Gasification fluid supply device and flotation cell

Abstract

A gasification fluid supply device (1700), a flotation cell (1000) and a method for treating particles suspended in a slurry (1214) are disclosed. The gasification fluid supply device (1700) includes a manifold (1701) and one or more tube distributors (1703) connected to the manifold (1701). The one or more tube distributors (1703) include one or more nozzles (1704). The manifold (1701) is configured to distribute gasification fluid to the one or more tube distributors (1703). The one or more nozzles (1704) are configured to inject gasification fluid into at least a central region (A1) of the tank (1100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to mineral processing. In particular, the present disclosure relates to separating minerals from their ores by flotation. Background Art

[0002] The energy consumption of the comminution process (especially grinding) usually accounts for a large part of the total energy consumption in mineral processing. Therefore, great efforts have been invested in reducing the energy consumption of grinding. This can usually be achieved by reducing the degree of liberation of the ore, that is, by increasing the average size of the ore particles before concentration. Standard mechanical flotation cells are best suited for separating particles in the size range of about 20μm to 150μm. Therefore, alternative solutions are needed to increase the average particle size of the ore to above 150μm. Summary of the invention

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts that will be further described in the following detailed description in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to specify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The independent claims set forth the scope of protection sought by various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flotation cell for processing particles suspended in a slurry and separating the slurry into an underflow and an overflow. The flotation cell may include a gasification fluid supply configured to distribute gasification fluid (e.g., aerated water) to a central region of a tank. The primary purpose may be to perform primary gasification in the center of the process tank.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a gasification fluid supply device comprises: a manifold; and one or more pipe distributors connected to the manifold, wherein the one or more pipe distributors comprise one or more nozzles, wherein the manifold is arranged to distribute the gasification fluid to the one or more pipe distributors; and the one or more nozzles are configured to inject the gasification fluid into at least the central area of ​​the tank. The gasification fluid supply device is, for example, an aerated fluid supply device. One or more gasification fluid generators are, for example, a gasification fluid generator. The gasification fluid is, for example, aerated water. The gasification fluid may include bubbles and fluids (e.g., water and air bubbles). The gasification fluid may include bubbles and slurry (e.g., slurry and air bubbles). For example, the gasification fluid supply device may include a plurality of pipe distributors, such as 12 pipe distributors, or such as 120 pipe distributors, or such as 300 pipe distributors, or such as 720 pipe distributors. The manifold may enable a plurality of pipe distributors to inject the gasification fluid from the central area of ​​the treatment tank. It is also possible to enable a plurality (eg, 4, or 40, or 100, or 240) of gasification fluid generators to inject the gasification fluid into the tube distributor.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the gasification fluid supply arrangement may include one or more gasification fluid generators connected to a manifold. The manifold may be arranged to distribute the gasification fluid from the one or more gasification fluid generators to the one or more tube distributors.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, one or more nozzles may be directed downwards. When one or more nozzles are directed downwards, they may be prevented from being blocked.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, one or more tube distributors may extend radially from the manifold. The tube distributor may extend from the center of the tank to a peripheral region of the tank. This may allow the tube distributor to supply the gasification fluid primarily from the central region of the tank, but may also supply some amount of the gasification fluid from the middle region of the tank, and a small amount of the gasification fluid from the peripheral region of the tank.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, two or more tube distributors may be arranged equidistant from each other, so that the distance between any two adjacent tube distributors is the same. This may allow the tube distributor to supply the gasification fluid 360° around the tank.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, two or more pipe distributors can be arranged at one or more levels. Two or more pipe distributors can be arranged at, for example, two levels. Arranging the pipe distributors at different levels can improve the uniform supply and distribution of the gasification fluid.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the height difference between the two levels of the tube distributor is less than six times a diameter of the tube distributor. This can allow the gasified fluid to be fed to the tank in an optimized manner to produce a thick (e.g. 500 mm) calm foam layer in the low tank. In the low tank, the ratio H / D of the height H to the diameter D of the flotation tank can be less than 2. This height is the combined height of the foam zone, the mixing zone and the sedimentation zone.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the manifold may include one or more manifold inlets arranged to connect the gasification fluid generator to the manifold; and one or more manifold outlets arranged to connect the tube distributor to the manifold. The manifold outlets and manifold inlets may allow different parts to be attached to the manifold.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the one or more manifold outlets may be arranged equidistantly around the manifold circumference, such that the distance between any two adjacent manifold outlets may be the same. This may allow the tube distributors to be attached circumferentially and equally around the manifold, which may allow them to evenly supply aeration fluid and bubbles around the tank 360° (particularly in the circular center area A1 of the tank).

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the one or more manifold inlets may be arranged above each other. The one or more manifold inlets may be arranged vertically above each other. One manifold inlet may be located at the top of the manifold, one manifold inlet may be located at the bottom of the manifold, and no inlet, one or more inlets may be provided on one side of the manifold. This may allow the inflation fluid to be equally distributed to the manifold and from the manifold to the tube distributor.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect, the gasification fluid supply device may include one or more connecting members (connecting means, connecting device) located between the one or more gasification fluid generators and the manifold, wherein the one or more connecting members may be arranged to connect the one or more gasification fluid generators to the manifold. The connecting member is at least one of the following: a tube, a pipe, a hose and / or a channel. When the gasification fluid generator is located outside the tank, the connecting member may be arranged inside the tank and can be used to connect the gasification fluid generator and the manifold. One or more gasification fluid inlets can connect the one or more gasification fluid generators to the one or more connecting members. The connecting member can also help position the manifold in the center of the tank.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a flotation cell for treating particles suspended in a slurry and separating the slurry into an underflow and an overflow is disclosed, wherein the flotation cell comprises: a tank for containing the slurry and a foam layer above the slurry; a supply device configured to supply the slurry; and a gasification fluid supply device according to any one of the first aspects. The manifold can enable multiple pipe distributors to inject gasification fluid from a central area of ​​the processing tank. It can also enable multiple (e.g., 4, or 40, or 100, or 240) gasification fluid generators to inject gasification fluid into the pipe distributor.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, one or more nozzles may be configured to inject the gasification fluid downward into at least the central region of the tank. The gasification fluid may be more concentrated in the center of the tank, but may also be distributed in a small amount in the middle and peripheral regions of the tank.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the tank may include a central area, a middle area, and a peripheral area; and two or more nozzles may be arranged in each pipe distributor so that the number of nozzles in the central area>(greater than) the number of nozzles in the middle area>the number of nozzles in the peripheral area. The central area, the middle area, and the peripheral area may be circular areas around the central axis. In addition, other types or areas may be formed. The gasified fluid may be more concentrated in the center of the tank, but may also be distributed in the middle area and the peripheral area of ​​the tank in small amounts. This may be achieved by positioning the nozzle and the gasified fluid stream in the central area of ​​the tank.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, one or more nozzles can be arranged to distribute the gasified fluid as follows, so that the central flow rate of the gasified fluid in the central area> the intermediate flow rate of the gasified fluid in the middle area> the peripheral flow rate of the gasified fluid in the peripheral area. This can allow most of the gasified fluid to be located in the central area, and the gasified fluid can move upward toward the foam layer from the central area. This can help coarse particles remain in the foam layer without falling into the tank. This arrangement can improve the recovery rate of all hydrophobic particles (especially larger particles).

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the superficial gas velocity in the tank is considered to be the volume flow rate of gas / area of ​​foam, wherein the central superficial gas velocity [cm / s] in the central region may be from 2 to 7; the intermediate superficial gas velocity in the middle region may be from 1 to 5; and the peripheral superficial gas velocity in the peripheral region may be from 0 to 3. The superficial gas velocity may be greater in the central region, where more bubbles may be required to move upward toward the foam layer. This may help coarse particles adhere to the bubbles and increase the recovery rate of larger particles.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the gasification fluid supply device can be arranged below the foam layer. The height difference between the pipe distributors at two levels is less than one-sixth of the diameter of the pipe distributor. The gasification fluid supply device can be arranged above the settled underflow particle layer. When the gasification fluid supply device is arranged below the foam layer, it can allow the gasification fluid to move effectively toward the foam layer slurry, thereby allowing more coarse particles to adhere to the bubbles.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the manifold may be arranged at the center of the tank parallel to the sidewalls.Arranging the gasification fluid supply device in the center of the tank may allow the gasification fluid to flow out of the nozzle into the center of the tank.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the manifold may be arranged vertically in the tank.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the pipe distributor can be arranged in the tank vertically to the side wall or horizontally. Arranging the pipe distributor vertically to the side wall or horizontally in the tank can allow the gasification fluid to be fed downward from the nozzle. This can prevent the nozzle located at the bottom side of the pipe distributor from being blocked.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, one or more gasification fluid generators may be located outside the side wall of the tank. Technical requirements may require that one or more gasification fluid generators be positioned outside the tank. One or more gasification fluid generators may be located inside the tank.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the flotation cell may be a gravity-fed flotation cell. In a gravity-fed system, the slurry may be fed to the flotation tank at the froth layer. In the gravity-fed flotation cell, the gas used to generate the flotation bubbles may be added to the main flotation tank via the gasification fluid generator. The gas may be added to the main flotation tank, rise from the main flotation tank to the froth layer, and may adhere to the fine particles and / or coarse particles of the slurry.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the supply device can be configured to supply the slurry onto the foam layer, into the foam layer, into the foam-slurry interface, or immediately below the foam layer. Different methods and systems can be used to supply the slurry to different parts of the foam layer.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect, the flotation cell may further comprise one or more froth crowders arranged to direct froth towards the lip. The crowders may be used to direct or guide upwardly flowing slurry and / or gasified fluid within the flotation tank closer to the froth overflow lip of the froth collection launder, thereby enabling or facilitating froth formation very close to the froth overflow lip, which may increase the collection of desired ore particles.

[0029] According to a third aspect, a method for treating particles suspended in a slurry and separating the slurry into an underflow and an overflow using a flotation cell according to any one of the second aspects is disclosed, wherein the method comprises: providing a tank for containing the slurry and a foam layer above the slurry; supplying the slurry into the tank with a supply device; using a manifold of a gasification fluid supply device to distribute the gasification fluid to one or more pipe distributors including one or more nozzles; and injecting the gasification fluid into at least a central area of ​​the tank using the one or more nozzles. The manifold can enable multiple pipe distributors to inject the gasification fluid from at least a central area of ​​the treatment tank. It is also possible to enable multiple gasification fluid generators to inject the gasification fluid into the pipe distributor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 An example of a flotation cell with a gasification fluid generator is schematically shown,

[0032] Figure 2 An example of a tube distributor seen from below is schematically shown,

[0033] Figure 3 Examples of manifolds and connecting members are schematically shown, and

[0034] Figure 4 An example method of using a flotation cell to process particles suspended in a slurry and separate the slurry into an underflow and an overflow is shown.

[0035] Unless specifically stated to the contrary, any of the figures in the above drawings may not be drawn to scale, such that any element in the figure may be drawn in an inaccurate scale relative to other elements in the figure in order to emphasize certain structural aspects of the embodiments of the figure.

[0036] Furthermore, corresponding elements in an embodiment of any of the preceding figures may not be scaled relative to each other in the figures in order to emphasize certain structural aspects of the embodiments of the figures.

[0037] Description of Reference Numerals

[0038] d f : Foam depth, thickness of foam layer

[0039] A1: Central area

[0040] A2: Middle area

[0041] A3: Surrounding area

[0042] 1000: Flotation cell

[0043] 1001: Slurry

[0044] 1002: Foam layer

[0045] 1003: Overflow

[0046] 1100: Can

[0047] 1101: Flow channel

[0048] 1102: Flow channel lip

[0049] 1103: Bottom cone

[0050] 1104: Underflow outlet

[0051] 1105: Undercurrent

[0052] 1106: Gasification fluid inlet

[0053] 1107: Flotation liquid inlet

[0054] 1108: Sidewall

[0055] 1109: Foam Collector

[0056] 1202: Fluid Flow

[0057] 1214: Slurry

[0058] 1221: Central axis

[0059] 1228: Outsole surface

[0060] 1301: Gasified Fluid

[0061] 1400: Flotation liquid supply device

[0062] 1401: Flotation liquid

[0063] 1700: Gasification fluid supply device

[0064] 1701: Manifold

[0065] 1702: Gasification Fluid Generator

[0066] 1703: Tube Distributor

[0067] 1704: Nozzle

[0068] 1705: Connecting components

[0069] 1706: Manifold Inlet

[0070] 1707: Manifold outlet

[0071] 1800: Bubble Zone

[0072] 1801: Mixed Zone

[0073] 1802: Settlement Zone DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of this example and is not intended to represent the only form in which this example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be achieved by different examples.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the gasified fluid is distributed from the center of the circular tank. The gasified fluid can be distributed to the pipe distributor so that the gasified fluid can be injected into the pipe distributor near the central area of ​​the tank. In this way, the gasified fluid can be supplied to the tank in an optimized manner, and a thick (e.g., 500 mm) calm foam layer can be generated in the low-level tank. The gasified fluid (e.g., aerated water) can be more concentrated in the center of the tank, but can also be distributed in small amounts in the middle and periphery of the tank.

[0076] The drawings are not drawn to scale and many components of the flotation cell 1000 are omitted for clarity. Figure 1 Flotation cell 1000 is shown in greater detail. Figure 2 and Figure 3 An embodiment of a gasification fluid supply device is shown in a schematic manner.

[0077] according to Figure 1 The flotation cell 1000 of the exemplary embodiment is intended for processing mineral ore particles suspended in a slurry 1214 and for separating the slurry 1214 into an underflow 1105 and an overflow 1003, which may include a concentrate of a desired mineral.

[0078] Overflow herein refers to the portion of the slurry that is collected in the launder of the flotation cell and thus leaves the flotation cell. The overflow may contain foam, foam plus slurry, or in some cases only slurry or the largest portion of slurry. In some embodiments, the overflow may be a receiving stream containing valuable material particles collected from the slurry. In other embodiments, the overflow may be a waste stream. This is the case when the flotation device, apparatus and / or method is used for reverse flotation.

[0079] Underflow herein refers to the components or parts of the slurry that do not float to the surface of the slurry during the flotation process. In some embodiments, the underflow can be a waste stream that leaves the flotation cell via an outlet, which is usually arranged at the bottom of the flotation cell. Ultimately, the underflow from the final flotation cell of the flotation line or flotation device may leave the entire device as a tailings stream or the final residue of the flotation machine. In some embodiments, the underflow can be a receiving stream containing valuable mineral particles. This is the case when the flotation cell or flotation line is used for reverse flotation.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment, the flotation cell 1000 includes a tank 1100 for containing a slurry 1001 and a certain volume of a foam layer 1002 above the slurry 1001, wherein a supply device is configured to supply the slurry 1214. The flotation cell 1000 may also include a gasification fluid supply device 1700, which includes: a manifold 1701; one or more gasification fluid generators 1702 connected to the manifold 1701; and one or more tube distributors 1703 connected to the manifold 1701, wherein the one or more tube distributors 1703 may include one or more nozzles 1704. The manifold 1701 may be configured to distribute the gasification fluid from the one or more gasification fluid generators 1702 to the one or more tube distributors 1703, and the one or more nozzles 1704 may be configured to inject the gasification fluid into at least the central area A1 of the tank 1100.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment, the gasification fluid supply device 1700 includes a manifold 1701 and one or more tube distributors 1703 connected to the manifold 1701. The one or more tube distributors 1703 may include one or more nozzles 1704, wherein the manifold 1701 may be arranged to distribute the gasification fluid to the one or more tube distributors 1703. The one or more nozzles 1704 may be configured to inject the gasification fluid into at least the central area A1 of the tank.

[0082] According to an exemplary embodiment, gasification fluid supply device 1700 includes one or more gasification fluid generators 1702 connected to manifold 1701. Manifold 1701 may be configured to distribute gasification fluid from one or more gasification fluid generators 1702 to one or more tube distributors 1703.

[0083] Throughout this specification, "flotation" may refer to the separation of a mixture by adhering to the substances in the mixture at an interface. Flotation may be a concentration method for separating ore from gangue. In flotation, the separation of a mixture may be based on differences in the hydrophobicity of the substances in the mixture. In this document, "separation" may refer to the extraction or removal of substances from a mixture for use or disposal.

[0084] Furthermore, "foam flotation" may refer to flotation in which separation is performed using foam. In this article, "foam" may refer to a dispersion comprising a larger volume portion of vaporized fluid dispersed in a smaller volume portion of flotation liquid in the form of vaporized fluid. In general, the foam may or may not be stabilized by solid particles. In the foam, the average diameter of the vaporized fluid may generally be greater than or equal to 1 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the average distance between adjacent vaporized fluids in a foam that is not stabilized by solid particles may generally be less than or equal to tens of microns, for example, less than or equal to 50 μm or 30 μm. Naturally, in a foam stabilized by solid particles, the average distance between adjacent vaporized fluids may increase in proportion to the average size and number of the solid particles.

[0085] The term "flotation gas" may refer to any gaseous substance suitable for use in flotation. Although in practical applications air is often used as flotation gas, other types of gaseous substances may also be used as known to the skilled person.

[0086] On the other hand, "flotation liquid" may refer to any liquid substance or mixture suitable for use in flotation. Although in practical applications, water or aqueous solutions are often used as flotation liquids, other types of liquid substances may also be used as known to the skilled person.

[0087] Throughout the specification, a "cell" may refer to a device adapted or configured to perform at least one specific process. Naturally, a "flotation cell" may refer to a cell adapted or configured to subject a material to flotation. A cell may generally include one or more parts, and each of the one or more parts may be classified as belonging to an apparatus.

[0088] Flotation cell means for treating ore particles suspended in slurry by flotation. Therefore, valuable metal-containing ore particles can be recovered from ore particles suspended in slurry. Flotation line herein refers to a flotation device, wherein a plurality of flotation cells can be arranged to be fluidly connected to each other, so that the underflow of each preceding flotation cell can be directed to the next or subsequent flotation cell as infeed, until the last flotation cell of the flotation line, from which the underflow can be directed to leave the flotation line as tailings or waste stream. Slurry can be supplied to the first flotation cell of the flotation line through a supply inlet or a slurry supply device to start the flotation process. The flotation line can be part of a larger flotation plant or device comprising one or more flotation lines. Therefore, as known to those skilled in the art, many different pre-treatment and post-treatment equipment or stages can be operatively connected to the components of the flotation device.

[0089] The flotation cells in a flotation line can be fluidly connected to each other. The fluid connection can be achieved by conduits (e.g., pipes or pipelines) of different lengths, which can also include pumps or regrinding units, and the length of the conduit depends on the overall physical structure of the flotation device. Pumps or grinding / regrinding units can also be arranged between the flotation cells of the flotation line. Alternatively, the flotation cells can be arranged to be directly connected to each other. The direct cell connection herein refers to a device in which the outer walls of any two consecutive flotation cells are interconnected to allow the outlet of the first flotation cell to be connected to the inlet of the subsequent flotation cell without any separate conduit. Direct contact can reduce the need for pipelines between two adjacent flotation cells. Therefore, in the process of building a flotation line, the need for components can be reduced, thereby speeding up the process. In addition, sanding can be reduced and the maintenance of the flotation line can be simplified. The fluid connection between the flotation cells can include various regulating mechanisms.

[0090] As used herein, an "adjacent," "neighboring," or "adjacent" flotation cell refers to a flotation cell located immediately after or before any flotation cell, whether downstream or upstream, or whether in a rougher flotation line, in a scavenger flotation line, or in the relationship between a flotation cell in a rougher flotation line and a flotation cell in a scavenger flotation line, into which the underflow from the flotation cell of the rougher flotation line can be directed.

[0091] Flotation cell refers herein to a tank or container in which the steps of the flotation process can be performed. The flotation cell can generally be cylindrical, with the shape being defined by one or more outer walls. The flotation cell can generally have a circular cross-section. The flotation cell can also be polygonal (such as rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal or pentagonal), or have a cross-section that is otherwise radially symmetrical. The flotation cell can also have a cross-section that is not radially symmetrical. As known to those skilled in the art, the number of flotation cells can vary depending on the specific flotation line and / or operation used to process a specific type and / or grade of ore.

[0092] The flotation cell may be a froth flotation cell, such as a mechanically agitated cell, such as a TankCell, a column flotation cell, a Jameson cell, or a double flotation cell. In a double flotation cell, the cell may include at least two separate containers, a first mechanically agitated pressure vessel having a mixer and a gasified fluid input, and a second container having a tailings output and an overflow froth discharge, arranged to receive a stirred slurry from the first container. The flotation cell may also be a fluidized bed flotation cell (such as a HydroFloatTM flotation cell), in which air or other gasified fluid bubbles dispersed by a fluidized system penetrate through an obstructed setting area and attach to a hydrophobic component, changing its density and giving it sufficient buoyancy to float and be recovered. In a fluidized bed flotation cell, axial mixing may not be required. The flotation cell may also be an overflow flotation cell operated with a constant slurry overflow. In an overflow flotation cell, the slurry is treated by introducing gasified fluid bubbles into the slurry and by generating a continuous upward slurry flow in the vertical direction of the first flotation cell. At least a portion of the ore particles containing valuable metals can be attached to the bubbles and rise by buoyancy, at least a portion of the ore particles containing valuable metals can be attached to the bubbles and rise with the continuous upward flow of the slurry, and at least a portion of the ore particles containing valuable metals can rise with the continuous upward flow of the slurry. By exporting the continuously upwardly flowing slurry as a slurry overflow from at least one overflow flotation cell, the ore particles containing valuable metals can be recovered. Since the overflow cell can be operated with almost no froth depth or froth layer, a froth zone is almost not formed on the slurry surface at the top of the flotation cell. The froth can be discontinuous throughout the cell. The result of this may be that more ore particles containing valuable minerals can be entrained in the concentrate stream (concentrate stream), and the total recovery rate of valuable materials can be increased.

[0093] All flotation cells of a flotation line may be of a single type, i.e., the rougher flotation cells in the rougher section, the scavenger flotation cells in the scavenger section, and the scavenger cleaner flotation cells of the scavenger cleaner flotation line may all be of a single flotation cell type, so that the flotation apparatus comprises only one type of flotation cell as listed above. Alternatively, a plurality of flotation cells may be of one type, while other flotation cells are of one or more types, so that the flotation line comprises two or more types of flotation cells as listed above.

[0094] Depending on its type, the flotation cell may include a mixer for stirring the slurry to keep it suspended. A mixer refers herein to any suitable member for stirring the slurry in the flotation cell. The mixer may be a mechanical agitator. The mechanical agitator may include a rotor-stator with a motor and a drive shaft, the rotor-stator structure being arranged at the bottom of the flotation cell. The cell may have an auxiliary agitator arranged higher in the vertical direction of the cell to ensure a sufficiently strong and continuous upward flow of the slurry.

[0095] The "device" of a pool configured to perform a process may refer to a group of parts of the pool that is suitable for or configured to perform at least one specific sub-process of the process. In this way, a "pool including a device" may refer to the pool including parts belonging to the device. On the other hand, a device for a pool may refer to a group of parts that is suitable for or configured to perform at least one specific sub-process. Generally, a device for a pool may or may not form a part of the pool. Any device may include any parts (e.g., mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic parts) that are necessary and / or beneficial for performing its specific sub-process. In this article, a "part" may refer to an element or object that is assembled with one or more other elements or objects, or can be assembled with one or more other elements or objects to form an apparatus, a device or a pool.

[0096] One or more gasification fluid inlets 1106 may connect one or more gasification fluid generators 1702 with one or more connection members 1705 .

[0097] Furthermore, "slurry" may refer to a dispersion comprising solid particles suspended in a continuous phase of a flotation liquid. Thus, a "slurry supply device" may refer to a device of a part of or for a flotation cell that is adapted or configured to supply slurry to a tank of the flotation cell. The slurry supply device may be adapted or configured to supply slurry to a froth layer above the slurry in the tank of the flotation cell.

[0098] In this document, the slurry being "supplied to the foam layer" may refer to supplying the slurry above and / or in, and / or immediately below the surface of the foam layer, such as up to twice the foam depth, or up to the foam depth, or up to 1 / 2 of the foam depth, or up to 1 / 5 of the foam depth, or up to 1 / 10 of the foam depth, and / or into the foam-slurry interface. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment, the height of the trough lip defines the height of the upper surface of the foam layer, and the slurry being supplied to the foam layer may refer to supplying the slurry into the tank to the level of the trough lip and / or below the level of the trough lip at a position up to the foam depth, or up to 1 / 2 of the foam depth, or up to 1 / 5 of the foam depth, or up to 1 / 10 of the foam depth, or up to 1 / 50 of the foam depth. Throughout the specification, froth flotation in which the slurry is supplied to the foam layer may be referred to as "froth-interaction flotation". Naturally, a "froth interaction flotation cell" may refer to a cell configured or adapted to separate materials by froth interaction flotation.

[0099] As used herein, a "tank" may refer to a container suitable for or configured to hold a fluid (eg, a liquid).

[0100] In this disclosure, "foam-slurry interface" may refer to the layer at the top of the slurry where the gas hold-up (gas hold-up) percentage is between ten and fifty (10%-50%).

[0101] Figure 1 The flotation cell 1000 of the exemplary embodiment may be used for so-called "standard flotation" in which valuable minerals in the slurry are collected as an overflow and gangue is directed to an underflow. In other exemplary embodiments, the flotation cell may be used in any suitable manner, for example, in standard flotation and / or so-called "reverse flotation" in which valuable minerals in the slurry are directed to an underflow and gangue is collected as an overflow.

[0102] Figure 1 The flotation cell 1000 of the exemplary embodiment may be configured for so-called "rough flotation", in which a slurry including a large amount of coarse solid particles is used as a feed for flotation. In other exemplary embodiments, the flotation cell may be configured for rough flotation or may not be configured for rough flotation.

[0103] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , flotation cell 1000 includes tank 1100. In other embodiments, the flotation cell may or may not include a tank.

[0104] Figure 1The tank 1100 of the embodiment of the present invention is configured to contain the slurry 1001 and the foam layer 1002 above the slurry 1001. In other embodiments, the tank may or may not be configured in this manner.

[0105] exist Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flotation cell 1000 includes a "gasified fluid supply device" 1700 for supplying a gasified fluid (e.g., aerated water) into the slurry 1001. The gasified fluid may include bubbles. The gasified fluid may be an aerated fluid. The fluid may be water and / or the bubbles may be air bubbles.

[0106] In the present disclosure, "gasified fluid supply device" may refer to a component device of a flotation cell that is suitable or configured to supply gasified fluid to a tank of the flotation cell. In general, the gasified fluid supply device may include any component that is suitable for supplying gasified fluid to a tank or any component that is required to supply gasified fluid to a tank.

[0107] The gasification fluid supply device may include a gasification fluid generator, such as one or more sprayers (eg jet and / or cavitation sprayers) and / or one or more static mixers.

[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment, the gasification fluid generator includes a jet-type sprayer, or a cavitation-type sprayer, or a venturi-type sprayer.

[0109] Jet sprinklers can be used to directly introduce microbubbles ranging in size from 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. In particular, if the microbubbles are introduced into or near the turbulent zone (mixing zone), they are more likely to collide with fine particles in the mixing zone, thereby improving the transport of these particles to the froth zone. Cavitation sprinklers or venturi sprinklers can be used to introduce water and air or other gasified fluids into the flotation cell. In these embodiments, air / gas, or air / gas plus water will be introduced into the sprinklers to generate bubbles, respectively, and injected into the flotation cell. The bubbles may attach to the mineral ore particles and increase the overall recovery rate of valuable minerals.

[0110] exist Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, air and water may be used as the gasification fluid 1301. In other embodiments, any suitable gas may be used, such as air, argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, or a mixture thereof.

[0111] Figure 1 The gasification fluid supply device 1700 of the embodiment is configured to supply the gasification fluid 1301 into the slurry 1001 so that the foam layer 1002 remains above the slurry 1001. In other embodiments, the gasification fluid supply device may or may not be configured in this manner.

[0112] Figure 1The gasification fluid supply device 1700 of the exemplary embodiment is configured to supply the gasification fluid 1301 to the slurry 1001 below the foam layer 1002. Generally, the gasification fluid supply device configured in this manner can enable the gasification fluid bubbles rising in the slurry to be guided onto the outer bottom surface of the lower part of the aggregator, and / or can increase the possibility of recollection of particles containing valuable materials that enter the foam layer after falling. In other embodiments, the gasification fluid supply device may or may not be configured in this manner.

[0113] Figure 1 The gasification fluid supply device 1700 of the exemplary embodiment is configured to supply gasification fluid bubbles 1301 into the slurry 1001 below the foam layer by supplying gasification fluid bubbles into the slurry 1001 via one or more nozzles 1704 of one or more tube distributors 1703. The one or more nozzles 1704 can be pointed downward. In other embodiments, where the gasification fluid supply device is configured to supply gasification fluid bubbles into the slurry below the foam collector, the gasification fluid supply device can be configured to supply the gasification fluid below the foam collector in any suitable manner (e.g., by supplying the gasification fluid into the slurry via a nozzle).

[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more nozzles 1704 are pointed downward. Downward means towards the bottom of flotation cell 1100.

[0115] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more tube distributors 1703 extend radially from manifold 1701 .

[0116] According to an exemplary embodiment, two or more tube distributors 1703 are arranged equidistant from each other such that the distance between any two adjacent tube distributors 1703 is the same. One or more tube distributors 1703 may have a length or may extend from the manifold 1701 to the side wall 1108 of the tank 1100. One or more tube distributors 1703 may have different lengths.

[0117] According to an exemplary embodiment, two or more tube distributors 1703 are arranged at one or more levels. This means that one or more tube distributors 1703 can be located above each other in the vertical direction. Two or more tube distributors 1703 can be arranged at two or more levels.

[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment, the height difference between the levels of the two tube distributors is less than six times the diameter of the tube distributor 1703 .

[0119] Figure 2The exemplary embodiment of shows the tank 1100 seen below the manifold 1701 and the tube distributor 1703. The tank can be divided into three circular areas around the vertical center axis 1221: a central area A1 around the central axis 1221, a peripheral area A3 defined by the tank sidewall 1108, and an intermediate area A2 between the central area A1 and the peripheral area A3. According to an exemplary embodiment, the central area A1, the intermediate area A2, and the peripheral area A3 each cover 1 / 3 of the cross-sectional area between the concentrator 1109 and the tank sidewall 1108. According to another exemplary embodiment, the central area A1, the intermediate area A2, and the peripheral area A3 each cover an equal width section (1 / 3) of the cross-sectional area between the concentrator 1109 and the tank sidewall 1108. Two or more nozzles 1704 can be arranged in each tube distributor 1703, so that the number of nozzles in the central area A1>the number of nozzles in the intermediate area A2>the number of nozzles in the peripheral area A3. This means that more nozzles 1704 may be located in the central area A1 compared to the middle area A2 and / or the peripheral area A3. One or more nozzles may be arranged to be directed towards the bottom of the tank 1100.

[0120] Furthermore, a "central axis" may refer to an imaginary line. The central axis may or may not extend through one or more central points, such as the center of mass and / or centroid of the tank. Additionally or alternatively, the central axis may or may not extend along the symmetry axis and / or symmetry plane of the tank. The central axis may be a vertical line.

[0121] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more nozzles 1704 are arranged to distribute the gasification fluid such that a central flow rate FR1 of the gasification fluid in the central area A1 > a middle flow rate FR2 of the gasification fluid in the middle area A2 > a peripheral flow rate FR3 of the gasification fluid in the peripheral area A3.

[0122] According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparent gas velocity JG within the tank 1100 is the volume flow rate of gas / area of ​​foam, wherein the central apparent gas velocity JG1 in the central area A1 is 2 to 7 [cm / s], the intermediate apparent gas velocity JG2 in the intermediate area A2 is 1 to 5 [cm / s], and the peripheral apparent gas velocity JG3 in the peripheral area A3 is 0 to 3 [cm / s].

[0123] According to an exemplary embodiment, the superficial gas velocity JG1 in the central area A1 is different from the intermediate superficial gas velocity JG2 in the intermediate area A2 , and the intermediate superficial gas velocity in the intermediate area is different from the peripheral superficial gas velocity JG3 in the peripheral area A3 .

[0124] According to an exemplary embodiment, gasification fluid supply device 1700 is arranged below foam layer 1002 .

[0125] from Figure 1 As can be seen in the example of FIG. 1 , the tank 1100 can be divided into a foam zone 1800, a mixing zone 1801, and a settling zone 1802. The gasification fluid supply device 1700 can be arranged below the foam layer 1002 and above the settling zone 1802. The gasification fluid supply device 1700 can be located in the mixing zone 1801.

[0126] The foam zone 1800 may be about 1%-25% of the height of the settling zone 1802. In the foam zone 1800, the desired minerals may adhere to the bubbles and may be transported to the launder lip. Coarse particles may adhere to the foam or gas in the foam zone 1800. The foam zone may include foam and slurry. The height of the pool 1000 may be measured from the bottom of the cell-to-cell lip.

[0127] The mixing zone in this article refers to a vertical section or section of the flotation tank in which active mixing of particles suspended in the slurry and gasified fluid bubbles can occur. The mixing zone can include bubbles, slurry and fluid. The mixing zone can be below the froth zone. In the mixing zone 1801, fine particles can still be recovered, but coarse particles cannot be recovered. Gangue minerals may fall toward the settling zone.

[0128] The settling zone refers to a vertical portion or section of the flotation tank in which particles that are not in contact with the gasified fluid bubbles or that cannot rise toward the froth zone or that cannot remain in the froth zone on the top of the flotation tank can descend and settle toward the bottom of the tank to be removed as an underflow in the form of tailings. The settling zone is located below the mixing zone. The settling zone can contain slurry. In the settling zone 1802, gangue minerals can settle and be transported to tailings or underflow 1105.

[0129] According to an exemplary embodiment, manifold 1701 is arranged at the center of tank 1100 parallel to sidewall 1108 .

[0130] According to an exemplary embodiment, manifold 1701 is vertically arranged in tank 1100 .

[0131] According to an exemplary embodiment, the tube distributor 1703 is arranged in the tank 1100 perpendicularly to the side wall 1108 or horizontally.

[0132] Figure 3The example shows that the manifold 1701 includes one or more manifold inlets 1706 and one or more manifold outlets 1707, the manifold inlet is arranged to connect the gasification fluid generator 1702 to the manifold 1701 through the connecting member 1705, and the manifold outlet is arranged to connect the tube distributor 1703 to the manifold 1701.

[0133] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more manifold outlets 1707 are arranged equidistantly around the circumference of the manifold, such that the distance between any two adjacent manifold outlets 1707 is the same. The manifold inlets may also be arranged above each other to form one or more levels.

[0134] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more manifold inlets 1706 are arranged vertically above each other.

[0135] According to an exemplary embodiment, the gasification fluid supply device 1700 includes one or more connection members 1705 located between the one or more gasification fluid generators 1702 and the manifold 1701, wherein the one or more connection members 1705 are arranged to connect the one or more gasification fluid generators 1702 to the manifold 1701. The connection members 1705 can be used to attach the manifold to the side wall 1108 of the tank 1100.

[0136] According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more gasification fluid generators 1702 are located outside of tank 1100 .

[0137] According to an exemplary embodiment, flotation cell 1000 is a gravity-fed flotation cell.

[0138] A gravity fed flotation cell refers to a system in which the slurry can be fed into the flotation tank at the froth layer. This means that the slurry can be fed on top of the froth, in the froth, in the froth-slurry interface or just below the froth.

[0139] According to an exemplary embodiment, the slurry supply device is configured to supply slurry 1214 onto foam layer 1002 , into foam layer 1002 , into a foam-slurry interface, and / or immediately below a surface of foam layer 1002 .

[0140] The slurry supply device can be configured to supply slurry 1214 to the froth layer 1002. In this way, the flotation cell 1000 is implemented as a froth interaction flotation cell. Generally, supplying slurry to the froth layer can increase the recovery rate of coarse mineral particles in the slurry. In other embodiments, the slurry supply device can be adapted or configured to supply coarse slurry to the froth layer.

[0141] The slurry supply device can be used to supply slurry to the foam layer 1002 located above the slurry 1001 in the tank 1100. On the other hand, the slurry supply device can be used to supply slurry 1214 to immediately below the surface of the foam layer 1002 arranged above the slurry 1001 in the tank 1100.

[0142] According to an exemplary embodiment, flotation cell 1000 further includes one or more froth collectors 1109 arranged to direct froth toward launder 1101 .

[0143] A froth collector herein refers to a froth blocker, a froth baffle, or a gathering plate, or a gathering plate arrangement, or any other such structure or side structure, such as an inclined or vertical side wall with a gathering effect (i.e., a gathering side wall), which may also be a gathering side wall inside a flotation tank (i.e., an internal peripheral collector). The froth may be gathered and directed toward the froth overflow lip to reduce the froth transport distance (thereby reducing the risk of fallback) while maintaining or even reducing the length of the overflow lip (by reducing the tank diameter). In other words, the handling and directing of the froth layer in a froth flotation cell or tank may become more efficient and direct.

[0144] Furthermore, the froth area on the slurry surface in the flotation tank can be reduced in a robust and simple mechanical manner. At the same time, the total overflow lip length in the froth flotation cell can be reduced. By reducing the froth surface area of ​​the flotation cell by means of a froth collector instead of adding an additional froth collecting chute, the froth flotation cell can be a simpler structure overall, for example because there is no need to direct the collected froth and / or overflow from an additional collector.

[0145] By arranging a froth collector in a flotation tank, the open froth surface between the froth overflow lips can be controlled. The collector can be used to direct or guide upwardly flowing slurry within the flotation tank closer to the froth overflow lip of the froth collection chute, thereby enabling or facilitating froth formation very close to the froth overflow lip, which can increase the collection of particles. In addition, the open froth surface can be reduced relative to the lip length, thereby improving the recovery efficiency in the froth flotation cell.

[0146] Figure 1 The tank 1100 of the exemplary embodiment includes an underflow outlet 1104 for discharging an underflow 1105 from the slurry 1001 .

[0147] Throughout the specification, "coarse slurry" may refer to a slurry containing solid particles of larger diameter. As known to the skilled person, the definition of coarse slurry may be application specific and / or ore specific. For example, in some embodiments, coarse slurry may refer to a slurry having a particle size distribution with a sieve percentage of less than 80% at a sieve size of 4000 μm, or a sieve size of 425 μm, or a sieve size of 355 μm, or a sieve size of 250 μm, or a sieve size of 180 μm, or a sieve size of 150 μm, or a sieve size of 125 μm, or a sieve size of 105 μm.

[0148] On the other hand, an "outlet" may refer to a discharge member for a fluid, such as an opening or a through hole. In general, the outlet may be arranged in the tank in any suitable manner, for example, at the side wall or at the bottom of the tank, or at the end of a pipe or other suitable conduit for passing the fluid through the side wall or bottom of the tank, or at the end of a pipe or other suitable conduit for passing the fluid over the side wall of the tank.

[0149] Thus, a "coarse stock outlet" may refer to an outlet configured or adapted to discharge coarse stock from the tank. Additionally, the coarse stock outlet may be configured or adapted to discharge any other suitable type of slurry from the tank. Typically, the coarse stock outlet is arranged in a lower section of the tank for collecting flotation product from the tank.

[0150] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tank 1100 includes a bottom cone 1103 that tapers downward. Generally, a tank including a bottom cone can reduce the sanding in the tank. In other embodiments, the tank may include such a bottom cone or may not include such a bottom cone.

[0151] Throughout the specification, a "bottom cone" of a tank may refer to a generally funnel-shaped and downwardly tapering bottom structure of the tank, which is adapted or configured to guide settled solid particles towards an outlet or an inlet.

[0152] exist Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the underflow outlet 1104 is arranged at the bottom of the bottom cone 1103. Generally, a tank including a bottom cone and a coarse slurry outlet located at the bottom of the bottom cone can help to discharge very coarse slurry out of the tank and / or reduce the sanding in the tank. In other embodiments, the coarse slurry outlet can be arranged in any suitable manner, such as being arranged at the bottom of the bottom cone. For example, in some embodiments, the tank can include: a flat bottom; a side wall extending from the bottom; and a coarse slurry outlet arranged at the side wall.

[0153] Figure 1The tank 1100 of the exemplary embodiment of the invention includes one or more vaporization fluid inlets 1106. In other embodiments, the tank may include such a vaporization fluid inlet or not include such a vaporization fluid inlet.

[0154] Throughout the specification, an "inlet" may refer to an entry member for a fluid, such as an opening or a through hole. Generally, the inlet may be arranged in the tank in any suitable manner, such as at the side wall or at the bottom of the tank, or at the end of a pipe or other suitable conduit for passing a fluid or gas through the side wall or bottom of the tank, or at the end of a pipe or other suitable conduit for passing a fluid on the side wall of the tank.

[0155] In this specification, a "gasification fluid inlet" may refer to an inlet configured or adapted to supply gasification fluid into a manifold.

[0156] Figure 1 The one or more gasification fluid inlets 1106 of the exemplary embodiment are arranged in any suitable manner, such as having the one or more gasification fluid inlets arranged below the foam layer 1002 .

[0157] Figure 1 The tank 1100 of the exemplary embodiment includes a flotation liquid inlet 1107. In other embodiments, the tank may or may not include such a flotation liquid inlet.

[0158] In this context, a "flotation liquid inlet" may refer to an inlet configured or adapted for allowing flotation liquid to enter the tank.

[0159] Figure 1 The tank 1100 of the exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a launder 1101 including a launder lip 1102. The launder 1101 is configured to collect overflow 1003 from the froth layer 1002. In general, a tank including a launder can facilitate collecting flotation products from the tank. In other embodiments, the tank can include any suitable member (e.g., a launder with a launder lip) for collecting flotation products from an upper section of the tank.

[0160] Throughout the specification, a "flume" may refer to a member arranged in an upper section of a tank for collecting flotation products from the tank. Typically, a flume includes a flume lip. In this document, a "flume lip" may refer to a portion of a flume over which flotation products are arranged to flow into the flume for collection.

[0161] In this context, "foam depth" may refer to the thickness of the foam layer in the tank. The foam depth may be measured as the vertical distance between the lip of the launder and the surface of the slurry in the tank when the tank is in use.

[0162] exist Figure 1In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flotation cell 1000 includes a flotation liquid supply 1400 for supplying a flotation liquid 1401 into the slurry 1001. In other embodiments, the flotation cell may or may not include such a flotation liquid supply.

[0163] In this disclosure, "flotation liquid supply device" may refer to a device of a part of a flotation cell that is configured or adapted to supply flotation liquid to a tank of the flotation cell from a source external to the flotation cell (eg, a process water tank or body of water).

[0164] Figure 1 The flotation liquid supply device 1400 of the embodiment is configured to supply the flotation liquid 1401 into the slurry 1001 below the froth layer 1002 .

[0165] like Figure 1 As shown using dashed arrows, the gasification fluid supply device 1700 is configured to transport the slurry in the slurry 1001 toward the outer bottom surface 1228 of the foam collector 1109 parallel to the central axis 1221.

[0166] like Figure 1 As further shown using dashed arrows, the outer bottom surface 1228 of the froth collector 1109 is configured to divert the vaporized fluid and flotation liquid rising parallel to the central axis 1221 to form a fluid flow 1202 around the outer bottom surface 1228 and then guide the fluid flow 1202 toward the flow channel lip 1102.

[0167] Generally, configuring the outer bottom surface of the froth collector in this manner can help maintain a constant flow of slurry and froth toward the lip of the flow channel, which in turn can increase the recovery rate of particles containing valuable materials. In other embodiments, the outer bottom surface of the froth collector can be configured or not configured to divert gasification fluid and flotation liquid rising parallel to the central axis to form a fluid flow around the outer bottom surface and direct the fluid flow toward the lip of the flow channel.

[0168] Above, the structural aspects of the flotation machine have been mainly discussed. In the following, more emphasis will be placed on aspects related to the flotation method. The embodiments, definitions, details and advantages related to the flotation cell described above apply mutatis mutandis to the method discussed below. And vice versa.

[0169] It is particularly to be understood that any flotation method according to the present description can be used to operate a flotation cell according to the present description. Accordingly, any flotation cell according to the present description can be operated according to a method according to the present description.

[0170] Figure 4An example of a method of using a flotation cell 1000 to process particles suspended in a slurry 1214 and separate the slurry 1214 into an underflow 1005 and an overflow 1003 is shown.

[0171] In operation 100 , the method may include providing a tank 1100 for containing a slurry 1001 and a foam layer 1002 above the slurry 1001 .

[0172] In operation 110 , the method may include supplying slurry into a tank 1100 using a supply device.

[0173] In operation 120 , the method may include distributing the gasification fluid to one or more tube distributors 1703 including one or more nozzles 1704 using a manifold 1701 of a gasification fluid supply 1700 .

[0174] In operation 130 , the method may include injecting a gasification fluid into at least a central area A1 of the tank 1100 using one or more nozzles 1704 .

[0175] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the basic idea of ​​the invention can be implemented in various ways. Therefore, the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but rather they may vary within the scope of the claims.

[0176] It should be understood that any benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment, or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the problems described, or embodiments that have any or all of the benefits and advantages described.

[0177] The term "comprising" is used in this specification to indicate including the features or actions that follow, but does not exclude the presence of one or more additional features or actions. It should also be understood that reference to "an" item refers to one or more of those items.

Claims

1. A gasification fluid supply device (1700), comprising: Manifold (1701); as well as one or more tube distributors (1703), the one or more tube distributors connected to the manifold (1701), wherein the one or more tube distributors (1703) include one or more nozzles (1704), wherein, The manifold (1701) is configured to distribute the vaporized fluid from the one or more vaporized fluid generators (1702) to the one or more tube distributors (1703); and The one or more nozzles (1704) are configured to inject the vaporized fluid into at least a central region (A1) of the tank (1100).

2. The gasification fluid supply device (1700) according to claim 1, wherein the gasification fluid supply device (1700) further comprises one or more gasification fluid generators (1702) connected to the manifold (1701).

3. The gasification fluid supply device (1700) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more nozzles (1704) are directed downward.

4. The gasification fluid supply device (1700) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more tube distributors (1703) extend radially from the manifold (1701).

5. The gasification fluid supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more tube distributors (1703) are arranged equidistant from each other, so that the distance between any two adjacent tube distributors (1703) is the same.

6. The gasification fluid supply device (1700) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more pipe distributors (1703) are arranged at one or more levels.

7. The gasification fluid supply device (1700) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the manifold (1701) comprises: one or more manifold inlets (1706) arranged to connect the gasification fluid generator (1702) to the manifold (1701); as well as One or more manifold outlets (1707) arranged to connect the tube distributor (1703) to the manifold (1701).

8. The gasification fluid supply device (1700) according to claim 7, wherein the one or more manifold outlets (1707) are arranged at equal intervals around the circumference of the manifold, so that the distance between any two adjacent manifold outlets (1707) is the same.

9. A gasification fluid supply device (1700) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gasification fluid supply device (1700) comprises one or more connecting members (1705) located between the one or more gasification fluid generators (1702) and the manifold (1701), wherein the one or more connecting members (1705) are arranged to connect the one or more gasification fluid generators (1702) to the manifold (1701).

10. A flotation cell (1000) for treating particles suspended in a slurry (1214) and separating the slurry (1214) into an underflow (1105) and an overflow (1003), wherein the flotation cell (1000) comprises: A tank (1100) for containing a slurry (1001) and a foam layer (1002) above the slurry (1001); a supply device configured to supply the slurry (1214); and The gasification fluid supply device (1700) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The flotation cell (1000) of claim 10, wherein the one or more nozzles (1704) are configured to inject gasified fluid downwardly into at least a central region (A1) of the tank (1100).

12. The flotation cell (1000) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The tank (1100) comprises a central area (A1), a middle area (A2) and a peripheral area (A3); and Two or more nozzles (1704) are arranged in each tube distributor (1703) such that the number of nozzles in the central area (A1)>the number of nozzles in the middle area (A2)>the number of nozzles in the peripheral area (A3).

13. A flotation cell (1000) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the one or more nozzles (1704) are arranged to distribute the gasified fluid so that the central flow rate (FR1) of the gasified fluid in the central area (A1) is greater than the intermediate flow rate (FR2) of the gasified fluid in the intermediate area (A2) and the peripheral flow rate (FR3) of the gasified fluid in the peripheral area (A3).

14. The flotation cell (1000) according to claim 10 or 13, wherein the superficial gas velocity (JG) in the tank is the volume flow rate of gas / area of ​​the foam, wherein, The central superficial gas velocity (JG1) in the central area (A1) is 2 to 7 cm / s; The intermediate superficial gas velocity (JG2) in the intermediate region (A2) is 1 to 5 cm / s; and The peripheral superficial gas velocity (JG3) in the peripheral area (A3) is 0 to 3 cm / s.

15. The flotation cell (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14, wherein the gasified fluid supply device (1700) is arranged below the foam layer (1002).

16. The flotation cell (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 15, wherein the manifold (1701 ) is arranged vertically in the tank (1 100).

17. The flotation cell (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 16, wherein the tube distributor (1703) is arranged horizontally in the tank (1100).

18. The flotation cell (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 17, wherein the one or more gasification fluid generators (1702) are located outside the tank (1100).

19. The flotation cell (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 18, wherein the flotation cell (1000) is a gravity-fed flotation cell.

20. A flotation cell (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 19, wherein the supply device is configured to supply the slurry (1214) onto the foam layer (1002), into the foam layer (1002), into a foam-slurry interface, and / or immediately below the foam layer (1002).

21. The flotation cell (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 20, wherein the flotation cell (1000) further comprises one or more froth collectors (1109) arranged to direct the froth towards the launder (1101).

22. A method of treating particles suspended in a slurry (1214) using a flotation cell (1000) according to any one of claims 10 to 21 and separating the slurry (1214) into an underflow (1105) and an overflow (1103), the method comprising: providing (100) a tank (1100) for containing a slurry (1001) and a foam layer (1002) above the slurry (1001); supplying (110) the slurry (1214) to the tank (1100) using a supply device; Distributing (120) the gasification fluid to one or more tube distributors (1703) including one or more nozzles (1704) using a manifold (1701) of a gasification fluid supply device (1700); and The vaporized fluid is injected (130) into at least a central area (A1) of the tank (1100) using the one or more nozzles (1704).

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