Utilizing engineered media for recovery of minerals in tailings stream at the end of a flotation separation process
US12005460B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB03D2203/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus uses engineered collection media to recover mineral particles in a mineral extraction process, e.g., for processing a tailings stream at the end of a flotation separation process. The engineered collection media are added to slurry/tailings containing the mineral particles. The engineered collection media have collection surfaces coated with a chemical selected for attracting the mineral particles to the collection surfaces so the engineered collection media becomes mineral laden media in the slurry/tailings in a loading stage. The apparatus include three stages: removing unwanted material from mineral laden media; using a stripping agent to strip the mineral particles from the mineral laden media; and separating the engineered collection media from the mineral particles and the stripping agent. The stripping agent is reused for stripping, and the engineered collection media are returned to the loading stage. The engineered collection media can have a smooth or foam-like surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.