to bubble flow is formed straight on at least 80% of at least one side wall, and length of side wall is at least 1.5 times greater than width of end wall. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The cell comprises an enclosure (2) including, at the top, a main inlet (3) for the pulp to be de-inked and, at the bottom, a main outlet (4) for the de-inked pulp. The pulp from the top to the bottom, passing through successive stages (E1, . . . En) provided with bubble passageways (13) introduced into the lower portion of the enclosure, the bubbles raising until the top, to form a foam (5). The cell includes pulp guiding means (12) forming guiding path and in which the bubble passageways (13) are provided for, these guiding means (12) being, on their lower face, inclined upwards in order to guide the bubbles (14) towards the bubble passageways.

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of solids in froth is presented. The apparatus includes: a housing (1), establishing a chamber (2) for flows of liquid and solid material and a froth bed (30) on the liquid; feeding means (14) for getting incoming material to be separated in contact with said froth bed (30); discharging means (6) for solid material near the bottom (12) of said housing (1); aerator means (24, 26) under the liquid surface (78) for creating bubbles and thus forming said bed of froth (30) and generating movement on the bed of froth (30); means for discharging froth from the housing (1) including at least a froth outlet (74). The apparatus is characterized by a surface (32) connected to said feeding means (14) so as to reduce the vertical speed component of the material being fed with the feeding means (14) from above said froth bed in and on to said froth bed (30).

Abstract: Invention relates to a flotation machine which at least contains a flotation cell (2) having a means for feeding slurry in the floatation cell, a means for feeding gas into the slurry and producing aerated slurry (4) and froth (3), a means for removing froth from the flotation cell and a means for removing tailings from the flotation cell, when the flotation cell (2) is provided with at least one separation device (5), which is arranged to float at the interface (6) between phases having different densities, such as froth (3) and aerated slurry (4), in order to improve the removal of froth phase from the flotation cell.

Abstract: An improved flotation separation apparatus for separating and classifying diverse, liquid-suspended solids having a plurality of high volume air bubble infusers. Each infuser includes a circular cavity defined by an interior circumferential wall. A plurality of stationary impinging plates projecting from the interior circumferential wall into the circular cavity and equally spaced circumferentially in series therealong. An injecting stream of water and air impinges upon the impinging plates in series to repeatedly create, divide and subdivide air bubbles as the injection stream transverses the series of impinging plates.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of particles in a liquid that within chosen limits have different physical property values, wherein the particles to be separated are supplied via a feeder to a screen upon which a layer of facilitating particles is disposed the size of the facilitating parties being too large to fit through the openings in the screen, wherein particles to be separated are passed through the layer of facilitating particles and through the openings in the screen and collected under the screen, the density of the particles being greater than that of the liquid, and wherein a repetitive vertical movement is provided between the particles and the liquid, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering a desired fraction of a raw material bearing the desired fraction has a vessel or cell defining a treatment chamber therein, with an inlet into the chamber for introducing a slurry of raw material to be treated into the chamber. An attrition zone is defined in a portion of the chamber proximate the inlet in the flow path of material introduced into the chamber, the particles being caused to impact against each other in the attrition zone to cause attritioning thereof. A floatation zone is defined in a distal portion of the chamber, in flow communication with the attrition zone, in which attritioned particles from the attrition zone can be contacted with gas bubbles to form a froth phase separated from the slurry by a slurry-froth interface such that the desired fraction is either selectively taken up into the froth phase by the gas bubbles or selectively left behind in the slurry. An outlet from the chamber for the froth phase is present.

Abstract: A particle separating apparatus is provided with a stock solution feeder (1) for supplying a stock solution containing particles, a bubble generator (2) for generating air bubbles to promote the separation of particles, a first separator (3) for separating the stock solution into a first concentrated solution and a first clear solution, a first discharge passage (4) for discharging the first concentrated solution separated by the first separator (3), a filtering device (5) provided inside the first separator (3) for filtering the particles in the first clear solution, a second separator (6) provided inside the filtering device (5) for separating the first clear solution into a second concentrated solution and a second clear solution, a second discharge passage (22) for discharging the second concentrated solution separated by the second separator (6) to the outside, and a clear solution guide passage (8) for guiding the second clear solution to the outside.

Abstract: A device and process for aerating dispersions, particularly for flotation of pulp suspensions, in a de-inking process. The process includes at least two stages, where each stage has a separate liquid circulating system which sucks in the gas or air and mixes it with the liquid. The device has at least two flotation cells, with each of the cells having a separate injector and a separate circulation system including a pump.

Abstract: A particle separating apparatus is provided with a stock solution feeder (1) for supplying a stock solution containing particles, a bubble generator (2) for generating air bubbles to promote the separation of particles, a first separator (3) for separating the stock solution into a first concentrated solution and a first clear solution, a first discharge passage (4) for discharging the first concentrated solution separated by the first separator (3), a filtering device (5) provided inside the first separator (3) for filtering the particles in the first clear solution, a second separator (6) provided inside the filtering device (5) for separating the first clear solution into a second concentrated solution and a second clear solution, a second discharge passage (22) for discharging the second concentrated solution separated by the second separator (6) to the outside, and a clear solution guide passage (8) for guiding the second clear solution to the outside.

Abstract: A process is described for separating particles based on differences in mass after the selective attachment of air bubbles to reduce the density of one or more of the components of the feed. A novel feature of this process is aeration of a hindered-bed of solids in a fluidized-bed separator to create particle/bubble agglomerates that can be separated based on the principal of gravity. This approach offers an improvement in process efficiency that cannot be achieved by other processes. Air and water are mixed in a shear device before the aerated fluidized water is introduced to the separation chamber.

Abstract: A flotation machine is provided which includes at least one flotation cell having an inner chamber. The fiber suspension is transported into the inner chamber, and a gas is injected into the fiber suspension within the inner chamber at a temperature below 20° C. to cause the wax to clump within the fiber suspension. The clumped wax is removed from the fiber suspension.

Abstract: A flotation machine is provided which includes at least one flotation cell having an inner chamber. The fiber suspension is transported into the inner chamber, and a gas is injected into the fiber suspension within the inner chamber at a temperature above 100° C. to decrease the density of the wax within the fiber suspension. The wax is removed from the fiber suspension.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for removing solids from an aqueous fiber suspension in a flotation container that includes a drainage section. The process includes adding gas bubbles to the fiber suspension entering the flotation container, and collecting a flotation foam formed within the flotation container. The flotation foam includes the solids to be removed. The process also includes laterally moving the flotation foam in the drainage section, such that at least a portion of fluid within the flotation foam is drained from the flotation foam, collecting the drained fluid in the drainage section, discharging the drained fluid from the drainage section, discharging the flotation foam as a rejects material, and discharging a purified fiber suspension as an accepted stock suspension. The apparatus includes a flotation container, and a drainage section coupled to the flotation container. The drainage section is arranged to drain at least a portion of fluid from a flotation foam.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the treatment of a desulfurization absorbing fluid after gas-liquid contact with combustion exhaust gas in which fine particles of unburned carbon and other materials are efficiently removed from the desulfurization absorbing fluid to improve the quality of a by-product (e.g., gypsum) obtained therefrom. The method of this invention comprises the steps of feeding a gas into a desulfurization absorbing fluid (A) containing fine particles of unburned carbon and other materials and thereby producing gas bubbles so as to cause the fine particles to adhere to the surfaces of the gas bubbles and create a foam phase (D) consisting of the gas bubbles; and breaking the foam phase (D) to obtain a liquid (E) containing the fine particles.

Abstract: The process is designed for the flotation of interfering materials from an aqueous fibrous pulp suspension and is in particular used in the processing of printed or used paper that is otherwise contaminated. The separation of gas bubbles of the suspension occurs in a flotation layer that has a maximum thickness of approximately 100 mm. The process also achieves good flotation results in fibrous pulp suspensions that have a fiber pulp content significantly larger than 1% by weight, for example around 2% by weight. A flotation apparatus is provided for performing the flotation process. The apparatus includes a flotation vessel, an inlet, an outlet, and a skimmer device.

Abstract: The method for de-inking paper pulp produced by the reduction to pulp, with water, of old papers of various qualities according to which a stream of air bubbles (C) is sent through the flow (E2, S2, E3, S3) of pulp at least once, is characterized by the fact that a countercurrent of water (E1) is sent into the stream of de-inking air bubbles after said bubbles have passed through the pulp and become laden with ink particles so that the countercurrent releases the particles (fibers, fines, fillers) borne along by these de-inking bubbles and carries them away.

Abstract: An elutriation apparatus which combines pressurized liquid nozzles (16A) and the low energy air nozzles (20) producing bubbles for flotation and separation of trace materials in a heterogeneous mixture of materials is described. Quantitative separation of trace evidence is achieved by the apparatus by a closed system of mechanical separations using the water and the air to isolate and deposit trace evidence on a fine mesh screen filter (17) submerged in the water (24) in a container (23). The method provides a rapid, quantitative and inexpensive method for detection of the evidence in soil samples.

Abstract: The flotation process for separating particulate impurities from fibrous suspensions in a flotation tank. Upon or after entry into the flotation tank, the fibrous suspension added to the flotation tank may be mixed with a portion of the suspension already in the flotation tank. The portion of the suspension already in the flotation tank may be drawn into the added suspension. After mixing, the mixed suspensions enter a mixing element. The mixed suspension is expelled into the flotation tank and a circular flow pattern is generated within the flotation tank as a result. A flow speed may be limited at a top end so that an optimal mixing with the gas bubbles required for flotation may occur with a desired energy savings.

Abstract: A superb centrifugal flotation cell with a rotating feed, is provided for use in an effective separation process to rapidly recover greater quantities of valuable fine particles. In the process, a slurry of fine particles is injected with air bubbles and moved downwardly through a stationary pipe and a rotating feed line comprising a centrifugal rotating downfeeder. The slurry is centrifugally discharged from the rotating downfeeder into the flotation chamber where the slurry is separated into a waste stream of non-floating gangue material and a particulate-enriched froth comprising air bubbles carrying a substantial amount of the valuable fine particles for further processing.

Abstract: A mixing device in the form of a centrifugal pump is used to mix gas (typically air) with liquid (typically effluent water, dispersion water, or waste paper pulp suspension, etc.). The pump is provided with a common inlet conduit for both the liquid and the gas so that liquid and gas flow freely and in an arbitrary ratio into the pump, that is there is no controlling or adjusting of the flows. The gas is allowed to either dissolve in the liquid or be mixed as small bubbles with the liquid, and any surplus gas is separated from the mixing device (e.g. by holes in the pump impeller leading to a rear portion of the pump which is attached to a vacuum source, such as a liquid ring pump). The liquid and gas dissolved therein, and small bubbles mixed therein, are discharged from the mixing device at a pressure that is raised from the inlet pressure, due to the action of the impeller, which pressure development enhances the dissolution of gas in the liquid.

Abstract: A method of aerating a liquid comprising the steps of providing a column, introducing liquid under pressure into an upper zone of the column in the form of a jet of liquid directed in a path, permitting gas to be entrained by the jet of liquid, obstructing the path of the jet of liquid to form a zone of turbulence in which bubbles are formed in the liquid to create a foam or froth bed in the column, and removing the foam or froth.

Abstract: A process and apparatus serves to remove solid matter from an aqueous material suspension produced from printed used paper. As many interfering material particles are collected by floatation as possible in a floatation foam and diverted as a reject. A perforated separating element is located above the fibrous material suspension. Between the separating element and the floatation foam, an intermediate layer is formed. In the intermediate layer the fibers, which have been entrained by gas bubbles are again rinsed and retrieved.

Abstract: A mixture of air, paper stock made from recycled paper, foaming agents and surfactants are injected into a pressurized container. The container has a stock inlet at an end opposite a stock outlet, and three outlets arranged along the top of the container between the stock inlet and the stock outlet. The first top outlet nearest the stock inlet is separated from the second and third outlets by a baffle, and the second and third outlets are separated from the stock outlet by a baffle. Each outlet has a valve which controls flow from that outlet. By adjusting the outlet valves, foam and waste ink is vented from the first and second outlets from the stock inlet, while stock is vented from the third outlet which is closest to the stock outlet. The stock passing through the third outlet is recycled through the container.

Abstract: A cyclonic-static micro-bubble flotation apparatus which includes a single unit flotation device having a cyclonic separation unit in the bottom portion of the device and a column flotation portion which includes packing in the upper portion of the flotation device.

Abstract: The invention realises a reactor for liquids purification comprising: a tank containing the liquid to be purified; a plurality of upper injectors suitable for introducing in the tank said liquid to be purified with an aeriform substance dispersed in it in the form of bubbles; one or more blades arranged inside said tank and connected with a rotating shaft; one or more intermediate injectors cooperating with said first interception means suitable for sucking the liquid up and introducing it again in the tank in a lower position in comparison with said upper injectors. Said reactor comprises at least a low box, arranged at an intermediate height in said tank, suitable for receiving the descending liquid during a purification phase, which is supplied with interception means suitable for permitting the suction and the re-flowing of said liquid inside said tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the separation of coal from pyritic impurities using a modified froth flotation system. The froth flotation column incorporates a helical track about the inner wall of the column in a region intermediate between the top and base of the column. A standard impeller located about the central axis of the column is used to generate a centrifugal force thereby increasing the separation efficiency of coal from the pyritic particles and hydrophillic tailings.

Abstract: The invention realizes a baffle for a reactor for liquids purification, said reactor comprising: a tank containing the liquid to be purified; a plurality of injectors suitable for introducing in the tank said liquid to be purified; one or more rotating blades arranged inside said tank, suitable for keeping agitated said liquid to be purified. Said baffle is applied to at least one of said one or more blades and it is formed of a disk supplied with a plurality of through openings suitable for favoring, during the rotation of said blades, the passing of the descending flow of liquid during the purification, and of the ascending flow of aeriform substance dispersed in said liquid, in order to favor the stabilization of the turbulent motion of the liquid itself in correspondence with said blades.

Abstract: Flotation equipment for mineral processing having a single column with multi-sections or chambers in which the partitions between chambers can be moved for optimum hydrodynamics resulting in the separation of different particles in each chamber which rises to the top of the chambers entrained with air bubbles to form froth layers. Provision is made for processing large particles in at least one of the chambers.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a fiber suspension (deinking or white water) in which a mixture of fiber suspension and gas bubbles are jtted into a flotation tank in an upwardly directed manner toward the free surface of the pulp at a velocity of greater than Sm/s and the jet ends at or just below the free surface of the mixture.

Abstract: A method for rupturing microalgae in an aqueous suspension is disclosed. In one embodiment the aqueous suspension is passed through a constriction into a liquid phase at a pressure sufficient to rupture the cells by circulating the aqueous suspension through a constriction in a pump loop at a pressure and a percent recycle sufficient to rupture the cells. Cells of the alga Dunaliella salina can be ruptured by the method of the invention to promote froth flotation and mechanical filtration of the cells for recovery of mixed carotenoids.

Abstract: Equipment for deinking paper pulp, wherein the batch of pulp to be deinked is made to circulate to move from top to bottom whereas the air bubbles are introduced at least in the lower part and move from bottom to top, characterized in that the pulp descends from top to bottom while being recycled in several consecutive and superposed stages.

Abstract: A user-friendly centrifugal flotation cell with a rotating drum, is provided for use in an efficient separation process to rapidly recover greater quantities of valuable fine particles. In the process, a slurry of fine particles is injected with air bubbles and moved downwardly through a stationary downfeeder to a centrifuge comprising a rotating flotation cell. The aerated slurry is centrifugally separated into a waste stream of non-floating gangue material and a particulate-enriched froth comprising air bubbles carrying a substantial amount of the valuable fine particles. The froth is processed by froth flotation in a froth flotation chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting floatable minerals from a slurry (3). Slurry (3) is fed into a tank (2) via a feed inlet (25) and agitated and aerated so as to create an upper zone containing froth enriched with the floatable minerals. The agitation and aeration are also regulated to create a lower zone (41) containing a relatively dense or coarse component of the slurry (3), and an intermediate zone (42) containing a substantially less dense or finer component of the slurry (3). The surface froth is progressively withdrawn via a launder (30) thereby to produce a flotation concentrate. Similarly, the relatively dense component of the slurry (3) is progressively withdrawn from the lower zone (41) via a bottom inlet (26), and the relatively less dense of the slurry (3) is progressively withdrawn from the intermediate zone (42) via a side outlet (28).

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the separation of solid matter via flotation. The flotation process for the separation of solid matter from a suspension takes place via the utilization of centrifugal forces wherein the suspension is brought into rotation in a separating zone so that the floated components are particularly effectively routed to and concentrated at the center of the separating space, whereby, when viewed axially, floated components and the remaining portion of the suspension is guided in the same direction and out of the separating zone, with the avoidance of vortexes in the flow stream achieving particularly favorable separation effects. In addition, several apparatuses, for carrying out the process, are also set forth.

Abstract: A superb centrifugal flotation cell with a rotating feed, is provided for use in an effective separation process to rapidly recover greater quantities of valuable fine particles. In the process, a slurry of fine particles is injected with air bubbles and moved downwardly through a stationary pipe and a rotating feed line comprising a centrifugal rotating downfeeder. The slurry is centrifugally discharged from the rotating downfeeder into the flotation chamber where the slurry is separated into a waste stream of non-floating gangue material and a particulate-enriched froth comprising air bubbles carrying a substantial amount of the valuable fine particles for further processing.

Abstract: A flash flotation device (1) comprises a tank (2) to contain slurry (3) incorporating minerals to be extracted, a feed inlet (25) for admission of slurry (3) into the tank (2), agitation means (10) to agitate the slurry (3) within the tank (2), aeration means to aerate the slurry (3) whereby floatable minerals in suspension form a surface froth for removal via froth lip (29), a bottom outlet (26) for withdrawal of relatively coarse or dense components of the slurry (3) from the tank (2), and a side outlet (28) to regulate the level of slurry (3) in the tank (2).

Abstract: Improved control for the separation of waste materials, or materials having waste components, is provided by the injection of air, or other gas bubbles, into a water-filled tank while simultaneously depositing the waste containing material to be separated onto the top of the water. This method is especially useful where both portions of some or all of the materials to be separated from each other have specific gravities greater than that of pure water. The rapidly rising air bubbles provide turbulence and buoyancy to materials that are slightly heavier than water, such as water-soaked organic products, but do not prevent heavier materials, such as sand and metals from sinking. An apparatus is described which allows for the removal of both the floating and sinking fractions from the floatation tank.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for environmental applications such as waste water treatment, de-inking of recycled paper, chemical/biochemical waste clean-up, and mineral beneficiation, using a multi-stage flotation column. A series of draft tubes arranged axially and separated by baffles provides individual mixing stages in the flotation column and a special gas distributor generates fine gas bubbles. The draft tubes create repetitive loop flow of the feed fluid in each flotation stage. This provides uniform distribution of the gas bubbles throughout the column and significantly enhances mixing and contacts of the gas bubbles with the impurities to be removed.

Abstract: Hydrophobic material is selectively separated from an aqueous feed by forming gas bubbles in a flow of the feed, forming hydrophobic material/gas bubbles aggregates by motionless mixing and separating the aggregates as a froth by use of centrifugal action.