(19)
(11) EP 0 057 445 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
01.08.1984 Bulletin 1984/31

(43) Date of publication A2:
11.08.1982 Bulletin 1982/32

(21) Application number: 82100636

(22) Date of filing: 29.01.1982
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE

(30) Priority: 29.01.1981 US 230058
29.01.1981 US 230059

(71) Applicant: Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company
 ()

(72) Inventors:
  • Duttera, James
     ()
  • Jefferis III, Raymond P.
     ()
  • Matteson, David
     ()
  • Szentlaszloi, Alexander
     ()
  • McGarry, Philip Everett
     ()
  • Herman, David Edward
     ()

   


(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.







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