IMPROVED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FROTH FLOTATION IN A VESSEL WITH AGITATION

摘要

A method of separating mixed particles in a flotation cell (1) uses a fluidization zone (22) within the cell where particles are fluidized in a quiescent zone by liquid moving upwardly through the fluidization zone (22). The fluidizing liquid may be provided by the feed (21) or by recycling liquid from upper parts of the cell such as from the disengagement zone (40). Bubbles are introduced into the lower part of the cell through a mechanical impeller (2) which also breaks up any channels in the mixing zone (5), or by separate aeration in the bottom of the cell or by introduction through a recycle pipe.