公开(公告)号：US20170232451A1

公开(公告)日：2017-08-17

申请号：US15401755

申请日：2017-01-09

Applicant: CiDRA Corporate Services Inc.

Inventor： Paul J. ROTHMAN ,  Mark R. FERNALD ,  Francis DIDDEN ,  Christian V. O'KEEFE ,  Douglas H. ADAMSON ,  Paul DOLAN ,  Timothy J. BAILEY ,  Michael RYAN

IPC: B03D1/02 ,  B03D1/12 ,  B03D1/016

CPC classification number: B03D1/023 ,  B03D1/004 ,  B03D1/016 ,  B03D1/12 ,  B03D2203/02

Abstract: An engineered collection medium for use in mineral separation is described. The engineered collection medium has a solid phase body configured with a three-dimensional open-cell structure like foam or sponge to provide collection surfaces. The surfaces are functionalized with a hydrophobic chemical having molecules with a functional group for attaching mineral particles to the collection surfaces. The engineered collection medium can be a foam block, a filter or conveyor belt to be placed in a slurry to collect mineral particles in the slurry. The engineered collection medium carrying the mineral particles is provided to a release apparatus where the mineral particles can be released by using mechanical agitation, sonic agitation and so forth.