Slurry supply device, flotation unit and flotation facility

Abstract

The utility model relates to a slurry supply device, a flotation unit and a flotation facility. The slurry supply device (1000) comprises: a plurality of downcomers (1100) for mixing a flotation gas (1101) with slurry from an input slurry stream (1010) to form a slurry-flotation gas mixture (1001) and supplying the slurry-flotation gas mixture into a tank of a flotation unit; and a slurry supply conduit (1200) for supplying slurry from an input slurry flow (1010) to the plurality of downcomers (1100). The slurry supply conduit (1200) comprises: a primary diverter (1210) for diverting an input slurry stream (1010) to form a plurality of secondary slurry streams (1020); and a secondary splitter (1220) for splitting a secondary slurry stream (1021) of the plurality of secondary slurry streams (1020) to form a plurality of tertiary slurry streams (1030). According to the utility model, more downcomers can be conveniently provided for the slurry supply device, and the volume of the tank can be allowed to be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to flotation and mineral processing. In particular, this disclosure relates to separating minerals from their ores by flotation. Background Technology

[0002] Over the past two decades, high-intensity flotation units, commonly known as "Jameson cells," have become increasingly prevalent in mineral processing. In these flotation units, the combined flow of slurry and air enters the tank of the flotation unit through one or more cylindrical columns called "downcomers."

[0003] A typical Jameson flotation unit consists of a 6-meter diameter tank that can accommodate up to 20 standard downcomers and maintain a flow rate of up to 1000m. 3 The unrecirculated slurry supply rate is [value missing] / hour. The supply rate can be increased by increasing the tank diameter, thereby increasing the number of downcomers within the tank. However, increasing the tank volume generally leads to a decrease in the supply rate of unrecirculated slurry per unit volume. Furthermore, using a larger tank may affect the effective collection of overflow and complicate the maintenance functions typically associated with flotation unit operation.

[0004] In light of the above, it may be desirable to develop new solutions for flotation units with multiple downcomers. Utility Model Content

[0005] This summary is provided to present a simplified overview of several options of concepts, which are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a slurry supply apparatus is provided. The slurry supply apparatus includes: a plurality of downcomers for mixing flotation gas with slurry from an input slurry stream to form a slurry-flotation gas mixture, and for supplying the slurry-flotation gas mixture to a tank of a flotation unit; and a slurry supply conduit for supplying slurry from the input slurry stream to the plurality of downcomers. The slurry supply conduit includes: a primary splitter for splitting the input slurry stream to form a plurality of secondary slurry streams; and a secondary splitter for splitting a secondary slurry stream from the plurality of secondary slurry streams to form a plurality of tertiary slurry streams.

[0007] The primary distributor may include at least three slurry outlets.

[0008] The slurry supply device may include a three-stage diverter for splitting the three-stage slurry streams among the plurality of three-stage slurry streams to form a plurality of four-stage slurry streams.

[0009] The slurry supply conduit can be configured to balance the head loss between the primary distributor and each of the plurality of downcomers.

[0010] Each of the plurality of downcomers may extend parallel to the main line, and the plurality of downcomers may be arranged rotationally symmetrically relative to the main line.

[0011] The plurality of downcomers can be arranged at different distances from the main line.

[0012] Each of the plurality of downcomers may include a slurry-flotation gas mixture outlet and a throttle valve for limiting the flow rate of the slurry-flotation gas mixture through the slurry-flotation gas mixture outlet.

[0013] According to a second aspect, a flotation unit is provided. The flotation unit includes a tank and a slurry supply device according to the first aspect above, the slurry supply device being used to supply a slurry-flotation gas mixture into the tank.

[0014] The tank may include a washing tank, the washing tank including a washing tank lip, and the primary distributor of the slurry supply device may be configured such that, during operation of the flotation unit, the primary distributor is arranged below the washing tank lip.

[0015] The secondary distributor of the slurry supply device may be configured such that, during operation of the flotation unit, the secondary distributor may be arranged below and / or above the washing tank lip.

[0016] The flotation unit may include a flotation gas supply device for supplying flotation gas to the plurality of downcomers of the slurry supply device.

[0017] According to a third aspect, a flotation facility is provided, which includes a flotation unit according to a second aspect.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect, a method for installing a slurry supply device is provided. The method includes: providing a tank; providing a plurality of downcomers for supplying a slurry-flotation gas mixture into the tank; and connecting a slurry supply conduit to the plurality of downcomers to supply slurry from an input slurry stream to the plurality of downcomers. The slurry supply conduit includes: a primary distributor for diverting the input slurry stream to form a plurality of secondary slurry streams; and a secondary distributor for diverting a secondary slurry stream from the plurality of secondary slurry streams to form a plurality of tertiary slurry streams.

[0019] In one embodiment of the fourth aspect, the slurry supply device is the slurry supply device according to the first aspect.

[0020] The beneficial effect of this utility model is that the arrangement of multiple downcomers at different distances from the main line can conveniently provide more downcomers to the slurry supply device, and can conveniently accommodate the multiple downcomers in a tank with a smaller volume per unit total slurry-flotation gas mixture output flow rate. Attached Figure Description

[0021] This disclosure can be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic top view of the slurry supply device is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 It is illustrated Figure 1 A schematic side view of the slurry supply device in the middle;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic side view of the flotation unit is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of the flotation facility is shown; and

[0026] Figure 5 The method for installing the slurry supply device is illustrated.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, any of the figures in the above drawings may not be drawn to scale, such that the proportions of any element in the figure relative to other elements in the drawing may be inaccurate, in order to highlight certain structural aspects of the embodiments of the figures.

[0028] Furthermore, corresponding elements in the embodiments of any two figures in the foregoing figures may be disproportionate to each other in order to highlight certain structural aspects of the embodiments of the two figures.

[0029] List of reference numerals

[0030] d1 First distance

[0031] d2 second distance

[0032] 1000 slurry supply device

[0033] 1001 slurry-flotation gas mixture

[0034] 1002 Main Story

[0035] 1003 First loop (circular path)

[0036] 1004 Second Ring Road

[0037] 1010 Input slurry flow

[0038] More than 1020 secondary slurry flows

[0039] 1021 Secondary slurry flow

[0040] More than 1030 tertiary slurry flows

[0041] 1031 Third-stage slurry flow

[0042] More than 1040 fourth-stage slurry flows

[0043] 1041 Fourth-stage slurry flow

[0044] More than 1,100 downcomers

[0045] 1101 Flotation Gas

[0046] 1110 Downcomer

[0047] 1111 Slurry-Flotation Gas Mixture Outlet

[0048] 1112 Throttling valve

[0049] 1200 slurry supply pipeline

[0050] 1210 Primary shunt

[0051] 1211 First Slurry Outlet

[0052] 1212 Second Slurry Outlet

[0053] 1213 Third Slurry Outlet

[0054] 1214 Fourth Slurry Outlet

[0055] 1220 secondary shunt

[0056] 1230 Three-stage shunt

[0057] 3000 flotation units

[0058] 3100 cans

[0059] 3110 Launder

[0060] 3111 Cleaning the lip area

[0061] 3120 Central Wash Tank

[0062] 3200 Slurry Supply Device

[0063] 3201 slurry-flotation gas mixture

[0064] More than 3210 downcomers

[0065] 3220 Slurry Supply Pipeline

[0066] 3221 Primary Shunt

[0067] 3222 Secondary Shunt

[0068] 3223 Three-stage shunt

[0069] 3300 Flotation Gas Supply Unit

[0070] 3301 Flotation Gas

[0071] 4000 flotation facilities

[0072] 4100 Crushing Unit

[0073] 4101 Raw Slurry

[0074] 4200 pre-classification units

[0075] 4201 Coarser raw slurry portion

[0076] 4202 Finer raw slurry portion

[0077] 4300 Primary Flotation Unit

[0078] 4301 Overflow

[0079] 4302 bottom flow

[0080] 4400 flotation unit

[0081] 5000 methods

[0082] 5100 provides a can

[0083] 5200 offers multiple downcomers

[0084] 5300 Remove at least a portion of the pre-installed slurry supply unit.

[0085] 5310 Disconnect the previously used slurry supply pipeline

[0086] 5400 connection slurry supply pipeline Detailed Implementation

[0087] Regarding the slurry supply device, flotation unit, and flotation facility described in this specific embodiment, the following points should be noted.

[0088] In this specification, "flotation" can refer to the separation of a mixture by adhering substances in the mixture at an interface. In flotation, the separation of a mixture can be based on differences in the hydrophobicity of the substances in the mixture. Here, "separation" can mean the extraction or removal of substances from the mixture for use or disposal.

[0089] Furthermore, "foam flotation" can refer to flotation that utilizes foam for separation. Here, "foam" can refer to a dispersion comprising a larger volume of flotation gas dispersed as bubbles in a smaller volume of flotation liquid. Typically, the foam can be stabilized with or without solid particles. In foam, the average diameter of the flotation bubbles is typically greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, or 1 mm. Alternatively, in foam not stabilized with solid particles, the average distance between adjacent flotation bubbles is typically less than or equal to tens of micrometers, for example, less than or equal to 50 μm or 30 μm. Of course, in foam stabilized with solid particles, the average distance between adjacent flotation bubbles increases with the increase of the average size and number of solid particles.

[0090] In this disclosure, "unit" can refer to equipment suitable for or configured to perform at least one particular process. Of course, "flotation unit" can refer to a unit suitable for or configured to flotate materials, such as a flotation machine. A unit typically includes one or more components, and each of these components can be classified as an apparatus belonging to the unit.

[0091] The term "device" for configuring a unit to perform a process can refer to a set of components of the unit that are adapted or configured to perform at least one specific subprocess of the process. Therefore, "unit including device" can refer to the unit comprising multiple components belonging to the device. Typically, a device may include one or more of any components, such as mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic components, that are necessary and / or beneficial for performing their specific subprocess.

[0092] Figure 1 A schematic top view of a slurry supply device 1000 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 2 A schematic side view of the slurry supply device 1000 is shown. Figure 2 In order to improve the clarity and understandability of the diagram, some components have been omitted. Figure 1 In the diagram, the corresponding components are represented by the same cross-sectional lines, while the unique slurry flow path is shown in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dashed arrow is used to indicate this.

[0093] Throughout this disclosure, "slurry" can refer to a dispersion comprising solid particles suspended in a continuous phase of a flotation liquid. Here, "flotation liquid" can refer to any liquid substance or mixture suitable for flotation. While water or aqueous solutions are frequently used as flotation liquids in practical applications, other types of liquid substances can also be used, as is known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, "slurry supply device" can refer to a component or arrangement of a flotation unit adapted or configured to supply slurry to the tank of the flotation unit.

[0094] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the slurry supply device 1000 includes a plurality of downcomers 1100 adapted to mix flotation gas 1101 with slurry from input slurry stream 1010 to form slurry-flotation gas mixture 1001 and to supply this slurry-flotation gas mixture 1001 to the tank of the flotation unit.

[0095] In this specification, "flotation gas" can refer to any gaseous substance suitable for flotation, such as air or pressurized air. Although air is frequently used as the flotation gas in practical applications, other types of gaseous substances, such as argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, or mixtures thereof, can also be used, as those skilled in the art will know. Furthermore, "canister" can refer to a container suitable for or configured to contain fluids (e.g., liquids and / or slurries).

[0096] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the slurry supply device 1000 includes a slurry supply conduit 1200 for supplying slurry from the input slurry flow 1010 to a plurality of downcomers 1100.

[0097] Here, "pipeline" can refer to a piping system and (optionally) one or more associated in-line (arranged) components, such as fittings and valves, adapted or configured for conveying fluids. Therefore, "slurry supply piping" can refer to piping adapted or configured for supplying slurry to multiple downcomers.

[0098] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The slurry supply conduit 1200 in the embodiment includes: a primary diverter 1210 for diverting the input slurry flow 1010 to form a plurality of secondary slurry flows 1020; and a secondary diverter 1220 for diverting a secondary slurry flow 1021 from the plurality of secondary slurry flows 1020 to form a plurality of tertiary slurry flows 1030.

[0099] In summary, the slurry supply piping of the slurry supply device includes: a primary distributor for diverting the input slurry flow to form multiple secondary slurry flows; and a secondary distributor for diverting the secondary slurry flows from the multiple secondary slurry flows to form multiple tertiary slurry flows. This facilitates providing the slurry supply device with a greater number of downcomers, which in turn increases the total slurry-flotation gas mixture output velocity of the slurry supply device and / or maintains a higher material throughput by reducing the slurry circulation rate of the slurry supply device. Alternatively, the slurry supply piping arrangement of the slurry supply device including such a primary distributor and such a secondary distributor facilitates the distribution of the multiple downcomers of the slurry supply device along at least two concentric closed paths of different sizes and similar shapes (e.g., along at least two concentric circular paths), which in turn allows the multiple downcomers to be housed in tanks with a smaller volume per unit total slurry-flotation gas mixture output velocity.

[0100] Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 Not explicitly shown, but each of the multiple downcomers in the slurry supply device, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each of the plurality of downcomers 1100 in the embodiments may typically be provided in any suitable manner, such as one or more flotation gas inlets, for receiving flotation gas to be mixed with the slurry of the input slurry stream.

[0101] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the primary distributor 1210 includes at least three slurry outlets. Specifically, the at least three slurry outlets of the primary distributor 1210 include a first slurry outlet 1211, a second slurry outlet 1212, a third slurry outlet 1213, and a fourth slurry outlet 1214. Generally, a primary distributor including at least three slurry outlets facilitates supplying slurry to slurry supply devices with multiple downcomers. In other embodiments, the primary distributor may include any suitable number, such as at least two, at least three, at least four slurry outlets, etc.

[0102] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the slurry supply conduit 1200 includes a separate secondary diverter 1220 for each of the plurality of secondary slurry flows 1021. In other embodiments, the slurry supply conduit may or may not include a separate secondary diverter for each of the plurality of secondary slurry flows. For example, in some embodiments, the slurry supply conduit may include only one secondary diverter.

[0103] Figure 1 and Figure 2The slurry supply device 1000 of one embodiment further includes a tertiary distributor 1230 for diverting a tertiary slurry stream 1031 from a plurality of tertiary slurry streams 1030 to form a plurality of quaternary slurry streams 1040. Typically, the slurry supply device also includes a tertiary distributor for diverting a tertiary slurry stream from a plurality of tertiary slurry streams to form a plurality of quaternary slurry streams, which also facilitates supplying the slurry supply device with a greater number of downcomers. Alternatively, a slurry supply device including such a tertiary distributor also facilitates distributing the plurality of downcomers of the slurry supply device along at least two concentric closed paths of different sizes and similar shapes. In other embodiments, the slurry supply device may or may not include a tertiary distributor for diverting a tertiary slurry stream from a plurality of tertiary slurry streams to form a plurality of quaternary slurry streams. In other embodiments, the slurry supply device includes such a tertiary distributor, and the slurry supply device may also include or not include any suitable number of additional distributors downstream of the tertiary distributor.

[0104] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the slurry supply conduit 1200 includes a single tertiary distributor 1230 for diverting each tertiary slurry stream 1031 formed by the secondary distributor 1220. In other embodiments, the slurry supply conduit may or may not include a single tertiary distributor for diverting each tertiary slurry stream formed by multiple secondary distributors. For example, in some embodiments, the slurry supply conduit may include only one tertiary distributor.

[0105] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the slurry supply conduit 1200 is configured to balance the head loss between the primary distributor 1210 and each of the plurality of downcomers 1100. Typically, the slurry supply conduit of the slurry supply device is configured to balance the head loss between the primary distributor 1210 and each of the plurality of downcomers 1100, facilitating the maintenance of similar slurry-flotation gas mixture output flow rates in each of the plurality of downcomers.

[0106] In other embodiments, the slurry supply conduit of the slurry supply device may or may not be configured to balance the head loss between the primary distributor and each of the plurality of downcomers. For example, in some embodiments, a first portion of the plurality of downcomers of the slurry supply device may be configured to operate at a first slurry-flotation gas mixture output flow rate, a second portion of the plurality of downcomers may be configured to operate at a second slurry-flotation gas mixture output flow rate different from the first slurry-flotation gas mixture output flow rate, and the slurry supply conduit of the slurry supply device may be configured to provide a first head loss between the primary distributor in the first portion and each downcomer, and to provide a second head loss different from the first head loss between the primary distributor in the second portion and each downcomer, to maintain the first slurry-flotation gas mixture output flow rate and the second slurry-flotation gas mixture output flow rate.

[0107] In this specification, "head loss" can refer to the reduction in the total head of a fluid or slurry. Furthermore, a slurry supply line "configured to balance the head loss between the primary distributor and each of the plurality of downcomers" can refer to the slurry supply line exhibiting an arithmetic mean head loss between the primary distributor and each of the plurality of downcomers, and a head loss standard deviation less than or equal to 0.25, or 0.2, or 0.15, or 0.1, or 0.05 times the arithmetic mean head loss for a fluid (such as water or slurry), for example, primarily composed of water and having a density of 2650 kg / m³. 3 The arithmetic mean head loss of a slurry composed of spherical particles (solid fraction of 0.02) as it passes through a slurry supply pipe. Here, "solid fraction" can refer to the ratio between the mass of solids in the slurry sample and the mass of the slurry sample.

[0108] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, each of the plurality of downcomers 1110 is configured to receive a quaternary slurry flow 1041 formed by the tertiary distributor 1230. In other embodiments, one of the plurality of downcomers may be configured to receive any suitable type of slurry flow originating from the input slurry flow, such as a secondary slurry flow, a tertiary slurry flow, or a quaternary slurry flow. Typically, at least two of the plurality of downcomers are configured to receive tertiary or higher-level slurry flows.

[0109] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the plurality of downcomers 1100 includes 18 downcomers 1110. In other embodiments, the plurality of downcomers of the slurry supply device may include any suitable number of downcomers, such as at least three downcomers, at least four downcomers, at least five downcomers, etc.

[0110] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, each of the plurality of downcomers 1110 extends parallel to the imaginary main line 1002, and the plurality of downcomers 1100 are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the main line 1002. Typically, the rotational symmetrical arrangement of the plurality of downcomers in the slurry supply device with respect to the main line facilitates the use of the slurry supply device in a flotation unit including a rotationally symmetrical tank. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of downcomers may extend parallel or substantially parallel to (or may not be parallel to) the imaginary main line, and the plurality of downcomers may be arranged rotationally symmetrically or substantially rotationally symmetrically with respect to the main line (or may not be rotationally symmetrically). For example, in some embodiments, the downcomers in the plurality of downcomers may be arranged non-rotationally symmetrically and optionally randomly.

[0111] Here, "main line" can refer to an imaginary line extending parallel to one or more downcomers, such as each of a plurality of downcomers. Alternatively, the main line can also refer to an imaginary axis of rotational symmetry of the plurality of downcomers. Typically, the main line may or may not pass through the center (e.g., the center point) of the primary shunt.

[0112] Furthermore, the multiple downcomers of the "rotationally symmetrical relative to the main line" device can refer to each of the multiple downcomers including a slurry-flotation gas mixture outlet for supplying the slurry-flotation gas mixture to the tank of the flotation unit. The slurry-flotation gas mixture outlets of the multiple downcomers are arranged in a first arrangement such that rotation of the multiple downcomers around the main line will result in a second arrangement of the slurry-flotation gas mixture outlets corresponding to the first arrangement.

[0113] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the plurality of downcomers 1100 are arranged at different distances from the main line 1002. Typically, arranging the plurality of downcomers at different distances from the main line also facilitates providing a greater number of downcomers to the slurry supply device and / or conveniently housing the plurality of downcomers in a tank with a smaller volume per unit total slurry-flotation gas mixture output flow rate. In other embodiments, where each of the plurality of downcomers extends parallel or substantially parallel to the hypothetical main line, and the plurality of downcomers are arranged rotationally or substantially rotationally symmetrically with respect to the main line, the plurality of downcomers may (or may not) be arranged at different distances from the main line. For example, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of downcomers may be arranged along a single loop around the main line.

[0114] In this specification, the “distance” between the downcomer and the main line may refer to the length measured between the main line and the slurry-flotation gas mixture outlet of the downcomer.

[0115] Furthermore, the phrase "arranged at different distances from the main line" can mean that the multiple downcomers can be divided into at least two groups, such that each of the at least two groups is at a different average distance from the main line.

[0116] In particular, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, multiple downcomers 1100 are distributed along a hypothetical first loop 1003 and a hypothetical second loop 1004 and extend parallel to the main line 1002. The first loop 1003 and the second loop 1004 extend from the main line 1002 at a first distance (d1) and a second distance (d2) greater than d1, respectively. In other embodiments, the multiple downcomers are arranged at different distances from the main line, and the multiple downcomers can be arranged in any suitable manner (e.g., randomly); or along a polygonal path around the main line (e.g., a regular polygonal path); or along at least two loops extending at different distances from the main line, or a combination thereof.

[0117] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, each of the plurality of downcomers 1110 includes a slurry-flotation gas mixture outlet 1111 and a throttle valve 1112 for limiting the flow rate of the slurry-flotation gas mixture 1001 through the outlet 1111. Typically, the downcomers of a slurry supply device include throttle valves for limiting the flow rate of the slurry-flotation gas mixture through the outlet of the downcomer, thus allowing the slurry supply device to operate such that the slurry-flotation gas mixture flows out of the downcomer at supersonic speeds. This, in turn, promotes the agglomeration of solid particles and flotation gas by breaking the flotation gas into smaller bubbles. Such a downcomer operated to discharge the slurry-flotation gas mixture at supersonic speeds is typically referred to as a "blast tube" (exhaust tube).

[0118] In other embodiments, one or more downcomers (e.g., each downcomer) may or may not include a slurry-flotation gas mixture outlet and a throttle valve for limiting the flow rate of the slurry-flotation gas mixture through the outlet. For example, in some embodiments, each of the multiple downcomers may be implemented as a so-called "Jameson downcomer" configured to operate at a subsonic slurry-flotation gas mixture flow rate.

[0119] It should be understood that the embodiments of the first aspect described above can be used in combination with each other. Several embodiments can be combined together to form more embodiments.

[0120] The above discussion primarily focused on the characteristics of the slurry supply device. The following section will focus on characteristics related to the flotation unit and flotation facility. The embodiments, definitions, details, and advantages described above in relation to the first aspect, with appropriate modifications, also apply to the aspects discussed below, and vice versa.

[0121] Figure 3 A schematic side view of a flotation unit 3000 according to one embodiment is described. Figure 3 The embodiments may be referenced and / or combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Consistent with any disclosed embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, although... Figure 3 It is not explicitly stated in the text, but Figure 3 The embodiments thereof or any part thereof may typically include Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiments from Figure 3 Any features and / or elements omitted in the text.

[0122] exist Figure 3 In one embodiment, the flotation unit 3000 includes a tank 3100 and a slurry supply device 3200 according to the first aspect, the slurry supply device being used to supply a slurry-flotation gas mixture 3201 into the tank 3100.

[0123] Figure 3 In one embodiment, tank 3100 includes a washing tank 3110, which includes a washing tank lip 3111, and a primary distributor 3221 of the slurry supply device 3200 is configured to be positioned below the washing tank lip 3111 during operation of the flotation unit 3000. In general, the main distributor of the slurry supply device of the flotation unit is configured to be positioned below the washing tank lip of the tank of the flotation unit, which facilitates access to the upper part of the tank during operation of the flotation unit. Alternatively, the main distributor of the slurry supply device of the flotation unit is configured to be positioned below the washing tank lip of the washing tank of the flotation unit, which also facilitates providing a central froth crowder and / or a central washing tank to the tank and / or facilitates adjusting the position of the froth crowder and / or the washing tank of the tank.

[0124] In other embodiments, the tank includes a washing tank consisting of a washing tank lip, and the primary distributor of the slurry supply device for the flotation unit may or may not be configured to be positioned below the washing tank lip during operation of the flotation unit. For example, in some such embodiments, the primary distributor may be positioned above the washing tank lip.

[0125] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, the secondary distributor 3222 of the slurry supply device 3200 is configured such that, during operation of the flotation unit 3000, the secondary distributor is positioned below and / or above the washing tank lip 3111. Typically, the secondary distributor of the slurry supply device of the flotation unit is configured to be positioned below the washing tank lip of the flotation unit's tank, which facilitates access to the upper part of the tank during operation of the flotation unit. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary distributor of the slurry supply device of the flotation unit is configured to be positioned below the washing tank lip of the washing tank of the flotation unit, which facilitates the provision of radial foam aggregators and / or radial washing tanks to the tank and / or facilitates adjustment of the position of the foam aggregators and / or washing tanks of the tank. In other embodiments, the tank of the flotation unit includes a washing tank with a washing tank lip, and the primary distributor of the slurry supply device of the flotation unit is configured to be arranged below the washing tank lip during operation of the flotation unit; the secondary distributor of the slurry supply device may be configured or may not be configured to be arranged below the washing tank lip during operation of the flotation unit.

[0126] Figure 3 In one embodiment, the washing tank 3110 is implemented as a radial washing tank, and the tank 3100 also includes a central washing tank 3120. During operation of the flotation unit 3000, the overflow collected above the washing tank lip 3111 is first conveyed by the washing tank 3110 to the central washing tank 3120, and further conveyed from the central washing tank 3120 out of the flotation unit 3000. In other embodiments, the tank of the flotation unit may be equipped with any suitable means for collecting the overflow, such as: one or more washing tanks (e.g., a central washing tank); one or more radial washing tanks; and / or peripheral washing tanks, such as an outer peripheral washing tank or an inner peripheral washing tank.

[0127] exist Figure 3 In one embodiment, the flotation unit 3000 further includes a flotation gas supply device 3300 for supplying flotation gas 3301 to a plurality of downcomers 3210 of the slurry supply device 3200. The flotation gas supply device 3300 is configured to supply flotation gas 3301 at a pressure higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure at the location of the flotation unit 3000. In summary, the flotation unit includes a flotation gas supply device for supplying flotation gas to a plurality of downcomers of the slurry supply pipe device of the flotation unit at a pressure higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure at the location of the flotation unit, thereby utilizing higher flotation gas flow rates and / or generating flotation bubbles with smaller Sotter mean diameters, and / or reducing the amount of surfactants (such as frothers) used.

[0128] In other embodiments, the flotation unit may or may not include a flotation gas supply device for supplying flotation gas to multiple downcomers of the slurry supply device of the flotation unit. For example, in some embodiments, one of the downcomers may provide a flotation gas inlet in communication with the ambient fluid, thereby allowing the flotation gas to be introduced into the downcomer by self-priming due to the negative pressure conditions created in the downcomer. In such embodiments, the downcomer may be implemented as a Jameson downcomer. In other embodiments, the flotation unit includes a flotation gas supply device (which supplies flotation gas to multiple downcomers of the slurry supply device of the flotation unit), which may or may not be configured to supply flotation gas at a pressure higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure at the location of the flotation unit. In general, the flotation gas supply device may be implemented in any suitable manner, for example, implemented as a compressed air flotation gas supply device, implemented as a forced air flotation gas supply device, or implemented as a self-priming flotation gas supply device.

[0129] Although Figure 3 It is not explicitly shown, but the flotation unit's tank (e.g.) Figure 3 The flotation unit 3000 of the embodiment (tank 3100) can generally be equipped with any suitable means for collecting underflow, such as one or more slurry outlets, which can be arranged in the bottom part (e.g., the lower half) of the tank.

[0130] It should be understood that the embodiments of the first aspect described above can be used in combination with each other. Several embodiments can be combined together to form more embodiments.

[0131] The above discussion primarily focused on the characteristics of the slurry supply device and the flotation unit. The following section will focus on the relevant characteristics of the flotation facility. The embodiments, definitions, details, and advantages described above in relation to the first and second aspects, with appropriate modifications, also apply to the third aspect discussed below, and vice versa.

[0132] Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of a flotation facility 4000 according to one embodiment is described, the flotation facility 4000 including a flotation unit 4400 according to a second aspect. Figure 4 The embodiments may be referenced and / or combined with Figures 1 to 3 Consistent with any embodiment disclosed in any of them. Additionally or alternatively, although in Figure 4 It is not explicitly shown in the text, but Figure 4 The embodiments thereof or any part thereof may generally include Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiments, but from Figure 4 Any features and / or elements omitted in the text.

[0133] Here, "facilities" can refer to machinery suitable for or configured to operate an industrial process. Therefore, "flotation facilities" can refer to facilities suitable for or configured to operate a flotation process. In general, flotation facilities typically include any units suitable for (or necessary for) flotation, and optionally any units suitable for (or necessary for) pre-flotation material pretreatment and / or post-flotation material posttreatment.

[0134] exist Figure 4 In one embodiment, the flotation facility 4000 includes a crushing unit 4100, a pre-classification unit 4200, and a primary flotation unit 4300. The crushing unit 4100 is configured to crush ore to form crushed ore, mix the crushed ore with flotation liquor to form raw slurry 4101, and supply the raw slurry 4101 to the pre-classification unit 4200. The pre-classification unit 4200 is configured to classify the raw slurry 4101 to form a coarser raw slurry portion 4201 and a finer raw slurry portion 4202, and supply the finer raw slurry portion 4202 to the primary flotation unit 4300. The primary flotation unit 4300 is configured to separate the finer raw slurry portion 4202 to form an overflow 4301 and an underflow 4302, and supply the underflow 4302 to the flotation unit 4400. In other embodiments, the flotation facility may or may not include such a crushing unit and / or such a pre-sorting unit and / or such a primary flotation unit.

[0135] In this specification, "crushing" refers to any measure taken to reduce the average particle size of a solid material. Therefore, crushing can include, for example, breaking and / or grinding. In mineral processing, crushing is commonly used to separate valuable minerals from gangue. Therefore, "crushing unit" can refer to a unit adapted or configured for reducing the average particle size of solid materials. Typically, crushing units can be configured for dry grinding and / or wet grinding.

[0136] Furthermore, "classification" can refer to the process of separating solid particles in the slurry according to their size based on differences in settling velocities, thereby forming at least two (i.e., two, three, or more) slurry fractions. In practice, the result of slurry classification is that coarser particles are preferentially directed to one or more coarser slurry fractions, while finer particles are preferentially directed to one or more finer slurry fractions. Naturally, "classification apparatus" can refer to a device configured for or suitable for slurry classification within a flotation unit.

[0137] Here, "fraction" can refer to a portion of the mixture that has been separated from the mixture. Therefore, "slurry fraction" can refer to the portion that consists of slurry and is produced by slurry separation.

[0138] The preceding text primarily discussed the structural features of the slurry supply device, flotation unit, and flotation facility. The following section will focus on the installation method features of the slurry supply device. The embodiments, definitions, details, and advantages described above in relation to the first, second, and third aspects also apply, with appropriate modifications, to the methodological aspects discussed below, and vice versa.

[0139] Figure 5 A method 5000 for installing a slurry supply device according to one embodiment is shown. In other embodiments, the method for installing the slurry supply device can be... Figure 5 The methods in the embodiments are the same as, similar to, or different from those in 5000.

[0140] exist Figure 5 In one embodiment, method 5000 includes: providing a tank 5100; providing a plurality of downcomers 5200 for supplying a slurry-flotation gas mixture 1001 into the tank; and connecting a slurry supply conduit 5400 to the plurality of downcomers for supplying slurry from an input slurry stream into the plurality of downcomers. The slurry supply conduit includes: a primary distributor for diverting an input slurry stream to form a plurality of secondary slurry streams; and a secondary distributor for diverting a secondary slurry stream from the plurality of secondary slurry streams to form a plurality of tertiary slurry streams.

[0141] Figure 5 Method 5000 of the embodiment can be implemented as a modification method, namely, equipping the tank of an existing flotation unit with a new slurry supply device. In other embodiments, the method of installing the slurry supply device may or may not be implemented as such a modification method.

[0142] like Figure 5 As shown in dashed lines, method 5000 may further include removing at least a portion of a pre-installed slurry supply device 5300, said pre-installed slurry supply device being configured to supply slurry into the tank. In other embodiments, the method of installing the slurry supply device may or may not include removing at least a portion of the pre-installed slurry supply device.

[0143] In particular, Figure 5 The process 5300 of removing at least a portion of the pre-installed slurry supply device in the method 5000 of an embodiment may include the step 5310 of disconnecting previously used slurry supply pipes. In other embodiments, the method of installing the slurry supply device includes removing at least a portion of the pre-installed slurry supply device, the process of removing at least a portion of the pre-installed slurry supply device may or may not include disconnecting previously used slurry supply pipes.

[0144] In this specification, "process" can refer to a series of one or more steps that lead to a result. Therefore, a process can be a single-step process or a multi-step process. Furthermore, a process can be divided into multiple subprocesses, where the subprocesses may or may not share common steps. Here, "step" can refer to a measure taken to achieve a predetermined result.

[0145] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the basic idea of ​​this invention can be implemented in various ways with advancements in technology. Therefore, this invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but can be varied within the scope of the claims.

[0146] It should be understood that any benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or several embodiments. These embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the described problems, nor are they limited to those that have any or all of the described benefits and advantages.

[0147] As used in this specification, the term "comprising" means including subsequent features or operations, but does not exclude the presence of one or more additional features or operations. It should also be understood that "a" item means one or more of these items.

Claims

1. A slurry supply device (1000), characterized in that, include: Multiple downcomers (1100) are used to mix flotation gas (1101) with slurry from the input slurry stream (1010) to form a slurry-flotation gas mixture (1001), and to supply said slurry-flotation gas mixture (1001) to a tank in the flotation unit. A slurry supply conduit (1200) is used to supply slurry from the input slurry stream (1010) to the plurality of downcomers (1100). The slurry supply pipe (1200) includes: a primary diverter (1210) for diverting the input slurry flow (1010) to form a plurality of secondary slurry flows (1020); and a secondary diverter (1220) for diverting a secondary slurry flow (1021) from the plurality of secondary slurry flows (1020) to form a plurality of tertiary slurry flows (1030). The flotation unit includes a washing tank with a washing lip, and the primary distributor is configured to be positioned below the washing lip during operation of the flotation unit.

2. The slurry supply device (1000) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The primary distributor (1210) includes at least three slurry outlets.

3. The slurry supply device (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The slurry supply device (1000) includes a three-stage diverter (1230) for diverting a third-stage slurry stream (1031) from the plurality of third-stage slurry streams (1030) to form a plurality of fourth-stage slurry streams (1040).

4. The slurry supply device (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The slurry supply conduit (1200) is configured to balance the head loss between the primary distributor (1210) and each of the plurality of downcomers (1100).

5. The slurry supply device (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of downcomers (1100) extends parallel to the main line (1002), and the plurality of downcomers (1100) are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the main line (1002).

6. The slurry supply device (1000) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of downcomers (1100) are arranged at different distances from the main line (1002).

7. The slurry supply device (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of downcomers (1100) includes a slurry-flotation gas mixture outlet (1111) and a throttle valve (1112) for limiting the flow rate of the slurry-flotation gas mixture (1001) through the slurry-flotation gas mixture outlet (1111).

8. A flotation unit (3000), characterized in that, The flotation unit includes a tank (3100) and a slurry supply device (3200) according to any one of claims 1-7, the slurry supply device being used to supply a slurry-flotation gas mixture (3201) into the tank (3100).

9. The flotation unit (3000) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The secondary distributor (3222) of the slurry supply device (3200) is configured such that, during operation of the flotation unit (3000), the secondary distributor is arranged below and / or above the washing tank lip (3111).

10. The flotation unit (3000) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The flotation unit (3000) includes a flotation gas supply device (3300) for supplying flotation gas (3301) to the plurality of downcomers (3210) of the slurry supply device (3200).

11. A flotation facility (4000), characterized in that, The flotation facility includes a flotation unit (4400) according to any one of claims 8-10.

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