A guiding device for polymetallic mineral flotation systems
By combining the ore guiding device and the slurry pump, the problem of frequent failures of electric gate valves in humid environments is solved, enabling safe, reliable, and convenient switching of slurry flow direction, reducing labor intensity and production costs, and improving production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SICHUAN LIWU COPPER IND
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
Smart Images

Figure CN224507309U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mineral processing technology, and in particular to a ore guiding device applied to a polymetallic mineral flotation system. Background Technology
[0002] Flotation technology, as one of the most widely used and efficient methods in mineral processing, plays a central role in the separation and recovery of polymetallic minerals. A typical process usually includes: grinding and classifying polymetallic minerals to achieve sufficient individual liberation and form a slurry of suitable concentration; subsequently, based on the differences in the physicochemical properties of different minerals, multiple flotation processes are designed and executed sequentially to recover the target metallic minerals separately. To ensure production continuity, especially in high-capacity concentrators, when subsequent flotation processes need to be temporarily shut down due to insufficient water or electricity supply or equipment maintenance, a common practice is to install two pipelines at the tailings slurry discharge point of the preceding process, each equipped with a gate valve to control the flow direction. One pipeline directly transports the slurry to the tailings dam, while the other leads to the subsequent flotation process. By operating the opening and closing of these two gate valves, the slurry that would otherwise enter the subsequent process can be switched to the tailings dam for discharge when the subsequent process is shut down, thus avoiding interference with the normal operation of the preceding process.
[0003] However, when subsequent flotation processes require frequent start-ups and shutdowns due to production demands, this manual gate valve operation method faces significant challenges. The main problem is that these gate valves are typically installed below the space-constrained flotation platform, making operation in a narrow and inconvenient location. For large-capacity concentrators, the gate valves are large, and operators performing high-frequency, high-intensity valve switching operations in this confined space not only incurs extreme labor intensity but also poses serious safety hazards. To address the labor intensity issue, some concentrators have attempted to use electric gate valves instead of manual operation. However, the flotation platform area requires frequent daily cleaning and consumes a large amount of water for flushing. Electric gate valves, installed in the humid environment below the platform, are highly susceptible to short-circuit failures due to moisture or splashing water. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to a humid environment accelerates corrosion of the gate valves themselves, increasing resistance to valve operation, overloading the drive motor, and frequently causing tripping shutdowns, ultimately reducing the system's reliability and usability. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a solution that can safely, reliably, and conveniently switch the slurry flow direction under frequent switching conditions to overcome the inherent deficiencies of existing manual and electric gate valve control methods in terms of operational safety, labor intensity, and environmental adaptability. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a ore guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, addressing the above-mentioned shortcomings and solving the problem that electric gate valves in the prior art are prone to failure in humid environments.
[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following solution: A ore guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system includes a flotation machine, an intermediate tank, and a diversion tank. The flotation machine is connected to the intermediate tank, and the intermediate tank is connected to the diversion tank. The diversion tank is provided with two diversion ports, each connected to a ore guiding pipe. One ore guiding pipe is connected to a tailings dam, and the other ore guiding pipe is connected to a slurry pond. The diversion tank is provided with a switching component for switching the diversion ports.
[0006] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, the switching component includes a guiding cavity and a switching plug; the guiding cavity includes a first end and a second end, the positions of the first end and the second end being matched with the positions of two diversion ports respectively; the switching plug is provided with a plugging head that cooperates with the diversion ports to seal them.
[0007] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, the central axis of the guiding cavity is collinear with the line connecting the centers of the two diversion ports.
[0008] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, the switching plug includes a support rod, a plugging head, a gripping component, and a protective sleeve; the gripping component is located at the top of the support rod, the lower end of the support rod is detachably connected to the plugging head, and the protective sleeve is fitted over the outside of the support rod.
[0009] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, the end of the support rod near the plugging head is provided with an external thread, the center of the plugging head is provided with a connecting hole, the connecting hole is provided with an internal thread, and the support rod and the plugging head are connected by the thread.
[0010] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, a rubber ring is provided around the circumferential position of the sealing head around the connecting hole; an inner groove matching the protective sleeve is provided inside the rubber ring.
[0011] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, the plugging head is an overall conical structure, and blocking rings are spaced apart along the length of the plugging head, with the blocking rings protruding from the conical surface of the plugging head.
[0012] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, each flotation machine is provided with a first discharge port connected to the intermediate box, and a second discharge port connected to the diversion box is provided on the intermediate box; a control valve is also provided on the first discharge port.
[0013] Based on the structure of the ore guiding device applied to a polymetallic mineral flotation system described above, the horizontal height of the first discharge port is not lower than the horizontal height of the second discharge port, and the center of the first discharge port is collinear with the center of the second discharge port.
[0014] Based on the structure of the above-mentioned guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system, a slurry pump is also provided outside the slurry tank. One end of the slurry pump is connected to the slurry tank, and the other end is connected to the next process.
[0015] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. In this solution, the ore produced from the flotation machine is temporarily stored in the intermediate tank, and then gradually transported to the ore distribution tank through the intermediate tank. The switching component switches the distribution port. When the next process component is working normally, the switching component switches the distribution port to allow the slurry to enter the slurry tank through the distribution pipe for normal operation. When the next process component malfunctions, the switching component switches the distribution port to allow the slurry to enter the tailings dam through the distribution pipe. When the malfunction is eliminated, the component switches back to the normal process distribution port. In production practice, when the next process malfunctions and needs to be shut down, the operator only needs to switch the plug position at the slurry distribution tank, without having to open and close the gate valve in the small space below the work platform to guide the ore, effectively reducing the labor intensity and operational risks for the operators.
[0016] 2. The slurry flow direction can be switched quickly. At the same time, the slurry tank and slurry pump serve as the power source for slurry transportation, resulting in high production efficiency and practicality.
[0017] 3. Gate valves control the flow of slurry. Gate valves are prone to corrosion and are subject to significant wear from the slurry, requiring frequent replacement. Replacement also necessitates machine downtime. However, movable plugs are wear-resistant, have a long service life, and effectively reduce production costs and improve production efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a top view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing head in this utility model; Figure descriptions: 1. Flotation machine; 2. Intermediate tank; 3. Diversion tank; 4. Diversion port; 5. Guide pipe; 6. Switching assembly; 7. Slurry pump; 8. Slurry tank; 11. First discharge port; 12. Control valve; 21. Second discharge port; 61. Guide cavity; 62. Switching plug; 611. First end; 612. Second end; 621. Support rod; 622. Sealing head; 623. Grip; 624. Protective sleeve; 625. Connecting hole; 626. Rubber ring; 627. Embedded groove; 628. Barrier ring. Detailed Implementation
[0019] All features disclosed in this specification, or steps in all methods or processes disclosed herein, may be combined in any way, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps.
[0020] Any feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims and abstract) may be replaced by other equivalent or similar features, unless specifically stated otherwise. That is, unless specifically stated otherwise, each feature is merely one example of a series of equivalent or similar features.
[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.
[0023] Example 1 like Figures 1-3 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: A ore guiding device for a polymetallic mineral flotation system includes, but is not limited to, a flotation machine 1, an intermediate tank 2, and a diversion tank 3; the flotation machine 1 is connected to the intermediate tank 2, the intermediate tank 2 is connected to the diversion tank 3, the diversion tank 3 is provided with two diversion ports 4, each diversion port 4 is connected to a ore guiding pipe 5, one ore guiding pipe 5 is connected to a tailings dam, and the other ore guiding pipe 5 is connected to a slurry tank 8; the diversion tank 3 is provided with a switching component 6 for switching the diversion ports 4.
[0024] Based on the above structure, the ore produced from the flotation machine 1 is temporarily stored in the intermediate tank 2, and then gradually transported to the ore distribution tank 3 through the intermediate tank 2. The switching component 6 switches the distribution port 4. When the next process component is working normally, the switching component 6 switches the distribution port 4 to allow the slurry to enter the slurry tank 8 through the distribution pipe for normal operation. When the next process component fails, the switching component 6 switches the distribution port 4 to allow the slurry to enter the tailings dam through the distribution pipe. When the failure is eliminated, the switching component 6 switches back to the normal process distribution port 4. In production practice, when the next process fails and needs to be shut down, the operator only needs to switch the plug position at the slurry distribution tank 3, without having to open and close the gate valve in the small space below the work platform to guide the ore, effectively reducing the labor intensity and operational risks of the operators.
[0025] As an example, the switching component 6 may include a guide cavity 61 and a switching plug 62; the guide cavity 61 may include a first end 611 and a second end 612, the positions of the first end 611 and the second end 612 respectively matching the positions of the two diversion ports 4; the switching plug 62 is provided with a plugging head 622 that cooperates with the diversion ports 4 to seal them.
[0026] The central axis of the guide cavity 61 is collinear with the line connecting the centers of the two branch ports 4.
[0027] Based on the above structure, the guide cavity 61 can guide the switching plug 62. On the one hand, it can ensure that the plugging head 622 of the switching plug 62 can always move along the center position of the diversion cavity. On the other hand, the guide cavity 61 can restrict the position of the two diversion ports 4. When it is necessary to block the diversion port 4 at the first position, the plugging head 622 is moved to the first limit position and then pressed down, so that the plugging head 622 can quickly and efficiently enter the diversion port 4 at the first position to block it. At the same time, when it is necessary to block the diversion port 4 at the second position, the plugging head 622 is moved to the second limit position and then pressed down, so that the plugging head 622 can quickly and efficiently enter the diversion port 4 at the second position to block it. This can improve the blocking efficiency.
[0028] As an example, the switching plug 62 may include a support rod 621, a sealing head 622, a grip 623, and a protective sleeve 624; the grip 623 is located at the top of the support rod 621, the lower end of the support rod 621 is detachably connected to the sealing head 622, and the protective sleeve 624 is fitted over the outside of the support rod 621.
[0029] Based on the above structure, the sealing head 622 and the support rod 621 are detachably connected, which facilitates the replacement of the sealing head 622 in the future. A protective sleeve 624 is set on the outside of the support rod 621. On the one hand, it can prevent the guide cavity 61 from protecting the support during the movement. On the other hand, it can prevent the slurry from damaging the support rod 621 and the connection between the support rod 621 and the sealing head 622 during the flow process. It can also extend the service life of the support rod 621. By setting a grip 623 on the top of the support rod 621, it can be easily gripped and moved by the operator.
[0030] As an example, the end of the support rod 621 near the sealing head 622 is provided with an external thread, and a connecting hole 625 is provided at the center of the sealing head 622. An internal thread is provided in the connecting hole 625, and the support rod 621 and the sealing head 622 are connected by the thread. A rubber ring 626 is provided around the connection hole 625 on the sealing head 622; an inner groove 627 matching the protective sleeve 624 is provided inside the rubber ring 626. Based on the above structure, the support rod 621 and the sealing head 622 are connected by threads, which facilitates the replacement of the sealing head 622 later. At the same time, a rubber ring 626 is provided on the sealing head 622, and an embedded groove 627 is provided in the rubber ring 626. This facilitates the installation of the protective sleeve 624. When the support rod 621 rotates downward, the gripping member 623 will force the lower end of the protective sleeve 624 to squeeze against the rubber ring 626, thereby forming a sealing structure and preventing liquid from entering the threaded structure.
[0031] As an example, the sealing head 622 is a conical structure, and barrier rings 628 are provided at intervals along the length of the sealing head 622. The barrier rings 628 are set out of the conical surface of the sealing head 622.
[0032] Based on the above structure, the outer surface of the sealing head 622 is divided into different areas by multiple barrier rings 628. By applying different forces, the sealing head 622 can be pressed into the diversion port 4 to different depths to achieve a tighter seal. At the same time, the barrier rings 628 can form resistance with the diversion port 4 to prevent the sealing head 622 from falling off due to abnormal movement.
[0033] As an example, each flotation machine 1 is provided with a first discharge port 11 connected to the intermediate tank 2, and a second discharge port 21 connected to the diversion tank 3 is provided on the intermediate tank 2; the horizontal height of the first discharge port 11 is not lower than the horizontal height of the second discharge port 21, and the center of the first discharge port 11 and the center of the second discharge port 21 are collinear; a control valve 12 may also be provided on the first discharge port 11. Based on the above structure, the ore cylinder enters the intermediate box 2 from the first discharge port 11, and then enters the diversion box 3 through the intermediate box 2; the amount of slurry entering the intermediate box 2 from the flotation machine 1 is controlled by the control valve 12.
[0034] As an example, a slurry pump 7 is also installed outside the slurry tank 8. One end of the slurry pump 7 is connected to the slurry tank 8, and the other end is connected to the next process.
[0035] This scheme mainly consists of an intermediate tank 2 for flotation machine 1, a slurry distribution tank 3, a movable plug, a guide pipe 5, a slurry tank 8, and a slurry pump 7. The movable plug is composed of steel bars and rubber plugs, with threaded connections. A PPR pipe can be fitted over the steel bars for protection. Simultaneously, the slurry tank 8 and slurry pump 7 serve as the slurry power conveying device, replacing the traditional lifting and mixing tank. Even without a height difference between the two processes, slurry conveying can be completed efficiently, demonstrating strong practicality. After the slurry is separated by the last flotation machine 1 in the previous process, it flows through the intermediate tank 2 into the slurry distribution tank. When the equipment in the next process is operating normally, the movable plug blocks the opening of the pipe leading to the tailings pipe, allowing the slurry to flow to the slurry pump 7, which then pumps it to the next process to complete the separation operation. When the next process needs to be shut down due to water shortage, insufficient voltage, or equipment maintenance, the operator switches the movable plug to the opening leading to the next process, promptly diverting the slurry to the tailings dam. It is easy to operate, efficient, and safe.
[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A mineral conducting device for use in a polymetallic mineral flotation system, characterized in that: It includes a flotation machine (1), an intermediate tank (2), and a diversion tank (3); the flotation machine (1) is connected to the intermediate tank (2), the intermediate tank (2) is connected to the diversion tank (3), the diversion tank (3) is provided with two diversion ports (4), each diversion port (4) is connected to a guide pipe (5), one guide pipe (5) is connected to the tailings dam; the other guide pipe (5) is connected to the slurry pool (8); the diversion tank (3) is provided with a switching component (6) for switching the diversion ports (4).
2. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The switching component (6) includes a guide cavity (61) and a switching plug (62); the guide cavity (61) includes a first end (611) and a second end (612), the positions of the first end (611) and the second end (612) are respectively matched with the positions of the two diversion ports (4); the switching plug (62) is provided with a plugging head (622) that cooperates with the diversion port (4) to block it.
3. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that: The central axis of the guide cavity (61) is collinear with the center line connecting the two branch ports (4).
4. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that: The switching plug (62) includes a support rod (621), a sealing head (622), a grip (623), and a protective sleeve (624); the grip (623) is located at the top of the support rod (621), the lower end of the support rod (621) is detachably connected to the sealing head (622), and the protective sleeve (624) is fitted on the outside of the support rod (621).
5. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that: The support rod (621) has an external thread at the end near the sealing head (622), and the sealing head (622) has a connecting hole (625) at the center. The connecting hole (625) has an internal thread, and the support rod (621) and the sealing head (622) are connected by the thread.
6. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that: A rubber ring (626) is provided on the sealing head (622) around the circumferential position of the connecting hole (625); an inner groove (627) matching the protective sleeve (624) is provided inside the rubber ring (626).
7. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that: The sealing head (622) is a conical structure, and barrier rings (628) are provided at intervals along the length of the sealing head (622). The barrier rings (628) are provided protruding from the conical surface of the sealing head (622).
8. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that: Each flotation machine (1) is provided with a first discharge port (11) connected to the intermediate box (2), and a second discharge port (21) connected to the diversion box (3) is provided on the intermediate box (2); a control valve (12) is also provided on the first discharge port (11).
9. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that: The horizontal height of the first discharge port (11) is not lower than the horizontal height of the second discharge port (21), and the center of the first discharge port (11) and the center of the second discharge port (21) are collinear.
10. A mineral conducting device for use in a multi-metallic mineral flotation system as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that: A slurry pump (7) is also provided outside the slurry tank (8). One end of the slurry pump (7) is connected to the slurry tank (8), and the other end is connected to the next process.