Column flotation cell for enhanced recovery of minerals such as phosphates by froth flotation

Abstract

An apparatus for separating a mineral from a slurry of mineral and impurities, including a fluid vessel having a first, open end and a second end and a feed well disposed near the first end. The feed well has a first, open end, for receiving the slurry, and a second end. At least one first member is received through the first ends of the vessel and the feed well for providing aerated water, creating a froth in the feed well including substantially the mineral. The mineral froth substantially separates from the impurities and floats out of the feed well towards the first end of the vessel, and a collection unit receives the mineral froth. The impurities and any remaining mineral fall toward the second end of the vessel. A measurement unit is placed within the vessel for measuring at least one of density and pressure of the fluid in the vessel. A related process includes introducing the slurry into the first, open end of the feed well, providing aerated water to the feed well and the vessel in a direction from the first ends to the second ends, respectively, creating a froth in the feed well including substantially the mineral, substantially separating the mineral froth from the impurities, collecting the mineral froth, and allowing the impurities and any un-separated mineral to fall towards the second end of the vessel. Further, the process includes measuring at least one of density and pressure of the fluid in the vessel.