Method and apparatus for froth flotation

A froth flotation apparatus for separating a desired constituent from a mixture of particular matter, comprising:

• a wall defining a flotation cell;
• an aerator for aerating a mixture of particular matter to produce froth;
• a feed opening for introducing a mixture of particulate matter and/or froth into said cell;
• a discharge orifice in a wall of the cell;
• a froth support in communication with said discharge orifice for receiving and supporting said froth;
• and
• a wash sprayer disposed upstream of said discharge orifice, wherein said froth support has a convoluted path for fluid travel.

A froth flotation apparatus for separating a desired constituent from a mixture particulate matter, comprising:

• a wall defining a flotation cell;
• an aerator for aerating a mixture of particulate matter to produce froth;
• a feed opening for introducing a mixture of particulate matter and/or froth into said cell;
• a discharge orifice in a wall of the cell;
• a froth support in communication with said discharge orifice for receiving and supporting said froth;
• and
• a wash sprayer disposed upstream of said discharge orifice, wherein said froth support comprises a froth drainer to substantially separate wash fluid containing dislodged particles from contact with one or more of separated froth and washed froth, said froth, said froth drainer selected from the group consisting of a perforated region of said froth support, a nonplanar surface profile of said froth support and combination thereof.

A froth flotation apparatus for separating a desired constituent from a mixture of particulate matter, comprising:

• a wall defining a flotation cell;
• an aerator for aerating a mixture of particulate matter to produce froth;
• a feed opening for introducing a mixture of particulate matter and/or froth into said cell;
• a discharge orifice in a wall of the cell;
• a froth support in communication with said discharge orifice for receiving and supporting said froth;
• and
• a wash sprayer disposed upstream of said discharge orifice, wherein said support has a continuous cross-sectional perimeter and comprises a vent.

A froth flotation apparatus for separating a desired constituent from a mixture of particulate matter, comprising:

• a wall defining a flotation cell;
• an aerator for aerating a mixture of particulate matter to produce froth;
• a feed opening for introducing a mixture of particulate matter and/or froth into said cell;
• a discharge orifice in a wall of the cell;
• a froth support in communication with said discharge orifice for receiving and supporting said froth;
• a wash sprayer disposed upstream of said discharge orifice;
• and
• a froth motivator disposed in substantially sealing relationship with a bottom portion of said support.