Classification particle size distribution modification technique based on hydrophobic media for enhanced fluidized bed flotation separation

摘要

Apparatus is provided for mineral separation, featuring a mixer configured to mix a mineral bearing ore feed and hydrophobic media particles, the mineral bearing ore feed being crushed and ground and having an ore particle size distribution characterized by about 50% or more of particles at a size of about 150 µm or less with finer particulates and mid-range particles, the hydrophobic polymer based particles having a media size of about 300 µm or more and being configured to collect the finer particulates and mid-range particles in the mineral bearing ore through hydrophobic attraction, and provide a modified feed having loaded "coarse particles" loaded with the finer particulates and mid-range particles attached thereto for further processing.