Patent ID: 6425485
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: B03B,B03D

Abstract:
A method of separating at least one of a plurality of species of particulate solids from the remaining species, said method comprising the steps of:providing an upward flow of water; providing an upward flow of air bubbles; providing a mixture of said plurality of species of particulate solids, said species of particulate solids having one or more specific gravities; permitting a hindered fluidized bed to form; attaching air bubbles selectively to one or more species present in said mixture of particulate solids effectively lowering an apparent specific gravity of said one or more species; gathering said one or more species with the lowered apparent specific gravity in an upper portion of the hindered fluidized bed; gathering the remaining species with a higher apparent specific gravity in a lower portion of the hindered, fluidized bed.