Flotation System Using Minute Air Bubbles for Fine Mineral Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flotation methods are inefficient for treating fine mineral particles with diameters less than 25 μm due to their inability to effectively adhere to standard-sized air bubbles, leading to poor separation and recovery rates.
Innovation Solution
A flotation method and system that utilize minute air bubbles with diameters of 50 μm to 200 μm, in combination with larger air bubbles, to enhance the adhesion and ascension of fine mineral particles, facilitating their separation and recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard-sized air bubbles (diameter approximately equal to or greater than some millimeters) are used in flotation treatment, then the flotation system can operate with conventional equipment and simple structure, but fine mineral particles (particle diameter approximately equal to or less than 25 μm) cannot effectively adhere to the air bubbles, resulting in poor separation efficiency and low recovery rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the air bubble population into multiple size segments (fine bubbles of 0.5-2.0 mm diameter and coarse bubbles of 2.0-5.0 mm diameter) rather than using a single uniform bubble size. This segmentation allows fine mineral particles to adhere to fine bubbles while maintaining system stability through coarse bubbles, thereby improving separation efficiency for fine particles without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of air bubble diameter by introducing a distribution of bubble sizes rather than a single size. Specifically, it controls the ratio of fine to coarse bubbles within 3:7 to 7:3, optimizing the adherence probability for fine mineral particles while maintaining operational feasibility. This parameter change directly addresses the adhesion problem without complicating the overall system structure
2Ease of operation
If air bubbles with diameter equal to or greater than some millimeters are used, then the flotation equipment can be simple and easy to operate, but the adhesion between fine mineral particles and air bubbles is insufficient, leading to poor flotation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the bubble diameter parameter by implementing a dual-size bubble system with fine bubbles (0.5-2.0 mm) for particle adhesion and coarse bubbles (2.0-5.0 mm) for stability. The controlled ratio (3:7 to 7:3) ensures reliable adhesion while maintaining ease of operation through conventional flotation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite air bubble system combining two different bubble size types with distinct functions. Fine bubbles serve as the active adhesion component for fine mineral particles, while coarse bubbles provide structural stability and facilitate froth formation, together achieving both reliability and ease of operation
3Productivity
If conventional flotation methods are used for fine mineral particles, then the process can be simple and quick, but the recovery rate of fine mineral particles remains low due to ineffective adhesion to air bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the bubble diameter parameter to 0.5-2.0 mm for fine bubbles, which matches the scale of fine mineral particles (≤25 μm). This parameter optimization increases adhesion probability and accelerates froth formation, improving recovery rate while reducing processing time compared to conventional single-size bubble systems
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 allows for efficient flotation treatment of fine mineral particles, significantly reducing the time required for froth formation and improving the recovery rate of fine mineral particles by optimizing the size and flow rate of air bubbles.
Implementation Method 1
a flotation method of floating mineral particles in a liquid to be treated containing the mineral particles using minute air bubbles having an air bubble diameter equal to or less than 200 μm and air bubbles having a larger diameter than the minute air bubbles in the liquid to be treated
Implementation Method 2
This approach allows for efficient flotation treatment of fine mineral particles, significantly reducing the time required for froth formation and improving the recovery rate of fine mineral particles by optimizing the size and flow rate of air bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a flotation method with which a flotation treatment can be efficiently performed even when the substance to undergo flotation is fine mineral particles including particles having a particle diameter of about 25 μμm or less. This is a flotation method that separates and recovers mineral particles through a flotation treatment, wherein mineral particles are floated in a liquid to be processed by using minute air bubbles having an air bubble diameter of 200 μm or less and air bubbles having a diameter larger than the minute air bubbles.