# US 2014/0197077 A1 · Method and system for releasing mineral from synthetic bubbles and beads > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2014/0197077 A1 - Document ID: US20140197077A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 14/117,912 - Filed: 2012-05-25 - Published: 2014-07-17 - Earliest claimed: 2011-05-25 - Assignees: Cidra Corporate Services Inc. - Applicants: CiDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC. - Inventors: Paul J. Rothman; Mark R. Fernald; Francis K. Didden; Christian V. O'keefe; Douglas H. Adamson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140197077A1 ## CPC - B03C 5/00: Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect (combined with centrifuges B04B5/10) - B03D 1/0046: {containing silicon} - B01D 15/02: with moving adsorbents - B01D 37/02: Precoating the filter medium; Addition of filter aids to the liquid being filtered {(devices for feeding reagents C02F1/685 and sub-groups; filter aids)} - B01D 39/00: Filtering material for liquid or gaseous fluids - B03B 1/04: by additives - B03C 1/01: by addition of magnetic adjuvants - B03C 5/02: Separators - B03D 1/016: Macromolecular compounds - B03D 1/023: {Carrier flotation; Flotation of a carrier material to which the target material attaches} - B03D 1/14: Flotation machines (devices for feeding measured quantities of reagents B01J4/02; flotation apparatus for enzymology or microbiology C12M1/09) - B04C 1/00: Apparatus in which the main direction of flow follows a flat spiral {; so-called flat cyclones or vortex chambers} - B07B 1/00: Sieving, screening, sifting, or sorting solid materials using networks, gratings, grids, or the like {(ash-sifters for domestic stoves or ranges F24B15/007)} - C02F 1/24: by flotation (C02F1/465 takes precedence) - C22B 15/0063: {Hydrometallurgy} - Y02W 30/52: Mechanical processing of waste for the recovery of materials, e.g. crushing, shredding, separation or disassembly - Y10T 428/2982: Particulate matter [e.g., sphere, flake, etc.] - B03C: MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS (separating isotopes B01D59/00; combinations of magnetic or electrostatic separation with separation of solids by other means B03B, B07B) - B03D: FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION (sedimentation in general B01D21/00; in combination with other separation of solids B03B; sink-float separation B03B5/28; detergents, soaps C11D) - B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28) - B03B: SEPARATING SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS - B04C: APPARATUS USING FREE VORTEX FLOW, e.g. CYCLONES ({centrifugal separation of water from steam B01D45/12;} jet mills B02C19/06; {wind sifters B07B7/00;} cyclonic type combustion apparatus F23; {vortex burners for cyclone-type combustion apparatus F23D1/02; cyclonic type combustion apparatus for gas turbines F23R3/00}) - B07B: SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS BY SIEVING, SCREENING, SIFTING OR BY USING GAS CURRENTS; SEPARATING BY OTHER DRY METHODS APPLICABLE TO BULK MATERIAL, e.g. LOOSE ARTICLES FIT TO BE HANDLED LIKE BULK MATERIAL (wet separating processes, sorting by processes using fluent material in the same way as liquid B03; combinations of dry separating apparatus with wet separating apparatus B03B; using liquids B03B, B03D; sorting by magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges or vortex apparatus for carrying out physical processes B04; hand sorting, postal sorting, sorting by switching or other devices actuated in response to detection or measurement of some feature of articles or samples of material B07C) - C02F: TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE (separation in general B01D; special arrangements on waterborne vessels of installations for treating water, waste water or sewage, e.g. for producing fresh water, B63J; adding materials to water to prevent corrosion C23F; treating radioactively-contaminated liquids G21F9/04; regeneration of reactants for recirculation into processes, see the relevant places for the processes) - C22B: PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS (electrolytic C25); PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS - Y02W: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A synthetic bead for use in mineral separation is described. The synthetic bead has a surface made of a synthetic material such as polymer and the synthetic material is functionalized with molecules having a functional group for attaching mineral particles to the surface in a separation process. The synthetic beads can be placed in flotation cell containing a mixture of water, valuable material and unwanted material or in a pipeline where the mixture is transported from one location to another. The enriched synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are separated from the unwanted materials in the mixture. The mineral particles are then released from the synthetic beads by means of low pH treatment, ultrasonic agitation, thermal or electromagnetic treatment. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method comprising: receiving in a processor a plurality of synthetic beads carrying mineral particles, each of the synthetic beads comprising a surface and a plurality of molecules attached to the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group configured for attracting one or more of the mineral particles to the molecules, causing the mineral particles to form a chemical bond with the functional group for attaching to the surface of the synthetic beads; and interrupting the chemical bond of the functional group so as to remove the mineral particles from the synthetic beads. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received in a mixture having a first temperature, wherein said interrupting comprises causing the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles to contact with a medium having a second temperature higher than the first temperature. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are caused to contact with a liquid, and wherein said interrupting comprises applying a sonic agitation to the liquid for causing the mineral particles to separate from the synthetic beads. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received along with a mixture having a first pH value, wherein said interrupting comprises causing the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles to contact with a medium having a second pH value different from the first pH value. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are caused to contact with a liquid, and wherein said interrupting comprises applying microwaves to the liquid for causing the mineral particles to separate from the synthetic beads. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein said interrupting comprises mechanically causing the synthetic beads to move against each other. ### Claim 7 (depends on 2) The method according to claim 2, wherein the synthetic beads are made of a polymer having a glass transition temperature, and the second temperature is substantially equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature. ### Claim 8 (depends on 3) The method according to claim 3, wherein said interrupting comprises providing an ultrasonic source to apply the sonic agitation to the liquid. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein the ultrasonic source is arranged to produce ultrasound in the range of 10 Hz to 10 MHz for the sonic agitation. ### Claim 10 (depends on 4) The method according to claim 4 wherein the second pH value ranges from 0 to 7. ### Claim 11 (depends on 6) The method according to claim 6, wherein said interrupting comprises arranging a rotational means to stir the synthetic beads. ### Claim 12 (depends on 6) The method according to claim 6, wherein part of the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles is made of a magnetic material, and said interrupting comprises arranging a magnetic stirrer to stir the synthetic beads. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received along with a mixture, wherein said interrupting comprises selecting two or more of the following interrupting methods: 1) lowering pH value of the mixture, 2) applying an ultrasound to the mixture; 3) increasing temperature of the mixture and 4) mechanically stirring the mixture. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method according to claim 13, wherein the selected interrupting methods are used on the mixture concurrently or sequentially. ### Claim 15 An apparatus comprising: a processor configured to receive a plurality of synthetic beads carrying mineral particles, each of the synthetic beads comprising a surface and a plurality of molecules attached to the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group having a chemical bond for attracting one or more of the mineral particles to the molecules, causing the mineral particles to attach to synthetic beads; and releasing apparatus configured to interrupt the chemical bond of the functional group so as to remove the mineral particles from the synthetic beads. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received in a mixture having a first temperature, wherein said release apparatus is configured to cause the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles to contact with a medium having a second temperature higher than the first temperature. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are caused to contact with a liquid, and wherein said release apparatus is configured to apply a sonic agitation to the liquid for causing the mineral particles to separate from the synthetic beads. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received along with a mixture having a first pH value, wherein said release apparatus is configured to cause the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles to contact with a medium having a second pH value different from the first pH value. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are caused to contact with a liquid, and wherein said release apparatus is configured to apply microwaves to the liquid for causing the mineral particles to separate from the synthetic beads. ### Claim 20 (depends on 15) The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said release apparatus is configured to mechanically cause the synthetic beads to move against each other. ### Claim 21 (depends on 16) The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the synthetic beads are made of a polymer having a glass transition temperature, and the second temperature is substantially equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature. ### Claim 22 (depends on 17) The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said release apparatus is an ultrasonic source configured to provide apply the sonic agitation to the liquid. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the ultrasonic source is configured to produce ultrasound in the range of 10 Hz to 10 MHz for the sonic agitation. ### Claim 24 (depends on 18) The apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the second pH value ranges from 0 to 7. ### Claim 25 (depends on 20) The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said release apparatus is configured to stir the synthetic beads. ### Claim 26 (depends on 20) The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein part of the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles is made of a magnetic material, and said release apparatus is a magnetic stirrer configured to stir the synthetic beads. ### Claim 27 (depends on 15) The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received along with a mixture, wherein said release apparatus is configured to perform two or more interruption techniques, including: 1) to lower pH value of the mixture, 2) to apply an ultrasound to the mixture; 3) to increase the temperature of the mixture and 4) to mechanically stir the mixture. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said release apparatus is configured to perform the two or more interruption techniques on the mixture concurrently or sequentially. ### Claim 29 An apparatus comprising: a processing compartment for receiving a plurality of synthetic beads carrying mineral particles, each of the synthetic beads comprising a surface and a plurality of molecules attached to the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group having a chemical bond for attracting one or more of the mineral particles to the molecules, causing the mineral particles to attach to synthetic beads; the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles received in a mixture having a pH value; and a controller arranged to release an acidic material for lowering the pH value of the mixture. ### Claim 30 The apparatus according to 31, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received in a mixture having a temperature, said apparatus further comprises a heater arranged to raise the temperature of the mixture. ### Claim 31 An apparatus comprising: a processing compartment for receiving a plurality of synthetic beads carrying mineral particles, each of the synthetic beads comprising a surface and a plurality of molecules attached to the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group having a chemical bond for attracting one or more of the mineral particles to the molecules, causing the mineral particles to attach to synthetic beads; the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles received in a mixture having a physical condition; and a sonic source arranged to apply ultrasonic waves to the mixture. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the mixture has a pH value, said apparatus further comprising: a controller arranged to release an acidic material for changing the pH value of the mixture. ### Claim 33 (depends on 32) The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the acidic material has a pH value of 0 to 6. ### Claim 34 The apparatus according to 31, wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received in a mixture having a temperature, said apparatus further comprises a heater arranged to raise the temperature of the mixture. ### Claim 35 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein the synthetic beads comprise a resonant frequency, and wherein the ultrasonic source is configured to produce an ultrasonic frequency substantially equal to the resonant frequency. ### Claim 36 (depends on 22) The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the synthetic beads comprise a resonant frequency, and wherein the ultrasonic source is configured to produce an ultrasonic frequency substantially equal to the resonant frequency. ### Claim 37 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the functional group comprises a collector for attracting said one or more mineral particles. ### Claim 38 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the function group render the surface hydrophobic for attracting said one or more mineral particles.