Column froth flotation

Inventors

David C. Yang, Michigan Technological University

Files

Abstract

The froth flotation device includes a flotation column partially filled with a packing which defines a large number of small flow passages extending in a circuitous pattern between the upper and lower portions of the column. A conditioned aqueous pulp of a mineral ore, such as iron ore, is introduced into the midzone of the column. A pressurized inert gas, such as air, is introduced into the bottom of the column and is forced upwardly through the flow passages in the packing. As the air flows upwardly through these flow passages, it is broken into fine bubbles which intimately contact the floatable particles (e.g., iron oxide) in the aqueous pulp and forms a froth concentrate or float fraction which overflows from the top of the column. Wash water is introduced into the top of the column and flows through the flow passages in the packing countercur- rently to the float fraction to scrub entrained non-floata- ble particles (e.g., gangue) from the froth concentrate. A tailing fraction containing the non-floatable particles is withdrawn from the bottom of the column.

Patent Number

4,592,834

Assignee

Board of Control of Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich.

Application Number

732,902

Date Filed

5-9-1985

Certificate of Correction

No

Issue Date

6-3-1986

Disciplines

Engineering | Mechanical Engineering

Comments

For the most up-to-date information about this patent, including the availability of Certificates of Correction, be sure to check the United States Patent and Trademark Office's free, publicly accessible database: Patent Public Search https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/static/pages/landing.html

Recommended Citation

Yang, David C., "Column froth flotation" (1986). Michigan Tech Patents. 48.
https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/patents/48