Method and apparatus for stripping solids from media utilizing disc pump

Abstract

A disc pump for removing mineral bearing solids from a collection media in mineral recovery in a mining operation, featuring a housing and a pair of discs. The housing has an input port configured to receive an input fluid flow having a collection media with mineral bearing solids attached thereto, and has an output port configured to provide an exit fluid flow having the collection media and removed mineral bearing solids displaced from the collection media. The pair of discs is attached to a central shaft and configured to rotate in the housing in a rotational direction, the pair of discs having planar surfaces with blade-like strippers attached thereto. Each blade- like stripper has a flat surface and a contoured surface configured to contact the collection media received and remove the mineral bearing solids from the collection media.

Description

[0001] WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0002] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STRIPPING SOLIDS FROM MEDIA UTILIZING DISC PUMP

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 695,008 (WFMB no. 712-2.479 (CCS-0228)), filed 16 September 2024, and PCT application no. PCT / US25 / 34942 (WFMB no. 712-2.478-1 (CCS-0227)), filed 24 June 2025, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 663,275 (WFMB no. 712-2.478 (CCS-0227)), filed 24 June 2024, and the aforementioned U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 695,008 (WFMB no. 712-2.479 (CCS-0228)), which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] 1 . Technical Field

[0007] This invention relates generally to techniques for stripping solids from collection media; and more particularly, relates to a method and apparatus for for stripping solids from collection media utilizing a pump.

[0008] 2. Description of Related Art

[0009] Prior art for this application is dominated by “disc” pump technology, e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 3. This technology is used due to the fragile nature of the media and the inherent ability of disc pumps to flow these types of material in a fluid stream with minimal damage to the media. These pumps consist of a pair of discs; one connected to a drive and supporting a second using spacers, posts, or so-called “airfoils.” The housing for this assembly includes an axial port that allows input into WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) these pumps through an aperture in the center of the supported disc and output from the pump is created between the discs and directed through a housing port tangential to the pair of discs.

[0010] In view of the aforementioned, there is a need in the industry to provide a better way to strip solid mineral particles of interest from collection media.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In summary, and by way of example, the present invention provides a new and unique pump, including a disc pump, for removing mineral bearing solids from a collection media in mineral recovery in a mining operation, featuring a housing and a pair of discs.

[0013] The housing has an input port configured to receive an input fluid flow having a collection media with mineral bearing solids attached thereto, and also has an output port configured to provide an exit fluid flow having the collection media and removed mineral bearing solids displaced from the collection media.

[0014] The pair of discs is attached to a central shaft and configured to rotate in the housing in a rotational direction. The pair of discs have planar surfaces with blade-like strippers attached thereto. Each blade-like stripper has a flat surface and a contoured surface configured to contact the collection media received and remove the mineral bearing solids from the collection media.

[0015] The new and unique pump may take the form of a disc pump having a pair of discs with tangential / radial input and output ports, where the discs have the blade-like WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) strippers configured as triangular prisms, e.g., consistent with that described in relation to the Assignee's CCS-0227 embodiments herein.

[0016] Alternatively, the new and unique pump may take the form of a disc pump having a pair of discs with an axial (central) input port and a tangential output port, where the discs are coupled together by the blade-like strippers configured as airfoils, e.g., consistent with that described in relation to the Assignee's CCS-0228 embodiments herein.

[0017] Each pump embodiment is summarized below as follows:

[0018] CCS-0227 Embodiments

[0019] The Assignee of the present invention has developed a novel mineral separation technology platform (“P29”) applicable to a broad range of minerals that provides the ability to isolate particle selectivity / attachment, particle transport, and particle stripping / release so that each step can be optimized independently resulting in a process that can recover mineral particles across a size range from ultra-fine to coarse particles with high selectivity and minimal hydraulic entrainment. The Assignee’s novel technology rapidly recovers minerals at high recoveries with a high degree of selectivity on particles up to 3mm with low mass recovery with zero feed preparation requirements, in contrast to traditional rougher froth flotation operating at a grind size known as P80 between 100-200pm.

[0020] For selective attachment of minerals, the Assignee’s technology utilizes a reticulated polyurethane foam cube coated with a compound (“media”) to enhance the efficiency of mineral recovery from mining operations. The media is mixed with a slurry WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) of ground mineral bearing ore, and the exposed mineral attaches to the media, while the unwanted gangue material is not selected. Thereafter, the media loaded with the mineral is transported to a separate step with the media coated with the mineral bearing ore is released from the media for further processing.

[0021] The present invention is a unique pump concept that is designed to remove “strip” mineral bearing solids from the media to enhance the efficiency of mineral recovery from mining operations.

[0022] In the CCS-0227 embodiments, the present invention provides a pump design that utilizes a housing having tangential and / or radial input / output ports to flow fluid in and out of it, and also utilizes a pair of discs that attach to a central shaft and include features on the surface that enhance their ability to create flow and “strip” media.

[0023] The preferred embodiment includes “triangular prisms” out-of-phase (not aligned) to both create displacement of fluid (flow) and simultaneously create pressure pulses that effectively compress media displacing solids that have collected on and in it.

[0024] Specific CCS-0027 Embodiment

[0025] The pump may include one or more of the following features:

[0026] The housing may include a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical cavity; and either the input port may be a tangential radial input port arranged on the housing and configured to receive the input fluid flow tangentially to the cylindrical wall, or the output port may be a tangential radial output port arranged on the housing and configured to provide the exit fluid flow tangentially to the cylindrical wall, or both the input port may WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) be the tangential radial input port and the output port may be the tangential radial output port .

[0027] WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0028] Each blade-like stripper may include a triangular prism having the flat surface and the contoured surface configured as beveled surfaces that meet at an angle that is not a right angle, including where the beveled surfaces have different lengths; and each blade-like stripper may include a bottom surface configured to connect to a respective planar surface of a respective disk.

[0029] Each disk may include respective triangular prisms arranged on a respective planar surface in a respective pattern about a central axis of the discs.

[0030] The respective patterns of each disc may be similarly arranged, and may be out- of-phase and not aligned when the discs are coupled together to create displacement of fluid flow and pressure pulses that compress the collection media and displace the mineral bearing solids from the collection media.

[0031] Each disc may include an inner center surface and a peripheral outer surface; and the triangular prisms may be configured to extend radially between the inner center surface and the peripheral outer surface.

[0032] The central shaft may include a center hub having a cylindrical wall and end connection surfaces; and each disc may be configured to attach to a respective end connection surface of the center hub.

[0033] CCS-0227 Advantages

[0034] Advantages of the present invention may include one or more of the following:

[0035] Enhanced Stripping Performance - Triangular Prisms (TP’s) significantly improve the ability of the pump assembly to “strip” solids from media WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0036] Improve Media Wear - Design does not require spacers, posts, or “airfoils” which impact media, cause deformation, and ultimately increase wear.

[0037] Scalability - Design allows multiple discs to be incorporated into an assembly by extending its central shaft and stacking discs.

[0038] Commercial Viability - Simplicity of design will allow it to be easily scaled and manufactured to meet large scale system requirements.

[0039] There are multiple uses for the disc pump design in the P29 process, including:

[0040] • Utilizing a disc pump for stripping collected mineral from the P29 engineered media utilized to collect mineral (with or without the aid of a chemical release agent),

[0041] • Utilizing a disc pump as a contactor to contact P29 engineered media with a slurry containing the coarse ground ore deposit containing the mineral,

[0042] • Utilizing a disc pump to move the slurry and the P29 media throughout the P29 Process,

[0043] • Altering the design of the discs in the disc pumps to minimize wear of the P29 media while enhancing the stripping I contacting as applicable.

[0044] CCS-0228 Embodiments

[0045] In the CCS-0228 embodiments, the disc pump requires support between the disc plates. Typically, this is done by a radial pattern of posts or standoffs. Initial testing with prototype parts here show that the placement of these posts in important to the media flow and media wear. The posts need to be placed closer to the inner diameter WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0046] (ID) of the discs where the tangential velocity is much slower that the outer diameter

[0047] (OD). (Compare Figures 3 & 4)

[0048] According to the present invention, a fluid pump built with unique features and construction that will flow a fluid containing media and subject the media to sufficient mechanical forces to cause separation of solids from it (stripping) without creating excessive wear or damage.

[0049] The disc pump has shown to be very effective in removing the collected mineral from our media. Three passes through the disc pump will effectively remove nearly all attached particles.

[0050] As mentioned earlier, the initial phase of the media stripping application comprised of using the disc pump, where the discs were held by three cylindrical standoff / studs which are 0.6 inches tall. This would yield a gap of 0.6 inches for the fluid flow within the discs.

[0051] The thought is, due to the usage of the cylindrical studs, there is a tendency for the media to get stuck on the surface of the post and eventually get damaged during the operation. This significantly decreases the life of the media. For the normal functioning of the disc pump, it is recommended to use a fan-like operation where the velocity head is generated. This is achieved by designing a blade like stud, which has a bulging curved surface on one side only (semicircle body).

[0052] After much studies, it was decided to utilize an airfoil geometry. For our application, we have utilized the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 8430 profile (Fig. 5A). For effectively stripping the mineral off the media, we are utilizing two airfoils arranged between the discs. WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0053] The placement of these airfoils is very critical. We must ensure that the velocity vector of the flow entering the space between the discs is such that it is tangential to the airfoil’s back surface (bulging surface) - see Figure 5B. This dictates the exit angle, where the fluid exiting the disc is tangential to the trailing edge of the airfoil. By ensuring tangential flow, will significantly minimize wear on the media, i.e. , the media should slip on the airfoil rather than strike the airfoil head on as it enters the disc.

[0054] The exit angle to produce a tangential flow is calculated to be around 7° - 8° relative to the chord length of the airfoil.

[0055] Specific CCS-0228 Embodiment

[0056] The pump may include one or more of the following features:

[0057] Each contoured surface may be configured with a bulging back surface of an airfoil arranged tangentially to a velocity vector of the input fluid flow received.

[0058] The blade-like strippers may include two airfoils arranged and connected between the pairs of discs; and each of the two airfoil includes upper and lower connecting surfaces configured to connect to the planar surfaces of the discs.

[0059] Each airfoil includes a trailing edge; the output port is a tangential radial output port having an exit angle for the exit fluid flow provided; and the trailing edge is configured on the disc to be tangential to the exit angle for the exit fluid flow provided.

[0060] The input port is a center input port having an opening; at least one disc has a suction side having a tangent line on the opening of the center input port; each airfoil has a chord line; and the exit angle to produce a tangential exit fluid flow is about 7-8 degrees relative to the chord length of each airfoil. WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0061] Each airfoil may include a NACA 8430 airfoil profile having a respective chord extending from respective leading and trailing edges, a respective camber extending between respective upper (back) and lower surfaces and a respective maximum thickness, including having a respective maximum camber of 8% of the respective chord and being located at 40% of the respective chord from a respective leading edge, and a respective maximum thickness of 30% of the respective chord.

[0062] The Airfoil Design

[0063] The airfoil design may include the following:

[0064] 1 ) Geometry: By utilizing an airfoil, one can achieve a tangential flow and significantly reduce the wear on the media.

[0065] 2) Pump Performance: It has been verified that the efficiency of the pump increases by using the airfoils.

[0066] 3) Novel features include: a. Slender Profile (NACA Airfoil) Post b. 2-Post Design c. Flat Discs

[0067] 4) Advantages include: a. Low drag coefficient profile creates “smooth” flow around post minimizing potential media accumulation and damage. WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) b. Elongated slender profile improves pump efficiency by displacing more fluid than the round posts used in the prior art. c. Flat disc facilitates stripping as a result of boundary layer viscous drag and velocity differential between the discs and the media flowing between.

[0068] Flat discs minimize wear because they do not subject media to excessive shear or impact.

[0069] 5) Disadvantages include: a. The driven disc is only supported by (2) posts making it more difficult to maintain stability and concentricity relative to the driving disc. b. Driving disc is subjected to higher local stresses at its post locations.

[0070] Variations and Alternatives:

[0071] Variations and alternatives may include the following:

[0072] Elongated Slender Profile -

[0073] • Varying length of “chord” of profile directly affects flow rate of pump assembly in direct proportion to the length at a given speed.

[0074] Disc with Triangular Prism Radial Vanes -

[0075] • Increasing flow without generating shear or impact forces on the collection media. WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0076] The Assignee's P29 Application: Disc pumps can be utilized in multiple aspects of the P29 technology platform, including:

[0077] • Utilizing a disc pump for stripping collected mineral from the P29 engineered media utilized to collect mineral (with or without the aid of a release agent),

[0078] • Utilizing a disc pump as a contactor to contact P29 engineered media with a slurry containing the coarse ground ore deposit containing the mineral,

[0079] • Utilizing a disc pump to move the slurry and the P29 media throughout the P29 Process,

[0080] • Altering the design of the discs in the disc pumps to minimize wear of the P29 media while enhancing the stripping / contacting as applicable.

[0081] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0082] Referring now to the drawing, which is not necessarily drawn to scale, the foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which like elements are numbered alike:

[0083] Figure 1 is a diagram of a pump that is known in the art, e.g., having a housing with an axial center input port, a tangential output port and a pair of discs .

[0084] Figure 2A is a diagram of part of a pump, e.g., having a housing with tangential input and output ports, and also having a pair of discs arranged in the housing with triangular prisms attached thereto that are out-of-phase with each other, according to some embodiments of the present invention. WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0085] Figure 2B is a diagram of a disc having triangular prisms attached thereto, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 2C is a photograph of a housing with tangential / radial ports, one of which has tubing arranged therein, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 3 is a photograph of a part of a pump that is known in the art, e.g., having discs with supports connecting the same and located at an outer edge of the discs that clogged with media.

[0088] Figure 4 is a photograph of part of a pump having discs with supports connecting the same and being located near the center of rotation of the discs, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 5A is a diagram of a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 8430 airfoil profile, e.g., having a chord extending from its leading and trailing edges, a camber extending between its upper (back) and lower surfaces and a maximum thickness, including having a maximum camber of 8% of its chord and being located at 40% of its chord from its leading edge, and a maximum thickness of 30% of its chord, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 5B is a diagram of airfoil supports arranged on and located near the center of rotation of a disc, the disc having an inlet and a tangent line on the opening of the inlet at a suction side of the disc, each airfoil support having a chord line, and the tangent line and the chord line having a 7° - 8° angle of attack, each airfoil support also having its upper (back) surface arranged to face the tangent line and having its lower surface arranged to face away from the tangent line, according to some embodiments of the present invention. WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0091] Figure 5B(1 ) is a diagram of one of the airfoil supports shown in Figure 5B showing flow motion along its upper (back) surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] Figure 5C is a photograph of airfoil supports arranged on and located near the center of rotation of a disc, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 6 is a picture of collection medium made of reticulated foam having copper (CU) minerals attached and entrained throughout the structure, e.g., consistent with that disclosed in Applicant's US publication no. 2017 / 0232451 , which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0094] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0095] Figures 2A - 2C and 5A - 5C show various aspects of new and unique pumps P, P', including disc pumps, for removing mineral bearing solids from a collection media in mineral recovery in a mining operation, e.g., as shown in Figure 6, featuring a housing H and a pair of discs D1 , D2; D1 ', D2'.

[0096] The housing H has an input port Pi, Pi' configured to receive an input fluid flow having a collection media with mineral bearing solids attached thereto, and also has an output port Po, Po' configured to provide an exit fluid flow having the collection media and removed mineral bearing solids displaced from the collection media.

[0097] The pair of discs D1 , D2; D1', D2' is attached to a central shaft S and configured to rotate in the housing H in a rotational direction (see Fig. 5B). The pair of discs D1 , D2; D1', D2' has planar surfaces PS, PS' with blade-like strippers TP, AF (Fig. 2A, 2B; 5A - 5C) attached thereto. Each blade-like stripper TP, AF (Fig. 2A, 2B; 5A - 5C) has a WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) flat surface Sf, Sf' and a contoured surface Sc, Sc' configured to contact the collection media received and remove the mineral bearing solids from the collection media.

[0098] The new and unique pumps may take the form of a disc pump P having a pair of discs D1 , D2 with tangential / radial input and output ports Pi, Po, where the discs D1 , D2 have the blade-like strippers configured as triangular prisms TP, e.g., consistent with that described in relation to the Assignee's CCS-0227 embodiments herein.

[0099] Alternatively, the new and unique pump may take the form of a disc pump P' having a pair of discs D1 ', D2' with an axial (central) input port Pi' and a tangential output port Po', where the discs D1', D2' are coupled together by the blade-like strippers configured as airfoils AF, e.g., consistent with that described in relation to the Assignee's CCS-0228 embodiments herein.

[0100] Each pump embodiment is summarized below as follows:

[0101] CCS-0227: Stripping solids from collection media utilizing Van Disc Pump:

[0102] The housing H may include a cylindrical wall CW defining a cylindrical cavity CC; and either the input port Pi may be a tangential radial input port Pi (Fig. 2A) arranged on the housing H and configured to receive the input fluid flow tangentially to the cylindrical wall CW, or the output port Po may be a tangential radial output port Po arranged on the housing H and configured to provide the exit fluid flow tangentially to the cylindrical wall CW, or both the input port Pi may be the tangential radial input port Pi and the output port Po may be the tangential radial output port Po. WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0103] Each blade-like stripper may include a triangular prism TP having the flat surface

[0104] Sf and the contoured surface Sc configured as beveled surfaces that meet at an angle that is not a right angle, including where the beveled surfaces have different lengths; and each blade-like stripper may include a bottom surface BS configured to connect to a respective planar surface PS of a respective disk D1 , D2.

[0105] Each disk D1 , D2 may include respective triangular prisms TP arranged on a respective planar surface PS in a respective pattern about a central axis of the discs D1 , D2, e.g., as shown in Figure 2A, 2B. In Figure 2A, the pattern includes a first arrangement of equally spaced TPs around the central axis; and in Figure 2B, the pattern includes a second arrangement of unequally spaced TPs around the central axis; e.g., including some pairs of adjacent TPs spaced closer to one another, and other pairs of adjacent TPs spaced farther from one another.

[0106] The respective patterns of each disc D1 , D2 may be similarly arranged, and may be out-of-phase and not aligned when the discs D1 , D2 are coupled together to create displacement of fluid flow and pressure pulses that compress the collection media and displace the mineral bearing solids from the collection media. For example, the discs D1 , D2 may include the first arrangement of equally spaced TPs around the central axis, where the discs D1 , D2 are coupled together with respective first arrangement of equally spaced TPs being out-of-phase and not aligned with respect to one another. By way of further example, the discs D1 , D2 may include the second arrangement of unequally spaced TPs around the central axis, where the discs D1 , D2 are coupled together with respective second arrangement of unequally spaced TPs being out-of- phase and not aligned with respect to one another. The scope of the invention is not WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) intended to be limited to any particular out-of-phase and not aligned arrangements of spaced TP.

[0107] Each disc D1 , D2 may include an inner center surface Sic and a peripheral outer surface Sp; and the triangular prisms TP may be configured to extend radially between the inner center surface and the peripheral outer surface, e.g., as shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0108] The central shaft may include a center hub CH having a cylindrical wall W and end connection surfaces ECS ; and each disc D1 , D2 may be configured to attach to a respective end connection surface ECS of the center hub CH.

[0109] CCS-0228: Modified Disc Pump for mineral separation

[0110] Each contoured surface Sc' may be configured with a bulging back surface of an airfoil AF arranged tangentially to a velocity vector of the input fluid flow received.

[0111] The blade-like strippers may include two airfoils AF arranged and connected between the pairs of discs D1', D2'; and each of the two airfoil includes upper and lower connecting surfaces CS' configured to connect to the planar surfaces PS' of the discs.

[0112] Each airfoil AF includes a trailing edge; the output port is a tangential radial output port having an exit angle for the exit fluid flow provided; and the trailing edge is configured on the disc D1 ', D2' to be tangential to the exit angle for the exit fluid flow provided.

[0113] The input port Pi' is a center input port having an opening, e.g., as shown in Figure 1 ; at least one disc has a suction side having a tangent line on the opening of the center input port; each airfoil AF has a chord line; (Fig. 5B) and the exit angle to produce WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) a tangential exit fluid flow is about 7-8 degrees relative to the chord length of each airfoil, e.g., as shown in relation to Figure 5B.

[0114] Each airfoil AF may include a NACA 8430 airfoil profile, e.g., as shown in Figure 5A, e.g. having a respective chord extending from respective leading and trailing edges, a respective camber extending between respective upper (back) and lower surfaces and a respective maximum thickness, including having a respective maximum camber of 8% of the respective chord and being located at 40% of the respective chord from a respective leading edge, and a respective maximum thickness of 30% of the respective chord. The scope of the invention is intended to include using other types or kind of NACA airfoil profiles either now known, or later developed in the future.

[0115] Applications

[0116] The scope of the invention is described in relation to mineral separation, including the separation of copper from ore.

[0117] The Related Family

[0118] This application is also related to a family of nine PCT applications, which were all concurrently filed on 25 May 2012, as follows:

[0119] PCT application no. PCT / US12 / 39528 (Atty docket no. 712-002.356-1), entitled "Flotation separation using lightweight synthetic bubbles and beads;"

[0120] PCT application no. PCT / US12 / 39524 (Atty docket no. 712-002.359-1), entitled "Mineral separation using functionalized polymer membranes;" WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0121] PCT application no. PCT / US12 / 39540 (Atty docket no. 712-002.359-2), entitled

[0122] "Mineral separation using sized, weighted and magnetized beads;"

[0123] PCT application no. PCT / US12 / 39576 (Atty docket no. 712-002.382), entitled "Synthetic bubbles / beads functionalized with molecules for attracting or attaching to mineral particles of interest," which corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 9,352,335;

[0124] PCT application serial no. PCT / US 12 / 39591 (712-2.383-1 / CCS-0090), entitled "Method and system for releasing mineral from synthetic bubbles and beads," filed 25 May 2012, which itself claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 489,893, filed 25 May 2011 , and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 533,544, filed 12 September 2011 , which corresponds to co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 117,912, filed 15 November 2013;

[0125] PCT application no. PCT / US / 39596 (Atty docket no. 712-002.384), entitled "Synthetic bubbles and beads having hydrophobic surface;"

[0126] PCT application no. PCT / US / 39631 (Atty docket no. 712-002.385), entitled "Mineral separation using functionalized filters and membranes," which corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 9,302,270;"

[0127] PCT application no. PCT / US12 / 39655 (Atty docket no. 712-002.386), entitled "Mineral recovery in tailings using functionalized polymers;" and

[0128] PCT application no. PCT / US12 / 39658 (Atty docket no. 712-002.387), entitled "Techniques for transporting synthetic beads or bubbles In a flotation cell or column," all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0129] This application also related to PCT application no. PCT / US2013 / 042202 (Atty docket no. 712-002.389-1 / CCS-0086), filed 22 May 2013, entitled "Charged engineered WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO) polymer beads / bubbles functionalized with molecules for attracting and attaching to mineral particles of interest for flotation separation," which claims the benefit of U.S.

[0130] Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 650,210, filed 22 May 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0131] This application is also related to PCT / US2014 / 037823, filed 13 May 2014, entitled "Polymer surfaces having a siloxane functional group," which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 822,679 (Atty docket no. 712-002.395 / CCS- 0123), filed 13 May 2013, as well as U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 118,984 (Atty docket no. 712-002.385 / CCS-0092), filed 27 January 2014, and is a continuation-in-part to PCT application no. PCT / US12 / 39631 (712-2.385 / / CCS-0092), filed 25 May 2012, which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0132] This application also related to PCT application no. PCT / US13 / 28303 (Atty docket no. 712-002.377-1 / CCS-0081 / 82), filed 28 February 2013, entitled "Method and system for flotation separation in a magnetically controllable and steerable foam," which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0133] This application also related to PCT application no. PCT / US16 / 57334 (Atty docket no. 712-002.424-1 / CCS-0151 ), filed 17 October 2016, entitled "Opportunities for recovery augmentation process as applied to molybdenum production," which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0134] This application also related to PCT application no. PCT / US16 / 37322 (Atty docket no. 712-002.425-1 / CCS-0152), filed 17 October 2016, entitled "Mineral beneficiation utilizing engineered materials for mineral separation and coarse particle recovery," which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)

[0135] This application also related to PCT application no. PCT / US16 / 62242 (Atty docket no. 712-002.426-1 / CCS-0154), filed 16 November 2016, entitled "Utilizing engineered media for recovery of minerals in tailings stream at the end of a flotation separation process," which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0136] This application is related to PCT application serial no. PCT / US16US / 68843 (Atty docket no. 712-002.427-1 / CCS-0157), entitled "Tumbler cell form mineral recovery using engineered media," filed 28 December 2016, which claims benefit to Provisional Application No. 62 / 272,026, entitled “Tumbler Cell Design for Mineral Recovery Using Engineered Media”, filed 28 December 2015, which are both incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0137] The Scope of the Invention

[0138] It should be further appreciated that any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other embodiment described herein. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and various other additions and omissions may be made therein and thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A disc pump for removing mineral bearing solids from a collection media in mineral recovery in a mining operation, comprising: a housing having an input port configured to receive an input fluid flow having a collection media with mineral bearing solids attached thereto, and having an output port configured to provide an exit fluid flow having the collection media and removed mineral bearing solids displaced from the collection media; and a pair of discs attached to a central shaft and configured to rotate in the housing in a rotational direction, the pair of discs having planar surfaces with blade-like strippers attached thereto, each blade-like stripper having a flat surface and a contoured surface configured to contact the collection media received and remove the mineral bearing solids from the collection media, each contoured surface configured as a bulging back surface of an airfoil arranged tangentially to a velocity vector of the input fluid flow received, the blade-like strippers having two airfoils arranged and connected between the pairs of discs; and each of the two airfoil having upper and lower connecting surfaces configured to connect to the planar surfaces of the discs.WFMB / CiDRA Nos. 712-002-479-1 (CCS-0227 / 28WO)2. A disc pump according to claim 1 , wherein each airfoil has a trailing edge; the output port is a tangential radial output port having an exit angle for the exit fluid flow provided; and the trailing edge is configured on the disc to be tangential to the exit angle for the exit fluid flow provided.

3. A disc pump according to claim 1 , wherein the input port is a center input port having an opening; the at least one disc has a suction side having a tangent line on the opening of the center input port; each airfoil has a chord line; the exit angle to produce a tangential exit fluid flow is about 7-8 degrees relative to the chord length of each airfoil.

4. A disc pump according to claim 1 , wherein each airfoil includes a NACA 8430 airfoil profile having a respective chord extending from respective leading and trailing edges, a respective camber extending between respective upper (back) and lower surfaces and a respective maximum thickness, including having a respective maximum camber of 8% of the respective chord and being located at 40% of the respective chord from a respective leading edge, and a respective maximum thickness of 30% of the respective chord.

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