Apparatus for the separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles using microbubble column flotation together with a process and apparatus for generation of microbubbles

Patent · Tue Mar 14 00:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:27694

Yoon, R H; Adel, G T; Luttrell, G H

An apparatus is 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. 14 figs.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG22-83PC60806
• Assignee: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (United States); Virginia Tech Intellectual Property, Inc., Blacksburg, VA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,397,001/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 7-982,890
• OSTI ID: 27694
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 14 Mar 1995
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
SEPARATION EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
COAL
FLOTATION
DEASHING
COAL PREPARATION
PARTICLE SIZE
BUBBLES
OPERATION