Flotation Froth Wash Water Distribution Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for introducing wash water in flotation processes are inefficient, leading to uneven distribution and blockages due to the use of numerous small holes, which reduces the effectiveness of gangue removal and increases costs, especially at low flow rates and in shallow froths.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of wash water in substantially horizontal sheets through distribution heads with downwardly moving streams impinging on horizontal plates or slots, allowing for even distribution and self-cleaning mechanisms to prevent blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If numerous small holes are used in wash water distribution pipes to achieve even distribution across the flotation column, then the uniformity of wash water distribution is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wash water distribution system is segmented into multiple distribution pipes arranged vertically at different heights within the froth layer. Each pipe is equipped with a limited number of holes, and the segmentation of the distribution function across multiple pipes achieves even wash water distribution without requiring an excessive number of holes in any single pipe, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of holes in wash water distribution pipes is increased to improve distribution evenness, then the uniformity of wash water distribution is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution function is segmented across multiple vertical pipes positioned at different heights. Each pipe contains a manageable number of holes, making manufacturing more economical while the collective arrangement of multiple pipes ensures even wash water distribution throughout the froth layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution system transitions from a single-plane arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical arrangement of multiple pipes at different heights. This spatial distribution in the vertical dimension achieves even wash water distribution without requiring an excessive number of holes in any single pipe, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Productivity
If wash water is introduced at high flow rates to ensure effective gangue removal, then the washing effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption and system stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wash water flow is segmented across multiple distribution pipes positioned at different vertical levels. This segmentation allows the total flow rate to be distributed over multiple injection points, reducing the flow rate and energy consumption at each individual pipe while maintaining overall washing effectiveness through the cumulative effect of multiple streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash water injection is distributed in the vertical dimension across multiple pipes at different heights. This vertical distribution allows effective gangue removal through multiple injection zones without requiring high flow rates at any single point, thereby reducing energy consumption and system stress.
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 method ensures effective gangue removal and reduces ash content in flotation products by uniformly distributing wash water across the froth, maintaining efficiency even at low flow rates and in shallow froths, thereby enhancing the purity of the mineral concentrate.
Implementation Method 1
downwardly moving streams impinging on horizontal plates or slots
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for introducing wash water into a flotation froth in a flotation separation system, where the wash water is injectioned into the froth in the form of a horizontal sheet of water. The sheet is typically formed by impinging a downwardly directed liquid jet issuing from a nozzle onto a horizontal plate or disc where it changes direction and travels radially outwards as an axi-symmetric planar liquid jet or sheet. The depth of the disc can be adjusted by a support rod. Other embodiments are described where the horizontal sheet is ejected through a horizontal slit, or where the sheet of wash water is rectangular rather than axi-symmetric.