Method and system for ore processing with application of ultrasound to the flotation froth

Abstract

This invention relates to an ore beneficiation process by flotation. In this context, an ore beneficiation system is provided with application of ultrasound to the flotation froth comprising an air-emission ultrasonic transducer positioned above the flotation froth, with the ultrasonic transducer being adapted to emit ultrasonic waves towards the flotation froth. This invention also provides an ore beneficiation process associated with the system described above. Thus, this invention provides a process and system for ore beneficiation with the application of ultrasound to the flotation froth without immersing the ultrasonic transducer into the ore slurry. The current invention can partially remove the liquid film that resides between the air bubbles, thereby enhancing metallurgical recovery rates. Furthermore, it can be employed to effectively counteract the persistence of three-phase froth resulting from flotation, thereby improving the efficiency of processes associated with water and waste management.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.