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

Patent · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:871864

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 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.

• 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 5814210
• OSTI ID: 871864
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

apparatus
process
separation
hydrophobic
hydrophilic
particles
microbubble
column
flotation
generation
microbubbles
method
disclosed
fine
coarse
especially
coal
minerals
produce
purity
recovery
efficiency
accomplished
recycling
pulp
countercurrent
wash
water
gently
froth
unique
processes
generating
highly
efficient
inexpensive
manner
porous
tube
in-line
static
generators
recovery efficiency
coarse particle
coarse particles
especially coal
flotation column
microbubble flotation
highly efficient
porous tube
microbubble column
static generators
column flotation
unique processes
wash water
inexpensive manner
in-line static
generating microbubbles
gently wash
flotation separation
flotation pulp
countercurrent wash
hydrophilic particles
static generator
bubble column
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