Patent ID: 6056125
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B03D

Abstract:
A froth flotation column for the separation of at least two different materials comprising:a cylindrical tubular column having a top end and a bottom end;at least one helical track adjacent to the inner surface of said column and inclined toward the bottom of said column and located intermediate between said top end and said bottom end of said column, wherein said helical track has a first end and a second end and said helical track defines a separation zone between said top and said bottom end of said column said separation zone having a top edge and a bottom edge;a rotating shaft located about the axis of said column, said shaft having a first end attached to a means for rotation and a second end terminating within the column;at least one impeller attached to said rotating shaft adjacent to said rotating shaft second end and said impeller being located within the separation zone the region of said column;an gas inlet means located adjacent to said bottom end of said column;a feed inlet means for introduction of the material to be separated, said feed inlet means located intermediate between said top end and said bottom end of said column, said material comprising at least two components;a first discharge means for removing at least one component from the column, said first discharge means located adjacent to said top end of said column; anda second discharge means for removing at least one component from said column, said second discharge means located adjacent to said bottom end of said column.