Slurry processing apparatus and slurry stream processing equipment as well as a flotation cell unit related thereto

Abstract

A slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) is disclosed for treating particles suspended in a slurry. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus comprises a slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) comprising a flat or curved surface with a raised outer rim, and a slurry stream guiding basin (210), which slurry stream guiding basin (210) comprises walls that are raised above the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) further comprises the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin (210) and the slurry stream guiding basin (210) having at least one opening, which allows the flow of slurry through the at least one opening. In addition, a slurry stream processing equipment for treating particles suspended in a slurry and a flotation cell for separating the slurry into at least one underflow (400) and overflow (500), comprising the slurry stream deflecting apparatus are disclosed.

Description

[0001] SLURRY PROCESSING APPARATUS AND SLURRY STREAM PROCESSING EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS A FLOTATION CELL UNIT RELATED THERETO

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This disclosure relates to a slurry stream deflecting apparatus for treating particles suspended in a s lurry . Further, thi s disclosure relates to a slurry stream processing equipment . In addition, the disclosure relates to a flotation cell unit .

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Slurry processing apparatuses and equipment , such as a slurry stream deflecting apparatus , can be used in minerals processing .

[0006] Flotation cells are typically used for separating valuable material containing particles from particles suspended in a slurry and may include a slurry processing apparatus or a slurry stream deflecting apparatus .

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a s impli f ied form that are further described below in the Detailed Description . This Summary is not intended to identi fy key features or essential features of the claimed subj ect matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed sub ect-matter .

[0009] Disclosed is a slurry stream deflecting apparatus ( 200 ) for treating particles suspended in a slurry . The slurry stream deflecting apparatus is characteri zed in that the slurry stream deflecting apparatus comprises a slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) comprising a flat or curved surface optionally having a raised outer rim, and a slurry stream guiding basin (210) for handling a deflected slurry stream, which slurry stream guiding basin (210) comprises walls that are raised above the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) , and wherein the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) can be suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin (210) and there is at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin (210) allowing flow of slurry through the opening.

[0010] Further disclosed is a slurry stream processing equipment for treating particles suspended in a slurry, the slurry stream processing equipment comprising a blast tube and a slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to this disclosure.

[0011] Disclosed is also a flotation cell unit for treating particles suspended in a slurry and for separating the slurry into at least one underflow (400) and overflow (500) . The flotation cell comprises a flotation tank (300) , and a launder (600) and a launder lip (310) surrounding the perimeter of the tank (300) , and at least one blast tube (100) for introducing slurry infeed into the tank, and at least one slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) for deflecting and handling the slurry stream from the at least one blast tube (100) .

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention . In the drawings :

[0014] Figure 1A, IB and 1C depict a slurry stream deflecting apparatus ( 200 ) including a slurry stream deflecting plate element ( 220 ) and a slurry stream guiding basin ( 210 ) according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view,

[0015] Figure 2A, 2B and 2C depict a slurry stream deflecting plate element ( 220 ) according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view,

[0016] Figure 3A, 3B and 3C depict a slurry stream guiding basin ( 210 ) including at least one opening ( 211 ) according to an embodiment of the invention in a top view,

[0017] Figure 4 depicts a schematic illustration of a flotation cell comprising a blast tube and a slurry stream deflecting apparatus ( 200 ) according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view, and

[0018] Figure 5 depicts a schematic illustration of a blast tube with a slurry stream deflecting apparatus ( 200 ) according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view, detail ing the dimensions of the system when the slurry stream deflecting apparatus is preferably suspended at an optimal distance from the blast tube .

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Disclosed is a slurry stream deflecting apparatus ( 200 ) for treating particles suspended in a slurry . The slurry steam deflecting apparatus is characteri zed in that the slurry stream deflecting apparatus comprises a slurry stream deflecting plate element ( 220 ) comprising a flat or curved surface optionally having a raised outer rim, and a slurry stream guiding basin ( 210 ) for handling a deflected slurry stream, which slurry stream guiding basin ( 210 ) comprises walls that are raised above the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element ( 220 ) , and wherein the slurry stream deflecting plate element ( 220 ) can be suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin ( 210 ) and there is at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin ( 210 ) allowing flow of slurry through the opening .

[0021] The deflecting apparatus may also be called an "impinger" or an "impingement bowl" .

[0022] The purpose of the disclosed slurry stream deflecting apparatus is to treat particles suspended in a slurry . The apparatus comprises a slurry stream deflecting plate element , the slurry stream deflecting plate element optionally having a raised outer rim, and a slurry stream guiding basin with walls raised above the outer rim of the plate element . The plate element can be suspended inside the guiding basin, and there is at least one opening in the guiding bas in allowing the flow of slurry through it . The apparatus ideally has a shape that allows particles suspended in a slurry to be mixed in a mixing zone over the apparatus and to settle down in a settling zone surrounding the apparatus .

[0023] The disclosed concept is based on creating a low-pressure zone to suck slurry from beneath the guiding bas in during operation . When not in operation, the flow direction will reverse and slurry is free to travel through the bowl making it possible to clean it . One of the problems the disclosed solutions aim to solve is stopping short circuiting of slurry to tailings during operation through the drain . Also , a flotation cel l floor may be prone to sanding i f there is no mixer and cleaning may be facilitated with the disclosed solution . The advantage of the disclosed solution is that it may increase internal recirculation inside a flotation cell, which may lead to improved performance. Also, it increases flowrate, and therefore mixing, beneath the apparatus or "impingement bowl". This may reduce sanding of the cell.

[0024] More specifically, by angling the drain away from the slurry jet impinging against the floor of the deflecting apparatus and gradually increasing the hole diameter to minimize pressure loss due to turbulence, the lower pressure inside the deflecting apparatus will suck in slurry through the bottom during operation preventing short circuiting. In fact, the slurry sucked in thought the hole gets a "second chance" to collide with particles further increasing recovery. The flowrate of slurry sucked upwards through the bowl floor is proportional to blast tube feed rate, hole size and inversely proportional to the distance from bowl center.

[0025] The above-described recirculation pattern may also help clean the bottom of the cell. Sanding of the flotation cell bottom is a known problem in pneumatic flotation cells.

[0026] The apparatus, plate and guiding basin are preferably circular. However, they may be any shape, such as square, polygonal, oval or triangular. Also, the tank could have any shape.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) comprises the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) and the slurry stream guiding basin (210) , and wherein the apparatus has a shape that allows particles suspended in a slurry to be mixed in a mixing zone (A) over the slurry stream deflecting apparatus, and to settle down in a settling zone (B) surrounding the slurry stream deflecting apparatus . According to one embodiment, the apparatus has a shape that is configured so that the flow of slurry from the slurry outlet nozzle (130) is directed radially outwards and upwards of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) , and wherein the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) comprises a flat or curved surface having a raised outer rim, and wherein the walls of the basin (210) are raised substantially higher than the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element, and wherein the basin has a shape of a bowl or a substantially concave container.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the at least one opening (211) in the slurry stream guiding basin is a through-hole, through-holes, and / or an aperture.

[0029] According to one embodiment, there are at least two openings, or at least three openings, or at least four openings, in the slurry stream guiding basin (210) allowing flow of slurry through the opening (s) .

[0030] According to one embodiment, the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin is located below the level of the raised outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) when the slurry stream deflecting plate element is suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin (210) .

[0031] According to one embodiment, a slurry stream from a slurry outlet nozzle (130) of a slurry blast tube (100) is fed into the slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) , and wherein the slurry stream is a mix of slurry infeed (110) and pressurized gas (120) . According to one embodiment, the distance of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus from the slurry stream outlet nozzle (130) is adjustable.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the distance of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus from the slurry stream outlet nozzle (130) can be adjusted so that the submerged jet half angle (a) is 10 to 45 degrees.

[0033] The angle is not necessarily set, however, the half angle should preferably be between the defined two points .

[0034] According to one embodiment, the distance between the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) and the slurry stream guiding basin (210) is adjustable.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the distance between slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) and the slurry stream guiding basin (210) is adjustable so that there is a gap between the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin allowing flow of slurry through the at least one opening (211) in the slurry stream guiding basin.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the slurry stream deflecting plate (220) is suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin (210) having a gap between the slurry stream deflecting plate element and slurry stream guiding basin allowing flow of material through the at least one opening (211) in the bottom of the slurry stream guiding basin, characterized in that the flow of material through the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin is caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus, wherein the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus may be caused by the difference in the velocity of the flow of fluids and suspended solids on the inside and outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus .

[0037] According to one embodiment, the slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) consists of the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) and the slurry stream guiding basin (210) , the apparatus having a shape that allows particles suspended in a slurry to be pulled through the at least one opening (211) in the slurry stream guiding basin from the outside to the inside, wherein the particles suspended in a slurry are allowed to mix with the high velocity slurry stream arriving to the slurry stream deflecting apparatus from the slurry outlet nozzle (130) of a slurry blast tube (100) .

[0038] According to one embodiment, the material for the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) is selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic and ceramic material. Preferably, steel or ceramic material.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the material for the slurry stream guiding basin (210) is selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic and ceramic material, preferably steel or plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene or polyurethane.

[0040] Further disclosed is a slurry stream processing equipment for treating particles suspended in a slurry, the slurry stream processing equipment comprising a blast tube and a slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to this disclosure.

[0041] Disclosed is also a flotation cell unit for treating particles suspended in a slurry and for separating the slurry into at least one underflow (400) and overflow (500) . The flotation cell comprises a flotation tank (300) , and a launder (600) and a launder lip (310) surrounding the perimeter of the tank (300) , and at least one blast tube ( 100 ) for introducing slurry infeed into the tank, and at least one slurry stream deflecting apparatus ( 200 ) for deflecting and handling the slurry stream from the at least one blast tube ( 100 ) .

[0042] In the present speci fication, a "blast tube" may also be called a downcomer or the like .

[0043] Below some very speci fic embodiments of the disclosed solution are presented .

[0044] In one embodiment, the flotation cell unit includes more than one underflow ( 400 ) , such as at least two or at least three underflows .

[0045] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream deflecting plate element is a flat or a curved plate with a raised rim at the edge of the plate , where the slurry stream deflecting plate is deflecting the flow of the slurry coming into contact with the plate outwards and the raised rim at the outer edge of the slurry stream deflecting plate element guiding the flow of the slurry stream upwards .

[0046] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream deflecting plate element is a circular and f lat or curved or concave plate with a raised rim at the outer edge of the plate , wherein the s lurry stream deflecting plate element is deflecting the flow of the slurry stream coming in contact with the s lurry stream deflecting plate element radially outwards towards the outer edge of the plate , and the raised rim at the outer edge of the slurry stream deflecting plate element is guiding the flow of the slurry stream upwards .

[0047] Deflecting the slurry stream from the slurry stream outlet noz zle of the blast tube and guiding the flow of the slurry outwards and upwards promotes mixing of the particles suspended in slurry and air bubbles dispersed in the slurry, which leads to increased ef ficiency of the flotation cell as the bubbles may be able to contact and adhere to the fine particles in the slurry ef ficiently, thus improving the recovery of smaller particles , and also promoting froth depth, stability and evenness at the top of the flotation tank .

[0048] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, a slurry stream guiding basin is used to further direct the flow of the deflected slurry stream upwards , promoting the creation of a mixing zone of particles suspended in slurry and air bubbles dispersed in the slurry above the slurry stream deflecting apparatus .

[0049] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream deflecting plate element is suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin, which slurry stream guiding basin has wall s that are raised above the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element , and the slurry stream deflecting apparatus is configured so that the slurry stream coming into contact with the slurry stream deflecting apparatus first comes into contact with the slurry stream deflecting plate element , which slurry stream deflecting plate element deflects the stream of slurry outwards and upwards , and the slurry stream guiding basin guides the flow of the deflected flow of slurry further upwards , promoting the creation of a mixing zone of particles suspended in slurry and air bubbles dispersed in the slurry above the slurry stream deflecting apparatus .

[0050] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream guiding basin has a radial shape similar to the slurry stream deflecting plate element , which radial shape of the slurry stream deflecting plate element can be , but is not limited to circular, oval , rectangular, square , or polygonal , wherein the similar radial shape of the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin promotes undisturbed flow of the slurry in and out of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus by eliminating potential unrestricted flow deterring reducing vortices that can form i f the radial shapes of the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin are substantially di fferent .

[0051] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream guiding basin is a bowl , wherein the walls of the bowl are raised above the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element .

[0052] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin are circular .

[0053] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream deflecting plate element is a circular and f lat or curved plate with a raised rim at the edge of the plate , the slurry stream deflecting plate element is suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin, and the slurry stream guiding basin is a circular bowl , wherein the walls of the bowl are raised above the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element .

[0054] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream guiding basin has at least one opening positioned below the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin, the at least one opening allowing flow of slurry, particles suspended in slurry, air bubbles dispersed in slurry, and other dispersed, leached, or dissolved materials in slurry through the at least one opening .

[0055] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin is at least one opening, or at least two openings , or at least three openings , or at least four openings , in the slurry stream guiding basin allowing flow of slurry, particles suspended in slurry, air bubbles dispersed in slurry, and other dispersed, leached, or dissolved materials in slurry .

[0056] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin is positioned in the bottom of the slurry stream guiding basin below the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin, wherein the at least one opening are equally distributed throughout the bottom of the slurry stream guiding basin .

[0057] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin is through-hole , through-holes , and / or an aperture . The si ze of the at least one opening selected to be at least 1 cm, or at least 2 cm, or at least 4 cm, or at least 5 cm, wherein the si ze of the at least opening is selected to promote flow of slurry, particles suspended in slurry, air bubbles dispersed in slurry, and other dispersed, leached, or dissolved materials in slurry without blockages , build-up of particles suspended in slurry, or disturbances in the main flow of slurry coming into contact with the slurry stream deflecting apparatus .

[0058] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream deflecting plate element is suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin and the measured distance between the two distinct components of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus is adj ustable , so that the slurry stream deflecting plate element can be raised or lowered inside the slurry stream guiding basin, while the at least one openings in the slurry stream guiding basin remain below the level of the raised outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element , to optimally adj ust and control the flow of slurry, particles suspended in s lurry, air bubbles di spersed in slurry, and other dispersed, leached, or dissolved materials in slurry, and there is possibly a gap between the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin .

[0059] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the distance between the slurry stream deflecting apparatus and the slurry stream outlet noz zle is adj ustable and the measured distance from the opening of the slurry stream outlet noz zle to the surface of the slurry stream deflecting plate element i s optimi zable so that the submerged j et hal f angle (a) is 10 to 45 degrees , or 10 to 35 degrees , or 10 to 25 degrees , or 10 to 20 degrees , or 10 to 15 degrees , or 12 to 15 degrees .

[0060] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the slurry stream deflecting plate element is suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin having a gap between the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin allowing flow of slurry, particles suspended in slurry, air bubbles dispersed in slurry, and other dispersed, leached, or dissolved materials in slurry through the at least one opening, the slurry stream apparatus configured so that flow of slurry, particles suspended in slurry, air bubbles dispersed in slurry, and other dispersed, leached, or dissolved materials in slurry is caused by the pres sure di f ference between the inside and outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus .

[0061] The pressure di f ference between the inside and the outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus may be caused by the di f ference in the velocity of the flow of fluids and suspended solids on the inside and outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus . The slurry, particles suspended in slurry, air bubbles dispersed in slurry, and other dispersed, leached, or dissolved materials in slurry that have settled below the upper limit of the wal ls of the slurry stream guiding basin have a signi ficantly slower velocity of flow compared to the slurry stream that comes into contact with the slurry stream deflecting apparatus from the slurry stream outlet nozzle . As the slurry stream is deflected and possibly guided outwards and upwards , the sudden change in direction of the flow and thus abrupt acceleration and high velocity of the flowing fluid causes a pressure di f ference across the at least one opening at the bottom of the slurry stream guiding basin, wherein the law of conservation of energy relates that the initial pressure , kinetic, and potential energy are equal to the sum of the same after an event . Thus , as the the unit volume of the fluid remains the same , the change in velocity causes an inverse change in pressure relative to the change in velocity . Thus , this di f ference in the velocity of the flow of fluids inside and outside the slurry stream deflecting apparatus leads to a lower pressure on the inside than on the outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus . This di f ference in pressure was observed to cause an influx of slurry, particles suspended in slurry, air bubbles dispersed in slurry, and other dispersed, leached, or dissolved materials in slurry through the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding bowl . Optimally the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin was positioned below the level of the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element .

[0062] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the material of the slurry stream deflecting plate element was selected from steel or ceramic material s and tested to optimally endure wear caused by the slurry and fine particles suspended therein .

[0063] In an embodiment of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to the invention, the material of the slurry stream guiding basin was selected from steel or plastic, the plastic being preferably high- density polyethylene (HDPE ) , and the materials were tested to be ef fectively processable into desired basin geometries and to endure wear caused by the slurry and fine particles suspended therein .

[0064] EXAMPLES

[0065] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments , an example of which is il lustrated in the accompanying drawing .

[0066] The description below discloses some embodiments in such a detail that a person skilled in the art is able to utili ze the embodiments based on the disclosure . Not all steps or features of the embodiments are discussed in detail , as many of the steps or features will be obvious for the person skilled in the art based on this speci fication .

[0067] For reasons of simplicity, item numbers will be maintained in the following exemplary embodiments in the case of repeating components .

[0068] Example 1 - CFD studies were made to illustrate described solution

[0069] Slurry velocity was approximately 5 m / s at bowl bottom according to the performed CFD studies . Beneath the bowl slurry was approximately at rest . The bowl bottom was approximately 1cm thick . Using bernoulli equation, the pressure differential could be estimated to be around lOkPa.

[0070] By angling the drain away from the slurry jet impinging against the bowl floor and gradually increasing the hole diameter to minimize pressure loss due to turbulence, the lower pressure inside the bowl would suck in slurry through the bottom of the bowl during operation prevention short circuiting. In fact, the slurry sucked in thought the hole got a second chance to collide with particles further increasing recovery. The flowrate of slurry sucked upwards through the bowl floor was proportional to blast tube feed rate, hole size and inversely proportional to the distance from bowl center.

[0071] This recirculation pattern may also help clean the bottom of the cell.

[0072] At lOkPa pressure differential, a 15mm diameter hole would allow for 2 m3 / h of slurry through it. When there are 10 holes per bowl, the total pumped flowrate per bowl is 20 m3 / h which is approximately 25% of the total feed capacity of one blast tube. Therefore, allowing 25% of the unrecovered particles a new change to collide with bubbles to report to concentrate in accordance with the solution of this disclosure.

[0073] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that with the advancement of technology, the basic idea may be implemented in various ways. The embodiments are thus not limited to the examples described above; instead they may vary within the scope of the claims.

[0074] The embodiments described hereinbefore may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment. A product, a system, a method, or a use, disclosed herein, may comprise at least one of the embodiments described hereinbefore. It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several em- bodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to 'an' item refers to one or more of those items. The term "comprising" is used in this specification to mean including the feature (s) or act(s) followed thereafter, without excluding the presence of one or more additional features or acts.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) for treating particles suspended in a slurry, characterized in that the slurry stream deflecting apparatus comprises- a slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) comprising a flat or curved surface, and- a slurry stream guiding basin (210) for handling a deflected slurry stream, which slurry stream guiding basin (210) comprises walls that are raised above the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) , and wherein the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) can be suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin (210) and there is at least one opening (211) in the slurry stream guiding basin (210) allowing flow of slurry through the opening.

2. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) comprises the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) and the slurry stream guiding basin (210) , and wherein the apparatus has a shape that allows particles suspended in a slurry to be mixed in a mixing zone (A) over the slurry stream deflecting apparatus, and to settle down in a settling zone (B) surrounding the slurry stream deflecting apparatus.

3. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus has a shape that is configured so that the flow of slurry from the slurry outlet nozzle is directed radially outwards and upwards of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus, and wherein the slurry stream deflecting plate element comprises a flat or curved surface, and wherein thewalls of the basin are raised substantially higher than the outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element, and wherein the basin has a shape of a bowl or a substantially concave container.

4. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the slurry stream deflecting plate element comprises a flat or curved surface, and wherein the slurry stream deflecting plate element optionally has a raised outer rim.

5. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin is a through-hole, through-holes, and / or an aperture.

6. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are at least two openings, or at least three openings, or at least four openings, in the slurry stream guiding basin (210) allowing flow of slurry through the opening ( s ) .

7. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin are located below the level of the raised outer rim of the slurry stream deflecting plate element (220) when the slurry stream deflecting plate element is suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin (210) .

8. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a slurry stream from a slurry outlet nozzle (130) of a slurry blast tube (100) is fed into the slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) , and wherein the slurrystream is a mix of slurry infeed (110) and pressurized gas (120) .

9. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus from the slurry stream outlet nozzle (130) is adjustable.

10. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus from the slurry stream outlet nozzle (130) can be adjusted so that the submerged jet half angle (a) is 10 to 45 degrees .

11. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin is adjustable.

12. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin is adjustable so that there is a gap between the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin allowing flow of slurry through the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin.

13. The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slurry stream deflecting plate element is suspended inside the slurry stream guiding basin having a gap between the slurry stream deflecting plate element and slurry stream guiding basin allowing flow of material through the at least one opening in the bottom of the slurry stream guiding basin, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the flow of material through the at least oneopening in the slurry stream guiding basin is caused by the pressure di f ference between the inside and outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus , wherein the pressure di f ference between the inside and the outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus may be caused by the di f ference in the velocity of the flow of fluids and suspended solids on the inside and outside of the slurry stream deflecting apparatus .14 . The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the slurry stream deflecting apparatus consists of the slurry stream deflecting plate element and the slurry stream guiding basin, the apparatus having a shape that allows particles suspended in a slurry to be pulled through the at least one opening in the slurry stream guiding basin from the outside to the inside , wherein the particles suspended in a slurry are allowed to mix with the high velocity slurry stream arriving to the slurry stream deflecting apparatus from the slurry outlet noz zle of a slurry blast tube ( 100 ) .15 . The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the material for the slurry stream deflecting plate element is selected from the group consisting of metal , plastic and ceramic material , preferably steel or ceramic material .16 . The slurry stream deflecting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the material for the slurry stream guiding basin is selected from the group consisting of metal , plastic and ceramic material , preferably steel or plastic .17 . A slurry stream processing equipment for treating particles suspended in a slurry, the slurry stream processing equipment compri sing a blast tube anda slurry stream deflecting apparatus of any of the claims 1 to 14.

18. A flotation cell unit for treating particles suspended in a slurry and for separating the slurry into at least one underflow (400) and overflow (500) , wherein the flotation cell comprises- a flotation tank (300) , and- a launder (600) and a launder lip (310) surrounding the perimeter of the tank (300) , and- at least one blast tube (100) for introducing slurry infeed into the tank, and- at least one slurry stream deflecting apparatus (200) for deflecting and handling the slurry stream from the at least one blast tube (100) .

Images