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Method for enhancing selectivity and recovery in the fractional flotation of particles in a flotation column

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1026662
The method relates to particle separation from a feed stream. The feed stream is injected directly into the froth zone of a vertical flotation column in the presence of a counter-current reflux stream. A froth breaker generates a reflux stream and a concentrate stream, and the reflux stream is injected into the froth zone to mix with the interstitial liquid between bubbles in the froth zone. Counter-current flow between the plurality of bubbles and the interstitial liquid facilitates the attachment of higher hydrophobicity particles to bubble surfaces as lower hydrophobicity particles detach. The height of the feed stream injection and the reflux ratio may be varied in order to optimize the concentrate or tailing stream recoveries desired based on existing operating conditions.
Research Organization:
National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
7,992,718
Application Number:
12/552,550
OSTI ID:
1026662
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (2)

Selective detachment process in column flotation froth journal May 2006
Collection of hydrophobic particles in the froth phase journal March 2002

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