Patent ID: 9085000
Filing Date: 2015-07-21
Classification: B03D

Abstract:
1. A method of separating selected particles from a mixture of particles in a fluid, said method including the steps of: generating a fluidized bed by providing an upward flow of liquid in a generally tubular flotation cell containing particles, such that the drag force on the particles created by the upward flow is sufficient to support the weight of particles in the cell; providing bubbles in said fluidized bed; feeding the mixture of particles and fluid upwardly into the fluidized bed from a location beneath the fluidized bed; allowing the selected particles to attach to bubbles within the fluidized bed and rise to the top of the fluidized bed; allowing bubbles with selected particles attached to rise above the fluidized bed into a settling chamber while removing tailings from the top of the fluidized bed; forming a froth layer of bubbles and attached selected particles at the top of the settling chamber; controlling the depth of the froth layer; and allowing selected particles with bubbles attached to flow from the froth layer over a lip of the flotation cell into a launder to form flotation product.