Device and method suitable for fluidized flotation of coarse particles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device and method suitable for fluidized flotation of coarse particles, belonging to the technical field of coal and mineral resource sorting and recovery, and solves the problem of poor bed stability in the coarse particle fluidized bed flotation process in the prior art. The present invention includes a flotation column and a fluid distributor, the flotation column includes a cylinder and a tailings collection bin, the tailings collection bin is arranged at the lower part of the cylinder, the fluid distributor is arranged at the bottom of the inner cavity of the cylinder, and is located above the tailings collection bin, the inner cavity of the fluid distributor is divided from bottom to top into a fluid pre-dispersion zone, a fluid jet shear zone and a fluid pressurization control zone, and the fluid flows upward through the fluid pre-dispersion zone, the fluid jet shear zone and the fluid pressurization control zone in sequence. The present invention can not only effectively cope with changes in material properties under different working conditions, but also reduce equipment failure rate and extend equipment service life while ensuring efficient flotation, providing a more reliable and stable fluid distribution solution for coarse particle fluidized bed flotation operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of coal and mineral resource separation and recovery, and in particular to a device and method suitable for fluidized flotation of coarse particles. Background Art

[0002] Against the backdrop of increasingly fierce global resource competition, the efficient development and utilization of coal and mineral resources is crucial to ensuring national energy security and promoting the prosperity of emerging industries. However, faced with challenges such as declining ore quality, rising mining costs, and increasingly complex process flows, traditional flotation technology has struggled to meet the demands of modern mineral processing. In particular, with the advancement of the dual carbon goals, energy conservation and emission reduction in mineral processing plants have become urgent tasks. Pre-selection and discarding of coarse particles (coal with a diameter of 0.5 mm or more, and other ores with a diameter of 0.1 mm or more) is gradually becoming a research hotspot in the industry due to its significant energy consumption reduction potential and tailings resource utilization advantages.

[0003] Compared to traditional methods that rely on photoelectric beneficiation and gravity separation to process bulk ores, the emergence of dense-phase fluidized-bed flotation technology enables efficient separation of millimeter-scale materials, opening up a new approach for deep pre-selection and disposal of low-grade mineral resources. Fluidized-bed flotation technology, by creating a low-turbulence, high-phase-containment fluid environment and incorporating flotation bubbles, effectively improves the separation efficiency of target minerals from gangue minerals, overcoming the buoyancy limitations of coarse particles in traditional flotation. Despite this, precisely controlling bed stability to ensure effective separation remains a challenge for current technology. Traditional fluid distributors typically employ a uniformly perforated design, making it difficult to mitigate bed pressure fluctuations caused by uneven fluidizing water distribution due to localized excessive flow rates. Furthermore, this design lacks dynamic control capabilities, making it difficult to address the adverse effects of changes in feed properties (such as particle size, density, and concentration) during the actual sorting process, further deteriorating bed stability. Existing fluid distributors often employ an external Venturi tube design, which lengthens the bubble path within the pipeline and increases the probability of bubble mergers. Bubble mergers not only increase the bubble size and reduce its surface area to volume ratio, but also trigger oscillations on the bubble surface, causing particles that have adhered to the bubble surface to fall off, seriously interfering with the fluidized flotation process and affecting the particle recovery rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above analysis, the embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a device and method suitable for fluidized flotation of coarse particles, so as to solve the problem of poor bed stability in the existing coarse particle fluidized bed flotation process.

[0005] On the one hand, the present invention provides a device suitable for fluidized flotation of coarse particles, including a flotation column and a fluid distributor, the flotation column including a cylinder and a tailings collection bin, the tailings collection bin being arranged at the lower part of the cylinder, the fluid distributor being arranged at the bottom of the inner cavity of the cylinder and being located above the tailings collection bin, the inner cavity of the fluid distributor being divided from bottom to top into a fluid pre-dispersion zone, a fluid jet shear zone and a fluid pressurization control zone, the fluid flowing upward through the fluid pre-dispersion zone, the fluid jet shear zone and the fluid pressurization control zone in sequence.

[0006] Furthermore, the fluid distributor includes a bottom baffle, a water distribution plate and a first cylinder, the upper end of the first cylinder is connected to the bottom of the water distribution plate, and the lower end of the first cylinder is connected to the top of the bottom baffle.

[0007] Furthermore, the fluid distributor also includes a middle partition and a second cylinder, the middle partition is arranged above the first section of the water distribution plate, the upper end of the second cylinder is connected to the bottom of the middle partition, and the lower end of the second cylinder is connected to the top of the first section of the water distribution plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the fluid distributor also includes a second-stage water distribution plate and a third cylinder, the second-stage water distribution plate is located above the middle partition plate, the upper end of the third cylinder is connected to the bottom of the second-stage water distribution plate, and the lower end of the third cylinder is connected to the top of the middle partition plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the fluid distributor also includes a first dividing cone, a second dividing cone and a third dividing cone. The first dividing cone is arranged between the bottom baffle and the first water distribution plate, the second dividing cone is arranged between the first water distribution plate and the middle partition, and the third dividing cone is arranged between the middle partition and the second water distribution plate.

[0010] Furthermore, the height ratio of the fluid pre-dispersion zone, the fluid jet shearing zone and the fluid pressurization control zone is 1:1:1 or 1:2:2.

[0011] Furthermore, the flotation column further comprises an air inlet pipe and a water inlet pipe, the air inlet pipe is communicated with the fluid jet shearing zone, and the water inlet pipe is communicated with the fluid pre-dispersion zone.

[0012] Furthermore, the flotation column further includes a feed pipe and a feed distributor. The feed distributor is disposed in the cylinder and above the fluid distributor. The feed pipe is communicated with the feed distributor.

[0013] Furthermore, the flotation column further comprises a concentrate collecting trough, which is arranged at the top of the cylinder, a concentrate discharge pipe is provided on the concentrate collecting trough, and a tailings discharge pipe is provided at the bottom of the tailings collection bin.

[0014] On the other hand, the present invention provides a method for fluidized flotation of coarse particles, which uses the above-mentioned device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles to perform flotation operations.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0016] (1) The fluid distributor of the present invention is divided into a bottom fluid pre-dispersion zone, a middle fluid jet shear zone and a top fluid pressurization control zone. The bottom fluid pre-dispersion zone uniformly disperses the fluid through a water distribution plate to ensure that the fluid is evenly distributed over the entire cross section, thereby achieving initial dispersion of the water flow and fluid shearing, effectively avoiding fluid unevenness and turbulence caused by excessive local flow velocity, and providing a stable foundation for subsequent processing; the middle fluid jet shear zone adopts an embedded multi-path Venturi tube parallel layout, which not only significantly improves the flow area and flow rate of the fluid while keeping the overall flow resistance controllable, but also makes full use of the Venturi effect to achieve fluid acceleration and shearing, greatly promoting the efficient generation of micro-nano bubbles, and enhancing the activity and selectivity of the flotation medium; the top fluid pressurization control zone realizes secondary refinement of the uniformly distributed fluid through a two-stage water distribution plate, further optimizing the fluid distribution pattern, and at the same time, combined with the precise control strategy of the three-stage electric baffle, it can dynamically adjust the fluid velocity and pressure to ensure that the fluidized bed system always operates in the optimal state, achieve stable control of the bed layer and continuous supply of micro-nano bubbles, and greatly improve the overall efficiency and system stability of the flotation operation.

[0017] (2) The bottom fluid pre-dispersion zone of the present invention adopts an uneven water distribution plate structure. The aperture of the first water distribution hole at the center of a section of the water distribution plate is the smallest, and the aperture of the first water distribution hole gradually increases outward along the radial direction, effectively avoiding the uneven fluid distribution and turbulence problems caused by excessive local flow velocity, ensuring the uniform distribution of the fluid on the cross section, achieving preliminary dispersion and shearing effects, and laying the foundation for the efficient operation of the subsequent fluid jet shear zone and fluid pressurization control zone; at the same time, the design makes full use of the principles of fluid mechanics and optimizes the bottom fluid flow characteristics by precisely controlling the aperture size, which not only significantly improves the uniformity of fluid distribution, but also effectively reduces energy loss, thereby enhancing the overall energy utilization efficiency of the system.

[0018] (3) The mid-level fluid jet shear zone of the present invention utilizes an embedded multi-path Venturi tube in parallel layout, ensuring a moderate total flow resistance while significantly improving fluid shear and bubble cavitation efficiency, thereby promoting the efficient generation of micro- and nano-bubbles and providing high-quality bubble carriers for subsequent sorting operations. Furthermore, the embedded multi-path Venturi tube design shortens the bubble movement path, effectively preventing bubble mergers during transmission and maintaining bubble stability.

[0019] (4) The top fluid pressurization control area of ​​the present invention adopts a three-stage electric baffle (i.e., the first baffle assembly, the second baffle assembly, and the third baffle assembly), which realizes the regional and fine adjustment of the closure of the third water distribution hole of the top two-stage water distribution plate, thereby flexibly adapting to the changes and fluctuations in the properties of the raw materials, realizing dynamic control of the water flow distribution pattern and pressure, and ensuring real-time optimization and regulation of the stability of the fluidized bed.

[0020] In the present invention, the above-mentioned technical solutions can be combined with each other to achieve more preferred combinations. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and some advantages will become apparent from the description or be learned through practice of the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained through the contents particularly pointed out in the description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating particular embodiments and are not to be considered limiting of the present invention. Like reference symbols denote like parts throughout the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a flotation device according to a specific embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a fluid distributor not including a tapered rubber nozzle according to a specific embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fluid distributor not including a tapered rubber nozzle according to a specific embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a fluid distributor without a cylinder and a conical rubber nozzle according to a specific embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a bottom baffle in a specific embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a bottom baffle provided with a first separating cone in a specific embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7This is a schematic structural diagram of a section of a distribution plate in a specific embodiment;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a section of a distribution plate, a middle separator, and a component between the two in a specific embodiment;

[0030] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the positions of the second separating cone, the first conical nozzle, the second conical nozzle and a section of the distribution plate in a specific embodiment;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a two-stage water distribution plate in a specific embodiment;

[0032] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the baffle assembly and the middle partition in a specific embodiment;

[0033] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the third separating cone, the baffle assembly and the middle partition in a specific embodiment.

[0034] Reference numerals:

[0035] 100- flotation column; 101- cylinder; 102- tailings collection bin; 103- concentrate collection tank; 104- concentrate discharge pipe; 105- tailings discharge pipe; 106- sewage pipe; 107- feed pipe; 108- feed distributor; 109- air inlet pipe; 110- water inlet pipe;

[0036] 200-fluid distributor; 201-fluid pre-dispersion zone; 202-fluid jet shear zone; 203-fluid pressure control zone; 204-a water distribution plate; 205-first cylinder; 206-first annular plate; 207-first rib; 208-water inlet; 209-second annular plate; 210-second rib; 211-first water distribution hole; 212-first separating cone; 213-middle partition; 214-third annular plate; 215-third rib; 216-second water distribution hole; 217-second separating cone; 218-first conical nozzle; 219-second conical nozzle Nozzle; 220-second cylinder; 221-second water distribution plate; 222-third cylinder; 223-fourth annular plate; 224-fourth rib; 225-third water distribution hole; 226-third dividing cone; 227-first baffle assembly; 228-second baffle assembly; 229-third baffle assembly; 230-disc baffle; 231-first lifting rod; 232-strip baffle; 233-second lifting rod; 234-first through hole; 235-annular baffle; 236-third lifting rod; 237-second through hole; 238-conical rubber nozzle; 239-bottom baffle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the accompanying drawings constitute a part of the present invention and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] A specific embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a device suitable for fluidized flotation of coarse particles is disclosed, including a flotation column 100 and a fluid distributor 200. The flotation column 100 includes a cylinder 101 and a tailings collection bin 102. The tailings collection bin 102 is arranged at the lower part of the cylinder 101. The fluid distributor 200 is arranged at the bottom of the inner cavity of the cylinder 101 and is located above the tailings collection bin 102. The inner cavity of the fluid distributor 200 is divided into a fluid pre-dispersion zone 201, a fluid jet shear zone 202 and a fluid pressurization control zone 203 from bottom to top. The fluid flows upward through the fluid pre-dispersion zone 201, the fluid jet shear zone 202 and the fluid pressurization control zone 203 in sequence.

[0040] Preferably, the cylinder 101 is a cylindrical cylinder, and the tailings collection bin 102 is an inverted conical structure. The cylinder 101 and the tailings collection bin 102 are concentrically arranged. The cone angle of the tailings collection bin 102 is 10°-20°, and preferably, the cone angle of the tailings collection bin 102 is 15°.

[0041] Considering the collection of concentrates, e.g. Figure 1 As shown, flotation column 100 further includes a concentrate collection trough 103, which is located at the top of cylinder 101. A concentrate discharge pipe 104 is provided on one side of trough 103. Clean coal collected in trough 103 is discharged through discharge pipe 104. As will be appreciated, a tailings discharge pipe 105 is provided at the bottom of tailings collection bin 102. In this embodiment, concentrate collection trough 103 and tailings collection bin 102 are respectively located at the upper and lower ends of cylinder 101, and the three are concentrically arranged.

[0042] Since equipment failure may occur during the flotation process, it is necessary to discharge the minerals, liquids, etc. in the cylinder 101, such as Figure 1 As shown, a drain pipe 106 is provided at the bottom of the tailings collection bin 102. The drain pipe 106 communicates with the inner cavity of the tailings collection bin 102 and is located near the tailings discharge pipe 105. During equipment maintenance or emergencies, the slurry in the cylinder 101 can be quickly discharged through the drain pipe 106, facilitating rapid repairs. Furthermore, the modular design of the equipment facilitates the easy adjustment and replacement of key components, significantly improving the system's ease of maintenance and service life.

[0043] Considering the feeding of cylinder 101, Figure 1As shown, the flotation column 100 further includes a feed pipe 107 and a feed distributor 108. The feed distributor 108 is disposed at the upper portion of the inner cavity of the cylinder 101. One end of the feed pipe 107 is connected to the feed distributor 108, and the other end passes through the top of the concentrate collection tank 103 and is connected to a feeding device (such as a slurry mixing barrel). Preferably, the feed distributor 108 is disposed concentrically with the cylinder 101.

[0044] In order to input gas and water into the cylinder 101, as Figure 1 As shown, the flotation column 100 also includes an air inlet pipe 109 and a water inlet pipe 110. One end of the air inlet pipe 109 is connected to the fluid distributor 200 in the cylinder 101, and the other end is connected to the air supply equipment outside the cylinder 101; one end of the water inlet pipe 110 is connected to the fluid distributor 200 in the cylinder 101, and the other end is connected to the water supply equipment outside the cylinder 101.

[0045] The inner cavity of the fluid distributor 200 of this embodiment forms three functional areas from bottom to top, namely, a fluid pre-dispersion area 201, a fluid jet shear area 202 and a fluid pressurization control area 203. The height ratio of the three-layer structure is generally 1:1:1 or 1:2:2, preferably 1:2:2, wherein the bottom layer fluid pre-dispersion area 201 is connected to the water inlet pipe 110, and the side end of the middle layer fluid jet shear area 202 is connected to the air inlet pipe 109.

[0046] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 includes a bottom baffle 239, a water distribution plate 204, and a first cylinder 205. The water distribution plate 204 is disposed above the bottom baffle 239, and the first cylinder 205 is disposed between the bottom baffle 239 and the water distribution plate 204. In other words, the top of the first cylinder 205 is connected to the water distribution plate 204, and the lower end of the first cylinder 205 is connected to the bottom baffle 239. Exemplarily, the first cylinder 205 is welded to the water distribution plate 204 and the bottom baffle 239.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the bottom baffle 239 includes a first annular plate 206 and a plurality of first ribs 207. Both ends of the first rib 207 are connected to the first annular plate 206. The first ribs 207 intersect with the diameter of the first annular plate 206 in the inner circle of the first annular plate 206. The angles between adjacent first ribs 207 are equal. A water inlet 208 is provided at the intersection of the plurality of first ribs 207. The water inlet 208 is concentrically arranged with the first annular plate 206. Preferably, there are three first ribs 207. The water inlet 208 is connected to the water inlet pipe 110. Figure 7As shown, a section of the water distribution plate 204 includes a second annular plate 209 and a plurality of second ribs 210. Both ends of the second ribs 210 are connected to the second annular plate 209. The second ribs 210 intersect within the inner circle of the second annular plate 209 across the diameter of the second annular plate 209. Preferably, three second ribs 210 are provided. The second annular plate 209 and the first annular plate 206 are vertically opposed, while the second ribs 210 and the first ribs 207 are vertically opposed.

[0048] In order to pre-disperse the water between a section of the water distribution plate 204 and the bottom baffle 239, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, a section of the water distribution plate 204 is provided with first water distribution holes 211. The first water distribution holes 211 are provided on the second annular plate 209 and the second rib 210. The first water distribution holes 211 provided on the second annular plate 209 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the second annular plate 209. A first water distribution hole 211 is provided at the end of each second rib 210. The first water distribution holes 211 provided on the second rib 210 are arranged along the length of the second rib 210, and the diameter of the first water distribution holes 211 gradually decreases from the second annular plate 209 toward the center of the circle. It should be noted that no first water distribution holes 211 are provided at the intersection of the second ribs 210.

[0049] Combine Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 further includes a first separating cone 212, which is disposed in a hollow space formed by adjacent first ribs 207 and adjacent second ribs 210. The upper end of the first separating cone 212 is connected to the second annular plate 209 and the second rib 210, and the lower end of the first separating cone 212 is connected to the first annular plate 206 and the first rib 207. The cross section of the first separating cone 212 (i.e., the surface perpendicular to the fluid distributor 200) is a fan-shaped ring.

[0050] In this embodiment, a first water distribution hole 211 of varying diameters, smaller on the inside and larger on the outside, is provided on a water distribution plate 204. Multiple interconnected fluid channels are defined between the water distribution plate 204, the bottom baffle 239, the first cylinder 205, and the first separating cone 212, forming a fluid pre-dispersion zone 201. The bottom fluid pre-dispersion zone 201 utilizes the water distribution plate 204 to initially disperse the fluid, ensuring uniform distribution across the entire cross-section and preventing uneven flow and turbulence caused by excessively high local flow velocities, thus providing a stable foundation for subsequent processing.

[0051] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 further includes a middle baffle 213, which is disposed above a section of the water distribution plate 204. The structure of the middle baffle 213 is the same as that of the section of the water distribution plate 204. Specifically, as Figure 8 As shown, the middle separator 213 includes a third annular plate 214 and a plurality of third ribs 215. Both ends of the third ribs 215 are connected to the third annular plate 214. The third ribs 215 intersect within the inner circle of the third annular plate 214 across the diameter of the third annular plate 214. Preferably, three third ribs 215 are provided. The third annular plate 214 and the second annular plate 209 are vertically opposed, while the third ribs 215 and the second ribs 210 are vertically opposed.

[0052] In order to flow out the liquid in the middle fluid jet shear zone 202, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the middle baffle 213 is provided with second water distribution holes 216. The second water distribution holes 216 are provided on the third annular plate 214 and the third rib 215. The second water distribution holes 216 provided on the third annular plate 214 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the third annular plate 214. A second water distribution hole 216 is provided at the end of each third rib 215. The second water distribution holes 216 provided on the third rib 215 are arranged along the length of the third rib 215, and the diameter of the second water distribution holes 216 gradually decreases from the third annular plate 214 toward the center of the circle. The second water distribution holes 216 are aligned vertically with the first water distribution holes 211. It should be noted that no second water distribution holes 216 are provided at the intersection of the third ribs 215.

[0053] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 also includes a second separator cone 217, which is disposed in the hollow space formed by the adjacent second ribs 210 and the adjacent third ribs 215. The upper end of the second separator cone 217 is connected to the third annular plate 214 and the third ribs 215, and the lower end of the second separator cone 217 is connected to the second annular plate 209 and the second ribs 210. The cross-section of the second separator cone 217 (i.e., the surface perpendicular to the fluid distributor 200) is a sector ring. The second separator cone 217 is directly opposite the first separator cone 212.

[0054] To enhance the fluid dynamics effect, combined Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the fluid distributor 200 further includes a first conical nozzle 218 and a second conical nozzle 219. The first conical nozzle 218 is disposed on a first water distribution plate 204 and communicates with the first water distribution hole 211. The second conical nozzle 219 is disposed on a middle baffle 213 and communicates with the second water distribution hole 216. A gap exists between the first conical nozzle 218 and the second conical nozzle 219, forming a Venturi-like structure. Specifically, the large end of the first conical nozzle 218 is connected to the first water distribution plate 204, with the small end facing upward. The small end of the second conical nozzle 219 is disposed downward and connected to the middle baffle 213. A gap exists between the small end of the first conical nozzle 218 and the small end of the second conical nozzle 219.

[0055] In this embodiment, a first conical nozzle 218 and a second conical nozzle 219 are provided between the middle baffle 213 and a section of the water distribution plate 204, forming a Venturi tube structure. Specifically, multiple embedded Venturi tubes are arranged in parallel within the middle fluid jet shear zone 202. This not only expands the fluid flow area and flow rate, but also utilizes the Venturi effect to accelerate fluid flow, enhance shear force, promote the generation of micro-nano bubbles, and improve the selectivity and activity of the flotation medium. The design of the embedded multi-path Venturi tube shortens the bubble's motion path and effectively prevents bubble mergers during transport, which is crucial for maintaining bubble stability. Bubble mergers not only increase bubble size and reduce their surface area-to-volume ratio, but also induce oscillations on the bubble surface, causing particles already attached to the bubble surface to fall off, seriously interfering with the fluidized flotation process and affecting particle recovery.

[0056] Understandably, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 further includes a second cylinder 220, the upper end of which is connected to the middle baffle 213, and the lower end of which is connected to a water distribution plate 204. In order to introduce gas into the fluid distributor 200, a hole is provided on the side wall of the second cylinder 220 that is connected to the air inlet pipe 109.

[0057] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 further includes a second-stage water distribution plate 221 and a third cylinder 222. The second-stage water distribution plate 221 is located above the middle partition plate 213. The upper end of the third cylinder 222 is connected to the second-stage water distribution plate 221, and the lower end is connected to the middle partition plate 213. Figure 10 As shown, the second-stage water distribution plate 221 includes a fourth annular plate 223 and multiple fourth ribs 224. Both ends of the fourth ribs 224 are connected to the fourth annular plate 223. The fourth ribs 224 intersect within the inner circle of the fourth annular plate 223 across the diameter of the fourth annular plate 223. Preferably, there are three fourth ribs 224. The fourth annular plate 223 and the third annular plate 214 are vertically opposed, and the fourth ribs 224 and the third ribs 215 are vertically opposed.

[0058] In order to make the liquid in the top fluid pressure control area 203 flow out, Figure 10 As shown, the second-stage water distribution plate 221 is provided with third water distribution holes 225. The third water distribution holes 225 are evenly distributed on the fourth annular plate 223 and the fourth rib 224, except for the position corresponding to the second water distribution hole 216. In other words, the third water distribution hole 225 is not provided at the position on the fourth annular plate 223 and the fourth rib 224 directly opposite the second water distribution hole 216.

[0059] Combine Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 12 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 further includes a third partition cone 226, which is disposed in the hollow space formed by the adjacent third ribs 215 and the adjacent fourth ribs 224. The upper end of the third partition cone 226 is connected to the fourth annular plate 223 and the fourth ribs 224, and the lower end of the third partition cone 226 is connected to the third annular plate 214 and the third ribs 215. The cross-section of the third partition cone 226 (i.e., the surface perpendicular to the fluid distributor 200) is a fan-shaped ring, and the third partition cone 226 is vertically opposed to the second partition cone 217.

[0060] It should be noted that the fluid pre-dispersion zone 201 is between the bottom baffle 239 and the first water distribution plate 204, the fluid jet shear zone 202 is between the first water distribution plate 204 and the middle partition plate 213, and the fluid pressurization control zone 203 is between the middle partition plate 213 and the second water distribution plate 221.

[0061] In this embodiment, the bottom baffle 239, the first stage water distribution plate 204, the middle partition plate 213 and the second stage water distribution plate 221 are all inner and outer disc annular structures (i.e., the first annular plate 206, the second annular plate 209, the third annular plate 214 and the fourth annular plate 223 correspond to their respective outer disc structures, and the intersection of the first rib 207, the intersection of the second rib 210, the intersection of the third rib 215 and the intersection of the fourth rib 224 correspond to their respective inner disc structures). The diameter of the inner disc is generally 3 / 10-5 / 10 of the diameter of the cylinder 101, preferably 4 / 10, and the diameter of the outer disc is generally 7 / 10-9 / 10 of the diameter of the cylinder 101, preferably 8 / 10. The inner and outer discs are closely connected by multiple parallel fluid channels, the number of channels is generally 3-8, preferably 5, and these channels are evenly distributed along the center of the disc to ensure uniform distribution of the fluid.

[0062] It is worth noting that although the bottom baffle 239, the first water distribution plate 204, the middle partition 213, and the second water distribution plate 221 have similar structures, there are differences in the surface openings. Specifically, the bottom baffle 239 has no water distribution holes on its surface, only a water inlet 208; the first water distribution plate 204 has holes evenly spaced along the fluid channel from the inner disc to the outer disc, with the number of holes on each channel generally being 3-6, preferably 3, and the aperture gradually increasing from the inside to the outside. The innermost aperture size is generally 3-8mm, preferably 5mm, and the aperture increase ratio is generally 1.1-1.3, preferably 1.2; the middle partition 213 and the first water distribution plate 204 have the same aperture position, number, and aperture size; the surface of the second water distribution plate 221 has holes evenly spaced according to the aperture ratio, with the aperture size generally being 2-5mm, preferably 3mm, and the aperture ratio generally being 5%-15%, preferably 10%.

[0063] In order to achieve dynamic and precise control of water flow distribution pattern and pressure, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 also includes a first baffle assembly 227, a second baffle assembly 228 and a third baffle assembly 229. The first baffle assembly 227 is arranged directly below the intersection of the fourth ribs 224, the second baffle assembly 228 is arranged in the channel between adjacent third separating cones 226, and the third baffle assembly 229 is arranged directly below the fourth annular plate 223.

[0064] Specifically, if Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first baffle assembly 227 includes a disc baffle 230, a first lifting rod 231, a first motor, and a first housing. The first motor is mounted within the first housing, the lower end of which is connected to the middle baffle 213. The lower end of the first lifting rod 231 is located within the first housing and is provided with teeth, forming a first rack. The upper end of the first lifting rod 231 extends from the upper end of the first housing and is connected to the disc baffle 230. A first gear is provided on the output shaft of the first motor, which meshes with the first rack. When the output shaft of the first motor rotates, the first lifting rod 231 extends and retracts along the first housing, thereby driving the disc baffle 230 up and down. It should be noted that the contact point between the first lifting rod 231 and the first housing is sealed to prevent fluid from entering the first housing.

[0065] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the second baffle assembly 228 includes a strip baffle 232, a second lifting rod 233, a second motor, and a second housing. The second motor is mounted within the second housing, the lower end of which is connected to the middle partition 213. The lower end of the second lifting rod 233 is located within the second housing and is equipped with teeth, forming a second rack. The upper end of the second lifting rod 233 extends from the upper end of the second housing and is connected to the strip baffle 232. A second gear is mounted on the output shaft of the second motor, which meshes with the second rack. When the output shaft of the second motor rotates, the second lifting rod 233 extends and retracts along the second housing, thereby driving the strip baffle 232 up and down. To facilitate fluid flow, the width of the strip baffle 232 is smaller than the spacing between adjacent third separating cones 226. A gap exists between the strip baffle 232 and the disc baffle 230. A first through hole 234 is provided along the length of the strip baffle 232. When multiple first through holes 234 are provided, the diameter of each first through hole 234 gradually decreases as it approaches the disc baffle 230.

[0066] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the third baffle assembly 229 includes an annular baffle 235, a third lifting rod 236, a third motor, and a third housing. The third motor is mounted within the third housing, the lower end of which is connected to the middle baffle 213. The lower end of the third lifting rod 236 is located within the third housing and is provided with teeth, forming a third rack. The upper end of the third lifting rod 236 extends from the upper end of the third housing and is connected to the annular baffle 235. A third gear is provided on the output shaft of the third motor, which meshes with the third rack. When the output shaft of the third motor rotates, the third lifting rod 236 extends and retracts along the third housing, thereby driving the annular baffle 235 up and down. Multiple third lifting rods 236 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the annular baffle 235. To facilitate fluid flow, the width of the annular baffle 235 is smaller than the distance between the inner wall of the third cylinder 222 and the arcuate surface of the third separating cone 226. Multiple second through holes 237 are provided along the circumference of the annular baffle 235. The second through holes 237 are aligned with the first through holes 234, and the diameter of the second through holes 237 is larger than that of the first through holes 234. The first through holes 234 and the second through holes 237 are aligned vertically with the second water distribution holes 216 provided on the third rib 215 and the third annular plate 214, respectively.

[0067] In this embodiment, the top fluid pressurization control zone 203 uses a second-stage water distribution plate 221 to perform secondary refinement on the fluid, optimizing fluid distribution. Combined with precise control by a three-stage electric baffle, the fluid velocity and pressure are dynamically adjusted to ensure the fluidized bed system operates at optimal conditions, achieving a continuous and stable micro-nano bubble supply and bed control, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of the flotation operation and the overall stability of the system. The opening and closure of the central disc area of ​​the second-stage water distribution plate 221 are controlled by a first-stage electric baffle (i.e., first baffle assembly 227), the opening and closure of the fluid channel area are controlled by a second-stage electric baffle (i.e., second baffle assembly 228), and the outer disc area is controlled by a third-stage electric baffle (i.e., third baffle assembly 229), forming a comprehensive fluid control network.

[0068] In order to effectively prevent the blockage of the second-stage water distribution plate 221 caused by particle deposition, Figure 1 As shown, the fluid distributor 200 also includes a conical rubber nozzle 238. The conical rubber nozzle 238 is arranged above the second-stage water distribution plate 221 and is connected to the third water distribution hole 225. When no water flows through, the conical rubber nozzle 238 automatically closes, which not only protects the equipment from blockage, but also ensures the long-term stable operation of the system.

[0069] The fluid distributor 200 of this embodiment includes multiple functions such as fluid shearing, hydrodynamic cavitation, gas dispersion, gear adjustment and pressure control, ultimately achieving the dual goals of efficient generation of micro-nano bubbles and stable control of the fluidized bed.

[0070] Example 2

[0071] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for fluidized flotation of coarse particles, using the apparatus for fluidized flotation of coarse particles of Example 1, comprising the following steps:

[0072] Step 1: Supply clean water into the fluid distributor 200 and inject air at the same time. The bottom layer is dispersed, initially sheared, the middle layer is sheared, and microbubbles are generated.

[0073] Before commencing the fluidized bed separation operation, ensure that all necessary safety checks are complete, including verifying that the sewage pipe 106 and tailings discharge pipe 105 are closed. Subsequently, the water inlet pipe 110 is opened, and a centrifugal pump is used to pressurize clean water from the clean water tank and feed it into the fluid distributor 200. Simultaneously, the air pump is activated to inject air into the middle fluid jet shear zone 202 through the air inlet pipe 109.

[0074] In order to improve the stability of generated bubbles and reduce bubble merger, a foaming agent can be added to the clear water pool. The foaming agent can be selected from 2-octanol, methyl isobutyl carbinol, methyl amyl alcohol, and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, preferably 2-octanol, and the dosage is 0.2-2 kg / t, preferably 0.5 kg / t.

[0075] The rising fluid first enters the bottom fluid pre-dispersion zone 201, where it passes through a water distribution plate 204 for initial dispersion and shearing, effectively suppressing the uneven distribution and turbulence caused by the high-speed fluid. The fluid then enters the middle fluid jet shear zone 202. Here, the water flows through the Venturi structure formed by the first and second conical nozzles 218, 219, undergoing hydrodynamic cavitation to produce tiny bubbles, which are further dispersed by the cutting action of the water jet.

[0076] Step 2: Top-level control and precise allocation.

[0077] The fluid, rich in microbubbles, passes through the middle baffle 213 and reaches the top fluid pressure control zone 203. After undergoing secondary refinement by the second-stage water distribution plate 221, the fluid distribution pattern and pressure are dynamically adjusted in conjunction with the intelligent control of the three-stage electric baffles. Based on the complexity of the mineral particles to be sorted, the opening state of the electric baffles is flexibly adjusted to optimize the water flow dispersion effect, ensure bed stability, and appropriately extend or shorten the sorting time to achieve optimal sorting efficiency and equipment operating economy. When the mineral particles have complex properties (i.e., the degree of dissociation of the mineral particles is less than 50%), all first baffle assemblies 227, second baffle assemblies 228, and third baffle assemblies 229 should be opened to enhance the water flow dispersion effect, improve bed stability, and extend the equipment sorting time. When the mineral particles have uniform properties (i.e., the degree of dissociation of the mineral particles is greater than 50%), the baffle assemblies in certain areas can be closed based on the actual sorting effect to reduce the equipment sorting time and improve the equipment sorting efficiency.

[0078] It should be noted that when the first baffle assembly 227, the second baffle assembly 228, and the third baffle assembly 229 are in the open state, the disc baffle 230, the strip baffle 232, and the annular baffle 235 are in contact with the bottom of the second-stage water distribution plate 221 to block the third water distribution hole 225. When the first baffle assembly 227, the second baffle assembly 228, and the third baffle assembly 229 are in the closed state, the disc baffle 230, the strip baffle 232, and the annular baffle 235 descend to open the third water distribution hole 225. In the closed position, the disc baffle 230, the strip baffle 232, and the annular baffle 235 remain close to the middle baffle 213. The distance between the disc baffle 230, the strip baffle 232, and the annular baffle 235 and the middle baffle 213 is generally set to between 1 / 6 and 1 / 4 of the height of the fluid pressurization control area 203, preferably 1 / 5. Since the disc baffle 230, the strip baffle 232, and the annular baffle 235 are designed to correspond to the openings on the middle baffle 213, even when the first baffle assembly 227, the second baffle assembly 228, and the third baffle assembly 229 are closed, the descending disc baffle 230, the strip baffle 232, and the annular baffle 235 will not prevent the fluid from entering the fluid pressurization control area 203. At the same time, the openings of the disc baffle 230, the strip baffle 232, and the annular baffle 235 are staggered with the openings on the second-stage water distribution plate 221, which means that when the first baffle assembly 227, the second baffle assembly 228, and the third baffle assembly 229 are in the open state, that is, when the disc baffle 230, the strip baffle 232, and the annular baffle 235 are ascending, they can effectively prevent the fluid from flowing out of the water outlet holes on the surface of the second-stage water distribution plate 221.

[0079] In this embodiment, the bottom baffle 239, the first water distribution plate 204, the middle baffle 213, and the second water distribution plate 221 adopt a "spoke structure" design. The structure consists of a central inner circle and an outer ring surrounding it, and the two are connected by five radially distributed channels. The opening and closing state of the water outlet holes on the surface of the second water distribution plate 221 is controlled by three levels of electric baffles: the first level electric baffle (first baffle assembly 227) is responsible for regulating the water outlet holes at the inner circle; the second level electric baffle (second baffle assembly 228) manages the water outlet holes in the five radial channel areas; and the third level electric baffle (third baffle assembly) manages the water outlet holes at the outer ring. These electric baffles can be operated independently. When in the open state, they will rise and close to the second water distribution plate 221, so that the corresponding water outlet holes are closed; when closed, they will descend close to the middle baffle 213, so that the water outlet holes in the corresponding area are open. This flexible design allows for precise adjustment of the distribution of the fluid as it passes through the second-stage water distribution plate 221 according to specific needs. For example, if the fluid only needs to be released from the inner circle of the second-stage water distribution plate 221, this can be achieved by closing the first-stage electric baffle while keeping the second-stage and third-stage electric baffles open. After this setting, only the water outlet holes in the inner circle area are open, and the water outlet holes in other areas are closed, thereby meeting specific operating requirements. This not only improves the adjustability and efficiency of the sorting process, but also enhances the adaptability of the equipment to different working conditions. The secondary baffle can also be operated separately to determine the opening and closing of the water outlet holes in a specific radial channel. This design allows for fine adjustment of the water distribution area and pressure when the fluid passes through the second-stage water distribution plate 221. In the actual production process, this flexibility enables the operator to adjust the water distribution conditions in real time according to the specific situation to achieve the best sorting effect.

[0080] In this embodiment, the opening and closing status of the water outlets on the second-stage water distribution plate 221 is controlled by three different levels of electric dampers. Adjustment of these dampers directly affects the distribution area and pressure of the fluid passing through the second-stage water distribution plate 221. When the electric dampers are closed, the distribution area of ​​the fluid increases; conversely, as the electric dampers are opened, the distribution pressure increases accordingly. Therefore, in actual operation, the state of these dampers can be adjusted to achieve dynamic management of the distribution area and pressure of the fluid during the sorting process. For example, if the mineral particles are observed to be evenly suspended without accumulation within the mineral sorting column, the electric dampers can be closed to reduce the distribution pressure and utilize the maximum distribution area for effective sorting. Conversely, if mineral accumulation is detected in a certain area within the cylinder 101, the electric dampers should be appropriately opened to reduce the distribution area and increase the distribution pressure, thereby promoting the dispersion of the accumulated material and optimizing the overall sorting process. This real-time control strategy helps improve sorting efficiency and quality.

[0081] Step 3: Precise separation and efficient recovery.

[0082] Once the interior of cylinder 101 is filled with fluidized water, the feed valve is opened, and pre-classified coarse-grained minerals are uniformly fed through feed pipe 107 and feed distributor 108. The fluidized bed formed by the rising water flow, combined with the introduction of bubbles, increases the apparent density difference between the target mineral and the gangue. Hydrophobic minerals adhere to the surface of the bubbles and float with them to the concentrate collection tank 103. They then flow into the concentrate discharge pipe 104 for subsequent dehydration. Hydrophilic minerals, on the other hand, sink as tailings and are discharged through the tailings discharge pipe 105, achieving highly efficient and precise mineral separation.

[0083] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by any technician familiar with this technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device suitable for fluidized flotation of coarse particles, characterized in that: The invention comprises a flotation column (100) and a fluid distributor (200), wherein the flotation column (100) comprises a cylinder (101) and a tailings collection bin (102), wherein the tailings collection bin (102) is arranged at the lower part of the cylinder (101), and the fluid distributor (200) is arranged at the bottom of the inner cavity of the cylinder (101) and above the tailings collection bin (102), wherein the inner cavity of the fluid distributor (200) is divided into a fluid pre-dispersion zone (201), a fluid jet shear zone (202) and a fluid pressurization control zone (203) from bottom to top, and the fluid flows upward through the fluid pre-dispersion zone (201), the fluid jet shear zone (202) and the fluid pressurization control zone (203) in sequence; The fluid distributor (200) includes a first water distribution plate (204), a second water distribution plate (221), a first baffle assembly (227), a second baffle assembly (228) and a third baffle assembly (229), wherein the first baffle assembly (227) includes a disc baffle (230), a first lifting rod (231), a first motor and a first housing, the second baffle assembly (228) includes a strip baffle (232), a second lifting rod (233), a second motor and a second housing, and the third baffle assembly (229) includes an annular baffle (235), a third lifting rod (236), a third motor and a third housing.

2. The device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid distributor (200) further includes a bottom baffle (239) and a first cylinder (205), wherein the upper end of the first cylinder (205) is connected to the bottom of the water distribution plate (204), and the lower end of the first cylinder (205) is connected to the top of the bottom baffle (239).

3. The device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fluid distributor (200) further includes a middle baffle (213) and a second cylinder (220), wherein the middle baffle (213) is arranged above the first section of the water distribution plate (204), the upper end of the second cylinder (220) is connected to the bottom of the middle baffle (213), and the lower end of the second cylinder (220) is connected to the top of the first section of the water distribution plate (204).

4. The device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fluid distributor (200) further includes a third cylinder (222), the second-stage water distribution plate (221) is located above the middle partition plate (213), the upper end of the third cylinder (222) is connected to the bottom of the second-stage water distribution plate (221), and the lower end of the third cylinder (222) is connected to the top of the middle partition plate (213).

5. The device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fluid distributor (200) further includes a first dividing cone (212), a second dividing cone (217) and a third dividing cone (226), wherein the first dividing cone (212) is arranged between the bottom baffle (239) and the first water distribution plate (204), the second dividing cone (217) is arranged between the first water distribution plate (204) and the middle partition (213), and the third dividing cone (226) is arranged between the middle partition (213) and the second water distribution plate (221).

6. The device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The height ratio of the fluid pre-dispersion zone (201), the fluid jet shearing zone (202) and the fluid pressurization control zone (203) is 1:1:1 or 1:2:

2.

7. The device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The flotation column (100) further comprises an air inlet pipe (109) and a water inlet pipe (110), wherein the air inlet pipe (109) is in communication with the fluid jet shearing zone (202), and the water inlet pipe (110) is in communication with the fluid pre-dispersion zone (201).

8. The device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The flotation column (100) further comprises a feed pipe (107) and a feed distributor (108). The feed distributor (108) is arranged in the cylinder (101) and above the fluid distributor (200). The feed pipe (107) is in communication with the feed distributor (108).

9. The device for fluidized flotation of coarse particles according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The flotation column (100) further comprises a concentrate collecting trough (103), the concentrate collecting trough (103) being arranged on the top of the cylinder (101), a concentrate discharge pipe (104) being provided on the concentrate collecting trough (103), and a tailings discharge pipe (105) being provided at the bottom of the tailings collecting bin (102).

10. A method for fluidized flotation of coarse particles, characterized in that: The flotation operation is carried out using the device suitable for fluidized flotation of coarse particles as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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