Inventors:
Marian Szatkowski - Hancock MI
Wilfred L. Freyberger - Houghton MI
Assignee:
Baker International Corporation - Houston TX
International Classification:
B03D 102
B03D 114
B03B 1300
Abstract:
A method for improving separation of the flotable phase from the non-flotable phase of a slurry of particulate material in a froth flotation machine comprising a tank, an upper outlet port for discharge of the flotable phase, and a mechanism for delivering air to the slurry in the tank to form a froth which includes a mixture of air bubbles and the flotable phase from the slurry, with the rate and selectivity of separation of the flotable phase from the slurry for predetermined size particles of the flotable phase and at a predetermined concentration of the flotable phase being dependent on the total volume and size distribution of the air bubbles generated in the slurry, the method of this invention comprising the steps of providing a quantity of slurry in the tank, generating air bubbles of relatively small size and relatively large size, and controlling the volume of air as small bubbles and the volume of air as large bubbles in response to the concentration of the flotable phase of the slurry for enhanced separation of the flotable phase from the slurry. A method for improved froth flotation separation of the phases of a multi-phase liquid, and improved single-cell and multiple cell froth flotation machines operating in accordance with the methods of this invention are also disclosed.