US 12,102,943 B2 · Detection and recovery of metals from ore

Abstract

Method and apparatus are provided to select target metal particles from aggregate ore. A feed stream of aggregate is directed along a path and a higher density portion is segregated therefrom. Detectors are arranged in-line and along the flow of the higher density portion. High resolution detection of a target particles within the feed stream triggers ejection of a select portion of the feed stream and target particle as a concentrate and the balance continues to a further phase of detection/ejection. The concentrate is processed in further stages or collected as product. Multiple parallel detector/ejectors across the path can isolate target particles and minimize the ejected gangue portion associated therewith. Dry or hydrodynamic transport of the feed stream is available determined by aggregate characteristics. A compact footprint of the apparatus is achieved with arcuate paths and multi-level conveyance whilst low energy requirements enables use in artisan installations.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A process for selecting particulates of conductive metals from an ore-containing aggregate, comprising:

transporting the aggregate as a feed stream along a path;
directing the feed stream through at least a first elongate detection zone, the first elongate detection zone comprising a V-shaped trough having a feed end, a discharge end, and bottom apex, and a first electrical detector at the bottom apex of the V-shaped trough, wherein the feed stream flows through the V-shaped trough from the feed end to the discharge end in parallel to the first electrical detector, and wherein a higher density portion of the feed stream gravimetrically concentrates towards the first electrical detector as the feed stream flows through the V-shaped trough;
detecting the presence of conductive metals in the higher density portion of the feed stream in the first elongate detection zone and producing a triggering signal indicative of conductive metals detected therein;
and
actuating ejection of at least a portion of the feed stream that was in the first elongate detection zone to a concentrate stream upon receipt of the triggering signal, the balance of the feed stream continuing along the path as a residuum stream.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Detection and recovery of metals from ore

Life of this patent

Detection and recovery of metals from ore

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20