Microbubble Generator for Coarse Particle Flotation Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flotation devices are limited in recovering valuable mineral particles larger than 106 microns, and existing technologies, such as hydrofloat devices, require significant energy and are restricted to a narrow particle size range, necessitating pre-screening of feed material.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generate microbubbles in a dilution water stream, which are then mixed with the feed stream to attach to solid particles, using a mechanical agitator in a flotation device, allowing for the recovery of coarser particles up to 25mm in size without the need for pre-screening, and utilizing chemically inert gases to prevent oxidation and enhance attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flotation devices are used, then fine mineral particles (38-106 microns) can be recovered, but coarser particles (>106 microns) cannot be recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bubble population into two distinct size categories: microbubbles (generated by microbubble generator) and conventional bubbles (generated by aeration system). Microbubbles specifically target and attach to coarser particles (>106 microns), while conventional bubbles handle fine particles (38-106 microns). This segmentation allows the flotation device to simultaneously recover both fine and coarse particles, expanding the adaptable particle size range without sacrificing recovery of either fraction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydrofloat devices are used to recover coarse particles, then particle size range is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces microbubbles as an intermediary medium that bridges the gap between conventional flotation and hydrofloat technologies. Instead of using the high-energy fluidized bed approach of hydrofloat devices, microbubbles serve as a low-energy intermediary that selectively attaches to coarse particles and facilitates their flotation. This intermediary approach achieves coarse particle recovery with significantly reduced energy consumption compared to hydrofloat devices.
3Productivity
If pre-screening is implemented to process different particle sizes, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity and pre-screening requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the single flotation device universal by equipping it with dual bubble generation capabilities. The device can now handle the full spectrum of particle sizes (from fine to coarse) that previously required separate processing streams and pre-screening equipment. By integrating both microbubble and conventional bubble generation systems, the device performs multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for pre-screening and reducing overall system complexity.
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 significantly improves the recovery of coarser valuable mineral particles, reduces energy consumption compared to hydrofloat devices, and allows for the processing of a wider range of particle sizes, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the flotation process.
Implementation Method 1
generating microbubbles in a dilution water stream that is then mixed with a feed stream to attach to solid particles
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical agitator in a flotation device allowing for the recovery of coarser particles
Implementation Method 3
As bubbles rise toward the surface of the tank, they carry with them floatable valuable mineral particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus (1) for treating a feed stream (2) for a flotation device (3) comprising a mechanical agitator (30, 50) in a tank (7), the feed stream (2) comprising solid particles (10). The method comprises generating microbubbles (8) in a fluid stream (9), mixing the fluid stream with the feed stream to facilitate attachment of the microbubbles to the solid particles in the feed stream and generate bubbles (22) for attachment to microbubble-attached solid particles, and fluidly connecting the feed stream to the flotation device. The apparatus comprises a feed stream conduit (4) fluidly connected to the flotation device, a fluid stream conduit (5) fluidly connected to the feed stream conduit for conveying the fluid stream to the feed stream, and a microbubble generator (6) connected to the fluid stream conduit for generating microbubbles in the fluid stream.