Patent ID: 6959815
Filing Date: 2005-11-01
Classification: B03D

Abstract:
1. A flotation process for separation of one or more types of target particles in an aqueous phase comprising: (a) introducing a gas stream through an oil to form a plurality of gas bubbles, wherein one or more collectors having an affinity for the one or more types of target particles are dissolved in said oil; (b) introducing an amount of said gas stream through the oil into an aqueous phase comprising the one or more target particles, whereby an oil coating comprising the one or more collectors is formed on surfaces of gas bubbles to form oily bubbles and wherein the amount of oily bubbles is sufficient to promote attachment of the one or more types of target particles to the bubbles to form agglomerates that are separate or separated from the aqueous phase; and (c) optionally recovering said agglomerates.