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(11) | EP 0 057 445 A3 |
(12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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(54) | Apparatus and method for froth flotation separation |
(57) A method and apparatus for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry,
having particular utility for the beneficiation of coal by the flotation separation
of coal particles from impurities associated therewith such as ash and sulfur. A spray
nozzle (16) is positioned above a flotation tank (12) having a liquid bath therein,
and sprays an input slurry throuph an aeration zone (19) into the surface (14) of
the liquid. The spraying operation creates a froth (17) on the liquid surface (14)
in which a substantial quantity of particulate matter is floating, while other components
of the slurry sink into the liquid. A skimming arrangement (28) preferably skims the
froth (17) from the surface (14) as a cleaned or beneficiated product. Moreover, a
reycling operation may be provided wherein particulate materials which do not float
after being sprayed through the input spray nozzle (18) to provide a second opportunity
for recovery of the recycled particles. |