FROTH FLOTATION APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A froth flotation apparatus for elimination of solid particle impurities contained within a liquid includes a vessel defining a flotation cell which includes an upstanding foam discharge conduit, an inlet conduit communicating with the vessel such that fluid flowing through the inlet conduit and into the vessel moves in a vortical fashion within the vessel, a skimmer, and a sparger. The skimmer consists of a generally cylindrical roller which is rotatably mounted between the discharge conduit and a side wall of the vessel and is buoyant so that it floats on the surface of the fluid within the vessel such that it is rotated by the vortical movement of the fluid within the vessel to prevent buildup of foam and maintain the motion of the fluid within the vessel. The sparger includes a substantially cylindrical porous element mounted on a tubular shaft which is rotatably mounted within the inlet conduit and driven by a motor. Compressed air is forced through the porous element to aerate the fluid entering the vessel. Two or more flotation cells may be arranged in a tower to provide series operation in which the liquid effluent of one cell flows downwardly by gravity into a subsequent cell, thereby eliminating the need for additional mechanical pumps.