Process and apparatus for separating fine particles by microbubble flotation together with a process and apparatus for generation of microbubbles

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:867663

Yoon, Roe-Hoan ^[1]; Adel, Gregory T ^[1]; Luttrell, Gerald H ^[1]

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1. Blacksburg, VA

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.

• Research Organization: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. (Blacksburg, VA)
• DOE Contract Number: FG22-83PC60806
• Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. (Blacksburg, VA)
• Patent Number(s): US 4981582
• OSTI ID: 867663
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

process
apparatus
separating
fine
particles
microbubble
flotation
generation
microbubbles
method
disclosed
separation
especially
coal
produce
purity
recovery
efficiently
accomplished
aspect
ratio
column
countercurrent
wash
water
gently
froth
unique
processes
generating
efficient
inexpensive
manner
porous
tube
in-line
static
generator
especially coal
flotation column
microbubble flotation
fine particles
aspect ratio
porous tube
separating fine
fine particle
unique processes
wash water
inexpensive manner
in-line static
generating microbubbles
gently wash
flotation separation
static generator
/209/210/261/