Flotation Cell Supersonic Shockwave Bubble Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanical flotation cells struggle to effectively recover fine and ultrafine particles due to large gas bubbles and turbulence, leading to reduced recovery rates and increased use of frothers, which complicates process stability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flotation cell with pressurized blast tubes that produce supersonic shockwaves to create smaller, ultra-fine bubbles, reducing turbulence and frother dosage while optimizing bubble-particle interactions and froth formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional mechanical flotation cells use large gas bubbles for flotation, then the device structure is simple, but fine and ultrafine particles cannot be effectively recovered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecovery rate of fine and ultrafine particlesVSAvoidbubble size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from large gas bubbles to ultra-fine bubbles through pressurized gas injection and supersonic shockwave generation. The gas is pressurized to several atmospheres and then released through a nozzle to create a supersonic shockwave that breaks the gas into ultra-fine bubbles with diameters of 10-100 micrometers, significantly improving the recovery of fine and ultrafine particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes mechanical vibration in the form of supersonic shockwaves (Mach number > 1) generated when pressurized gas is released through a nozzle. This shockwave creates intense turbulence and shear forces that break the gas into ultra-fine bubbles and enhance bubble-particle collisions, solving the problem of ineffective fine particle recovery with traditional large bubbles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Productivity

If traditional flotation cells increase turbulence to enhance mixing, then mixing efficiency improves, but fine particle recovery decreases and frother dosage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine particle recoveryVSAvoidturbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical agitation systems with a gas-dynamic system using pressurized gas injection and supersonic shockwaves. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical impellers that create excessive turbulence, while still achieving effective mixing and bubble-particle contact through the shockwave-generated ultra-fine bubbles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using pressurized gas (at several atmospheres) injected through a nozzle to generate supersonic shockwaves. The pneumatic energy is converted into kinetic energy of the gas jet, which then creates the shockwave and ultra-fine bubbles, replacing mechanical turbulence with controlled pneumatic-driven fluid dynamics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional flotation cells use high frother dosage to maintain froth stability, then froth formation is improved, but process complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefroth stabilityVSAvoidfrother dosage control

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of bubble size from large to ultra-fine (10-100 micrometers) through pressurized gas injection and supersonic shockwave generation. This parameter change inherently improves froth stability and fine particle recovery, reducing the need for high frother dosages and simplifying process control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the recovery of fine and ultrafine particles by increasing bubble surface area and reducing frother usage, maintaining stable froth formation, and improving overall recovery rates across various particle sizes.

Implementation Method 1

The outlet nozzle is configured to produce a supersonic shockwave into the slurry infeed, the supersonic shockwave inducing formation of flotation gas bubble - particle agglomerates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSupersonic shockwave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 2

an inlet for pressurized gas, the slurry infeed subjected to the pressurized gas as it is discharged from the inlet nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentEP3829776B1Flotation cell

Publication Date: 2024.12.25 METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY

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AI summary

A flotation cell for treating particles suspended in slurry is disclosed. The flotation cell comprises a flotation tank (10) comprising a centre (11), a perimeter (12), a substantially horizontal level bottom (13), and a side wall (14); a launder (2) and a launder lip (21) surrounding the perimeter (12) of the tank (11); an open froth surface (Af) at the top of the flotation tank (10); and a froth crowder (6) shaped to direct froth (5) in the open froth area (Af) towards the launder lip (21); as well as blast tubes (4) for introducing slurry infeed (100) into the flotation tank. In addition, a flotation line and use of the flotation line are disclosed.