Process and apparatus for the separation of particles into three fractions of similar compositions

摘要

A process is disclosed for the separation of a mixture of particles containing differing concentrations of a selected component into three fractions of similar concentration of the selected component. The process comprises conditioning the mixture of particles with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface-active agent to selectively coat each of the particles relative to the concentration of the selected component in each particle. In combination with the surface-active agent there is provided a fluorescent dye which either adheres to the coated or non-coated particles. The mixture of conditioned particles is then irradiated to excite and induce fluorescence of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish among the intensities of fluorescence of the fluorescent dye on the various particles. The particles are separated into concentrate, middling and tailing fractions based upon distinguishing among the intensities of fluorescence.