Mineral separation using functionalized filters and membranes
US9302270B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2982
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed. The apparatus may take the form of a filter, a conveyor belt or an impeller to be used in a processor to collect mineral particles in the slurry, or in a tailings pond to collect mineral particles in the tailings. The filter, conveyor belt or impeller has a collection area made of or coated with a synthetic material having a functional group, either anionic or cationic to attach to the mineral particles. Alternatively, the synthetic material has hydrophobic molecules to render the collection area hydrophobic. When the mineral particles in the slurry or tailings are combined with collector molecules, the mineral particles also become hydrophobic. The hydrophobic mineral particles are attracted to the hydrophobic collection area. The filter, conveyor belt and impeller may have a plurality of passage ways in order to increase the contacting surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.