PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING FINE PARTICLES BY MICROBUBBLE FLOTATION TOGETHER WITH A PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATION OF MICROBUBBLES

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed for the microbubble flotation separation of very fine particles, especially coal, so as to produce a high purity and large recovery efficiently. This is accomplished through the use of a high aspect ratio flotation column, microbubbles, and a countercurrent use of wash water to gently wash the froth. Also, disclosed are unique processes and apparatus for generating microbubbles for flotation in a highly efficient and inexpensive manner using either a porous tube or an in-line static generator.