NL6403298A - - Google Patents

Abstract

988,674. Froth flotation ; mixing appliances. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT PTY. Ltd. March 26, 1964 [March 28, 1963], No. 13036/64. Headings B1C and B2H. A froth flotation cell for concentrating ores &c. has, for generating an annular mixing zone 74, a rotor provided with inclined surfaces which, when rotated, cause the pulp or solution surrounding the rotor to be mixed with air or other gas from an axial zone 71 within the rotor, the axial zone being circumferentially delimited, as by the line 72, and maintained free of liquid by the movement of the inclined surfaces which impel the mixture downwardly through and from the mixing zone. As shown for two such cells in series, each rotor is supported in a bearing 8, driven by a motor 7, and supplied with air down its central portion from either atmosphere or a common pressurized manifold 6 depending on the position of a selector-valve. The mixture is directed along the bottom of each cell by guide vanes 42 disposed on a removable plate 41, Figs. 1 and 2, and the froth discharged from one or each cell over an adjustable weir 69 by a paddle 52 which is oscillated in the direction of the arrows by an eccentric arrangement 55; the paddle may be adjusted in height by moving the fulcrum point 62 by a handwheel. The pulp flows from one cell to the next and then over an adjustable weir in a discharge box. Each rotor is formed of straight or curved bars which may have a cross-section as shown in Fig. 4 or a cross-section which is circular, elliptical or blade-shaped and increases in size in a downward direction. The rotor may be made of cast metal or rubber-covered metal. Fig. 7 shows how replaceable metal bars can be fitted by split callets 30 with tapered sockets in the hub portion of the rotor ; if desired, the bars may be provided with a rubber slip-on cover. Further cells in series may be provided.