Apparatus and methods for separating particulates from a particulate

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for material separation consisting of a cyclone aerator which can enhance contact between contaminated water and air, or a oxidant gas, and can enhance the contact and attachment between particulates contained in the suspension and bubbles formed in the cyclone aerator. One embodiment comprises a plurality of plates positioned in a spaced relationship to one another within a jacketed tube. The plates are arranged in a distinct, non-radial orientation extending partially towards the center of the jacketing tube to define a cylindrical chamber within a center of the plates and an annular cylindrical chamber between the plates and the jacketing tube. A suspension is introduced into the cylindrical chamber tangentially through a feed line proximate or integral with a jacketing tube top of said jacketing tube to develop a swirling flow pattern of the suspension within the cylindrical chamber. Pressurized air is introduced through an air opening in the jacketing tube into the annular cylindrical chamber. The pressurized air travels between the adjacent plates, through the opening gaps between the adjacent plates, and into the cylindrical chamber,. When the pressurized air enters into the cylindrical chamber, it is sheared by the swirling flow pattern of the suspension to form fine air bubbles. Any particulates contained in the suspension will have organized collisions with fine air bubbles generated. These organized collisions result from the travel path of the swirling flow pattern of the suspension within the cylindrical chamber being close to orthogonal to any reference point where fine air bubbles are generated by the swirling flow pattern of the suspension. The organized orthogonal collisions result in an enhanced attachment of particulates within the suspension onto the air bubbles.