IMPROVED COLUMN FLOTATION METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

A method and apparatus for the benefication of mineral ores by the flotation method whereby a slurry is introduced under pressure into the top (1) of a first column (2) through a downwardly facing nozzle (3), and air is entrained into the slurry forming a downwardly moving foam bed in the first column. The foam bed passes from the bottom (12) of the first column into a second column (5) where the froth and liquid separate, the froth (16) carrying the values floating upwardly and over a weir (15) and the liquid being drained with the gangue. The liquid/froth interface level (7) in the second column is kept above the bottom (12) of the first column, and the air flow rate into the top of the first column is controlled to keep the first column (2) substantially full of foam.