METHOD OF PARTICLE FLOTATION Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: mineral concentration; ore flotation. SUBSTANCE: method includes aeration of pump and bubble mineralization in descending flow formed by combined supply at pressure of initial pulp containing fine and coarse particles and air. Floated particles are brought to foam layer. Foam products and tailings are continuously withdrawn. Pump aeration and mineralization of bubbles with fine particles are accomplished in descending turbulent flow at velocity from 3 to 12 m/s. Bubbles mineralized with fine particles are brought to laminar ascending flow with formation of suspended layer of coarse particles. Pulp may be supplied to zone of flotation under vacuum which may be carried out in the medium of inert gases. Tailings may be passed through unit of thin-layer settling. Foal layer may be compressed. In compression, foam layer may contact hydrophobic surface. EFFECT: higher efficiency. 6 cl