Beloit Corporation

Beloit Technologies, Inc.

Michael A McCool

Luigi Silveri

Ashok K Nanda

Jeffrey L Chamberlin

Jeffrey L Chamberlain

A method and several embodiments of apparatus are disclosed for use in foam flotation separation. The method discloses performing the separation in a module operated at nonatmospheric pressure, and the apparatus disclosed are suitable for use as the module of the method. Both the method and the apparatus contemplate positive and negative pressure operation.

Pressurized flotation module and method for pressurized foam separation

A method and apparatus for deinking a fibre stock or slurry. In order to optimize the separation process the invention proposes to independently control the air injection phase, the mixing phase, and the separation phase by splitting them into separate steps. Thus, there is provided a separation cell which is fed with slurry from an inlet. Air is introduced into the slurry before entry into the separation cell and before entering a mixing section which mixes the air and slurry before entering the separation cell. The air is introduced under pressure by way of a porous sintered sleeve, while the mixing is achieved by the provision of three turbulence discs in the preferred embodiment. Alternative turbulent generating means may be employed. The mixing ensures contact of the ink with the air bubbles which separate out in the separation cell and rise to the surface as a foam. The foam is removed by suction, while the deinked fibre slurry is drawn off from the tank by means of a weir or stand pipe. A separation plate isolates the foam from the draw off section of the tank. It is preferred that the separation cell is divided into a plurality of cells which are fed from a respective inlet, each having a respective said air inlet and mixing section.

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Pittsfield, MA, United States of America

Michael A McCool