APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FROTH FLOTATION SEPARATION

摘要

A method and apparatus for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry, having particular utility for the beneficiation of coal by the flotation separation of coal particles from impurities associated therewith such as ash and sulfur. A spray nozzle (16) is positioned above a flotation tank (12) having a liquid bath therein, and sprays an input slurry throuph an aeration zone (19) into the surface (14) of the liquid. The spraying operation creates a froth (17) on the liquid surface (14) in which a substantial quantity of particulate matter is floating, while other components of the slurry sink into the liquid. A skimming arrangement (28) preferably skims the froth (17) from the surface (14) as a cleaned or beneficiated product. Moreover, a reycling operation may be provided wherein particulate materials which do not float after being sprayed through the input spray nozzle (18) to provide a second opportunity for recovery of the recycled particles.