SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION OF MATERIALS CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY MINERALS

摘要

The invention relates to a method and system for the environmental remediation of materials that are contaminated with heavy minerals, such as heavy metals. The invention finds utility in removing heavy minerals from materials such as soils, sediments, mine tailings and ores. The invention provides a means for removing heavy minerals from contaminated materials without the use of water while reducing the generation of dust. Thus, the invention provides an environmentally friendly method for the remediation of sites that are contaminated with heavy minerals.

主权项

1. A method for the environmental remediation of a material that is contaminated with heavy minerals, the method comprising:
providing a material that is contaminated with at least one heavy mineral; subjecting the contaminated material to a vortex particle separator under conditions sufficient to remove a first portion of dust particles from the contaminated material thereby producing a dust suppressed contaminated material; loading the dust suppressed contaminated material onto a porous belt assembly that comprises a plurality of cross members, wherein the belt assembly rotates upward with respect to an incline; forcing a gas through the belt assembly as the belt assembly rotates upward with respect to the incline; wherein the forcing of the gas through the belt assembly fluidizes the dust suppressed contaminated material in a manner that causes at least a first portion of the at least one heavy mineral to gather on the plurality of cross members while the remainder of the dust suppressed contaminated material flows down the incline and off of the belt assembly as the belt assembly rotates upward with respect to the incline; and collecting the gathered at least one heavy mineral.