CN113348037A

CN113348037A - Apparatus and method for uniformly introducing air into fluidized bed separator

Info

Publication number: CN113348037A
Application number: CN202080010901.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L.克里斯托道洛; B.萨得勒; L.巴纳德; A.斯宾克
Original assignee: FLSmidth AS
Current assignee: FLSmidth AS
Priority date: 2019-01-25
Filing date: 2020-01-24
Publication date: 2021-09-03
Also published as: CL2021001943A1; AU2020211439A1; PE20211746A1; WO2020152651A1

Abstract

A fluidized bed separator (100) may include a plurality of nozzles (122) disposed on a fluidized bed panel (110); a slip stream outlet (124) fluidly connecting the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) to the pump (120); a dissolved gas solution inlet (123) for returning a dissolved gas solution (121) from the pump (120) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108); a manifold (140) configured with a plurality of entry points (141); an air distribution chamber (128) disposed below the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108); means (119) for pre-charging the fluidized bed separator (100) with the feed slurry (113); and/or means, such as an inlet (119) for delivering a gas (118) (e.g., air) to the pump (120).

Description

Apparatus and method for uniformly introducing air into fluidized bed separator

Cross Reference to Related Applications

Is free of

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a novel fluidized bed separator (e.g., a solids-solids classifier) and apparatus for a fluidized bed separator. Embodiments may be particularly beneficial when used in flotation processes, particularly coarse particle flotation processes.

Background

Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) processes use dissolved air to create fine bubbles for flotation in water treatment and oil separation processes. This occurs in an open tank where the solids are allowed to settle freely by gravity. The free-settling hydrophobic particles come into contact with air in the form of ultra-fine bubbles generated by dissolved air flotation pumps and related systems. There is no fluidized bed in this DAF process.

Coarse particle flotation successfully recovers coarse particles by introducing air into the fluidized bed of particles. Operation with a fluidized bed allows to promote static conditions, promoting the recovery of coarse particles where hindered settling occurs.

Examples of prior art could be froth-free flotation in Eriez

Seen in the container. Air is introduced into a feed pipe network containing fluidizing water and air and enters the vessel from one side. The air-water mixture enters the fluidized bed from the internal pipe network. However, with this system, the delivery of aerated solution to the fluidized bed is "coupled" to the fluidization water rate. Thus, once the aerated solution provided to the fluidised bed enters the vessel, it cannot be modified or controlled as it comprises a "one-way" air delivery means.

Turning to prior art FIG. 1, some particle separators 1 (e.g.

Classifier) generally uses a fluidized bed without air introduction. Fluidizing fluid 12 enters the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 8 at the bottom of the fluidized bed separator 1 via the fluidizing fluid inlet 4 and passes through a plurality of holes or openings 11 extending through the fluidized bed panel 10. The fluidized bed panel 10 defines an upper portion of the fluidized fluid distribution chamber 8. The fluid exiting the opening from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 8 enters the main separation chamber 7 of the separator device 1 and fluidizes the bed of particles and slurry 13 contained therein.

Feed slurry 13 enters the body 3 of the separator 1 through the feed inlet 2. The slurry 13 is mixed with the fluidizing fluid 12 entering the main separation chamber 7, wherein some particles from the slurry 13 travel upwardly through the inclined plate stack 5 (e.g., a series of diagonally arranged and spaced apart sheets) and enter the upper separation chamber 6. Those particles from the slurry 13 that do not enter the upper separation chamber 6 can either return to the main separation chamber 7 (by gravity) or leave the underflow outlet 9 by gravity as an underflow 14 (e.g. gangue, coarse particles). The underflow 9 can be moved to a downstream facility for further processing or holding.

Some particles from the slurry 13 may eventually exit the top of the separator 1 as an overflow 15 and pass over a weir 16. In some embodiments (not shown) a simple conduit outlet extending radially outwardly from the body 3 may be arranged in place of the weir 16 and launder 17 shown. The overflow 15 leaving the upper separation chamber 6 may comprise foam, fines or particles that meet a specific target mineralogy. The overflow 15 may be captured in a launder 17 and moved to downstream equipment for further processing or holding.

The present invention aims to improve the conventional separator 1 shown in fig. 1 to achieve better particle separation and process control.

Disclosure of Invention

According to some embodiments, it is desirable to provide a particle separator that is capable of delivering a uniform and uniform distribution of fine gas bubbles (e.g. air) over the cross-sectional area of the main separation chamber of the fluidized bed separator above the fluidized bed panel without limitation.

According to some embodiments, it is desirable to provide a particle separator that is capable of introducing air (e.g. in the form of fine (e.g. <0.5mm diameter) bubbles) into the fluidized bed, the main separation chamber and/or the upper separation chamber without disrupting the existing fluidized bed structure, without limitation.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and description herein. While each object of the invention is believed to be achieved by at least one embodiment of the invention, it is not necessary for there to be any single embodiment of the invention to achieve all of the objects of the invention.

A fluidized bed separator 100 is disclosed. The fluidized bed separator 100 can include a body 103, a feed inlet 102 for receiving a feed slurry 113, a fluidized bed panel 110 forming an upper portion of a fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108, a fluidizing fluid inlet 104 for receiving a fluidizing fluid 112 in the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108, a main separation chamber 107, an upper separation chamber 106, an inclined plate stack 105, an overflow outlet 117, and an underflow outlet 109. The fluidized bed separator may further include a plurality of nozzles 122 disposed on the fluidized bed panel 110. The nozzles 122 may be configured to deliver a uniform distribution of liquid and fine bubbles over the cross-sectional area of the main separation chamber 107 above the fluidized bed panel 110 without limitation.

The fluidized bed separator 100 can include a slip stream outlet 124 fluidly connecting the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 to the pump 120. The slipstream outlet 124 can be configured to remove the slipstream solution 125 from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108. The fluidized bed separator 100 may include a dissolved gas solution inlet 123 for returning the dissolved

gas solution

121, 127 from the pump 120 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108. The fluidized bed separator 100 may include at least one gas inlet 119 configured to deliver a gas 118 (e.g., air) to the slipstream solution 125 and/or the dissolved

gas solutions

121, 127, without limitation.

In some embodiments, the fluidized bed separator 100 can include a gas inlet 119, the gas inlet 119 configured to deliver a gas 118 to the feed inlet 102 to aerate the feed slurry 113 prior to entering the main separation chamber 107, without limitation.

In some embodiments, the fluidized bed separator 100 can include a gas distribution chamber 128 disposed below the fluidized fluid distribution chamber 108. The gas distribution chamber 128 can be in fluid communication with the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and can be configured to deliver the gas 118 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108. The gas distribution chamber 128 can receive the gas 118 from the gas inlet 119 without limitation.

According to some embodiments, the fluidized bed separator 100 may include a manifold 140. The manifold 140 may fluidly connect the dissolved gas solution inlet 123 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108, for example, at a plurality of entry points 141. The plurality of entry points 141 may be circumferentially spaced about the periphery of the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 without limitation. The manifold 140 may be arcuate, annular, or C-shaped without limitation. The manifold 140 can at least partially (or completely) surround the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108. The dissolved gas solution inlet 123 may include, without limitation, a high shear device or an in-line mixer 126, such as a static mixer. In some embodiments, a high shear device or in-line mixer 126, such as a static mixer, may be disposed on slip stream outlet 124 without limitation.

In some cases, the nozzles 122 disposed on the fluidized bed separator 100 may be configured to receive the gas 118 from a source external to the fluidized bed separator 100 and the fluid from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108. Such nozzles 122 may be configured to combine the gas and fluid prior to delivery to the primary separation chamber 107.

In some cases, a nozzle 122 disposed on the fluidized bed separator 100 may be configured to receive a gas 118, such as air, from a source external to the fluidized bed separator 100 and deliver it (e.g., directly or indirectly) to the primary separation chamber 107.

In some embodiments, at least one gas inlet 119 may be disposed on the dissolved gas solution inlet 123 and at least one gas inlet 119 disposed on the slip stream outlet 124. The underflow outlet 109 can pass through the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and the gas distribution chamber 128 without limitation.

In some embodiments, the feed inlet 102 may include a restricted throat. A gas inlet 119 may be provided on the feed inlet 102. The gas inlet 119 disposed on the feed inlet 102 may be configured to deliver the gas 118 to a restricted throat without restriction. In addition to or alternatively to delivering the gas 118 to the restricted throat, a gas inlet 119 may be provided to the feed inlet 102 that is configured to deliver the gas 118 to the feed inlet 102 upstream of the restricted throat, without restriction.

In some embodiments, a gas inlet 119 configured to deliver gas 118 to the feed inlet 102 can be configured to aerate the feed slurry 113 prior to entering the main separation chamber 107. The configuration may be in the form of a cavitation device, venturi, adjustable and/or variable orifice jet device, high or low shear contact reactor, or nozzle 122, without limitation.

A method of operating the fluidized bed separator 100 is also disclosed. The method can include the steps of delivering a feed slurry 113 to a primary separation chamber 107; delivering the fluidizing fluid 112 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108; removing overflow 115 from upper separation chamber 106 via overflow outlet 117; and an underflow 114 is removed from the main separation chamber 107 via underflow outlet 109 without limitation. The method may further include the steps of delivering a slipstream fluid 125 from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 to the pump 120 via the slipstream outlet 124; introducing gas 118 into slipstream fluid 125 via gas inlet 119; and/or returning the dissolved

gas solution

121, 127 from the pump 120 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 via the dissolved gas inlet 123 without limitation.

In some embodiments, the step of returning the dissolved

gas solution

121, 127 from the pump 120 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 via the dissolved gas inlet 123 may include the step of providing the dissolved

gas solution

121, 127 from the dissolved gas inlet 123 to the manifold 140. The dissolved

gas solutions

121, 127 may then be provided from the manifold 140 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108, for example, at multiple entry points 141, without limitation.

In some embodiments, the method includes the step of delivering a mixture of fluidizing fluid 112 and gas 118 to one or more nozzles 122 disposed on the fluidized bed panel 110. The method may further include the step of conveying the mixture of fluidizing fluid 112 and gas 118 through one or more nozzles 122 and into the primary separation chamber 107.

In some embodiments, the gas 118 may be provided to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 through one or more nozzles 122, the nozzles 122 fluidly connecting the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 to a source of the gas 118 located outside of the fluidized bed separator 100. Additionally or alternatively, the gas 118 may be provided to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 via one or more gas inlets 119, the gas inlets 119 being disposed on the dissolved gas solution inlet 123 and/or the slip stream solution outlet 124. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the gas 118 can be provided to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 from a gas distribution chamber 128, the gas distribution chamber 128 being disposed adjacent (e.g., below) the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 without limitation.

In some embodiments, the method may include the step of forming a fluid mixture by combining the gas 118 with the fluidizing fluid 112 and/or the dissolved

gas solutions

121, 127 located within the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108. The combining step may be performed using one or more nozzles 122 disposed on the fluidized bed panel 110. The resulting fluid mixture may then be delivered, without limitation, through the upper portion 129 of each of the one or more nozzles 122 and through the fluidized bed panel 110 to the primary separation chamber 107.

In some embodiments, the method may include one or more of delivering the gas 118 to the gas distribution chamber 128; delivering the gas 118 from the gas distribution chamber 128 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108; allowing the gas 118 introduced into the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 from the gas distribution chamber 128 to mix with the fluidizing fluid 112 and/or the dissolved

gas solutions

121, 127 within the fluid distribution chamber 108 to form a fluid mixture; the fluid mixture is conveyed through the fluidized bed panel 110 and to the main separation chamber 107.

In some embodiments, the step of delivering the gas 118 from the gas distribution chamber 128 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 may include delivering the gas 118 through one or more nozzles 122, the nozzles 122 being disposed on a fluidized bed panel 110, the fluidized bed panel 110 separating the gas distribution chamber 128 from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108.

In some embodiments, the step of transferring the combination of gas 118 and fluidizing fluid 112 from the fluid distribution chamber 108 to the primary separation chamber 107 may include transferring the combination of gas 118 and fluidizing fluid 112 through one or more nozzles 122, the nozzles 122 being disposed on a fluidized bed panel 110, the fluidized bed panel 110 separating the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 from the primary separation chamber 107.

In some embodiments, the method may include the step of forming a uniform distribution of liquid and fine bubbles over the cross-sectional area of the primary separation chamber 107 above the fluidized bed panel 110, without limitation. The method may further comprise the step of introducing a gas 118 into the feed slurry 113 prior to delivering the feed slurry 113 to the main separation chamber 107.

In some embodiments, the method can include the step of varying the pressure drop of the feed slurry 113 across the restricted throat of the feed inlet 102 of the fluidized bed separator 100. In some embodiments, the method may include the step of increasing or decreasing the shear rate (of the feed slurry 113 or the combined feed slurry 113 and gas 118) to affect the bubble size of the gas 118 introduced into the feed slurry 113. This can be accomplished, without limitation, by adjusting the flow rate at which the feed slurry 113 or gas 118 is introduced, or by manipulating an adjustable or variable orifice jet provided to the feed inlet 112, for example.

The method may further comprise the step of varying the mixing ratio of the gas 118 and the

fluids

112, 121, 127 entering the nozzle 122 disposed on the fluidized bed separator 100 by adjusting the separation distance between the upper portion 129 and the lower portion 130 of the nozzle 122. Such nozzles 112 may be disposed on the fluidized fluid distribution chamber 108 or attached to the fluidized bed panel 110, the body 103, without limitation.

In some embodiments, the method may include the step of varying the relative flow rates between the gas 118 and the

fluids

112, 121, 127 entering the nozzle 122 provided to the fluidized bed separator 100, for example by adjusting the pressure of the gas 118 entering the nozzle 122 and/or by adjusting the pressure of the

fluids

112, 121, 127 contained within the fluidized fluid distribution chamber 108.

Drawings

To supplement the ongoing description, and to assist a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings showing preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the fluidized bed separator 100, in which the following has been described with illustrative and non-limiting features, is attached to the present description as an integral part thereof. It should be understood that the same reference numerals used in the drawings may identify the same components.

Fig. 1 shows an example of a conventional fluidized bed separator 1 of the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a fluidized bed separator 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a top view of the fluidized bed panel 110 and the nozzle 122 of the fluidized bed separator 100 according to the view line shown in fig. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a fluidized bed separator 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another example of a fluidized bed separator 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example in which a manifold 140 may be used to uniformly introduce the dissolved air solution 121 into the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 through multiple entry points 141. As shown, the manifold 140 may surround the body 130 of the fluidized bed separator 100 and may be configured as an annular manifold having multiple entry points 141, without limitation.

Fig. 7 illustrates yet another example of a fluidized bed separator 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein a separate air distribution chamber 128 is disposed below the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and is configured to provide air or gas 118 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108.

Fig. 8 shows another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the fluidized bed separator 100 having a separate air distribution chamber 128 disposed below the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108.

Fig. 9 illustrates yet another example of a fluidized bed separator 100 according to some non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein various types of nozzles 122 may be used in any number, configuration, combination, or arrangement to deliver gas or a combination of gas and fluidizing fluid to the primary separation chamber 107.

Fig. 10 illustrates a non-limiting example of a fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108, wherein the nozzles 122 may be configured as a mixing device, wherein the nozzles 122 may function by injecting a combination of air (or gas) 118 and fluid received from within the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 into the primary separation chamber 107. According to some non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the fluid in the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 combined with the air or gas 118 may include a mixture of the fluidizing fluid 112, bubbles formed by the air or gas 118, and/or dissolved

air solutions

121, 127.

As can be seen more clearly in fig. 11-15, during operation, fluid in the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 can be drawn through the fluid port 131 in the nozzle 122 and combined with the incoming air or gas 118 through the tube or port 142. The resulting combination may be transported through the opening 111 through the fluidized bed panel 110 and received by the main separation chamber 107. In some embodiments, air 118 may be drawn into the nozzle 122 and through the opening 111 with the aid of a pressure differential between the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and the primary separation chamber 107. In some embodiments, air 118 may be drawn into the nozzle 122 and through the opening 111 with the assistance of the pressure differential between the air distribution chamber 128 and the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108.

In some embodiments, the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 may be maintained at a higher pressure than the main separation chamber 107 without limitation. The air or gas 118 entering the nozzle 122 (via feature 142) may be maintained at a higher pressure than the main separation chamber 107. The air or gas 118 entering the nozzle 122 (via the feature 142) may be maintained at a higher pressure than the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 without limitation.

Fig. 11 and 12 illustrate one possible non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a nozzle 122 that may be used in conjunction with the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108.

Fig. 13 illustrates another possible non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a nozzle 122 that may be used in conjunction with the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108.

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate further non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the nozzle 122, the nozzle 122 including a sealing device 134 at the interface with the fluidized bed panel 110.

Fig. 16 and 17 illustrate a further non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the nozzle 122, including a means 136 for applying torque and a means 138 for connecting the nozzle 122 to a source of air (or gas) adjacent the lower portion 130 thereof.

Fig. 18-24 schematically illustrate various methods of optionally pre-contacting the incoming feed slurry 113 with air (or gas) 118, without limitation, according to embodiments.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings in connection with exemplary embodiments.

Detailed Description

Fig. 2 shows a fluidized bed separator 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The separator 100 may include a body 103. As shown, the body 103 is preferably configured as a substantially vertically oriented tubular body such that a central axis (not shown for clarity) of the body 103 extends generally vertically up and down. It is contemplated that the body 103 may be oriented at a small angle relative to true vertical without limitation. In some preferred embodiments, the separator 100 may have a profile height greater than its width, and such embodiments may be preferred for reducing the footprint and the required footprint space.

The body 103 may include a feed inlet 102 near a central or upper region thereof for receiving a feed slurry 113 of particles to be separated. The feed slurry 113 may include, without limitation, crushed ore, process water, and/or reagents. As will be described below, air or gas 118 may be combined with the feed slurry 113 in the feed inlet 102.

The feed inlet 102 may be adjacent to the main separation chamber 107, adjacent to the upper separation chamber 106, or somewhere between the main separation chamber 107 and the upper separation chamber 106, as shown, without limitation. The feed inlet 102 preferably extends from the exterior of the body 103, e.g., the feed inlet 102 may extend radially outward from the separator 100 at the periphery of the body 103 and may be configured as a tube with a connecting flange at its distal end, without limitation. The feed inlet 102 may extend radially outward from a tubular wall portion of the body 103 of the separator 100, as shown. Separator 100 can take on a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including those having polygonal and circular profiles, without limitation. In the particular embodiment shown, the body 103 of the separator is cylindrical.

At the bottom of the separator 100, adjacent to the lower part of the body 103, a fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 is provided. The fluidizing fluid inlet 104 feeds a fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108, and the fluidizing fluid inlet 104 is configured to receive a fluidizing fluid 112 at a predetermined flow rate and/or pressure. As shown, the fluidizing fluid 112 can be received peripherally through the inlet 104, wherein the fluidizing fluid inlet 104 extends radially outward from the body 103 and away from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 without limitation. Although not shown, the fluidizing fluid inlet 104 can alternatively enter the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber tangentially, rather than radially or a combination of tangential and radial vector components. Although not shown, it should be understood that in some embodiments, there may be multiple inlets 104 without limitation. Fig. 10 presents an embodiment in which the fluidizing fluid inlet 104 can enter the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 from below, rather than from the side of the body 103.

A fluidized bed panel 110 extending through a cross-section of the body 103 of the separator 100 can form an upper portion of the fluidized fluid distribution chamber 108. The fluidized bed panel 110 can have a plurality of nozzles 122 disposed thereon, the nozzles 122 enabling fluid communication between the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and the primary separation chamber 107.

The nozzles 122 may be mounted to existing holes or openings 111 extending through the fluidized bed panel 110, as shown, or they may be integrated with the openings 111 in the fluidized bed panel 110 without limitation. The nozzle 122 may be attached to the panel in any conceivable manner, and the nozzle 122 may be disposed within the opening 111 prior to being secured to the panel 110. The nozzles 122 may be attached to the panel 110 to form a subassembly prior to assembly of the fluidized bed panel 110 within the separator 100. In some embodiments, the nozzles 122 may be disposed only on a side of the fluidized bed panel 110 adjacent to each opening 111.

The fluidized bed panel 110 may be flat (e.g., planar) or provided in other preferred geometries. For example, in some embodiments (not shown), the fluidized bed panel 110 may be configured as a dish (e.g., with the concave portion facing upward into the primary separation chamber 107). In some embodiments (as shown in fig. 2), the fluidized bed panel 110 can be provided in a generally frustoconical shape (e.g., with its center narrowing as it approaches the bottom of the separator 100). In the center of the fluidized bed panel 110, a hole or opening may be provided therethrough and may be in fluid communication with a central underflow outlet 109, the central underflow outlet 109 being configured to remove an underflow 114 (e.g., gangue) from the main separation chamber 107 such that the underflow 114 may find an outlet at the central bottom of the separator 100 without limitation. In some embodiments, the fluid bed panel 110 may be parabolic in shape without limitation.

The fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 may further include a slipstream outlet 124 and a dissolved air solution inlet 123. In some embodiments of the separator 100, there may be one or both of these

features

123, 124 without limitation. The slip stream outlet 124 may be configured to receive fluid from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and deliver it to a pump 120, such as a water pump or a dissolved air pump, without limitation. The dissolved air solution inlet 123 may be configured to receive dissolved air solution from the pump 120 and deliver it back to the fluidized fluid distribution chamber 108 without limitation. Although a single pump 120 is shown, it is contemplated that multiple pumps 120 may be provided on the separator 100 without limitation.

The slipstream fluid 125 exiting the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 through the slipstream outlet 124 may be aerated with air 118 (or other gas or gaseous compound) before or during the slipstream fluid 125 entering the pump 120. For example, air 118 may be introduced through air inlet 119, as shown in FIG. 2. In some non-limiting embodiments, the air inlet 119 may be configured as an air jet, nozzle, or valve configured to introduce air or gas into the slipstream fluid 125. The air inlet 119 may be particularly configured to mix air with the slipstream fluid 125 without limitation. The pump 120 can further entrain air within the slipstream fluid 125 exiting the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108.

The combination of the dissolved air solution 121 exiting the pump 120 and the fluidizing fluid 112 entering the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 can be advanced through the nozzles 122 of the fluidized bed panel 110 and into the primary separation chamber 107 to form a uniform bubble layer uniformly distributed across the fluidized bed panel 110 along the bottom of the primary separation chamber 107 due to the design of the nozzles 122 promoting a specified pressure drop. It should be understood that, although not shown, some embodiments of the present invention may include an air inlet 119 that supplies air into the fluidizing fluid inlet 104 so that the fluidizing fluid 112 may be pre-aerated with air without limitation.

Particles in the feed slurry 113 may attach to bubbles exiting the nozzle 122 and may rise to the upper separation chamber 106. Upper separation chamber 106 may use one or more plates or plate stacks 105 without limitation. The plate stack 105 may be a slanted plate stack without limitation. As shown, the plate stack 105 may be disposed in the upper separation chamber 106 and may include a plurality of diagonally arranged or inclined plates. The plates in the inclined plate stack 105 may comprise thin plates without limitation. The sheets may be substantially parallel to each other and/or spaced apart from each other by about the same distance without limitation. Some embodiments may optionally omit the plate stack 105 without limitation.

A weir 116 may be provided at the top of the upper separation chamber 106 that allows the overflow 115 to pass through. The overflow 115 can be collected in an overflow outlet 117, such as a gutter that circumferentially surrounds the body 103 without limitation. The overflow 115 may be moved to downstream equipment for further processing or holding. The overflow 115 may include, without limitation, foam or target particles having a particular size, density, and/or a particular mineralogy.

Turning now to the embodiment shown in fig. 4, a plurality of air inlets 119 may be provided on the fluidized bed separator 100 according to the present invention. For example, air inlet 119 may be disposed upstream of pump 120 and/or air inlet 119 may be disposed downstream of pump 120 for supplemental aeration of slipstream solution 125. In this regard, the dissolved air solution 121 exiting the pump 120 may be twice aerated with air 118 to form a twice aerated dissolved air solution 127.

As shown in fig. 4, an in-line mixer or other high shear device 126 may be provided on the dissolved air solution inlet 123 of the fluidized bed separator 100 to further entrain the air 118 therein before the dissolved air solution 121 or the post-aerated dissolved air solution 127 re-enters the fluidized fluid distribution chamber 108. As shown, the inline mixer 126 can be located between the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and the pump 120 without limitation. As shown, the inline mixer 126 may also be located between the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and the secondary air inlet 119 without limitation.

Although not shown, a plurality of air inlets 119 may be provided on the slip stream solution outlet 124, and/or a plurality of air inlets 119 may be provided on the dissolved air solution inlet 123, without limitation.

Turning now to the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the air inlet 119 upstream of the pump 120 shown in fig. 2 and 4 may be eliminated altogether, wherein a single air inlet 119 may be located downstream of the pump 120 and disposed on the dissolving air solution inlet 123 to provide the main air 118 to the slipstream fluid 125 without limitation.

In some preferred embodiments, the rate at which the slipstream fluid 125 is extracted from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 through the slipstream solution outlet 124 may be independent of (i.e., controllable relative to) the rate at which the fluidizing fluid 112 is added or provided to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108, without limitation. In some preferred embodiments, the rate of extraction of the slipstream fluid 125 may also be controllable and adjustable. In addition, the rate at which air 118 is added to the slipstream solution 125 and/or the dissolved air solution 121 is preferably independent of (i.e., can be independently controlled) the rate at which the fluidizing fluid 112 is added or introduced. Accordingly, embodiments of the fluidized bed separator 100 can include

inlets

102, 104, 119, 123 and/or outlets 124 that can be independently adjusted and/or controlled (e.g., using control valves or manually adjusted valves) to suit process needs. In this regard, the fluidized bed separator 100 may be substantially reconfigured as process conditions change and/or feed slurry 113 properties change over time.

Turning now to fig. 6, according to some embodiments, the separator 100 may be provided with a manifold 140 peripherally surrounding or encircling the body 103. The manifold 140 may be configured to deliver the dissolved

air solutions

121, 127 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 in a uniformly distributed manner through a plurality of entry points 141. In this regard, the flow within the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 may be more uniform and without velocity hot spots. It should be understood that the manifold 140 may not necessarily completely surround or surround the body 103 as shown, and there may be fewer or more entry points 141 than shown. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, two diametrically opposed entry points 141 may be employed, wherein the manifold 140 may be "C" shaped, rather than annular. As another non-limiting example, three circumferentially spaced entry points 141 may be provided between the manifold 140 and the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108. More than three circumferentially spaced entry points 141 may be provided to fluidly connect the manifold 140 and the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108, as shown, without limitation. The entry points 141 are preferably equidistantly spaced, although unequal spacing is contemplated.

Turning now to fig. 7 and 8, in some non-limiting embodiments, the separator 100 can include an air distribution chamber 128 disposed below the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 as shown. The second fluidized bed panel 110 may separate the two

chambers

108, 128 without limitation. The two

chambers

108, 128 may be in fluid communication through the second fluidized bed panel 110 through openings 111, and some or all of these openings 111 may or may not include nozzles 122. Air (or gas) 118 may enter air distribution chamber 128 through inlet 119. As shown in fig. 7, the separator 100 can utilize air 118 entering the air distribution chamber 128 through the inlet 119 to aerate the fluidizing fluid 112 in the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108. As shown in fig. 8, the pump 120 may provide supplemental dissolved air solution 121 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 in addition to air (or gas) introduced via the air distribution chamber 128.

Although not shown in fig. 8, as shown in fig. 5 and 9, one or more additional air inlets 119 and/or one or more optional in-line mixers or high shear devices (e.g., static mixers) 126 may be provided at the dissolved air solution inlet 123 without limitation.

As shown in fig. 9, various types of nozzles 122 may be provided at the lower portions of the fluidized bed panel 110 and the main body 103 without limitation. For example, in some embodiments, one or more nozzles 122 may deliver aerated fluidization fluid 112 from the fluidization fluid distribution chamber 108 to the primary separation chamber 107. In some embodiments, one or more nozzles 122 may provide air (or gas) 118 to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 from outside the separator 100. In some embodiments, one or more nozzles 122 may provide air (or gas) 118 directly to primary separation chamber 107 from outside of separator 100. In some embodiments, the one or more nozzles 122 may be configured to combine the fluidizing fluid 112 and/or dissolved

air solutions

121, 127 with air (or gas) 118 from outside the separator 100 and deliver it to the primary separation chamber 107 (e.g., via energy transfer between the liquid and gas phases), without limitation. For example, by operating

chambers

128 and 108 at a positive pressure or relative pressure differential with respect to main separation chamber 107 (fig. 7 and 8), mixing of the liquid and gas phases may be facilitated without limitation. For example, the air distribution chamber 128 can be maintained at a higher pressure than the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108.

Turning now to fig. 11 and 12, due to its configuration, the nozzle 122 described herein may be adapted to mix fluids (e.g., dissolved air solutions 121, 127) including liquids, gases, and combinations thereof. For example, nozzle 122 may include features that enable the fluid (which may be an aerated liquid) within fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 to combine with air (or gas) 118 entering separator 100 through nozzle 122. The separator 100 may include a pressure differential between the

various chambers

107, 108, 128 to assist the nozzle 122 in functioning without limitation.

As shown, such nozzles 122 can be configured with one or more fluid ports 131 for receiving fluids (e.g., aerated and/or non-aerated liquids) from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 so that they can combine with the air (or gas) 118 within the nozzle 122. The nozzles 122 may each include a means 137 for attachment to the separator 100. For example, the nozzle 122 may be screwed into a component of the separator 100, such as the fluidized bed panel 110, a portion of the body 103, the outlet 124, or the

inlets

102, 104, 123, using the torque application surface 136, without limitation. The torque application surface 136 may include a hole for a wrench, or a slot or hex recess for engaging a hex wrench or screwdriver, without limitation. As shown in fig. 13, the torque application surface 136 may include an external nut structure that may be engaged with an open end wrench, socket wrench, or pipe wrench, without limitation.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the nozzle 122 described herein may be a one-piece nozzle design assembled by joining an upper portion 129 with a lower portion 130. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 13, the nozzle 122 described herein may comprise a two-piece nozzle design, wherein the upper portion 129 may be removably or permanently secured to a component of the separator 100 (such as the fluidized bed panel 110) and the lower portion 130 may be removably or permanently secured to another component of the separator 100 (e.g., a lower portion of the body 103).

The nozzle 122 can include a single (e.g., annular) fluid port 131 (as shown in fig. 13), or it can have multiple fluid ports 131 for receiving a fluid comprising a liquid in the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 (as shown in fig. 11 and 12). For example, without limitation, fluid port 131 may include a window-like opening through a portion of upper portion 129.

A sealing device 135 may be provided between the nozzle 122 and a component of the separator 100, such as the fluidized bed panel 110, as shown in fig. 11. The upper portion 129 of the nozzle 122 may include a tube or port 133 for delivering aeration fluid to the primary separation chamber 107. The lower portion 130 of the nozzle 122 may include a tube or port 142 for receiving air (or gas) 118 from a source external to the separator 100. The source of air or gas 118 may be pressurized and/or regulated using a control device, such as a control valve, without limitation.

The lower portion 130 of the nozzle 122 may include a tapered outer surface 139, which may include a frustoconical or parabolic shape, without limitation. The upper portion 129 of the nozzle 122 may include a corresponding tapered inner surface 134 having a complementary frustoconical or parabolic shape without limitation. The combined upper portion 129 and lower portion 130 of the nozzle 122 may collectively form a nozzle structure 132. The nozzle structure 132 may be fixed or may be adjustable by controlling the distance between the tapered inner surface 134 and the outer surface 139 without limitation. For example, in some embodiments, by engaging torque application surface 136 and rotating lower portion 130 a selected or predetermined amount (e.g., via threads 137), the separation distance existing between upper portion 129 and lower portion 130 can be infinitely adjusted and controlled, thereby affecting the overall performance of nozzle structure 132 and nozzle 122.

The nozzle 122 described herein may incorporate a feature or device 138 for coupling to a source of air (or gas) 118. For example, as shown in fig. 11 and 12, threads for receiving a pneumatic fitting or pipe segment (e.g., inner or outer NPT threads) may be provided on a portion of the nozzle (e.g., lower portion 130 as shown). As another example, a barb or fitting (fig. 13) configured to receive an air hose or other air source attachment may be disposed on a portion of the nozzle 122 without limitation.

As shown, in any of the proposed embodiments discussed herein, it is contemplated that the incoming feed slurry 113 entering the main separation chamber 107 of the separator 100 may optionally be pre-contacted with air or gas 118. This can be achieved in a number of ways.

For example, as shown in fig. 18-24, the feed slurry 113 can be pre-aerated using a number of different techniques without limitation. The pre-inflation device may comprise any device known in the art, including the device described in applicant's co-pending U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/807925, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes, as if fully set forth herein.

For example, in some embodiments, a cavitation device (as shown in fig. 20) in the feed inlet 102 can be used to entrain the feed slurry 113 with air. In some embodiments, the feed slurry 113 can be entrained with air by employing a venturi (as shown in fig. 21) disposed downstream of the air inlet 119 in the feed inlet 102. In some embodiments, the feed slurry 113 may be entrained with air by an adjustable and/or variable orifice air injection device (as shown in fig. 24) disposed within the feed inlet 102. In some embodiments, the feed slurry 113 may be entrained with air using a restricted throat device having a restricted throat with an air introduction device at the throat within the feed inlet 102 (as shown in fig. 18 and 22). In some embodiments, the feed slurry 113 may be entrained with air due to the provision of a high or low shear contact reactor (as shown in fig. 19). As shown in fig. 23, the air inlet 119 may include a nozzle 122 configuration or other suitable spray feature to optimize optional pre-contact of the feed slurry 113 with air or gas 118 prior to entering the main separation chamber 107, without limitation.

In the slurry pre-charging devices thus described, pressurized air 118 may be used, and/or these devices may be self-inflating, without limitation.

It should be appreciated that, in any embodiment, the rate at which the air (or gas) 118 is introduced into the feed inlet 102 can be independent of (i.e., independently controllable relative to) the rate at which the feed slurry 113 is introduced into the feed inlet 102, without limitation.

Examples of the invention

Providing a separator 100 (e.g., including a pressurized fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108)

A classifier). A dissolving air pump 120 is provided and the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 is modified to accommodate additional fluidizing fluid distribution chamber inlets 123 and slip stream outlets 124. Fluidizing fluid 112 is delivered to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 via the fluidizing fluid inlet 104. The slipstream fluid 125 contents of the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 are delivered to the dissolving air pump 120 through the slipstream outlet 124. The air 118 is provided to the slipstream fluid 125 exiting the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 before, near, at, and/or after the interface with the pump 120 so that the slipstream fluid 125 can be aerated.

Alternatively, the slipstream fluid 125 is aerated twice, such as a first time before the slipstream fluid 125 enters the pump 120 and a second time after exiting the pump 120. The dissolved air solution 121 (and/or the post-aerated dissolved air solution 127) exiting the dissolved air pump 120 is delivered back to the fluidized fluid dispensing chamber 108 through the dissolved air solution inlet 123, as shown in fig. 2. Optionally, an in-line mixer or high shear device 126 is provided at the dissolved air solution inlet 123 upstream of the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 for supplemental air entrainment and/or for moderating or homogenizing the bubble size distribution.

The plurality of openings 111 in the fluidized bed panel 110 are further provided with appropriately designed spray nozzles 122 to produce a uniform dissolved air solution 121 into the fluidized fluid distribution chamber 108 at a specified or desired pressure or within a specified or desired pressure range. Allowing a sufficient pressure drop to occur across the spray nozzle 122 between the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108 and the main separation chamber 107 to allow the air 118 to come out of solution above the spray nozzle 122 as fine bubbles. The nozzle 122 and/or pump 120 and the fluidizing fluid 112 feed rate are configured to ensure that the fine gas bubbles exiting the nozzle 122 and entering the main separation chamber 107 are evenly distributed across the entire cross-sectional area (e.g., width, diameter, and/or perimeter) of the fluidized bed panel 110 and/or the main body 103 of the separator 100. Sufficient fluidized bed is maintained in the main separation chamber 107.

Optionally, the feed slurry 113 is pre-aerated by mixing it with air or gas 118 in the feed inlet 102.

When used in the specification and appended claims, the word "air" may be replaced entirely by the word "gas" and vice versa. Thus, the term "air" as used herein is interchangeable with the broader term "gas". Those features that include the word "air" (e.g., "air distribution chamber 128") can be broadly construed as if the term "air" were replaced with the term "gas" (e.g., "gas distribution chamber" 128), without limitation. The term "air" as used herein and in the claims may include any gas or gas mixture, including gas mixtures with air, and may include pure gaseous fluids such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and the like, without limitation. Thus, although the term "air" is used broadly and consistently throughout the specification and claims, it is contemplated by the inventors that gaseous compounds (other than air) may be used equally without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Further, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the terms "dissolved air solution" or "dissolved gas solution" 121, 127 may broadly include a liquid having dissolved air or gas therein, and may also include a liquid having air or gas bubbles entrained therein, without limitation. Thus, the terms "dissolved air solution" or "dissolved gas solution" 121, 127 should be construed to include, without limitation, foamed fluids and liquid-gas mixtures.

In embodiments where the fluidized bed separator 100 may employ two air inlets 119, a different amount or flow rate of air 118 may be provided to each air inlet 119. Different types of gases may be provided to each air inlet 119. Further, each air inlet 119 may include a different geometry, for example, one air inlet 119 may include a valve and the other air inlet 119 may include an eductor, without limitation.

It will be appreciated that the specific features, functions, process steps, and possible benefits shown and described in detail herein are purely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the spirit and/or scope of the invention.

In addition, although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in light of these teachings, those of ordinary skill in the art may generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. For example, while the inline mixer 126 is shown disposed at the dissolved air solution inlet 123, it should be understood that the inline mixer 126 may alternatively or in combination be disposed at the slipstream solution outlet 124 without limitation.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

List of reference numerals

1-Prior Art separators

2-feed inlet

3-main body

4-fluidizing fluid inlet

5-inclined (sheet) plate pack

6-upper separation chamber

7-main separation Chamber

8-fluidized bed chamber

9-underflow outlet

10-fluidized bed panel

11-opening (through fluidized bed panel)

12-fluidizing fluid

13-feed slurry

14-underflow (e.g. gangue)

15-Overflow (e.g. foam)

16-weir

17-launder

100-separator according to a preferred embodiment of the invention

102-feed inlet

103-main body

104-fluidizing fluid inlet

105-Tilt (sheet) plate Stack

106-upper separation chamber

107-main separation chamber

108-fluidizing fluid distribution chamber

109-underflow outlet

110-fluidized bed panel

111-opening (through fluidized bed panel)

112-fluidizing fluid (e.g. water)

113-feed slurry (e.g. crushed ore, process water, reagents)

114-underflow (e.g. gangue)

115-overflow (e.g. foam, selected mineral value)

116-weir

117-overflow outlets (e.g. launders)

118-air (or other gases)

119-air (gas) inlet

120-pump

121-dissolved air solution

122-nozzle

123-dissolved air solution inlet

124-slipstream outlet

125-slipstream fluid

126-inline mixers or high shear devices (e.g. static mixers)

127-double aeration dissolved air solution

128-air (gas) distribution chamber

129-upper part

130-lower part

131-fluid port

132-nozzle structure

133-tubes or ports

134-tapered inner surface (e.g., frustoconical, parabolic)

135-sealing device

136-torque application surface or device for applying torque (e.g. hexagonal recess or nut surface)

137-nozzle attachment (e.g., external threads)

138-air coupling attachment (e.g., internal threads for receiving air coupling)

139-tapered outer surface (e.g. frustoconical, parabolic)

140-manifold (e.g., having multiple peripheral entry points to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber 108)

141-multiple entry points

142-tubes or ports (for transporting air or gas)

Claims

1. A fluidized bed separator (100) comprising a body (103), a feed inlet (102) for receiving a feed slurry (113), a fluidized bed panel (110) forming a fluidized fluid distribution chamber (108), a fluidized fluid inlet (104) for receiving a fluidizing fluid (112) in the fluidized fluid distribution chamber (108), the fluidized bed separator (100) further comprising a main separation chamber (107), an upper separation chamber (106), an inclined plate stack (105), an overflow outlet (117), and an underflow outlet (109), characterized in that at least one of the following statements is true:

a) the fluidized bed separator (100) further comprises a plurality of nozzles (122) disposed on the fluidized bed panel (110) configured to deliver a uniform distribution of liquid and fine gas bubbles across the cross-sectional area of the main separation chamber (107) above the fluidized bed panel (110);

b) the fluidized bed separator (100) further includes a slip stream outlet (124) fluidly connecting the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) to the pump (120) and configured to remove a slip stream solution (125) from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108); a dissolved gas solution inlet (123) for returning a dissolved gas solution (121, 127) from the pump (120) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108); and at least one gas inlet (119) configured for delivering gas (118) to the slipstream solution (125) and/or the dissolved gas solution (121, 127);

c) the fluidized bed separator (100) further comprises a gas inlet (119) configured for conveying a gas (118) to the feed inlet (102) for aerating the feed slurry (113) before it enters the main separation chamber (107);

d) the fluidized bed separator (100) further includes a gas distribution chamber (128) disposed below the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) and in fluid communication with the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) to deliver the gas (118) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108), the gas distribution chamber (128) receiving the gas (118) from the gas inlet (119).

2. The fluidized bed separator (100) of claim 1, wherein the fluidized bed separator (100) further comprises a manifold (140) fluidly connecting the dissolved gas solution inlet (123) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) at a plurality of entry points (141).

3. The fluidized bed separator (100) of claim 2, wherein the plurality of entry points (141) are circumferentially spaced around a periphery of the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108).

4. The fluidized bed separator (100) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the manifold (140) is arcuate, annular, or C-shaped and at least partially or completely surrounds the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108).

5. The fluidized bed separator (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dissolved gas solution inlet (123) further comprises a high shear device or an in-line mixer (126).

6. The fluidized bed separator (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (122) is configured to receive gas (118) from a source external to the fluidized bed separator (100) and fluid from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) and combine the gas and fluid prior to delivery to the primary separation chamber (107).

7. The fluidized bed separator (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle (122) is configured to receive gas (118) from a source external to the fluidized bed separator (100) and deliver it to the primary separation chamber (107).

8. The fluidized bed separator (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one gas inlet (119) is provided on the dissolved gas solution inlet (123) and at least one gas inlet (119) is provided on the slip stream outlet (124).

9. The fluidized bed separator (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the underflow outlet (109) passes through a fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) and a gas distribution chamber (128).

10. The fluidized bed separator (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feed inlet (102) comprises a restricted throat.

11. The fluidized bed separator (100) of claim 10, wherein a gas inlet (119) disposed on the feed inlet (102) is configured to deliver a gas (118) to the restricted throat.

12. The fluidized bed separator (100) of claim 10, wherein a gas inlet (119) disposed on the feed inlet (102) is configured to deliver gas (118) to the feed inlet (102) upstream of the restricted throat.

13. The fluidized bed separator (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas inlet (119) configured for conveying a gas (118) to the feed inlet (102) for aerating the feed slurry (113) before it enters the main separation chamber (107) is configured as a cavitation device, a venturi tube, an adjustable and/or variable orifice jet device, a high or low shear contact reactor or a nozzle (122).

14. A method of operating a fluidized bed separator (100), comprising the steps of:

conveying the feed slurry (113) to a primary separation chamber (107);

delivering a fluidizing fluid (112) to a fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108);

removing overflow (115) from the upper separation chamber (106) via an overflow outlet (117); and

removing an underflow (114) from the main separation chamber (107) via an underflow outlet (109);

characterized in that the method further comprises the following steps:

delivering a slipstream fluid (125) from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) to the pump (120) via a slipstream outlet (124);

introducing a gas (118) into a slipstream fluid (125) via a gas inlet (119); and

the dissolved gas solution (121, 127) is returned from the pump (120) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) via the dissolved gas inlet (123).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of returning the dissolved gas solution (121, 127) from the pump (120) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) via the dissolved gas inlet (123) further comprises the steps of:

providing a dissolved gas solution (121, 127) from a dissolved gas inlet (123) to a manifold (140); and

the dissolved gas solution (121, 127) is then provided from the manifold (140) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) at a plurality of entry points (141).

16. A method of operating a fluidized bed separator (100), comprising the steps of:

conveying the feed slurry (113) to a primary separation chamber (107);

characterized in that the method further comprises the following steps:

delivering a mixture of fluidizing fluid (112) and gas (118) to one or more nozzles (122) disposed on the fluidized bed panel (110); and

a mixture of fluidizing fluid (112) and gas (118) is conveyed through one or more nozzles (122) and into a primary separation chamber (107).

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the gas (118) is provided to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) via one or more nozzles (122) that fluidly connect the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) to a gas source (118) located outside the fluidized bed separator (100); alternatively, gas (118) is provided to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) via a gas inlet (119) provided on the dissolved gas solution inlet (123) and/or the slip stream solution outlet (124); alternatively, the gas (118) is provided by a gas distribution chamber (128) disposed adjacent to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108).

18. A method of operating a fluidized bed separator (100), comprising the steps of:

conveying the feed slurry (113) to a primary separation chamber (107);

characterized in that the method further comprises the following steps:

forming a fluid mixture by combining a gas (118) with a fluidizing fluid (112) and/or a dissolved gas solution (121, 127) located within a fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) using one or more nozzles (122) disposed on a fluidized bed panel (110); and

the fluid mixture is delivered through an upper portion (129) of each of the one or more nozzles (122) and through the fluidized bed panel (110).

19. A method of operating a fluidized bed separator (100), comprising the steps of:

conveying the feed slurry (113) to a primary separation chamber (107);

characterized in that the method further comprises the following steps:

delivering gas (118) to a gas distribution chamber (128);

delivering gas (118) from the gas distribution chamber (128) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108);

allowing gas (118) introduced from the gas distribution chamber (128) into the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) to mix with the fluidizing fluid (112) and/or the dissolved gas solution (121, 127) within the fluid distribution chamber (108) to form a fluid mixture; and

the fluid mixture is conveyed through the fluidized bed panel (110) and to the main separation chamber (107).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of delivering the gas (118) from the gas distribution chamber (128) to the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) comprises delivering the gas (118) through one or more nozzles (122) disposed on a fluidized bed panel (110) that separates the gas distribution chamber (128) from the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108).

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the step of delivering the combination of gas (118) and fluidizing fluid (112) from the fluid distribution chamber (108) to the main separation chamber (107) comprises delivering the combination of gas (118) and fluidizing fluid (112) through one or more nozzles (122) disposed on a fluidized bed panel (110) that separates the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108) from the main separation chamber (107).

22. The method according to any one of claims 14-21, further comprising the step of forming a uniform distribution of liquid and fine gas bubbles over the cross-sectional area of the main separation chamber (107) above the fluidized bed panel (110).

23. The method of any of claims 14-22, further comprising the step of introducing a gas (118) into the feed slurry (113) prior to delivering the feed slurry (113) to the primary separation chamber (107).

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of varying the pressure drop of the feed slurry (113) across the restricted throat of the feed inlet (102) of the fluidized bed separator (100).

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of increasing or decreasing the shear rate to affect the bubble size of the gas (118) introduced into the feed slurry (113).

26. The method according to any one of claims 14-25, further comprising the step of varying the mixing ratio of the gas (118) and the fluid (112, 121, 127) entering the nozzle (122) provided on the fluidized bed separator (100) by adjusting the separation distance between the upper portion (129) and the lower portion (130) of the nozzle (122).

27. The method according to any one of claims 14-25, further comprising the step of varying the relative flow rate between the gas (118) and the fluid (112, 121, 127) entering a nozzle (122) provided on the fluidized bed separator (100) by adjusting the pressure of the gas (118) and/or the fluid (112, 121, 127) within the fluidizing fluid distribution chamber (108).