Guide device and flotation cell

Abstract

The utility model relates to a guiding device which is constructed to guide slurry supply in a flotation tank of a flotation tank, and the guiding device comprises at least one guiding plate arranged at the position of the flotation tank. The at least one guide plate is arranged obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane. The utility model further relates to a flotation tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a guiding device, which is configured to guide the supply of slurry in a flotation tank.

[0002] The invention also relates to a flotation cell comprising at least one guide device.

[0003] The invention further relates to a flotation method. Background Art

[0004] There remains a need to improve the overall recovery rate of flotation cells and to enhance the recovery of coarse particles, i.e. particles larger than 150 μm. Utility Model Content

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a guiding device configured to guide slurry supply in a flotation tank of a flotation cell, wherein the guiding device comprises at least one guiding plate arranged at the flotation cell, wherein the at least one guiding plate is arranged inclined relative to a horizontal plane.

[0006] This allows for a guiding arrangement that directs the feed stream towards the overflow lip, breaks any potential downward velocity of the feed stream after leaving the feed arrangement, increases the residence time of the particles, and helps direct the gas bubbles upwards towards the overflow lip, thereby improving overall recovery.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention provides a flotation cell for processing mineral ore particles suspended in a slurry, the flotation cell comprising: a flotation tank; a slurry supply device configured to supply slurry into the flotation tank; a gas supplier for introducing flotation gas into the slurry in the flotation tank; and a guide device according to the first aspect of the present invention disposed in the flotation tank, the guide device being configured to guide slurry discharged from the feed device toward an overflow lip of the flotation tank.

[0008] This makes it possible to achieve a flotation cell which provides a high recovery of coarse particles.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention provides a flotation method for treating particles suspended in a slurry, wherein the slurry is separated into an overflow and an underflow in a flotation cell according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0010] A flotation method can thereby be achieved which provides a high recovery of the mineral ore particles.

[0011] The features of the guiding device, flotation cell and method described above are stated in the independent claims. The features of some other embodiments are stated in other claims. A plurality of novel embodiments are also disclosed in the description and drawings of this patent application. The novel content of this patent application can also be defined in other ways than those defined in the claims. The content of the novel invention can also be composed of several independent novelties, especially if the novel invention is examined according to explicit or implicit subtasks or in view of the benefits or beneficiary groups obtained. Some of the limitations contained in the accompanying claims may be unnecessary in view of the independent novel concepts. Within the scope of the basic novel concept, the features of different embodiments of the novel invention can be applied to other embodiments.

[0012] Various embodiments of the various aspects may include at least one of the following features:

[0013] In one embodiment, the guiding device comprises at least two guiding plates, and the at least two guiding plates are arranged on two different horizontal imaginary planes.

[0014] The advantage is that the guiding effect of the guiding device can be enhanced.

[0015] In one embodiment, the guide plate is disposed below a feed device configured to feed slurry into the flotation tank, thereby ensuring direct contact between the feed and the guide plate.

[0016] An advantage is that the movement of the feed flow towards the overflow lip can be enhanced.

[0017] In one embodiment, the guiding device is configured to guide the slurry supply within a froth layer in a flotation tank of a froth flotation cell.

[0018] The advantages are that it can enhance the movement of the feed flow toward the froth overflow lip, destroy any potential downward velocity of the feed flow after leaving the feed device, increase the residence time of the particles in the froth layer, and help the bubbles in the froth to flow directly upward toward the froth overflow lip, thereby improving the overall recovery rate of the froth flotation cell.

[0019] In one embodiment, the guide plate is arranged in a surrounding manner below a feed device configured to feed slurry into the flotation tank, thereby ensuring direct contact between the feed and the guide plate.

[0020] The advantage is that the feed flow is effectively and comprehensively directed toward the foam overflow lip, and the potential downward velocity of the feed flow after leaving the feed device is slowed down, thereby extending the residence time of the feed in the foam layer.

[0021] In one embodiment, an uppermost guide plate of the at least two guide plates is arranged in a position where it guides a portion of the supply to a guide plate below it.

[0022] The advantage is that the guidance of the supplies can be enhanced.

[0023] In one embodiment, the overall shape of the guide plate is circular, such as a ring, and the guide plate extends obliquely downward from its inner edge to its outer edge.

[0024] An advantage is that the supply can be distributed 360° around the guide device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the guide plate is arranged at an angle of 10° to 60° relative to the horizontal plane.

[0026] The advantage is that the supply can be effectively guided and its downward speed reduced.

[0027] definition

[0028] This summary is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form that are further elaborated in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify 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.

[0029] Throughout this specification, "flotation" may refer to the separation of a mixture by adhering substances in the mixture at an interface. In flotation, the separation of a mixture may be based on differences in the hydrophobicity of the substances in the mixture. Herein, "separation" may refer to the extraction or removal of substances from a mixture for use or disposal.

[0030] Furthermore, "froth flotation" may refer to flotation in which foam is used for separation. Here, "foam" may refer to a dispersion comprising a larger volume fraction of flotation gas dispersed as bubbles in a smaller volume fraction of flotation liquid. Generally, the foam may or may not be stabilized by solid particles.

[0031] In the present disclosure, a "foam layer" may refer to a layer that contains foam, or substantially contains foam, or consists essentially of foam, or consists of foam.

[0032] In this specification, slurry being "fed to the froth layer" may refer to feeding the slurry above and / or within and / or directly below the surface of the froth layer, for example at a height of at most twice the froth depth, or at a height of at most 1 / 2 the froth depth, or at a height of at most 1 / 5 the froth depth, or at a height of at most 1 / 10 the froth depth, and / or into the froth-slurry interface. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments where the height of the froth overflow lip defines the height of the upper surface of the froth layer, feeding the slurry into the froth layer may refer to feeding the slurry to the height of the froth collection launder lip within the flotation tank, and / or at a height of at most the froth depth, or at a height of at most 1 / 2 the froth depth, or at a height of at most 1 / 5 the froth depth, or at a height of at most 1 / 10 the froth depth, or at a height of at most 1 / 50 the froth depth below the launder lip.

[0033] Further, "slurry" may refer to a dispersion comprising solid particles suspended in a continuous phase of flotation liquid.

[0034] As used herein, "froth depth" may refer to the thickness of the froth layer in a flotation tank. When using the flotation tank, the froth depth may be measured as the vertical distance between the launder lip and the surface of the slurry in the flotation tank.

[0035] In this disclosure, the foam slurry interface may refer to the layer on top of the slurry where the gas hold-up percentage is between 10-50.

[0036] The invention relates to a guiding device, which is configured to guide the supply of slurry in a flotation tank of a flotation cell. The guiding device comprises: at least one guiding plate, which is arranged at the flotation cell, wherein the at least one guiding plate is arranged obliquely relative to a horizontal plane.

[0037] In some embodiments, the guiding device includes at least two guiding plates arranged on two different horizontal imaginary planes.

[0038] In some embodiments, all of the guide plates have the same overall shape.

[0039] In some embodiments, the overall shape of the guide plate is circular, such as a ring.

[0040] In some embodiments, one or more guide plates are arranged to surround the vertical center axis of the flotation tank in a circular manner.

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more guide plates are arranged in a surrounding manner and are located below a supply device configured to supply slurry into the flotation tank.

[0042] In some embodiments, the flotation cell is a froth flotation cell, and wherein the supply device is configured to supply the slurry to the froth layer.

[0043] In some embodiments, the guide plate has a rectangular shape.

[0044] In some embodiments, the flotation cell is a froth flotation cell, and wherein the at least one guide plate is disposed within a froth layer such that the at least two guide plates are located within the froth layer during operation of the flotation cell.

[0045] In some embodiments, an uppermost guide plate of the at least two guide plates has a smaller outer diameter than a lowermost guide plate of the at least two guide plates, and the uppermost guide plate is configured to guide at least a portion of the supply to the lowermost guide plate.

[0046] In some embodiments, the guide plate extends obliquely downward from its inner edge to its outer edge.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more of the guide plates are arranged at an angle of 10° to 60° relative to the horizontal plane.

[0048] In some embodiments, the guide plates have the same angle to the horizontal plane.

[0049] In some embodiments, the upper surfaces of the guide plates are arranged on the same oblique line.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a flotation cell for processing mineral ore particles suspended in a slurry, the flotation cell comprising:

[0051] Flotation tanks;

[0052] a supply device configured to supply slurry into the flotation tank;

[0053] a gas supplier for introducing flotation gas into the slurry in the flotation tank; and

[0054] A guiding device configured to guide the slurry supply in the flotation tank, wherein the guiding device comprises:

[0055] At least one guide plate is provided at the flotation tank, wherein

[0056] The at least one guide plate is arranged obliquely relative to a horizontal plane, and wherein

[0057] The guide device is configured to guide the slurry discharged from the supply device toward an overflow lip of the flotation tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a guide device, a froth flotation cell, and a method,

[0060] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the guidance device.

[0061] Figure 2b yes Figure 2a A schematic side view of the guide device shown,

[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section detail of the guide device, and

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another guiding device.

[0064] In the drawings, some embodiments are simplified for clarity. Similar components are marked with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0065] The description of the accompanying drawings is as follows:

[0066] 1: Flotation cell

[0067] 2: Foam layer

[0068] 3: Flotation tank

[0069] 4: Guide plate

[0070] 5: Supply device

[0071] 6: Inner edge

[0072] 7: Outer edge

[0073] 8: Upper surface

[0074] 9: Gas supply

[0075] 10: Overflow lip

[0076] 11: Overflow

[0077] 12: Undercurrent

[0078] 13: Support

[0079] 14: Collection chute

[0080] 15: Overflow outlet

[0081] 16: Tailings export

[0082] 100: Guidance Device

[0083] A: Angle

[0084] H: horizontal plane

[0085] L: slash

[0086] LE: Lower edge

[0087] M: Central axis

[0088] P: plane

[0089] OD: outside diameter DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] Figure 1 It is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a guide device, a froth flotation cell, and a method.

[0091] In one embodiment, the froth flotation cell 1 is configured to process coarse mineral ore particles suspended in a slurry and separate the slurry into an overflow 11 and an underflow 12. The flotation cell 1 may be a mechanically agitated flotation cell or a column flotation unit.

[0092] The flotation cell 1 comprises a flotation tank 3 and a gas supplier 9 for introducing flotation gas into the slurry in the flotation tank 3 to form a froth layer 2 at the top of the flotation tank 3 .

[0093] In one embodiment, the flotation tank 3 is circular. In another embodiment, the flotation tank 3 is polygonal, such as rectangular.

[0094] In one embodiment, the flotation cell 1 comprises a mixing device, such as a rotor-stator type stirrer, and the gas supply 9 is arranged in connection with the mixing device. Alternatively, the gas supply 9 may comprise a gas inlet, such as a nozzle or an injector, configured to introduce flotation gas into the flotation tank 3, for example in the case of a column flotation cell.

[0095] In one embodiment, the flotation cell 1 is a froth flotation cell. The flotation tank 3 of the froth flotation cell includes a froth collection chute 14 having a froth overflow lip 10 disposed at the top of the flotation tank 3. In one embodiment, the froth overflow lip 10 surrounds the periphery of the flotation tank 3. During use of the flotation cell 1, a froth layer 2 forms at the top of the flotation tank 3. Froth, containing flotation gas bubbles agglomerated with mineral ore particles, is discharged from the froth layer 2 via the froth overflow lip 10 into the froth collection chute 14 and discharged out of the flotation cell 1 through an overflow outlet 15 as overflow 11.

[0096] The flotation tank 3 further comprises a tailings outlet 16 which is provided at the bottom of the flotation tank 3 or at a side wall near the bottom of the flotation tank 3. The tailings or underflow 12 is discharged from the flotation tank 3 through the tailings outlet 16.

[0097] The flotation cell 1 comprises a supply device 5. In one embodiment, the supply device 5 is configured to supply the slurry directly to the froth layer 2 formed at the top of the flotation tank 3. In other words, the supply device 5 is configured to supply the slurry to interact with the froth layer 2 above the froth layer 2, and / or in the froth layer 2, and / or within the foam-slurry interface, and / or below the froth layer 2, for example below the froth layer 2 at most twice the froth depth, or at most at the froth depth, or at most 1 / 2 of the froth depth, or at most 1 / 5 of the froth depth, or at most 1 / 10 of the froth depth.

[0098] In one embodiment, the slurry supplied by the supply device 5 contains coarse mineral ore particles, ie particles having a diameter greater than 150 μm.

[0099] A guiding device 100 is arranged in the flotation tank 3 , and is configured to guide the slurry supplied from the supply device 5 into the foam layer 2 . Figure 1 The illustrated guide device 100 comprises a guide plate 4 which is arranged at a horizontal imaginary plane P1 .

[0100] In one embodiment, the guide plate 4 is located in the froth layer 2 during operation of the froth flotation cell 1 and is arranged obliquely relative to the horizontal plane H, ie, inclined downward.

[0101] In one embodiment, the horizontal imaginary plane P1 is below the lower edge LE of the feeding device.

[0102] In one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the flotation tank 3 is cylindrical, and the supply device 5 is arranged on the vertical center axis M of the flotation tank. The guide plates 4 are arranged in a circular manner around the same center axis M. It should be noted that the guide device 100 and its (multiple) guide plates can be placed in the flotation tank in a variety of alternative ways. In one embodiment, at least one guide plate is arranged to be offset from the vertical center axis. In one embodiment, at least one guide plate is arranged on or near the wall of the flotation tank. In one embodiment, the guide device 100 includes at least one straight or rectangular guide plate. In one embodiment, the guide device 100 includes at least one curved or bent-shaped guide plate. In one embodiment, the guide device 100 includes a plurality of guide plates of different shapes.

[0103] The guide plate 4 guides the flotation gas bubbles in the froth layer 2 to flow upward toward the froth overflow lip 10 , slowing down the downward speed of the slurry flow after leaving the supply device 5 and thereby increasing the residence time of the slurry in the froth layer 2 .

[0104] The flotation cell 1 can be operated as follows: by introducing flotation gas into the slurry in the flotation tank 3, a froth layer 2 is formed at the top of the flotation tank 3. The slurry is supplied from the supply device 5, from where it flows onto the guide plate 4 and along the guide plate to the froth overflow lip 10.

[0105] Hydrophobic particles contained in the feed slurry adhere to the flotation gas bubbles in the froth layer 2. These bubble-particle agglomerates are removed from the flotation tank 3 via the froth overflow lip 10 to the froth collection chute 14. Hydrophilic particles pass through the froth layer 2 to the slurry below it and are discharged from the flotation tank 3 in the underflow 12.

[0106] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the guidance device. Figure 2b yes Figure 2a Schematic side view of the guide device shown.

[0107] Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b The guide device 100 shown comprises two guide plates 4 which are arranged at two different horizontal imaginary planes P1, P2. The guide plates 4 are located in the froth layer 2 during operation of the froth flotation cell 1 and are arranged obliquely relative to the horizontal plane H, ie, downwardly inclined.

[0108] In one embodiment, the guide plates 4 are arranged in a stepped manner so that the slurry flows from the upper guide plate 4a to the lower guide plate 4b.

[0109] In other embodiments, the guiding device 100 includes three or more guiding plates 4 .

[0110] In one embodiment, the different horizontal imaginary planes P1 , P2 are below the lower edge LE of the feeding device.

[0111] In one embodiment, all guide plates 4 provided in the guide device 100 have the same overall shape. In one embodiment, the overall shape of the guide plates 4 is circular, such as annular. For example, each guide plate 4 shown in FIG2 has a strip shape that has been bent into the form of an annular frustoconical surface.

[0112] The guide plate 4 may be made of a metal material, such as steel, or a composite material, such as a reinforced polymer composite material.

[0113] In one embodiment, the guide plate 4 is supported on the structure of the flotation tank 3 by at least one support 13 .

[0114] In one embodiment, the guide plate 4 is arranged in a surrounding manner below the supply device 5 that supplies the slurry into the flotation tank. The guide device is positioned so that the slurry encounters the guide plate 4 immediately after leaving the supply device 5.

[0115] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of partial cross section of the guide device. As mentioned above, the overall shape of the guide plate 4 can be circular, such as annular. In one embodiment, the outer diameter OD of the uppermost guide plate 4a in the guide device is smaller than the outer diameter of the lowermost guide plate 4b in the guide device (see FIG. Figure 1 ).

[0116] In one embodiment, the guide plate 4 is provided with an overall circular shape and an angular cross section. Figure 3 The embodiment shown comprises a guide plate 4 having a quadrilateral cross section. The cross section may be, for example, a square, a parallelogram, a trapezoid. It should be noted that in the guide device 100, all guide plates do not need to have the same cross-sectional shape (or size).

[0117] In one embodiment, the guide plate 4 is arranged to extend downwardly from its inner edge 6 to its outer edge 7. In one embodiment, the guide plate 4 is arranged at an angle A of 10° to 60° relative to the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, all guide plates 4 have the same angle A relative to the horizontal plane. In another embodiment, the guide device 100 includes a plurality of guide plates 4 arranged at different inclination angles.

[0118] In one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the upper surfaces 8 of the guide plates are arranged at the same inclined line L. In one embodiment, adjacent guide plates are arranged to partially overlap.

[0119] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another guide device. In this guide device 100, the overall shape of the guide plate 4 is rectangular. This embodiment may be advantageous for flotation tanks with polygonal shapes, such as quadrilateral shapes. However, rectangular guide plates can also be used in round or cylindrical flotation tanks. It should also be noted that circular, such as annular, guide plates can also be used in polygonal, such as quadrilateral, flotation tanks.

[0120] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Instead, many variations are possible within the scope of the novel concept defined by the following claims. Within the scope of the novel concept, properties of different embodiments and applications may be used in combination with or in place of properties of another embodiment or application.

[0121] The drawings and the related description serve only to illustrate the concept of the invention, which may be varied in detail within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A guiding device configured to guide slurry supply in a flotation tank of a flotation cell, characterized in that The guiding device comprises: - at least one guide plate, arranged at the flotation cell, wherein - the at least one guide plate is arranged obliquely with respect to the horizontal plane, - the flotation cell is a froth flotation cell, and wherein, The at least one guide plate is arranged in the foam layer such that the at least two guide plates are located in the foam layer during operation of the flotation cell.

2. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least two guide plates are arranged on two different horizontal imaginary planes.

3. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that - All said guide plates have the same overall shape.

4. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that - The overall shape of the guide plate is circular.

5. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that - The overall shape of the guide plate is annular.

6. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that One or more guide plates are arranged in a circular manner around the vertical center axis of the flotation tank.

7. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that One or more guide plates are arranged in a surrounding manner and below a supply device configured to supply slurry into the flotation tank.

8. The guiding device according to claim 7, characterized in that - The supply device is configured to supply slurry to the foam layer.

9. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that - The guide plate has a rectangular shape.

10. The guiding device according to claim 2, characterized in that An uppermost guide plate of the at least two guide plates has a smaller outer diameter than a lowermost guide plate of the at least two guide plates, and the uppermost guide plate is configured to guide at least a portion of the feed to the lowermost guide plate.

11. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that The guide plate extends obliquely downwards from an inner edge of the guide plate to an outer edge of the guide plate.

12. The guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that - one or more of the guide plates are arranged at an angle of 10° to 60° relative to the horizontal.

13. The guiding device according to claim 2, characterized in that - The guide plates have the same angle to the horizontal.

14. The guiding device according to claim 13, characterized in that - The upper surfaces of the guide plates are arranged on the same oblique line.

15. A flotation cell for processing mineral ore particles suspended in a slurry, the flotation cell comprising: - flotation tanks, - a supply device configured to supply slurry into the flotation tank, - a gas supplier for introducing flotation gas into the slurry in the flotation tank, and - a guiding device configured to guide the slurry supply in the flotation tank, wherein the guiding device comprises: - at least one guide plate, arranged at the flotation cell, wherein - the at least one guide plate is arranged obliquely relative to the horizontal plane, and wherein The guiding device is configured to guide the slurry discharged from the supply device towards the overflow lip of the flotation tank.

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