Abstract: A foam flotation reactor for the separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic products is provided. The reactor combines a material to be beneficiated, collector reagents, and a stream of specifically generated gas bubbles, in order to collect the desired product in the foam in a more efficient manner. A narrowed upper part of the reactor and accompanying water sprays force separation of undesired particles. A foam generator efficiently supplies a bubbly liquid/frothing agent to the reactor.

Abstract: A flotation machine including 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 hydrocyclone for feeding mineral particles of coarse fraction, a cylindrical casing of this hydrocyclone having a pipe for evacuating the liquid phase of the flotation pulp positioned tangentially and communicating with the pipe for feeding the flotation pulp carrying mineral particles of fine fraction.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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: An apparatus and method for the continuous clarifying of liquids containing suspended solid substances comprises a flotation cell with a liquid head height of less than 1 meter, with a ratio between the liquid head and the cell diameter comprised between 0.25 and 0.05. The cell has a bottom axial inlet for liquid to be clarified, supersaturated with gas, so as to generate an axial ascending current of the liquid to be clarified with radial divarication toward the surface of the liquid head. A framework associated with the cell rotates concentrically with respect thereto and supports a spillway unit for collecting the flotated layer and a scraper unit which affects all the wet surfaces of the cell. A discharge outlet is furthermore provided in the lower part of the cell for the outflow of clarified liquid which falls toward the bottom of the 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: In a hydrocyclone, particularly for deinking of paper pulp, a movable generally cylindrical plug is utilized to define an annular space near the accepts withdrawal conduit to effect release of obstructions should the annular space become clogged. The plug is biased by a spring, and moved against the spring pressure to enlarge the annular space automatically in response to a build up of back pressure. The plug also may be moved manually from exteriorly of the hydrocyclone housing, or may be operated by fluidic elements on a periodic basis to clean the annular space whether or not there has been a build up of back pressure. The hydrocyclone preferably is a gas sparged hydrocyclone, and recycled paper--with print on it--having a consistency of at least about 2% is treated to effect deinking.

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

Abstract: A radial mixing header for use with apparatus that removes solids from a liquid by dissolved air flotation (DAF). The header comprises a par of concentric pipes circumscribed by a concentric mixing chamber having a tangential port for introduction of the recycled gas-liquid stream thereinto. The recycled stream achieves rotary and turbulent motion and mixes in a larger diameter pipe with the raw solids-containing stream which flows through a smaller diameter pipe.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a multi-stage separator vessel through which the to-be-cleaned fluid flows. Aeration assemblies within the inner cells disperse micro-fine gas bubbles into the fluid for cleaning purposes. Additionally, the inlet piping contains a separator that begins the separation process before this fluid is discharged into the first cell. An L-shaped passageway interconnects the various flotation cells of this separator with the entrance of each such passageway being at an elevation below its exit. A weir is located within each flotation cell that is adjustable as needed. This weir empties into a channel alongside the separator vessel that collects the separated contaminants flowing over the weir for later disposal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aeration of waste water in a dissolved air flotation waste water treatment system includes a container for receiving and retaining waste water for settling of heavy particles and flotation of light particles to the surface of the waste water. Waste water is removed from the container and supplied to a free standing tank. Pressure in the tank is maintained at a predetermined level through the injection of compressed air into the tank. Waste water removed from the tank is pumped through a multiple jet configuration wherein air from the tank is entrained in the waste water as the water is injected back into the tank. The aerated water is discharged from the tank back into the container, thereby providing an efficient aeration process. Aerating the water in a free standing tank separate from the container increases clarification quality as a result of reduced disturbance of the particles floated to the surface of the waste water and reduced need for chemical addition to the waste water.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve for discharge of a pressurized dissolved air flotation aqueous treatment liquid from a high pressure reservoir to a low pressure body of liquid to be treated is provided. The valve includes a discharge head body adapted to be attached to a conduit supplied with pressurized treatment liquid which is provided with a central opening for discharge of a treatment liquid. The opening is controllable by means of a reciprocable cap positioned to reciprocate from a position whereon it restricts flow of liquid through the opening to a position wherein flow in unrestricted. The cap is attached to a reciprocable piston rod attached at its opposite end to a piston that is movable within an enclosed cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a port or opening on each side of said piston into which a source of pressurized air connectable to cause movement of the piston and thus opening and closing of the valve by selectively directing the flow of said pressurized air to either side of the piston.

Abstract: The removal of sticky contaminants during the production of recycled paper is accomplished utilizing a hydrocyclone froth flotation process. Paper having sticky contaminants from labels, tapes, hot melts, and other tacky substances, is reduced to a finely comminuted liquid solids suspension of about 1-4% consistency. The suspension is introduced into a first end of a vortex in a hydrocyclone, and the air is sparged radially inwardly into the suspension vortex by passing it through a porous inner wall of the hydrocyclone. Ligher weight sticky contaminants move to the center of the hydrocyclone, facilitated by the radially inward movement of the sparging air, and hydrophobic sticky contaminants attach to the air bubbles and form a foam. The foam and lightweight sticky contaminants are removed from the first end of the vortex, while the pulp which has had sticky contaminants removed therefrom is discharged from the second end of the vortex, opposite the first end.

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

Abstract: A hydrocyclone establishes a first vortex of fluent material at one end (e.g. in a top portion), and a second vortex at the other end (e.g. in a bottom portion). The first vortex is established within a porous surface of revolution to which gas or other fluid is supplied, passing through the porous surface into the first vortex. The second vortex is established by a conical end section extending outwardly from (e.g. below) the porous surface, and with an axial (e.g. bottom) discharge for fluent material. Some fluent material--for example having heavy particles--is removed tangentially from the conical end section at a portion near the porous surface of revolution. A conical shroud having a circumferential periphery is mounted by a number of spaced legs connected between the shroud and the conical bottom section so that fluent material may pass between the circumferential periphery of the shroud and the porous surface of revolution.

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

Abstract: 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 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: The invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for removing suspended matter from liquid. The apparatus has a single cell vertical cylindrical hydraulic flotation vessel which is provided with a separation wall to separate a lower gasification chamber from a middle degasification chamber and an upper gas chamber. A number of alternative arrangements are provided for controlling skim collection through controlling volume of liquid within the vessel and changing the volume of liquid through the use of adjustable timer which intermittently send signals to outlet valves of the skim collection outlet or of the treated liquid outlet.The invention provides for alternative arrangement of introducing liquid into the vessel, so as to achieve more intimate mixing of gas and liquid introduced into the vessel.

Abstract: A column flotation cell includes a fluid vessel, an exteriorly mounted microbubble generator, conduits for conducting a pressurized mixture of bubbles and liquid from the generator to the vessel, features for inhibiting the coalescence and enlargement of the bubbles prior to their introduction into the vessel, and an arrangement for introducing the bubble/liquid mixture into the vessel and for distributing the mixture uniformly throughout the vessel cross-section. Coalescence and enlargement of the bubbles are inhibited by limiting the length of the mixture-conducting conduits, and by designing the conduits so as to provide a substantially uniform and continuous flow diameter. The uniform and continuous nature of the flow diameter reduces local disturbances of fluid flow which would otherwise occur at discontinuities in the flow path, tending to cause coalescence and enlargement of the bubbles.

Abstract: Deinking of paper having print during the production of recycled paper is accomplished by a froth flotation process using a hydrocyclone. A finely comminuted liquid solids used paper suspension having a consistency of about 1 to 4% is introduced into a generally vertical axis vortex provided in a hydrocyclone. Air is sparged into the suspension in the vortex, by passing through a porous inner wall of the hydrocyclone, to cause ink particles to attach to the air bubbles and to rise in a foam while cellulosic pulp moves downwardly in the vortex. The foam--containing the ink particles--and the pulp are removed from the vortex in separate streams. The pulp is deaerated and the air component of the foam is removed in the cyclone. About 5-15% of the total flow of the suspension is removed with the foam in each stage, and about 95-85% with the pulp.

Abstract: A flotation machine comprises a cylindrical chamber having a tapered bottom to which there are secured a pipe for feeding a flotation pulp containing mineral particles of fine fraction, and a pipe for discharging gangue. Secured at the walls of the chamber is a trough for collecting froth concentrate and a group of pulp aerators, whereas arranged axially inside the chamber is a group of tapered shells spaced equidistantly heightwise of the chamber, bases of larger diameter of these shells facing the top part of the chamber and resting in one tapered surface, and one more group of tapered shells arranged at the top part of the chamber outside the shells of the first group, bases of smaller diameter of the shells facing the bottom and resting in one tapered surface outside the tapered shells of this group. Overlying the chamber is a means for feeding mineral particles of coarse fraction.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for disengaging organic, bituminous material from pulverized bituminous ores and for recovering a concentrated mixture of the bituminous material and water. Wherein the apparatus comprises a pulverizer to pulverize the ores to be processed to particles not larger than 1/4 inch in size and inner and outer process vessels which are preferably combined into a unitary assembly and wherein the process comprises a combination of mechanical and hot water disengagement of the organic, bituminous materials from the mineral ore solids, i.e.

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

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

Abstract: Apparatus for separating contaminant particles from liquid suspension stock, e.g. in the de-inking of used news print, is characterized by one or more of a plurality of features which contribute to increasing the capacity and effectiveness of the apparatus, including the provision of a cell comprising inner and outer annular chambers of substantially equal depth with the inlet and outlet connections for the stock being located adjacent the bottoms of the two chambers to force the stock to travel through the full depth of each chamber, and also the provision of a baffle of substantial width on the top of the wall between the two chambers to spread the stock overflowing that wall into a thin film.

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: The invention relates to a new and improved apparatus for removing suspended matter from liquid. The apparatus has a single cell vertical cylindrical hydraulic flotation vessel which is provided with a separation wall to separate a lower gasification chamber from a middle degasification chamber and an upper gas chamber. A number of alternative arrangements are provided for controlling skim collection through controlling volume of liquid within the vessel and changing the volume of liquid through the use of adjustable timer which intermittently sends signals to outlet valves of the skim collection outlet or of the treated liquid outlet.The invention provides for alternative arrangement of introducing liquid into the vessel, so as to achieve more intimate mixing of gas and liquid introduced into the vessel.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for removal of suspended matter from a liquid, such as used for treatment of oil containing water. A cylindrical horizontal vessel is divided into a single gasification chamber and a single degasification chamber by a partition which extends through the interior chamber of the vessel and allows fluid communication between the two chambers. A liquid to be treated is introduced through distribution header(s) adjacent a bottom of the vessel and/or an alternative inlet nozzle which is combined with a gas eductor in order to achieve a more intimate mixture of the gas and liquid. The gas eductor has its outlet slightly above the outlet of the distribution headers.

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

Abstract: A waste paper de-inking system of this invention agitates and mixes waste paper dissolving slurry and treating gas by a multi-stage type vapor-liquid mixer before a floatator treating step, separates and finely pulverizes ink and sticky matters adhered to fiber in the waste paper dissolving slurry and sufficiently absorbs and contains the treating gas in the slurry before reaching the lower most stage to facilitate de-inking operation in later floatators. Further, the high tower multi-stage vapor-liquid mixer can be utilized also as a floatator to reduce a required floor area and required power consumption of the system.Further, high temperature exhaust gas containing SO.sub.2 produced in a factory is utilized as the treating gas to perform various operations, such as desulfurization, heat recovery, bleaching and also purification of a factory environment, thereby a more economical waste paper de-inking system is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating microbubbles in a flowing liquid stream for use in a froth flotation system. The system utilizes a microbubble generator having a tubular housing with an inlet end and an outlet end. Located coaxially within the housing is an inner member with an elongated, tapered, exterior surface. A porous tubular sleeve is mounted between the housing and the inner member coaxially therewith to define with the cylindrical interior surface of the housing an elongated air chamber of annular cross section. The porous sleeve has a cylindrical inner surface that defines with the exterior surface of the inner member an elongated liquid flow chamber of thin, annular cross section. An aqueous liquid is supplied to the liquid flow chamber at a relatively high flow rate and air under pressure is supplied to the air chamber so that air is forced radially inwardly through the porous sleeve to be diffused in the form of microbubbles in the flowing stream.

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

Abstract: A plurality of fluent substances are combined in a distributor (11, 37) and caused to flow in a continuous, pressurized stream through a mixing zone (13, 13', 57) wherein the substances are intimately mixed by turbulent dispersion effected by a series of conically shaped surfaces (24, 27; 62, 64) and alternate restrictions (25, 63) and expansion chambers (28, 65). While various fluent substances may be advantageously mixed, a typical utility is for effecting a thorough air binding of ink particles to attain efficient foaming (29) in the deinking of reconstituted printed paper slurry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a throttling device for the supply of liquid under high pressure (P.sub.1) having a gas dissolved in it into a liquid of lower pressure (P.sub.O) the device having a supply orifice (2,7) between the high pressure and low pressure side of a dimension which only depends on the required flow capacity as well as downstream of said orifice a free floating body (3,9) of a dimension larger than the orifice (2,7), which body forms a slit (5,10) through which the high pressure flow is deflected into the space of lower pressure, the slit having sufficient length to generate a low flow pressure which, together with the low pressure of the low pressure space, keeps the body in equilibrium with the pressure forces acting at the supply side. The body can have different forms and adjusts itself depending on the circumstances.

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

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

Abstract: A system for sparging aerated water into a column for the froth flotation of minerals, and located in the lower portion of the column, consists of water and air supply headers connected to a supply of pressurized water and air, respectively. The headers comprise a number of water and air passages, each having shut off valves. A multiplicity of sparger tubes is arranged, in one or more horizontal planes, either radially towards the column center or parallel to each other from opposite sides of the column. Each sparger pipe comprises a mixing tee attached to a water passage and an air passage, and a perforated portion provided with a number of small openings. The number of openings in each pipe is determined by the cross-sectional area covered by the sparger pipe. The openings may be arranged upwardly and/or downwardly at an angle in the range of about 5.degree. to 90.degree. from the horizontal.

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

Abstract: Ores containing mineral values are separated into two slurries, one having primarily fine particles and gangue and the other having primarily coarse particles. The slurry having fine particles and gangue is adjusted to a solids content of less than about 15 percent, as necessary, and then conditioned by the addition of appropriate promoter reagents, a flotation collector, and a froth modifier. The gangue, containing a disproportionate share of impurities, is floated in a column flotation cell wherein the fine particulates are not mechanically agitated, and removed. The remaining fine particulate underflow, containing a disproportionate share of the minearl values, is then processed directly, or combined with the slurry containing the coarse particulate to yield a flow having reduced impurity content and increased recovery of the mineral values.

Abstract: In the representative liquid removal system described in the specification, a suspension of solid particles in a liquid received, for example, from a gravity separator, is directed to a tank having an upwardly inclined moving screen forming one wall and gas bubbles or gas-saturated liquid are injected into the suspension at the inlet. As a result, the liquid removed through the screen in the lower portion of the tank carries fewer solid particles onto the screen, preventing the screen from becoming blocked and thereby inhibiting liquid removal.

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

Abstract: Improvement to the separation and recovery of solids from liqiuds containing them, and using a ionic flotation process, implementing an installation characterized in that it comprises at least a vat (1) for pretreating the solution to be treated for the insolubilization of the solid to be recovered and the formation of a suspension maintained under stirring conditions (stirrer 2), at least a flotation cell (5) supplied with said suspension, at least a device (4) provided between said vat (1) and said flotation cell (5) adapted to generate within the cell a rising non-turbulent stream intended to convey the desired solid towards the surface of said suspension while maintaining at said surface a calm area for the accumulation of said solid and at least one means for the recovery of said solid (6-7).

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