Heavy metal purification system

Abstract

The invention relates to a heavy metal concentration system (1.0) and a heavy metal concentration module (12) for concentrating or recovering at least one heavy metal (2.0), in particular gold and / or silver, and / or for concentrating or recovering a rare earth metal (2.0) from a suspension (3.1, 3.2) or a centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) exiting a first process stage (4.0), wherein at least one concentration unit (6.0) is arranged downstream of the first process stage (4.0) as a second process stage, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) is configured to hydrodynamically concentrate the heavy metal (2.0) and / or the rare earth metal (2.0) from the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2), and wherein the concentration unit (6.0) is configured to provide a concentration section (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) to record and rotate them around a longitudinal axis (10.3) to rotate, whereby a removal, insertion or exchange of the concentration sections (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) is made possible, in particular, while the suspension (3.1, 3.2) or the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) flows over one of the concentration sections not removed during the removal, insertion or exchange.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of obtaining particles from liquids in which these particles are suspended, wherein the particles contain heavy metals, in particular gold, rare earths or other metals. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Washing for gold in rivers or similar environments requires the use of specialized tools to effectively extract the precious metal. An important tool is a gold pan, a shallow dish with sloping sides. Gold panners shovel sediment from the riverbed into the pan and stir it with water so that the heavier gold particles settle at the bottom.

[0003] To further refine the process, a sluice box is used. This is a long, narrow channel with riffles or obstacles that trap the heavier gold, while lighter sediments are washed away. The flowing water carries the material through the sluice box, gradually separating the gold from the unwanted impurities.

[0004] In more advanced processes, a highbanker or a dredge may be used. A highbanker is a portable sluice box with an attached pump that facilitates the flow of water. A dredge, on the other hand, uses a suction mechanism to collect gold-bearing gravel from riverbeds and extract the gold using a sluice box.

[0005] Gold sluices are devices used in gold panning, i.e., the concentration and extraction of gold particles. They are typically long and narrow troughs or boxes, either permanently installed or portable, in which the material is washed to obtain gold. Gold sluices are mostly used by gold prospectors or hobbyists to extract small quantities of gold from rivers or streams.

[0006] US 6,216,367 B1 discloses a device consisting of a series of successive, interconnected channels, with an inverter positioned at the end of each channel to reverse the direction of the sludge and direct it into the subsequent channel. Each incremental stage is designed to treat smaller materials. A series of hoppers is arranged on the bottom of each shaft over which the sludge flows, positioned below a mesh screen. Each hopper in the series has a downward-facing opening and a rib extending beyond the opening, also downward-facing, so that heavier materials settling from the mineral matrix are drawn into the hopper. A perforated mat is located below the hopper arrangement.Also located below the hopper assembly, starting at the miner's moss, is a structured mat, typically with upright ribs perpendicular to the chute's water flow, which also serves to collect settled material. Below the moss mat is a variety of nozzles, typically air holes, connected to an external air compressor to lift settled ore upwards. High-density ore falls back and past the air nozzles, while lighter rock is returned to the suspension in the slurry.

[0007] US Patent 5,927,509 A discloses a self-contained gold separation device as a kit, easily transportable with the aid of a shoulder strap and suitable for easy transport and use either in a riverbed, on a nearby bank, or elsewhere. The kit's operating components are stored in a box equipped with a carrying strap for easy transport. During operation, these operating components are mounted on the carrying box, which then serves as a water reservoir, thus providing sufficient weight and a lower center of gravity for the entire device. The gold separation device features a spring-loaded rocker mechanism to generate a rocking motion for churning riverbed material to collect gold.

[0008] US Patent 7,012,209 B2 discloses a method for collecting gold by flowing water over a gold-collecting medium located in a sluice, thereby inducing a positive surface charge on the gold-collecting medium. The gold-collecting medium consists of a material that acquires a positive surface charge when immersed in water. Gold-bearing material is introduced into the sluice with the flowing water to induce a negative surface charge on the gold particles and create a slurry. The flow rate of the slurry in the sluice is adjusted so that the negatively charged gold particles are attracted to the positively charged gold-collecting medium. Subsequently, the gold particles are collected from the gold-collecting medium.

[0009] US Patent 4,273,648 A discloses a gold pan consisting of a bowl for separating gold or other valuable heavy metals from wet sand or gravel. The bowl has a round bottom with a sloping outer edge. An opening in the center of the pan's bottom leads to a trough formed integrally with the base, which slopes downward at an angle of 10° to 45° to guide the sediment being washed. Within the trough is a ladder-like structure with multiple steps that trap the heavy metal particles from the sediment.

[0010] US Patent 5,421,461A discloses a device for separating gold or other minerals or gemstones from earth, gravel, or other similar materials. The device comprises a primary frame and a secondary frame supporting an upper tray assembly and a lower separating tray. The secondary frame is pivotally mounted relative to the primary frame and can be vibrated by a motor. A fluid feed tube is arranged to direct water onto the upper tray assembly, causing a slurry of materials to pass from the upper tray assembly into the lower tray. The material is further separated and concentrated in the lower tray, so that gold particles or other heavier minerals or gemstones collect in depressions and / or grooves.At certain intervals, the lower shell can be removed from the secondary frame and swivelled in the usual way to achieve final separation.

[0011] WO 20181112668 A1 discloses an apparatus and a method for separating heavy metals and precious stones from alluvial material, wherein the apparatus comprises a frame, a gold pan mounted on the frame, and a vibrating device mounted on the frame, capable of vibrating the gold pan. The apparatus may further comprise a water pump mounted on the frame for introducing a quantity of water into the gold pan. The apparatus may further comprise a sieve mounted above the gold pan. The method comprises providing a gold pan mounted on a frame, introducing a quantity of alluvial material into the gold pan, and vibrating the gold pan to remove lighter material and leave the heavy metals and precious stones in it.

[0012] Furthermore, devices are known from the prior art which allow the extraction of gold from sediments on an industrial scale.

[0013] RU 2 392 055 C1 discloses a flushing device for gold recovery, comprising a hydraulic monitor, a hydraulic cradle, a hydraulic lift, a pressure sludge line, a hydraulic screen, a deep-fill sluice, and fine-fill sluices. The hydraulic screen is installed between the deep-fill sluice and the fine-fill sluices and consists of two parts. The first part of the hydraulic screen is installed along the fluid flow exiting the deep-fill sluice. The second part of the hydraulic screen is positioned perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow. Oversized material is separated by the first part of the hydraulic screen and discharged via the second part. Smaller fractions pass through the grates of the first and second parts into the fine-fill sluices. There, the smaller fractions are further separated, and the gold is recovered.

[0014] CN 205673071 U describes a sand gold washing and pre-selection group designed for the enrichment and recovery of gold, wherein a high-pressure water cannon is placed on a feed hopper, the latter being positioned above a circular vibrating screen.

[0015] RU 2 083 702 C1 describes a device for purifying gold, with the ability to classify gold particles into different size ranges and to purify fine gold.

[0016] US 2011 / 186487 A1 describes a funnel-shaped spiral concentrator that has volume-variable flow guides to regulate the flow of sludge at different points in the funnel in order to improve the efficiency of the concentration process.

[0017] WO 01 / 85298 A1 describes a device for the sedimentation separation of particles from a particle stream in a carrier fluid. The particles are guided over at least one substantially transverse barrier, whereby particles with a lower specific gravity are preferentially carried over the barrier by the carrier fluid, while particles with a higher specific gravity settle in the direction of flow upstream of the barrier. This method is particularly well suited for separating gold particles from gravel and water in a lock box. However, operation must be interrupted to remove the separated particles, resulting in a relatively low efficiency and potential economic losses.

[0018] WO 2012 / 141669 A1 describes a screen for the gravitational separation of heavy minerals. Non-ferromagnetic plungers are arranged within regular recesses, generating vertical vibrations in the slurry. These vibrations are triggered by ferromagnetic solenoids connected to a pulsed alternating current generator.

[0019] US Patent 20220314232A describes a device for particle purification using a conveyor system capable of separating fine target particles from a feed stream. The system utilizes a textured belt with a head and tail roller that generate continuous belt movement. The belt has a textured surface with grooves that retain the particles and a concentrated aggregate. The system comprises a static grooved airlock, a static hydrocyclone, and at least one conveyor airlock with a textured belt. The system can produce a concentrated aggregate that can be further processed. The technical benefits of the invention include improved separation of fine target particles from a feed stream and increased efficiency in mineral recovery.

[0020] None of the devices known from the prior art allow the flexible use of different concentration sections designed for particle purification. TASK

[0021] The object of the invention described herein is to obtain heavy metals and / or rare earths and / or other metals from a suspension in a simple manner by hydrodynamic concentration from the suspension, whereby a flexible use of different concentration ranges is also possible during the ongoing operation of the system according to the invention. SOLUTION

[0022] The problem is solved by a system having the features of claim 1 and by a module having the features of claim 14. Further advantageous embodiments and developments will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures. GENERAL BENEFITS

[0023] The system according to the invention enables the simple and cost-effective hydrodynamic concentration of particles, particularly particles containing heavy metals, rare earth elements, and / or other metals, from a suspension. The special design of the concentration unit allows for the flexible use of differently configured concentration sections during the ongoing operation of the system. Further advantages are described below and illustrated in the exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The invention relates to a system for concentrating at least one heavy metal and / or for concentrating a rare earth metal. The terms "system according to the invention" and "device according to the invention" are used interchangeably herein.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the heavy metal concentration system (hereinafter also referred to as the system) is configured for concentrating or recovering at least one heavy metal and / or a rare earth metal from a suspension or centrifugate exiting a first process stage, wherein at least one concentration unit is downstream of the first process stage as a second process stage, the concentration unit being configured to hydrodynamically concentrate the heavy metal and / or the rare earth metal from the centrifugate. Preferably, the concentration is carried out without the use of chemicals.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the heavy metal concentration system is for concentrating or recovering at least one heavy metal, in particular gold and / or silver, and / or for concentrating or recovering a rare earth metal from a centrifugate leaving a first process stage, in particular a centrifugal separator, wherein the centrifugal separator has at least an upper course and at least one lower course, wherein the centrifugate leaves the first process stage, in particular the centrifugal separator, via its upper course and / or its lower course, wherein at least one concentration unit is downstream of the first process stage, in particular the upper course and / or the lower course, wherein the concentration unit is configured to hydrodynamically concentrate the heavy metal and / or the rare earth metal from the centrifugate.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a heavy metal concentration system (1.0) for concentrating or recovering at least one heavy metal (2.0), in particular gold and / or silver, and / or for concentrating or recovering a rare earth metal (2.0) from a suspension (3.1, 3.2) or a centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) exiting a first process stage (4.0), in particular a centrifugal separator (5.0), wherein the centrifugal separator (5.0) has at least one upper flow (5.1) and at least one lower flow (5.2), wherein the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) exits the first process stage (4.0), in particular the centrifugal separator (5.0), via its upper flow (5.1) and / or its lower flow (5.2), wherein the first process stage (4.0), in particular the upper flow (5.1) and / or the lower flow (5.2), at least one concentration unit (6.0) is downstream as a second process stage, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) is designed to hydrodynamically concentrate the heavy metal (2.0) and / or the rare earth metal (2.0) from the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a heavy metal concentration system for concentrating or recovering at least one heavy metal, in particular gold and / or silver, and / or for concentrating or recovering a rare earth metal from a suspension or centrifugate, which exits a first process stage, in particular a centrifugal separator, wherein the centrifugal separator has at least an upper course and at least one lower course, wherein the centrifugate exits the first process stage, in particular the centrifugal separator, via its upper course and / or its lower course, wherein at least one concentration unit is arranged downstream of the first process stage, in particular the upper course and / or the lower course, wherein the concentration unit is configured to hydrodynamically concentrate the heavy metal and / or the rare earth metal from the centrifugate.wherein the concentration unit has at least one concentration section, wherein the concentration section has a structured surface facing the centrifugate, and wherein this surface is designed for concentrating or recovering the heavy metal and / or the rare earth metal.

[0029] According to a further development, the system has a concentration unit which is designed to rotate the concentration section at a rotational speed around a longitudinal axis, wherein the concentration unit is designed to accommodate a first, second, third, fourth or further concentration section, wherein the concentration section can be removed from or inserted into the concentration unit or replaced by a second, third, fourth or further concentration section, wherein removal, insertion or replacement of the concentration sections is made possible in particular while the suspension or centrifugate flows over one of the unremoved concentration sections during removal, insertion or replacement.

[0030] The fact that the concentration section can be removed or replaced, particularly during operation, allows the centrifugate to continue flowing over one of the unreplaced concentration sections. This advantageously permits continuous flow over at least one of the concentration sections without requiring the system to be shut down for removal or replacement.

[0031] The concentration section can be arranged in the concentration unit, for example, via a positive-locking connection such as a tongue-and-groove joint, thus ensuring a positive-locking arrangement. According to a further embodiment, the concentration section can be arranged in the concentration unit via a magnetic connection. This has the advantage that the concentration section can be removed from the concentration unit even more easily.

[0032] In this context, a system also includes a device.

[0033] A first process stage need not necessarily be part of the system according to the invention. In this respect, the invention relates to a concentration unit for concentrating or recovering at least one heavy metal, in particular gold and / or silver, and / or for concentrating or recovering a rare earth metal from a suspension or centrifugate exiting a first process stage, in particular a centrifugal separator, wherein the centrifugal separator has at least an upper course and at least one lower course, wherein the centrifugate exits the first process stage, in particular the centrifugal separator, via its upper course and / or its lower course, and wherein the concentration unit is configured to hydrodynamically concentrate the heavy metal and / or the rare earth metal from the centrifugate.

[0034] Concentration is a process in which the concentration of a substance (e.g., a heavy metal or a rare earth metal) is increased within a volume. For example, a substance can be concentrated by evaporating a liquid in which the substance is dissolved or suspended. With regard to the system according to the invention, the centrifugate leaving the first process stage has a concentration X of a metal, in particular a heavy metal, within a volume V0. The system according to the invention serves to increase the concentration of the metal, in particular the heavy metal, within a volume V1, which is equal to V0.

[0035] For the purposes of this definition, a heavy metal is understood to be a metal which has a density of at least 5.0 g / cm³. In particular, gold with a density of 19.32 g / cm³ and silver with a density of 10.49 g / cm³ are considered heavy metals.

[0036] The term "rare earth metal" (also called "rare earth element") refers to the chemical elements of group 3 of the periodic table (with the exception of actinium) and the lanthanides – a total of 17 elements. For the sake of simplicity, the distinction between heavy metals and rare earth metals will be omitted hereafter. The term "heavy metal" therefore also encompasses the rare earth metals. Consequently, the processes described for heavy metals also apply to rare earth metals.

[0037] The use of terms such as heavy metals, rare earth metals, and other metals herein serves for clarity. These terms may also be used interchangeably.

[0038] In this context, a centrifugate is understood to be a volume of suspension leaving a first processing stage, containing suspended rocks, sediments, and in particular heavy metals or rare earth elements. The terms centrifugate and suspension are used interchangeably here.

[0039] The first process stage can be a centrifugal separator. It can also be a gravel or sand washing plant. In principle, all plants / devices from which a suspension emerges containing heavy metals to be purified or recovered are referred to as the first process stage. The first process stage can be, but does not necessarily have to be, part of the system according to the invention. The purpose of the first process stage is to provide the centrifugate.

[0040] A centrifugal separator (here used synonymously with hydrocyclone) is used to separate solid particles from suspensions, employing centrifugal forces generated by creating a vortex flow. Hydrocyclones typically have at least an upper and a lower stream. A suspension is fed into the hydrocyclone and subjected to the centrifugal forces acting there. The heavier fraction of the suspension exits the hydrocyclone via the lower stream. The lighter fraction exits the hydrocyclone via the upper stream. The centrifugate exits the hydrocyclone via the lower stream and / or the upper stream. Depending on which stream the centrifugate exits the hydrocyclone from, it is classified as upper stream centrifugate and lower stream centrifugate. Both fractions can be of interest for the recovery of heavy metals.When the centrifugate leaves the upper course, it is called upper course centrifugate. When the centrifugate leaves the lower course, it is called lower course centrifugate. Since the choice of which of the two centrifugates is considered most productive depends on the expert's judgment, and since centrifugates that are not discharged from a hydrocyclone are also included, the distinction between upper course and lower course centrifugate will not be made hereafter. Instead, only the term "centrifugate" will be used.

[0041] A concentration unit is a technical element designed to filter the centrifuged material in such a way as to obtain the heavy metals to be purified or recovered. A concentration unit can, for example, comprise a vibrating screen, as is known from the prior art. The concentration unit is located downstream of the first process stage, where the first process stage is defined as any device that provides the centrifuged material. It is also conceivable that at least two or more concentration units are connected in series. The advantage of this is that the yield of heavy metals is increased.

[0042] A second process stage refers to a technical element used for the recovery of a heavy metal. The centrifugate exiting the first process stage also passes through the second process stage. During this process, particles suspended in the centrifugate (such as heavy metals) are extracted or purified. A second process stage can be followed by at least one further process stage, which advantageously increases the heavy metal yield.

[0043] Preferably, the concentration process is fully automated, for example, by having it performed by a computing unit described below through the control of individual components (e.g., an angle adjustment device, vibration device, flow control unit, surface shaping device, drum longitudinal axis angle adjustment device, drum drive) of the system according to the invention. Advantageously, the concentration process can thus be carried out cost-effectively.

[0044] According to a further development of the invention, the concentration unit additionally has an angle adjustment means, which is configured to arrange the concentration section in relation to the earth's surface at at least one angle, wherein the concentration section is configured to be overflowed by the centrifugate.

[0045] The concentration section is encompassed by the concentration unit and can be designed, for example, as a grid, mesh, fleece, or a combination of at least one of these. The concentration section is configured to filter the centrifugate in order to separate suspended particles (such as heavy metals) from the centrifugate. At least one further concentration section can be downstream of a concentration section, which advantageously increases the heavy metal yield.

[0046] The angle adjustment device can be a technical element designed to set the angle of the concentration section relative to the Earth's surface. For example, an angle adjustment device could be an electric motor that raises or lowers the concentration section on at least one side. Alternatively, the angle adjustment device could be a manually operated element. By raising or lowering one side of the concentration section, the flow mechanics of the centrifuged material flowing over the concentration section can be advantageously modified. This allows the flow mechanics to be adjusted so that the particle sizes to be purified can be optimally removed from the centrifuged material. Preferably, the angle adjustment device is controlled by a control unit and / or a computing unit.

[0047] Preferably, the concentration section is arranged at an angle of 0° to 45°, particularly preferably at an angle of 0° to 35°, most preferably at an angle of 0° to 25°, and further preferably at an angle of 0° to 15° relative to the Earth's surface. The angle defines a gradient and thus influences the flow mechanics as described above.

[0048] Overflow refers to the movement of the centrifuged material across a surface, particularly a concentration section. The centrifuged material moves along the concentration section at a flow velocity. The design of the concentration section can influence the flow velocity. For example, the concentration section can narrow in the direction of the flow velocity, thereby increasing the flow velocity in the narrowed section. A widening of the concentration section in the direction of the flow velocity has the opposite effect.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the concentration section has a structured surface facing the centrifugate, which is designed for concentrating or recovering the heavy metal and / or the rare earth metal (2.0).

[0050] The structured surface can be designed in any desired way. For example, mats (miners' moss) are known from the prior art, which can be used to extract gold particles from a suspension flowing over the mat. However, a structured surface can also be designed like expanded metal or a rubber mat. The precise design of the structured surface depends on various factors, such as particle size, flow rate, and viscosity of the centrifuged material flowing over it. The particles suspended in the centrifuged material have a size of 0.01 to 400 mm, preferably a size of 0.01 to 40 mm, particularly preferably a size of 0.01 to 20 mm, and most preferably a size of 0.1 to 10 mm.

[0051] The particles to be purified or concentrated can be part of a polydisperse system. This means that the particles are not all the same size, but vary in size. A particle size distribution indicates the percentage of particles of a specific size (or within a specific size interval). These intervals are also called size classes or fractions. Preferably, the invention is designed such that particles of different sizes can be purified. This can be achieved, for example, by passing the polydisperse system / suspension containing particles of different sizes through differently configured concentration sections, so that the various fractions, or at least a portion of the fractions within a desired particle size range, can be isolated / purified from the suspension.

[0052] According to a further development of the invention, the concentration unit has a vibration means which is designed to set the concentration section, in particular the structured surface, into oscillations or vibrations.

[0053] The vibrations can preferably be controlled by a control unit or a computer unit that drives the vibrating medium. The vibrating medium can advantageously influence the flow behavior of the centrifuged material across the concentration section, thereby improving, for example, the separation of adhering particles. A concentration unit that can be set into vibration, which, apart from a surface shaping agent or a structured surface, is essentially designed as a planar element, can also be called a vibrating table.

[0054] Preferably, the vibration device comprises at least one electrically driven motor (also: electric motor), which is preferably connected to the concentration section via a mechanism and sets it into oscillation / vibration when activated. However, it is also conceivable that the vibration device is pneumatically driven. For example, in normal use, a pneumatic or hydraulic cushion can be arranged below the concentration section, which is alternately filled with a gas or liquid to periodically change its expansion. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for an electric motor, thereby reducing the system's maintenance requirements.

[0055] If an electrically driven motor is used, a direct drive inverter motor, for example, can be employed. Furthermore, suitable motor-gearbox combinations or motor-hydraulic combinations can be used for the function according to the invention.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the vibration medium can comprise at least one electromagnetic decoupler. An electromagnetic decoupler is understood to be a device that can, for example, set the concentration section into oscillations or vibrations as described above. The advantage of using an electromagnetic decoupler is that the concentration section can be mechanically decoupled from the vibration medium. As a result, the device according to the invention comprises fewer mechanical parts that require maintenance.

[0057] The person skilled in the art can design the electromechanical decoupler according to the requirements. The electromechanical decoupler can be controlled via the control unit described below. It can also be provided that the electromagnetic decoupler sets other areas or elements of the device according to the invention into oscillations or vibrations.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the vibration device comprises a combination of at least one motor as described above and / or at least one electromechanical decoupler. By combining a motor with an electromechanical decoupler, the advantages of both devices can be combined. For example, the motor could be designed to vibrate the concentration section in a horizontal direction relative to the ground, while the electromechanical decoupler vibrates the concentration section in a vertical direction relative to the ground. This advantageously increases the yield of the particles to be purified.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the concentration unit has at least two successive concentration sections, wherein the structured surface of each concentration section is not identical to the structured surface of the subsequent concentration section. By having two differently designed structured surfaces in succession, the concentration of the heavy metal or rare earth metal is advantageously improved. For example, the upstream concentration section can perform pre-filtration, and the downstream concentration section, which has a differently designed structured surface, can perform fine filtration.

[0060] In this context, filtration means that a material to be purified, such as a heavy metal or a rare earth metal, passes through a structured surface which, due to its design and the associated fluid-mechanical properties, extracts the material to be purified from the suspension, as is known from gold sluices, corrugated sheets and the like.

[0061] The first concentration section can, for example, have a coarser grid, and the subsequent concentration section a finer grid (a grid with a smaller mesh size than the coarser one). It is also possible for the first concentration section to have a finer grid and the second concentration section a coarser grid. Of course, a gold panning mat or similar material can be used instead of a grid. A person skilled in the art will select the series of concentration sections in such a way as to obtain the highest possible yield with the chosen combination of sections.

[0062] A gold panning mat can be made of, for example, textile, rubber, or plastic. Combinations of at least one of these materials are also possible.

[0063] However, it is also possible to design the structured surfaces of the cascaded concentration sections in the same way. This advantageously extends the effective length of the concentration section, where in this case the concentration section comprises the first concentration section as well as the second concentration section that follows it.

[0064] According to a further development of the invention, the concentration unit is arranged downstream of the upper and / or lower course such that the centrifugate flows through the concentration section without any external energy input. Thus, no electrical energy is advantageously required for this process.

[0065] External energy input occurs, for example, through the supply of electrical energy to the system according to the invention. The source of the electrical energy is irrelevant. If the centrifuged material leaves a first process stage, it is obvious that the first process stage (e.g., a hydrocyclone) also consumes electrical energy. Therefore, the external energy input relates only to the second and any subsequent further process stages.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the concentration unit comprises a flow control unit, which is configured to set a volume and / or the flow velocity along a flow direction of the centrifugate flowing over the concentration section.

[0067] A flow control unit is configured to influence the volume of the centrifuged material moving through the concentration unit, particularly along the concentration section, within a given time interval. Furthermore, the flow control unit can be configured to influence the flow velocity at which the centrifuged material moves through the concentration unit, particularly along the concentration section. The flow control unit is preferably controlled by a control unit and / or a processing unit.

[0068] In order for the flow control unit to perform the function(s) described above, it preferably comprises at least one pneumatic or hydraulic means. This pneumatic or hydraulic means is configured to narrow or widen the concentration path, at least in sections. For example, the pneumatic or hydraulic means can be designed as at least one flexible container (e.g., a balloon or cushion) that increases its volume upon the introduction of a gas or liquid. This process is preferably reversible.

[0069] In a further embodiment, the flow control unit comprises at least one plate valve and / or a butterfly valve actuated by a motor element and / or another technical means for controlling the flow velocity and / or the flow rate of the centrifuged material. Advantageously, the flow velocity can thus also be influenced manually along a flow direction.

[0070] The flow rate of the centrifuged product along the concentration section influences the efficiency of particle purification. A person skilled in the art can determine the optimal flow rate based on the yield that correlates with that flow rate.

[0071] The direction of flow is defined as the direction in which the centrifugate moves through the concentration unit, in particular over the concentration path.

[0072] According to a further development of the invention, the concentration unit comprises a surface shaping agent which is configured to change the shape of the structured surface during operation and / or during standstill of the system. The surface shaping agent is preferably controlled via a control unit and / or a computing unit.

[0073] The surface shaping means can be designed such that it includes means for varying the mesh size of a grid or the height of the lamellae of a washing trough or washing mat. Preferably, the surface shaping means can perform this function during operation and / or during standstill of the system according to the invention.

[0074] The shape of the structured surface of one concentration section can differ from that of a subsequent concentration section. Possible shapes of structured surfaces are known from the prior art. For the purification of gold particles from a suspension, grids, mats, or expanded metal sheets are most commonly used. Each of these materials has a different structure.

[0075] Operation and standstill of the system refer to times when the system performs its intended function (purification, extraction of particles from a suspension) (operation) or does not perform it (standstill).

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, at least two concentration units, in particular at least two concentration sections, are arranged such that only one of the concentration sections is exposed to the centrifugate at any given time. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the concentration sections in parallel. Thus, while at least one of the concentration sections is always exposed to the centrifugate during operation, the other concentration sections remain "dry." Advantageously, this makes it possible to replace at least one of the concentration sections with another during operation or when the system is shut down. It is therefore advantageous to be able to replace a "full" concentration section (e.g., a mat loaded with particles) with an "empty" concentration section even during operation.Furthermore, maintenance work can be carried out in or on a concentration section without interrupting the ongoing operation of the system. It is therefore also possible to replace at least one of the concentration sections during operation without bringing the system according to the invention to a standstill. Additionally, redundancy of the concentration sections is advantageously achieved.

[0077] According to another embodiment, the surface shaping means has at least one servo motor element, and / or one piezoelectric element, and / or one hydraulic element, and / or one pneumatic element.

[0078] A servomotor element is a special type of electric motor that allows control of the angular position of its motor shaft, as well as its rotational speed and acceleration. A servomotor element comprises an electric motor that is additionally equipped with a sensor for position determination. Various servomotor elements are known from the prior art. Preferably, the servomotor element is connected to a mechanism designed to transmit the force generated by the servomotor element to the structured surface in order to influence its structure as described above. The servomotor element is preferably controlled via a control unit and / or a processing unit.

[0079] A piezoelectric element (also called a piezoelectric element) performs a mechanical movement when an electrical voltage is applied. Piezoelectric elements have short switching times. For example, the lamellae of a washing trough or washing mat could be coupled with piezoelectric elements, allowing the height or angle of the lamellae relative to the ground to be changed. This can advantageously influence the flow mechanics of the centrifuged material flowing over the concentration section.

[0080] While a hydraulic element is operated with a fluid, a pneumatic element is operated with a gas. The purpose of both elements is the same: to influence the structure of the textured surface described above. Both elements are preferably controlled via a control unit and / or a computing unit.

[0081] According to one embodiment, a piezoelectric element or a hydraulic / pneumatic element is arranged within the concentration unit so that the distance of the concentration section to the Earth's surface is changed, thereby influencing the flow mechanics of the centrifugate flowing over the concentration section.

[0082] According to further training, the concentration section includes an expanded metal sheet and / or a washing trough and / or a washing mat, wherein the expanded metal sheet, the washing trough and the washing mat are designed to concentrate the heavy metal.

[0083] According to a further development, a nozzle is arranged opposite the concentration section, wherein this nozzle is designed to spray the concentration section with a medium, wherein the medium is designed to wash the heavy metal or rare earth metal to be concentrated off the concentration section.

[0084] The medium is preferably a liquid such as water. However, it can also be another medium, such as a gaseous medium (e.g., air).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the concentration unit has a collection tray designed to collect the heavy metal washed off the medium.

[0086] To improve the hydrodynamic properties of the suspension flowing over the corrugations of the expanded metal sheet, a rubber mat can be used so that the suspension flows between the rubber mat and the corrugations.

[0087] Expanded metal sheets (also known as expanded metal mesh), sluices, and washing mats are elements used to extract particles from a centrifugal fluid flowing over them. The specific design of these elements creates turbulence, which separates heavier particles (e.g., gold) from lighter particles (e.g., sediment, pebbles). A variety of differently shaped expanded metal sheets, sluices, washing mats, and the like are known to those skilled in the art and can be used for the system according to the invention.

[0088] According to a further embodiment, the structured surface is designed as part of an endless belt, wherein the endless belt is mounted on at least two rotating axes, the rotating axes being configured to move the endless belt, the endless belt, and in particular the structured surface, moving with or against the flow direction of the centrifuged material. The endless belt, and in particular at least one of the rotating axes, is preferably controlled by a control unit and / or a computing unit.

[0089] The endless belt has an upper and a lower side (also: top and bottom). When used as intended, the lower side is closer to the Earth's center than the upper side, which is opposite the lower side. The lower and upper sides transition into each other at the rotating axes, which mark the reversal points. Thus, at one reversal point, the upper side becomes the lower side, and at the next reversal point, it becomes the upper side again.

[0090] The endless belt is essentially a conveyor belt-like element. Its function is to position sections of the belt, particularly sections of the concentration section, so that the centrifuged material no longer flows over these sections. For this to work, the structured surface must either be flexible enough to move around the rotating axis, or it must be divided into successive individual segments, provided the structured surface is made of a material with high stiffness, such as a metal used, for example, in the expanded metal sheets or washing troughs employed in the prior art.

[0091] According to a further embodiment, the endless belt has at least one magnetic element configured to extract metallic earths from the suspension. This offers the advantage that, in addition to heavy metals or rare earths, magnetic metals can also be recovered from the suspension. This is particularly advantageous because the magnetic metals iron, cobalt, and nickel have a significantly lower density than gold or other heavy metals and can therefore also be purified using the device according to the invention, even though they have different hydrodynamic properties than the heavy metal to be purified.

[0092] Advantageously, the endless belt allows for the section-by-section removal of the structured surface and the particles adhering to it from the liquid stream of the centrifugate flowing over the concentration section during operation / standstill of the system.

[0093] In another embodiment, a rinsing device is arranged between the top and bottom surfaces of the endless belt. This device generates a fluid flow of gas or liquid towards the bottom surface of the endless belt. The particles collected by the structured surface of the bottom surface (previously the top surface was exposed to the centrifuged material) are removed from the bottom surface by the fluid flow of the rinsing device. A transport device can be arranged below the rinsing device and below the bottom surface, onto which the removed particles fall. The transport device conveys the particles, in particular the heavy metals to be purified, from the second process stage. The rinsing device is preferably controlled by a control unit and / or a processing unit.

[0094] The rotating axes are preferably cylindrical in shape, with at least one of the rotating axes being set in rotation by a technical means, such as an electric motor, which is preferably controlled by a control unit and / or a computing unit to regulate its speed. The section of the endless belt mounted on the rotating axle can also be set in rotation by sufficient friction between the endless belt and the rotating axle. Alternatively, the endless belt can engage with the rotating axle in a V-belt-like manner.

[0095] According to further training, the concentration section, in particular the structured surface, is designed to perform a movement orthogonal or at an angle to the flow direction of the centrifuged material.

[0096] An orthogonal movement to the flow direction is understood to be a movement that occurs essentially at an angle of preferably 90° to the flow direction. Advantageously, this allows for additional influence on the fluid-mechanical properties of the centrifuged material, so that these properties are not solely dependent on the design of the structured surface. This further advantageously improves the yield of the heavy metal to be purified and / or other metal described herein. An orthogonal movement to the flow direction also includes movements of the structured surface that deviate from an angle of 90°. Thus, angular ranges of 10° to 90°, particularly preferably 25° to 90°, and most preferably 45° to 90° can be realized. In the case of an angle deviating from 90°, the structured surface moves at an angle, i.e., not parallel to the flow direction of the centrifuged material.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the concentration unit has at least one drum, wherein the structured surface of the concentration section forms at least sectionally an interior of a drum facing the centrifugate, wherein the centrifugate passes / flows through the drum, and wherein the drum is configured to rotate at a rotational speed about a drum longitudinal axis.

[0098] Preferably, the rotational speed can be influenced by a computing unit and / or control unit described below.

[0099] A drum can be designed such that it is essentially a cylindrical frame structure. At least one, but preferably more than one, concentration section can be arranged within this frame structure. The inner surface of the drum is preferably formed from adjacent concentration sections with structured surfaces. The inner surface of the drum can be prismatic, provided that the concentration sections that can be inserted into the drum are essentially flat rectangles. However, it is also conceivable that the concentration sections are curved, with the curvature of the concentration section essentially corresponding to the curvature of the cylindrical surface.

[0100] Advantageously, one or more concentration sections can be rotated around the drum's longitudinal axis in a revolver-like fashion. This makes it possible to easily exchange different concentration sections with differently designed, structured surfaces. The concentration section best suited to the intended application of the system can then be selected. Preferably, the drum's rotation can be controlled by a control unit described below and / or manually.

[0101] The individual concentration sections can preferably be removed from the drum independently of one another, particularly from the outer wall of the drum. Advantageously, this allows one or more concentration sections to be removed or replaced even during system operation. It can also be provided that a rinsing device as described above is arranged inside a drum to remove the collected particles from a concentration unit via the fluid flow of the rinsing device. A transport device can be arranged below the rinsing device and below the concentration section, onto which the particles removed from the concentration section by the rinsing device fall. The transport device conveys the particles, in particular the heavy metals to be purified, from the second process stage.The flushing device is preferably controlled by a control unit and / or a computing unit.

[0102] The drum can be rotated during operation or standstill until one of the concentration sections is continuously overflowed by the centrifugate. Adjacent concentration sections can have entirely different surface structures. Advantageously, the rotation of the drum ensures that the desired concentration section is overflowed by the centrifugate at short intervals. The rotational speed of the drum, or the degree of inclination of the drum's longitudinal axis relative to the ground, is preferably controlled by a control unit and / or a processing unit.

[0103] The drum's longitudinal axis is the axis that passes through the center of the cylindrical or prismatic drum. Preferably, the drum's longitudinal axis is arranged at the same angle to the Earth's surface as the concentration section. The angle at which the drum's longitudinal axis is oriented to the Earth's surface is also called the drum's longitudinal axis angle.

[0104] According to a further development, the drum longitudinal axis is oriented parallel to the earth's surface or the drum longitudinal axis forms a drum longitudinal axis angle with the earth's surface, wherein the drum longitudinal axis angle is designed to be adjusted by a drum longitudinal axis angle adjusting device.

[0105] This makes it advantageous to improve the fluid-mechanical properties of the concentration section or the centrifugate flowing over the concentration section encompassed by the drum, thereby improving the yield of the heavy metals, rare earths or other metals (e.g. magnetic metals) to be purified with the system according to the invention.

[0106] According to a further development, the longitudinal axis is oriented parallel to the Earth's surface or the longitudinal axis forms a longitudinal axis angle with the Earth's surface, the longitudinal axis angle being designed to be adjusted by a longitudinal axis angle adjusting device.

[0107] The drum longitudinal axis angle adjustment device, similar to the angle adjustment device described above, is a technical element designed to adjust the angle of the drum relative to the ground. A drum longitudinal axis angle adjustment device can, for example, be an electric motor that raises or lowers the concentration section on at least one side. Alternatively, the drum longitudinal axis angle adjustment device can also be a manually operated element. By raising or lowering one side of the drum, the flow mechanics of the centrifuged material flowing over the concentration section inside the drum can be advantageously altered. This allows the flow mechanics to be adjusted so that the particle sizes to be purified can be optimally removed from the centrifuged material.Preferably, the drum longitudinal axis angle adjustment device is controlled via a control unit and / or a computing unit.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the drum is arranged to be set in rotation about the longitudinal axis of the drum by the kinetic energy of the centrifugate passing / flowing through the drum or by a drum drive.

[0109] If the flow velocity of the centrifuged material is sufficient to rotate the drum, energy can be advantageously saved for operating the system. Alternatively, the drum can also be rotated manually. Preferably, however, the drum is rotated by a drum drive, which is preferably a servo motor, preferably controlled by a control unit or a computing unit. Other types of motors are also conceivable in further embodiments. The motors used can also drive the drum via a gearbox.

[0110] In a further embodiment, the system comprises a drum hydraulic system and / or a drum pneumatic system configured to change the drum's longitudinal axis relative to the ground surface. This advantageously allows the drum, and in particular the concentration section enclosed by the drum, to be changed in its spatial position in such a way as to improve the hydrodynamic properties of the centrifugate flowing over the concentration section, thereby increasing the yield of the metal, heavy metal, or rare earth element to be purified. Preferably, the drum hydraulic system and / or the drum pneumatic system is controlled by a control unit.

[0111] According to further training, the system has a control unit which is configured to control the angle adjustment device and / or the vibration device and / or the flow control unit and / or the surface shaping device and / or the drum longitudinal axis angle adjustment device and / or the drum drive in order to influence the angle, and / or the vibrations and / or the volume of the centrifugate and / or the flow rate of the centrifugate and / or the shape of the structured surface and / or the drum longitudinal axis angle and / or the rotation of the drum, wherein the control is dependent on sensor data.

[0112] According to a further development, the system has a control unit, which is configured to control the angle adjustment means and / or the vibration means and / or the flow control unit and / or the surface shaping means and / or the longitudinal axis angle adjustment means and / or to change the rotational speed of the concentration section about the longitudinal axis, wherein the control or the change is preferably dependent on sensor data.

[0113] The control unit is an element of the system according to the invention, which is configured to control the processes described above according to the specifications for optimal yield. A control unit preferably also includes a control system which, depending on sensor data, activates the corresponding described means in order to influence, for example, fluid-mechanical properties.

[0114] Controlling, as defined here, is a process which leads to the activation and / or deactivation of one of the means described above, in particular the angle adjustment means, the vibration means, the flow control unit, the surface shaping means, the drum longitudinal axis angle adjustment means or the drum drive.

[0115] Relevant sensor data, which are queried by the control unit, relate to the fluid mechanical properties or parameters described below, such as angular positions, particle size (also: mean size), flow rate of the centrifugate, fluid mechanical properties of the centrifugate, conductivity of the centrifugate, composition of the centrifugate, density of the centrifugate, drum rotation speed, etc.

[0116] By generating and querying the sensor data, it can be advantageously achieved that the control unit, especially in combination with a computing unit, can independently control the corresponding means described above (e.g. concentration unit, angle adjustment means, vibration means, flow control unit, surface shaping means, endless belt, drum hydraulics / pneumatics) in order to achieve optimal yield / improved purification.

[0117] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the computing unit includes an artificial intelligence (AI) configured to interpret the collected sensor data and, depending on the determined parameters, transmit control signals to the means. Instead of an AI, an algorithm included in the control or computing unit can also be trained to interpret the sensor data.

[0118] The invention further relates to a method for the hydrodynamic concentration of at least one heavy metal, in particular gold and / or silver, and / or at least one rare earth metal from a centrifugate leaving a first process stage, in particular a centrifugal separator, wherein a first process stage, in particular a centrifugal separator, is provided, wherein this has at least an upper course and a lower course, wherein the centrifugate is provided, which leaves the first process stage, in particular the centrifugal separator, via the upper course and / or the lower course, wherein a concentration unit is provided, wherein the concentration unit of the first process stage, in particular the upper course and / or the lower course of the centrifugal separator, is arranged such that the centrifugate can flow over the concentration unit, in particular a concentration section, with or without an external energy input.

[0119] According to a further embodiment, the invention relates to a method for the hydrodynamic concentration of at least one heavy metal, in particular gold and / or silver, and / or at least one rare earth metal from a centrifugate leaving a first process stage, wherein the centrifugate leaving the first process stage is provided, wherein a concentration unit is provided, and wherein the concentration unit is arranged downstream of the first process stage such that the centrifugate can flow over the concentration unit with or without an external energy input.

[0120] Hydrodynamic concentration or extraction is a process in which particles of a heavy metal (e.g., gold, silver) or particles of a rare earth metal are obtained from a suspension, in particular the centrifugate.

[0121] According to one embodiment, an angle that the concentration distance has in relation to the earth's surface is determined by at least a first sensor unit and transmitted as angle sensor data to at least one computing unit.

[0122] A first sensor unit is configured to determine this angle. Various methods are known to those skilled in the art to achieve this. For example, the angle can be determined via the deflection of a potentiometer, the expansion of strain gauges, or optical means (e.g., a camera). Preferably, the first sensor unit transmits the determined angle continuously or at distinct time intervals to a control unit and / or a processing unit.

[0123] Angle sensor data encompasses all data that allows conclusions to be drawn about the position of an element, such as a concentration path, in relation to the Earth's surface or to other elements. Angle sensor data is preferably transmitted to a control unit and / or a processing unit.

[0124] A computing unit is understood to be a technical device designed for processing data. A computing unit can be a computer (also called a computer system) or a computer system consisting of several interconnected computers. According to a preferred embodiment, the computing unit comprises an artificial intelligence (also called AI) configured to interpret the collected sensor data and, depending on the determined parameters, transmit control signals to the devices to be controlled (e.g., motors, pumps, etc.). An advantage of using an AI for this intended task is that the AI ​​is able to independently intervene in the control process to optimize the yield of particles to be purified from the centrifuged material.

[0125] According to further training, fluid mechanical properties of the centrifugate, such as the flow rate of the centrifugate (especially flow velocity), are determined by at least a second sensor unit and transmitted as centrifugate sensor data to the computing unit (and / or the control unit).

[0126] Fluid-mechanical properties of the centrifugate include, among other things, the flow velocity, mean particle size, temperature, and chemical composition of the centrifugate. Those skilled in the art are aware of means by which these physical properties (hereinafter also referred to as measurands) or parameters can be determined. Furthermore, those skilled in the art are aware of means for acquiring the determined measurands using electronic circuits and processing them electronically.

[0127] A second sensor unit is understood to be a means which is designed to determine at least one of the fluid mechanical properties / parameters described above in order to transmit the obtained data to a computing unit and / or a control unit.

[0128] The parameters / fluid-mechanical properties transmitted from the second sensor unit to the processing unit or the control unit are referred to as centrifugate sensor data. Preferably, fluid-mechanical properties of the suspension leaving the concentration unit are also recorded (by at least a third sensor unit). This suspension is referred to here as the purified fraction and contains the particles at a higher concentration than the centrifugate. The purified fraction can, of course, be chemically identical in composition to the centrifugate. When using a rinsing device, additional substances can be introduced, which mix with the centrifugate, so that the purified fraction contains the chemical composition of the centrifugate and the additional substances.These additional substances may be chemicals that support the recovery of heavy metals in subsequent processes. However, these subsequent processes are not part of the inventive method or system.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the angle and / or the fluid-mechanical properties are set by the processing unit based on the determined angle sensor data and / or centrifugate sensor data, with the processing unit controlling a control unit as described above. It goes without saying that not all fluid-mechanical properties can be set. For example, the average particle size of the particles to be cleaned is predetermined.

[0130] According to a further development, a concentration section, controlled by the processing unit, is set into oscillation / vibration by a vibrating medium, wherein the amplitude and periodicity of the oscillations / vibrations depend on the determined angle sensor data and / or the determined centrifugate sensor data. Preferably, the amplitude and periodicity are also dependent on fluid-mechanical properties of the purified fraction, which are determined by the third sensor unit.

[0131] Preferably, the control unit and / or the computing unit are configured to acquire and integrate all sensor data, in particular the data from the first sensor unit, the second sensor unit and the third sensor unit, and to intervene in a controlling manner depending on the sensor data in order to optimize the yield of the particles to be purified.

[0132] According to another embodiment, the shape of a structured surface, controlled by the computing unit, is set by a surface shaping agent according to the determined angle sensor data and / or determined centrifugate sensor data as described above.

[0133] Preferably, the computing unit can decide, without human intervention, how to set / adjust the shape of the structured surface to obtain optimal yield.

[0134] The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer or a computing unit, cause it to execute the method according to the invention. The computer program product is preferably executed by the control unit or the computing unit. The computing unit need not be located at the same location as the control unit. Instead, the computing unit can be located at a remote location, such as a server center. If the computing unit is located at a remote location, data such as sensor data or control signals must be transmitted to and from the computing unit via telecommunications. Suitable transmission means are known to those skilled in the art.

[0135] The invention further relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer or computing unit, cause it to execute the method according to the invention. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, a CD-ROM, a USB flash drive, or another means on which data can be stored and retrieved.

[0136] The invention also relates to a data carrier signal that transmits the computer program product completely or partially. The data carrier signal can be transmitted via various means known to those skilled in the art (e.g., mobile communications, fiber optic connection, electronically).

[0137] The invention further relates to a heavy metal concentration module (hereinafter also referred to as module) for concentrating at least one heavy metal and / or a rare earth metal, wherein the module is downstream of a first process stage, wherein the module comprises a heavy metal concentration system according to the invention, and wherein the module can be transported by means of transport.

[0138] The invention further relates to a heavy metal concentration module (hereinafter also referred to as module) for concentrating at least one heavy metal and / or a rare earth metal, wherein the module is downstream of a first, second or further process stage, wherein the module comprises a heavy metal concentration system according to the invention, and wherein the module is equipped to be transported by a means of transport.

[0139] The heavy metal concentration module can include at least one duplex jig, and / or vibrating table, and / or pump module. The pump module is preferably configured to convey the centrifugate from the hydrocyclone to the heavy metal concentration module.

[0140] A means of transport comprises a device designed to transport the module, and in particular the system, according to the invention. The means of transport can, for example, be a trailer that can be attached to a car. The module is preferably arranged inside a container. This advantageously allows for easy transport of the module to the place of use.

[0141] According to a further training, the module includes a means designed to convey a centrifuged product from the first process stage to the heavy metal concentration system (enclosed by the module). This means can be, for example, a hose connection, a pipe connection, a chute, a channel, or an endless conveyor belt. Preferably, the module, and in particular the system enclosed by the module, is positioned so that the centrifuged product can enter the module without external energy input. However, pumps or other aids can also be provided to convey the centrifuged product into the module. Advantageously, the module can also be arranged above the outlet of a process stage from which the centrifuged product emerges.

[0142] According to a further embodiment, the module is designed to determine at least part of the composition of the centrifugate, whereby the module identifies parameters that indicate whether the centrifugate is suitable for concentrating at least one heavy metal and / or at least one rare earth metal. To determine these parameters / fluid-mechanical properties, the module includes at least a second and / or a third sensor unit.

[0143] The module can be used to determine the expected yield of a centrifuged product to be purified. Because the module is so compact that it fits on a trailer, it can be transported to the site and positioned there to determine the potential yield.

[0144] Preferably, an AI is able to determine the yield, whereupon the module either remains at the point of use or is replaced at the point of use by a system according to the invention, which remains permanently at the point of use. The module has the advantage of being easy to replace. Thus, if a module fails, an intact module can be connected in parallel, and the defective module can be taken to a location remote from the point of use for repair. Therefore, the extraction of a heavy metal or other metal defined herein does not have to be interrupted for the duration of the repair of the defective module. This also advantageously results in module redundancy, which is particularly important during maintenance work on at least one module.

[0145] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below. EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0146] Examples of implementation are shown below. Fig. 1: a schematic representation of a heavy metal concentration system (1.0) which is downstream of a first process stage (4.0), here the upper course (5.1) of a centrifugal separator (5.0). Fig. 2: a schematic representation of a concentration unit (6.0) with a concentration section (6.1) arranged at an angle (7.0), over which a centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) flows. Fig. 3: a schematic representation of a concentration unit (6.0) with a concentration section (6.1) arranged at an angle (7.0) and having a structured surface (8.0) over which a centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) flows. Fig. 4: a schematic representation of a concentration unit (6.0) having two successive structured surfaces (8.1, 8.2) Fig. 5:a schematic representation of a concentration unit (6.0) which has an endless belt (9.0) which is moved against the flow direction (3.0) of the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2). Fig. 6A-B: Arrangements of the flow direction (3.0) of the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) in relation to the direction of movement (3.3 / 9.2) of the structured surface (8.0) Fig. 7: a schematic representation of a rotating drum (10.0) through which the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) flows Fig. 8A-C: Schematic representations of a heavy metal concentration module (12.0) Fig. 9A An oblique view of the device according to the invention showing the drum frame (10.4), collection tray (14.0) and nozzles (14.1) Fig. 9B Cross-sectional view of the device according to the invention with an unused concentration section (6.4)

[0147] In Fig. 1A A schematic representation of an embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown. The heavy metal concentration system(1.0) In this example, it comprises a first process stage. (4.0), which is a second process stage (4.1) is subordinate. In this case, the first process stage is (4.0) from a centrifugal separator (5.0) formed. The centrifugal separator (5.0) has an upper course (5.1) and a lower course (5.2) up. From the upper reaches (5.1) The centrifugate / suspension (not shown) enters the concentration unit (6.0). The arrow indicates the direction of flow. (3.0) of the centrifuged product (not shown). The concentration unit (6.0) In this example, this represents the second process stage. (4.1) of the heavy metal concentration system (1.0) From the second process stage (4.1) This could be the concentrated heavy metal (not shown) or the rare earth metal. (2.0) can be taken from the Fig. 1B shows a of Fig. 1A modified system (1.0),in which the concentration unit (6.0) the lower course (5.2) a centrifugal separator (5.0) is subordinate.

[0148] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a concentration unit (6.0), the one concentration section (6.1) exhibits. The concentration range (6.1) can be adjusted at an angle by means of an angle adjustment device not shown (7.0) are arranged in relation to the Earth's surface. The concentration distance (6.1) is from a centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) overflowing, in which the heavy metal (2.0) or the rare earth metal (2.0) is suspended.

[0149] The Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a concentration unit (6.0), one of the centrifuges (3.1, 3.2) Facing structured surface (8.0) exhibits. The centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) overflows the structured surface (8.0)along the direction of flow (3.0) of the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2).

[0150] The Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a concentration unit (6.0), the first structured surface (8.1) and a second structured surface (8.2) features both structured surfaces (8.1, 8.2) the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) are facing each other. The centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) overflows the two structured surfaces (8.1, 8.2) along the direction of flow (3.0) of the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2).

[0151] The Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a concentration unit (6.0), one of the centrifuges (3.1, 3.2) Facing structured surface (8.0) exhibits which from the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) along the direction of flow (3.0) is overflowing. The structured surface (8.0) is part of an endless tape (9.0)designed. Through the movement of rotating axes. (9.1) can the endless tape (9.0) in this example contrary to (3.3) the flow direction (3.0) of the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) be moved so that more efficient purification of the heavy metal is possible. (2.0) from the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) can be achieved.

[0152] The Fig. 6A shows one design of the structured surface (8.0), which are orthogonal, i.e. at an angle (7.1), in this case an angle of 90° to the flow direction (3.0) of the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) moves (3.3). The longitudinal axes of the rotating axes are (9.1) parallel to the flow direction (3.0) of the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) arranged. The direction of movement (3.3) the structured surface (3.1, 3.2) In this example, the flow direction is orthogonal to the flow direction. (3.0) of the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) The Fig. 6Bessentially shows the same thing as Fig. 6A , except that the angle (7.1) a less than 90° because of the direction of movement (3.3 / 9.2) which is a continuous tape (9.0) designed structured surface (8.0) obliquely to the direction of flow (3.0) of the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) This has been done.

[0153] The Fig. 7A schematically shows a structured surface (8.0), the inside of a drum (10.0) lines the drum (10.0) It rotates at a rotational speed around a longitudinal drum axis. (10.1) along a direction of rotation (9.3), during the centrifugation (3.1, 3.2) the drum (10.0) through which flow occurs. The direction of movement (3.3 / 9.3) the structured surface (8.0) closes with the flow direction (3.0) of the centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) an angle (7.1) one. The Fig. 7B shows a parallel alignment of the drum's longitudinal axis(10.1) with the Earth's surface. The Fig. 7C shows a non-parallel alignment of the drum's longitudinal axis (10.1) to the Earth's surface, with the drum's longitudinal axis (10.1) a drum longitudinal axis angle with the Earth's surface (10.2) includes.

[0154] The Fig. 8A shows a vehicle (11.0) positioned heavy metal concentration module (12.0). The means of transport (11.0) moves the heavy metal concentration module (12.0) to its deployment location. Fig. 8B shows a heavy metal concentration module unloaded at the deployment site. (12.0). The heavy metal concentration module (12.0) but can also be used during its deployment on the means of transport (11.0) remain. Fig. 8C schematically shows a heavy metal concentration module (12.0), which of a first process stage (4.0), here the upper course (5.1) a centrifugal separator (5.0)is downstream. The centrifugate (not shown) passes via a means (13.0), which is used for transporting the centrifugate (not shown) from the first process stage (4.0) into the second process stage (4.1) is set up, in this case a pump, into the second process stage (4.1), of the heavy metal concentration module (12.0).

[0155] In Fig. 9A A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown schematically. The concentration unit (6.0) a drum frame (10.4) on, which is designed to rotate around a longitudinal axis (10.3) to rotate the drum frame (10.4) is for recording at least one (not shown) concentration path (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) set up. The drum frame (10.4) allows flexible insertion or removal of the concentration sections in or out of the drum frame (10.4).In this embodiment, below the drum frame (10.4) at least one nozzle (14.1) arranged. The nozzle (14.1) The device serves to spray a structured surface (8.0) facing the nozzle (not shown) with a medium, wherein the medium is configured to carry the heavy metal or rare earth metal to be concentrated away from the concentration section. (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) to wash. One below the drum frame. (10.4) arranged drip tray (14.0) It is designed to collect the washed-off heavy metal and, for example, forward it to another concentration unit.

[0156] The Fig. 9B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the in Fig 9A The device shown according to the invention, in this case three of four concentration sections (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) on the drum frame (10.4) arranged. The drum frame (10.4)In this example, there is still room for the inclusion of a fourth concentration path. (6.4), as indicated by the straight arrow. In this example, the concentration distances can be (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) into the drum frame (10.4) parallel to the longitudinal axis (10.3) onto the drum frame (10.4) It is pushed on and attached to this. The rotation arrow indicates the direction of rotation of the drum frame. (10.4) around the longitudinal axis (10.3) on, whereby the direction of rotation can also be opposite. In this example, below the drum frame. (10.4) arranged nozzles (14.1) Wash the heavy metal or rare earth metal to be concentrated from the third concentration stage (6.3) The heavy metal or rare earth metal to be concentrated is then removed from the collection tray. (14.0) intercepted. By rotating it 90° around its longitudinal axis. (10.3) The second concentration route will be(6.2) the nozzles (14.1) arranged opposite each other, while the fourth concentration zone (6.4) from the first process stage (4.0) upcoming centrifuge (3.1, 3.2) can be overflowed. The structured surfaces (8.0) They are not necessarily designed in the same way, but can differ in their structure. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0157] (1.0) Heavy metal concentration system / system (2.0) Heavy metal / rare earth metal (3.0) Flow direction of the centrifugate / suspension (3.1) Centrifugate / suspension (3.2) Centrifugate / suspension (3.3) Direction of movement of the structured surface (4.0) First process stage (4.1) Second process stage (5.0) Centrifugal separator (5.1) Upper flow (5.2) Lower flow (6.0) Concentration unit (6.1) (First) concentration section (6.2) (Second) concentration section (6.3) (Third) concentration section (6.4) (Fourth) concentration section (6.5) Preceding concentration section (6.6) Subsequent concentration section (7.0) Angle (relative to the Earth's surface) (7.1) Angle (relative to the flow direction of the centrifugate / suspension) (8.0) Structured Surface (8.1) first structured surface (8.2) second structured surface (9.0) endless belt (9.1) rotating axes (9.2) direction of movement of the endless belt (9.3) direction of rotation (of the drum) (10.0) drum (10.1) drum longitudinal axis (10.2) Drum longitudinal axis angle (10.3) Longitudinal axis (10.4) Drum frame (11.0) Transport means (12.0) Heavy metal concentration module (13.0) Means (for transporting the centrifugate / suspension) (14.0) Collection tray (15.0) Nozzle.

Claims

1. Heavy metal concentration system(1.0) for concentrating or recovering at least one heavy metal (2.0), in particular gold and / or silver, and / or for concentrating or recovering a rare earth metal (2.0) from a suspension (3.1, 3.2) or a centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) exiting a first process stage (4.0), in particular a centrifugal separator (5.0), wherein the centrifugal separator (5.0) has at least one upper course (5.1) and at least one lower course (5.2), wherein the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) exits the first process stage (4.0), in particular the centrifugal separator (5.0), via its upper course (5.1) and / or its lower course (5.2), wherein at least one concentration unit (6.0) is provided as a concentration unit in the first process stage (4.0), in particular in the upper course (5.1) and / or in the lower course (5.2). a second process stage is downstream, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) is configured to concentrate the heavy metal (2.0) and / or the rare earth metal (2.0) to concentrate hydrodynamically from the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2), wherein the concentration unit (6.0) has at least one concentration section (6.1), wherein the concentration section (6.1) has a structured surface (8.0) facing the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2), wherein this is designed for concentrating or recovering the heavy metal (2.0) and / or the rare earth metal (2.0), . characterized by the fact thatThe concentration unit (6.0) is configured to rotate the concentration section (6.1) at a rotational speed about a longitudinal axis (10.3), wherein the concentration unit (6.0) is designed to accommodate a first (6.1), second (6.2), third (6.3), fourth (6.4) or further concentration section, wherein the concentration section (6.1) can be removed from or inserted into the concentration unit (6.0) or replaced by a second, third, fourth or further concentration section (6.2, 6.3, 6.4), wherein removal, insertion or replacement of the concentration sections (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) is made possible in particular while the suspension (3.1, 3.2) or the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) flows over one of the concentration sections not removed during removal, insertion or replacement.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) additionally comprises an angle adjustment means, wherein this is configured to arrange the concentration section (6.1) in relation to the Earth's surface at at least one angle (7.0), wherein the concentration section (6.1) is configured to be flowed over by the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) comprises a vibration means which is configured to set the concentration section (6.1), in particular the structured surface (8.0), into vibration.

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) has at least two successive concentration sections (6.5, 6.6), wherein the structured surface (8.0) of the preceding concentration section (6.5) is not identical to the structured surface (8.0) of the subsequent concentration section (6.6).

5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) is arranged downstream of the upper course (5.1) and / or the lower course (5.2) such that the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) flows over the concentration section (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) without an external energy input.

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) comprises a flow control unit, the latter being configured to adjust a volume and / or the flow velocity along a flow direction (3.0) of the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2) flowing over the concentration section (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4).

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the concentration unit (6.0) comprises a surface shaping agent which is configured to change the shape of the structured surface (8.0) during operation and / or during standstill of the system (1.0).

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the surface shaping means comprises at least one servo motor element, and / or one piezoelectric element, and / or one hydraulic element, and / or one pneumatic element.

9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a nozzle (14.1) is arranged opposite the concentration section (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4), wherein the nozzle is configured to spray the concentration section (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) with a medium, wherein the medium is configured to wash the heavy metal or rare earth metal to be concentrated off the concentration section (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4).

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the structured surface (8.0) is part of an endless belt (9.0), wherein the endless belt (9.0) is mounted on at least two rotating axes (9.1), wherein the rotating axes (9.1) are configured to move the endless belt (9.0), wherein the endless belt (9.0), in particular the structured surface (8.0), performs a movement with or against the flow direction (3.0) of the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2).

11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the structured surface (8.0) is configured to perform a movement orthogonal or at an angle to the flow direction of the centrifugate (3.1, 3.2).

12. System according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the longitudinal axis (10.3) is oriented parallel to the Earth's surface or wherein the longitudinal axis (10.3) forms a longitudinal axis angle with the Earth's surface, wherein the longitudinal axis angle is arranged to be adjusted by a longitudinal axis angle adjusting means.

13. System according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the system (1.0) comprises a control unit, which is configured to control the angle adjustment means and / or the vibration means and / or the flow control unit and / or the surface shaping means and / or the longitudinal axis angle adjustment means and / or to change the rotational speed of the concentration section (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) about the longitudinal axis, wherein the control or the change is preferably dependent on sensor data.

14. Heavy metal concentration module (12.0), for concentrating at least one heavy metal (2.0) and / or one rare earth metal (2.0), wherein the module (12.0) is downstream of a first (4.0), second (4.1) or further process stage, wherein the module (12.0) comprises a heavy metal concentration system (1.0) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the module (12.0) is configured to be transported by means of a transport device (11.0).

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