EP1894618B1 - Fluid mixing apparatus - Google Patents
Fluid mixing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1894618B1 EP1894618B1 EP07019313A EP07019313A EP1894618B1 EP 1894618 B1 EP1894618 B1 EP 1894618B1 EP 07019313 A EP07019313 A EP 07019313A EP 07019313 A EP07019313 A EP 07019313A EP 1894618 B1 EP1894618 B1 EP 1894618B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- yoke
- guide
- drive assembly
- axis
- reciprocating drive
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 82
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims description 30
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 40
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 36
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 36
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 15
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000005188 flotation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 6
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003960 organic solvent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- -1 Methylisobutyl carbonal Chemical compound 0.000 description 4
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphur dioxide Chemical compound O=S=O RAHZWNYVWXNFOC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000005363 electrowinning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000012074 organic phase Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000008346 aqueous phase Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009291 froth flotation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000011149 sulphuric acid Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000001117 sulphuric acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- MBMLMWLHJBBADN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ferrous sulfide Chemical class [Fe]=S MBMLMWLHJBBADN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- UQSXHKLRYXJYBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron oxide Chemical compound [Fe]=O UQSXHKLRYXJYBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002738 chelating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L copper(II) sulfate Chemical compound [Cu+2].[O-][S+2]([O-])([O-])[O-] ARUVKPQLZAKDPS-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 229910000366 copper(II) sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052770 Uranium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037237 body shape Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008151 electrolyte solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000295 fuel oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003350 kerosene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005191 phase separation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000000746 purification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002893 slag Substances 0.000 description 1
- RZFBEFUNINJXRQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium ethyl xanthate Chemical compound [Na+].CCOC([S-])=S RZFBEFUNINJXRQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- JFALSRSLKYAFGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N uranium(0) Chemical compound [U] JFALSRSLKYAFGM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010878 waste rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003245 working effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052727 yttrium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/55—Baffles; Flow breakers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/14—Flotation machines
- B03D1/16—Flotation machines with impellers; Subaeration machines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F31/00—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms
- B01F31/44—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms with stirrers performing an oscillatory, vibratory or shaking movement
- B01F31/441—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms with stirrers performing an oscillatory, vibratory or shaking movement performing a rectilinear reciprocating movement
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F31/00—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms
- B01F31/44—Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms with stirrers performing an oscillatory, vibratory or shaking movement
- B01F31/449—Stirrers constructions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/30—Driving arrangements; Transmissions; Couplings; Brakes
- B01F35/32—Driving arrangements
- B01F35/325—Driving reciprocating or oscillating stirrers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/02—Froth-flotation processes
- B03D1/028—Control and monitoring of flotation processes; computer models therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03D—FLOTATION; DIFFERENTIAL SEDIMENTATION
- B03D1/00—Flotation
- B03D1/14—Flotation machines
- B03D1/1443—Feed or discharge mechanisms for flotation tanks
- B03D1/1462—Discharge mechanisms for the froth
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F2215/00—Auxiliary or complementary information in relation with mixing
- B01F2215/04—Technical information in relation with mixing
- B01F2215/0409—Relationships between different variables defining features or parameters of the apparatus or process
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to the field of mineral ore processing, and more particularly, to a mixing apparatus and to uses thereof in the separation of minerals from mineral-bearing ores.
- non-oxidized ores 20 (which might contain as little as 0.5% copper, and typically contain iron sulfides) are processed in a crusher 22, with water 24, to form a slurry 26.
- the slurry 26 is then transferred to a flotation cell 28, and subjected to physical action, specifically, air sparging and mixing.
- the froth 30 is then fed to an oxygen smelter 40, and the copper and iron sulfides are oxidized at high temperature resulting in impure molten metal 42 (97% - 99%, copper, with significant amounts of iron oxide) and gaseous sulfur dioxide 44.
- the impure metal 42 is then transferred to an electrolytic purification unit 46, which separates the impure metal 42 into 99.99% purity copper material 48 and slag 50.
- the gaseous sulfur dioxide 44 is collected in a reactor 52 wherein it is scrubbed and mixed with water 24 to form sulphuric acid 54.
- the sulphuric acid 54 is suitably blended with water 24 and used to leach oxidized ores, typically by "heap leaching" an ore pile 56.
- the resultant copper-bearing acid 58 is known as "pregnant leach solution”.
- Pregnant leach solution 58 is also obtained by mixing solutions of sulphuric acid 54, in vats 60, with the tailings 36 discharged from flotation operations, to dissolve the trace amounts of copper remaining therein.
- the copper is "extracted” from the pregnant leachate 58 by mixing therewith, in a primary extraction step 62, organic solvent 64 (often kerosene) in which copper metal preferentially dissolves.
- organic solvent 64 often kerosene
- Organic chemical chelators 66 which bind solubilized copper but not impurity metals, such as iron, are also often provided with the organic solvent, to further drive the migration of copper. Hydroxyoximes are exemplary in this regard.
- the copper is preferentially extracted into the organic phase according to the formula: [CuSO 4 ] aqueous + [2 HR] organic ⁇ [CuR 2 ] organic + [H 2 SO 4 ] aqueous
- HR copper extractant (chelator)
- the mixed phases are permitted to separate, into a copper-laden organic solvent 68 and a depleted leachate 70.
- the depleted leachate 70 is then contacted with additional organic solvent 72 in a secondary extraction step 74, in the manner previously discussed, and allowed to settle, whereupon the phases separate into a lightly-loaded organic (which is recycled as solvent 64 in the primary extraction step) and a barren leachate or raffinate 76.
- the barren leachate 76 is delivered to a coalescer 78 to remove therefrom entrained organics 80, which are recycled into the system; the thus-conditioned leachate 82 is then suitable for recycling into the leaching system.
- the pregnant organic mixture 68 (produced in the primary extraction step 62) is stripped of its copper in a stripping operation 84 by the addition of an aqueous stripping solution of higher acidity 86 (to reverse the previous equation); after phase separation, a loaded electrolytic solution 88 (“rich electrolyte”) remains, as well as an organic solvent, the latter being recycled as solvent 72 in the secondary extraction 74.
- Electrowinning consists of the plating of solubilized copper onto the cathode and the evolution of oxygen at the anode.
- the chemical reactions involved with these processes are shown below Cathode: CuSO 4 + 2 e 1- ⁇ Cu + SO 4 2-
- the combined organic and aqueous phases are delivered through a series of mixing vessels (primary P, second S and tertiary T), and then to a settling tank ST, the primary mixing vessel P being about 2,44 meters (8 feet) in diameter and 3,66 meters (12 feet) in height, and stirred by a rotary mixer driven by a 14920 watts (20 horsepower) motor, and each of the secondary S and tertiary T mixing vessels being about 3,66 meters (12 feet) in diameter and height, and stirred by a rotary mixer driven by a 5595 watts (7.5 horsepower) motor.
- the primary mixing vessel P being about 2,44 meters (8 feet) in diameter and 3,66 meters (12 feet) in height
- a rotary mixer driven by a 14920 watts (20 horsepower) motor
- each of the secondary S and tertiary T mixing vessels being about 3,66 meters (12 feet) in diameter and height, and stirred by a rotary mixer driven by a 5595 watts (7.5 horsepower) motor.
- a known reciprocating drive assembly 144 is proposed for use in a fluid mixer 100 to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis A-A to a shaft 130 carrying a mixing head 106 for immersion in fluids, the reciprocating drive assembly 144 comprising:
- a reciprocating drive assembly for use in a fluid mixer to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis to a shaft carrying a mixing head for immersion in fluids.
- the reciprocating drive assembly includes a housing, a flywheel, a crank member, a yoke, and first and second yoke assemblies.
- the flywheel is mounted for rotation about a rotational axis extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis.
- the crank member projects from the flywheel in a direction parallel to the rotational axis.
- the yoke is supported by the housing for movement along a yoke axis disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
- the yoke is releasably connected to the shaft.
- the yoke has a substantially linear race formed therein for receiving the crank member.
- the race is disposed within the yoke substantially normal to both the rotational axis and the yoke axis.
- the first and second guide assemblies are operatively connected to the housing, and to the yoke for sliding engagement therewith along a pair of guide axes extending substantially parallel to the yoke axis.
- the first and second guide assemblies being laterally spaced from each other with the yoke disposed substantially therebetween
- the crank member is caused to translate linearly within .the race thereby urging the yoke to slidingly engage the guide assemblies and move along the yoke axis to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of the shaft and the mixing head.
- each of the first and second guide assemblies is a linear slide assemblies.
- each linear slide assembly includes a guide rail member associated with at least one corresponding guide rail following member.
- Each guide rail member is fixedly mounted to the housing coincident with one of the guide axes.
- Each of the at least one guide rail following members is rigidly connected to the yoke and slidably moveable relative to its corresponding guide rail member.
- each guide rail member has upper and lower, spaced-apart, guide rail following members associated therewith.
- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of conventional SXEW processes for copper extraction.
- Figure 2 is a front, top, right side perspective view of a known fluid mixing apparatus , shown operatively mounted on a vessel.
- Figure 3 is a right side cross-sectional view of the fluid mixing apparatus and vessel shown in Figure 2 .
- Figure 4 is a front, top left side perspective view of the fluid mixing apparatus of Figure 2 , showing, inter alia, a known reciprocating drive assembly and mounting means.
- Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 4 .
- Figure 6A is a front elevational view of the structure of Figure 4 , with the mixer shaft and shaft gripping means removed for clarity.
- Figure 6B is a view similar to Figure 6A , with, inter alia, the flywheel displaced 90° counter-clockwise relative to its position in Figure 6A .
- Figure 6C is a view similar to Figure 6A , with, inter alia, the flywheel displaced 90° counter clockwise relative to its position in Figure 6B .
- Figure 6D is a view similar to Figure 6A , with, inter alia, the flywheel displaced 90° counter-clockwise relative to its position in Figure 6C .
- Figure 7 is a front, top, right side perspective view of the mixing head of the fluid mixing apparatus shown in Figure 2 .
- Figure 8 is a rear, bottom, left side perspective view of the mixing head of the fluid mixing apparatus shown in Figure 2 .
- Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the mixing head of the fluid mixing apparatus shown in Figure 2 .
- Figure 10 is a right side elevational view of the mixing head of the fluid mixing apparatus shown in Figure 2 .
- Figure 11 is an enlarged detail view of an alternate embodiment of the support webs to that shown in Figure 7 , which view corresponds to the area circumscribed by circle 11 in Figure 7 .
- Figure 12 is an enlarged detail view of an alternate embodiment of the blade body shown in Figure 7 , which view corresponds to the area circumscribed by circle 12 in Figure 7 .
- Figure 13 is a view similar to that of Figure 12 , showing a further alternate embodiment of the blade body.
- Figure 14 is a front, top, left side perspective view of a known fluid mixing apparatus in use in a froth flotation cell.
- Figure 15 is a left side cross-sectional view of the structure of Figure 14 .
- Figure 16a is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate fluid mixing apparatus to that shown in Figure 3 , showing the fluid mixing apparatus mounted within a vessel having baffles disposed therein.
- Figure 16b is a top left perspective view of the alternate mixing head shown in Figure 16a .
- Figure 16c is a bottom plan view of the alternate mixing head shown in Figure 16a .
- Figure 17 is a partially exploded view showing an alternate mounting means and an alternate shaft gripping means to those shown in Figure 4 .
- Figure 18 is a sectional view, along sight line 18-18 of Figure 17 , with the apparatus shown fully assembled.
- Figure 19 is a perspective view of mounting means and a reciprocating drive assembly according to the invention.
- Figure 20 is a partially exploded perspective view of the mounting means and the reciprocating drive assembly of Figure 19 .
- Figure 21 is a top, right perspective view of an alternate reciprocating drive assembly to that shown in Figure 19 .
- Figure 22 is an partially exploded perspective view of the reciprocating drive assembly of Figure 21 .
- Figure 23 is a top, right perspective view of an alternate reciprocating drive assembly to that shown in Figure 19 .
- Figure 24 is a partially exploded perspective view of the reciprocating drive assembly of Figure 23 .
- a known fluid mixing apparatus designated with general reference numeral 100 is shown in use with a fluid containing vessel 102 having a contiguous sidewall 104 centered about and defining a longitudinal axis A-A.
- the fluid mixing apparatus 100 is mounted to a frame 140 which spans over the vessel'102.
- the fluid mixing apparatus 100 includes a mixing head 106 for immersion in the fluids to be mixed; means 108 for mounting the mixing head 106 within the vessel 102; and reciprocating means 110 for imparting reciprocating longitudinal (i.e. vertical) movement to the mixing head 106.
- the mixing head 106 includes: a blade body 112 formed about a head axis H-H; a generally tubular hub member 114; and a plurality of support webs 116 for connecting the blade body 112 to the hub member 114.
- the blade body 112 has a first end 120, an opposed second end 122 disposed in spaced relation thereto along the head axis H-H, and a passageway 123 extending longitudinally between the first and second ends 120 and 122.
- the passageway 123 tapers uniformly from the first end 120 to the second end 122 to impart a substantially frustoconical shape to the blade body 112.
- the blade body 112 also has an inner surface 126 and an outer surface 128.
- the outer surface 128 defines an inside blade diameter ID at the second end 122 of the blade body 112, and an outside blade diameter OD at the first end 120 thereof.
- the actual outside diameter OD may be between 25 and 40 percent of the internal diameter D of the vessel.
- the taper in the passageway 123 can be expressed as an angle ⁇ , where angle ⁇ is the angle formed between a pair of axes X,X and Y,Y defined by, and coincident with, the intersections of the outer surface 128 of the blade body 112 and a plane P-P coincident with the head axis H-H, as shown in as indicated in Figures 9 and 10 .
- the angle ⁇ is greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°.
- the angle ⁇ is between 90° and 120°.
- the passageway 123 tapers uniformly along its length from the first end 120 to the second end 122 to define a substantially frustoconical blade body 112
- the passageway may be configured to define other blade body shapes.
- the passageway can be configured to have different rates of taper therealong.
- a mixing head 400 having a blade body 402.
- the blade body 402 includes a first end 404, a second end 406 and a passageway 408 defined therebetween.
- the passageway 408 tapers in a non-uniform fashion between the first end 404 and the second end 406.
- the blade body 402 is formed with a point of inflection 410 therein located between the first end 404 and the second end 406.
- the passageway 408 tapers at first rate from the first end 404 to the point of inflection 410, and at a second rate from the point of inflection 410 to the second end 406.
- the first rate of taper is less than the second rate of taper. However; this need not be the case in all instances. In some applications, it may be desirable for the first rate of taper to be greater than the second rate of taper.
- the blade body 112 is constructed from six arcuate segments 118 arranged end-to-end.
- the segments are secured to one another by bolts (not shown)fastened through flanges 124 provided at the ends of each segment 118 for this purpose (see Figures 7, 8 and 9 ).
- the hub member 114 is disposed generally coincident with the head axis H-H. Extending substantially radially in a downwardly canted fashion from the hub member 114 is the plurality of support webs 116.
- the support webs 116 connect the arcuate segments 118 of the blade body 112 to the hub member 114. Such connection is effected by rivets or bolts (not shown).
- blade body 112 and support webs 116 are substantially smooth
- one or both of the blade body and the support webs could be formed with perforations or dimples.
- FIG 12 there is shown an alternate blade body 412 having formed therein a plurality of perforations 414 each extending between an inner surface 416 and an outer surface 418 thereof .
- Figure 13 shows a blade portion 420 provided with a plurality of dimples 422 projecting outwardly from an outer surface 424 of the blade portion 420 and inwardly from an inner surface 426 of the blade portion 420. This allows fine tuning of the mixing device in a manner not taught by the prior art.
- a support web 430 is provided with a plurality of perforations 432, as well as a plurality of tabs 434 each substantially overlying a respective perforation 432.
- the tabs 434 are connected to the support web 430 at one edge of said respective perforation 432 to form a gill.
- the preferred mounting means 108 will be seen to include a mixer shaft 130 for carrying the mixing head 106 and a linear bearing 132 adapted to slidingly engage the mixer shaft 130.
- the mixer shaft 130 has a bottom end 134 releasably mounted to the mixing head 106, and a top end 136 operatively connected to the reciprocating means 110.
- the releasable connection of the mixer shaft 130 to the mixing head 106 may be effected by threadingly engaging the bottom end 134 of the mixer shaft 130 with the threaded interior of the hub member 114.
- the mixer shaft 130 extends substantially coincident with the head axis H-H.
- the mixing head 106 is mounted to the mixer shaft 130 with the second end 122 of the blade body 112 being carried below the first end 120 thereof.
- the orientation of the mixing head could be reversed such that the first end of the blade body is carried below the second tube end thereof.
- the mixer shaft 130 is preferably hollow and is constructed of a plurality of tube segments 170, threaded at their ends and joined to one-another in end-to-end relation by threaded couplings 172, so that segments 170 can be added or removed as desired to accommodate for different depths of the vessel.
- the use of a hollow mixer shaft leads to reduced energy consumption by the fluid mixing apparatus during use.
- conventional rotary-type mixers use heavy, solid shafts requiring greater energy input.
- the linear bearing 132 is a sleeve-type bearing mounted in surrounding relation to the mixer shaft 130 for sliding engagement therewith during its reciprocating longitudinal movement.
- the linear bearing 132 is securely fixed to a housing 138 supporting the reciprocating means 110.
- the reciprocating means 110 includes a shaft gripping means 142 for gripping the mixer shaft 130 adjacent its top end 136 and a reciprocating drive assembly 144 operatively connected to the mixing shaft 130 to impart reciprocating longitudinal movement to the mixing head 106.
- the shaft gripping means 142 preferably includes a clamp 163 formed by a pair of mating clamping blocks 164a and 164b.
- Each clamping block 164a, 164b has a groove 166 formed therein which is sized and adapted for receiving the mixer shaft 130 in close fitting relation thereto.
- the groove 166 is generally concave and has a semi-circular cross-section.
- Bolts 168 rigidly fasten the clamping blocks 164a and 164b to each other and to the reciprocating drive assembly 144.
- the clamping blocks 164a and 164b transfer the reciprocating longitudinal movement of the reciprocating drive assembly 144 to the mixer shaft 130 when the fluid mixing apparatus 100 is in use.
- This clamp arrangement permits the relative depth of the mixing head 106 in the vessel 102 to be conveniently adjusted from above; the clamp 163 need only be loosed, by disengaging the associated bolts 168, whereupon mixer shaft 130 can be raised or lowered as desired, and bolts 168 re-engaged.
- the reciprocating drive assembly 144 includes: a flywheel 146; a drive 148 for driving rotation of the flywheel 146; a crank member 150 projecting from the flywheel; a yoke 152 adapted and configured to receive the crank member 150 therewithin; and guide means 156 for guiding the yoke 152 along a yoke axis 153 for reciprocating longitudinal movement.
- the flywheel 146, the drive 148, the crank member 150, the yoke 152 and the guide means 156 are operatively connected to, and co-operate with, each other to form a scotch yoke assembly 143.
- the flywheel 146 is mounted to the housing 138 for rotation about a rotational axis R-R which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis A-A.
- the drive 148 in the nature of an electric motor, is operatively connected by its drive shaft (not shown) to the flywheel 146 for driving rotation.
- crank member 150 Projecting from the flywheel in a direction parallel to the rotational axis, is the crank member 150.
- the crank member 150 is removeably attached to the flywheel 146 for rotation therewith.
- the crank member 150 includes an inner axle portion 182 which is fixedly connected to the flywheel 146 and an outer roller portion 184 which is rotatably mounted by bearings (not shown) on the inner axle portion 182 (see Figure 5 ).
- the yoke 152 is mounted within the housing 138 for movement along a yoke axis 153 disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A.
- the yoke 152 is displaced from the flywheel 146 in the direction of the crank member 150 and has formed therein a substantially linear race 154 for receiving the crank member 150.
- the race 154 is disposed within the yoke 152, substantially normal to both the rotational axis R-R and the yoke axis 153.
- the race 154 is adapted and configured to allow translational movement of the crank member 150 relative to the yoke 152 as the flywheel 146 rotates.
- the guide means 156 includes upper and lower threaded guide shafts 158a and 158b which are received in threaded, coaxial bores 156 disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the yoke 152.
- Corresponding upper and lower guide bearings 160a and 160b are provided on the housing 138 for slidingly engaging the upper and lower guide shafts 158a and 158b, respectively.
- the upper guide shaft 158a extends protrudes through an aperture (not shown) formed in the housing about which the upper guide bearing 160a is mounted.
- the guide means 156 additionally include a balancing or stabilizing shaft 174 and a pair of mating linear bearing blocks 176a and 176b fixed to the yoke for sliding engagement with the stabilizing shaft 174.
- the stabilizing shaft 174 is rigidly connected to the housing 138 and extends substantially parallel to yoke axis 153.
- Each linear bearing block 176a and 176b has a groove 178 of semi-circular cross-section formed therein which is sheathed with a self-lubricating material such as polytetrafluorethylene.
- the yoke 152 With the yoke 152 operatively mounted with the upper and lower guide shafts 158a and 158b disposed within the guide bearings 160a and 160b, the yoke 152 is mounted to the housing 138 in a manner which constrains movement of yoke 152 otherwise than along the yoke axis 153 and normal to the rotational axis R-R.
- the crank member 150 When the flywheel is rotatively driven by the drive 148, the crank member 150 is caused to translate linearly within the race 154 thereby urging the yoke 152 to move along the yoke axis 153 to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of the mixer shaft 130, as indicated by the sequence of Figures 6A-6D .
- the mixing head 106 carried by the mixer shaft 130 is longitudinally displaced through a stroke length "S" with a duration "T" for each cycle (where "S “is expressed in meters (inches) and "T” is expressed in seconds (minutes)).
- a cycle consists of the upstroke and downstroke movement of the mixing head 106.
- the mixing head 106 is shown in blackline in a starting position, and in phantom outline, at a position longitudinally displaced from the starting position through the stroke length "S".
- the length of the resultant stroke may be selected by suitable adjustment to the radial position of the crank member 150 (that is, the distance between the crank member 150 and the rotation axis R-R).
- the flywheel 146 is provided with a plurality of threaded sockets 162 disposed in a radial array on the face of the flywheel 146 (s. ee Figure 5 ).
- Each threaded socket 162 is sized and adapted to receive the crank member 150 therein.
- Each crank member and socket combination corresponds to a predetermined stroke length "S”.
- the duration "T" of each cycle may be selected by suitable adjustment of the rotational speed of the drive 148.
- stroke length "S” can measure between 0,05 meter (2 inches) and 0,61 meter (24 inches), it is preferred that the stroke length "S” be between 0,10 meter (4 inches) and 0,41 meter (16 inches). More preferably, the stroke length "S” is between 0,20 meter (8 inches) and 0,30 meter (12 inches).
- the value for OD:ID is greater than 1.0 and less than or equal to 1.7, preferably, the value for OD:ID lies between 1.5 and 1.7.
- the present invention can be used to great advantage as a mixer for a vessel in a solvent extractor unit, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 and illustrated in Examples 1 and 2 below.
- Copper concentration (g/1) was measured in the organic component of each sample, as follows: (A) (B) 0,014 cubic meters per second (30 cpm) Cu (g/l) Cu (g/l) Primary mixing vessel 2.01 2.01 Secondary mixing vessel 2.06 2.06 Tertiary mixing vessel 2.12 2.13 Settling tank 2.14 2.13
- copper concentration from the primary mixing vessel in each of the A and B lines is similar (because to that point in the process, mixing is provided by identical rotary mixers).
- copper concentrations in the outfall from the secondary mixers also remained identical, and copper concentration in the outfall from the settling tanks remained quite similar, despite the almost 70% reduction in energy input (932,5 watts (1.25 hp) drawn from a 1492 watts (2 hp) drive motor for the reciprocating mixer, as compared to 3730 watts (5.0 hp) drawn from the 5595 watts (7.5 hp) motor drive for the rotary mixer).
- Copper concentration (g/1) was again measured, as follows: (B) 0,021 cubic meters per second [45cpm] Cu (g/l) Primary mixing vessel 2.00 Secondary mixing vessel 2.08 Tertiary mixing vessel 2.11 Settling tank 2.16
- copper concentration from the primary mixing vessel in the B line remained similar to that obtained in the A line (because to that point in the process, mixing is provided by identical rotary mixers).
- copper concentrations in the outfall from the settling tank from the modified B line showed significant improvement over the A line results (copper recovery improved from 2.14 g/l to 2.16 g/l).
- the fluid mixing apparatus of the present invention provides mixing currents which [at least in the context of the liquids utilized in SXEW copper extraction] create a dispersion characterized by consistent-sized droplets, uniformly distributed throughout the mixing vessel, whereas in a rotary mixer, there is a wide variation in drop sizes, and in the distribution of said drops, (perhaps due to the fact that the blade in a rotary mixer moves at different speeds along its length).
- This uniform dispersion is believed to provide an environment amenable to efficient mass transfer between phases, while at the same time providing for substantial disengagement of the mixed phases within a relatively short time frame.
- the shaft gripping means 142 is adapted to allow the clamping blocks 164a and 164b to be uncoupled from each other and detached from the yoke 152 by merely removing the bolts 168. It will be appreciated, however, that in some instances it may not be desirable to completely detach the clamp from the yoke when releasing the mixer shaft. In such instances it would be preferable to uncouple the clamping blocks while still maintaining a rigid connection between one of the clamping blocks and the yoke. In the alternate embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18 , this is achieved by replacing clamp 163 with a modified clamp 186.
- clamp 186 is generally similar to the clamp 163 in that it has a pair of mating clamping blocks 188a and 188b formed with concave grooves 190 therein, it differs in one material respect, that is, the clamping block 188a is fastened to the yoke 152 by bolts 192, independently of clamping block 186. Mating of the clamping blocks 188a and 188b is achieved by fastening bolts 194.
- the mounting means 108 includes a single linear bearing 132 which slidingly engages the mixer shaft 130 at a single location
- a linear bearing assembly could be provided for sliding engagement with the mixer shaft at more than one location.
- a mixer shaft designated with reference numeral 196 and a linear bearing assembly is designated with reference numeral 200.
- the linear bearing assembly. 200 includes an upper bearing subassembly 202 and a lower bearing subassembly 204 for engagement with the mixer shaft 196 at respective upper and lower, longitudinally spaced, locations 206 and 208, respectively.
- the upper bearing subassembly 202 is adapted and configured for sliding engagement with the mixer shaft 196. More specifically, it has a bushing 210 formed of mating bushing blocks 212a and 212b disposed in surrounding relation to the mixer shaft 196. Each bushing block 212a, 212b has a concave groove 214 of semi-circular cross-section formed therein for receiving the mixer shaft 196. Each groove 214 is sheathed or lined with an arcuate pad 216 of self-lubricating material such as polytetrafluorethylene. Preferably, each pad 216 is ribbed.
- bushing blocks 212a and 212b When the bushing blocks 212a and 212b are mated, the grooves 214 thereof are mounted in opposed relation one with the other with the mixer shaft 196 extending longitudinally therebetween.
- the bushing blocks 212a and 212b are securely attached to each other by bolts 218.
- the bushing 210 is operatively connected to the housing 138 by securely mounting bushing block 212a to a base 207 of the housing 138.
- the lower bearing subassembly 204 is adapted and configured for rolling engagement with the mixer shaft 196.
- the lower bearing subassembly 204 includes at least two roller assemblies identified generally as 220, carried below the base 207 of the housing 138 at the lower location 208. however, preferably, the lower bearing subassembly 204 has first, second and third roller assemblies respectively, 222, 224 and 226, mounted in surrounding relation to the mixer shaft 196.
- a first mounting member in the nature of tubular support 228 attaches the first and second roller assemblies 222 and 224 to the base 207 of the housing 138.
- the tubular support 228 depends downwardly from the base 207 and terminates at its distal end with a flange member 230.
- the flange member 230 has a pair of upstanding brackets 232 to which are fastened the first and second roller assemblies 222 and 224 by bolts 234.
- the lower bearing subassembly 204 also includes a second mounting member in the nature of a pair of removable supports 236.
- the removable supports 236 are securely attached to the bushing block 212a and depend downwardly therefrom to a terminus 238.
- the terminus has a bracket 240 which extends downwardly therefrom.
- the third roller assembly is secured to the bracket 240 by bolts 242.
- each roller assembly 222, 224 and 226 includes a single roller 239 rotatively mounted to a roller housing 241. It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments multiple rollers may be employed.
- the first, second and third roller assemblies 222, 224 and 226 circumferentially surround the mixer shaft 196, as shown in Figure 18 , at a position beneath and longitudinally spaced from bushing 210.
- the support provided by the first, second and third roller assemblies 222, 224 and 226 at the lower location 208 tends to limit flexure of the mixer shaft 196, while permitting reciprocating longitudinal movement thereof.
- the mixer shaft 196 can be removed from the housing 138 for servicing, maintenance, repair or replacement by first disassembling the upper bearing subassembly 202 and then by disengaging the clamp 186.
- the removal of bolts 218 in bushing 210 allows the bushing block 212b and the third roller assembly 226 attached thereto, to be removed from sliding engagement with the mixer shaft 196.
- Bolts 194 can then be removed from clamp 186 thereby releasing the mixer shaft 196.
- An open-ended rebate or slot 244 formed along an outermost edge of the base 207 permits the mixer shaft 196 to be displaced laterally from the base for ease of removal.
- the mixer shaft 196 is formed with an upper enlarged end portion 246, in which is provided a threaded bore 248, to receive a threaded lifting lug (not shown).
- the mounting means 250 generally resembles the mounting 108 in that it includes a mixer shaft 254 and a linear bearing 256.
- the mixer shaft 254 is generally similar to mixer shaft 130, but differs in that it has an enlarged shaft head 258 provided with a support flange 259.
- the support flange 259 of the mixer shaft 254 abuts clamping blocks 262 and 264 thereby providing an additional mechanical connection to the frictional connection effected by the clamping blocks 262 and 264.
- the linear bearing assembly 256 includes a sleeve-type linear plain bearing 266 mounted in surrounding relation to the mixer shaft 254.
- the plain bearing 266 is secured to the base 207 of the housing 138 by fasteners 268.
- a keyhole-shaped slot 270 formed along an outermost edge of the base 207 permits the mixer shaft 254 to be displaced laterally from the base 207 during removal thereof.
- the reciprocating drive assembly 252 is generally similar to the reciprocating drive assembly 144 described above in that it has a flywheel 272, a drive 274, a crank member 276, a yoke 278 and guide means 280 operatively connected to form a scotch yoke assembly 282.
- guide means 156 of reciprocating drive assembly 144 includes upper and lower guide shafts 158a and 158b, corresponding upper and lower guide bearings 160a and 160b and a single stabilizing shaft 174 with mating linear bearing blocks 176a and 176b
- the guide means 280 employs a pair of parallel left and right guide assemblies in the nature of first and second linear slide assemblies 284 and 286.
- the first and second linear slide assemblies 284 and 286 are operatively connected to the housing 138 and to the yoke 278 for sliding engagement therewith along a pair of guide axes 288 and 290 extending substantially parallel to a yoke axis designated as 292.
- the first and second linear slide assemblies 284 and 286 are laterally spaced from each other with the yoke 278 substantially disposed therebetween.
- Each linear slide assembly 284, 286 includes a guide rail member in the nature of a track 294 associated with at least one corresponding guide rail following member in the nature of a saddle member 296.
- Each track 294 is fixedly secured to a support member 298 of the housing 138 coincident with a respective guide axis 288 or 290, as the case may be.
- Each saddle member 296 is adapted and configured for sliding motion along its corresponding track 294.
- the linear slide assemblies 284 and 286 are additionally provided with saddle mounting members 300 for attaching the saddle members 296 to the yoke 278.
- the saddle mounting members 300 are generally T-shaped members mounted between a pair of transverse yoke beams 301 and 303 to define a race 306 formed in the yoke 278.
- the saddle members 296 are in turn mounted to the back of the saddle mounting members 300 in opposed relation to the track 294. Thus attached, the saddle members 296 bound on either side the race 306. Looking into the direction of arrow 307 (shown in Figure 19 ), it can be seen that the linear bearing assemblies 284 and 286 are located aft of the yoke 278.
- each linear slide assembly 284, 286 is provided with two, longitudinally-spaced, saddle members 296 for improved stability; an upper Saddle member 308 and a lower saddle member 310.
- FIG. 21 and 22 there is shown an alternative reciprocating drive assembly 350 generally similar to reciprocating drive assembly 252.
- the reciprocating drive assembly 350 has, inter alia, a yoke 352 and track-and-saddle type, linear slide assemblies 354 and 356.
- the linear slide assemblies 354 and 356 are generally similar to the linear slide assemblies 284 and 286 in that each assembly 354; 356 includes a track 358 associated with at least one corresponding saddle member 360.
- the assemblies 354 and 356 differ in that they are fabricated with the saddle members 360 already captively retained on the tracks 358 for sliding engagement therewith.
- the yoke 352 differs from yoke 278 shown in Figure 19 and 20 in that it is of unitary construction and has saddle mounting portions 362 incorporated therein.
- FIG. 23 and 24 there is shown a reciprocating drive assembly 312 generally similar to the reciprocating drive assembly 252 described above.
- the reciprocating drive assembly 312 includes a flywheel 314, a drive 316, a crank member 318, a yoke 320 and guide means 322 operatively connected to form a scotch yoke assembly 324.
- the guide means 322 is similar to the guide means 280 in that it also uses a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending, left and right guide assemblies.
- the guide means 280 employs a pair of tracks 294 each associated with at least one saddle member 296, the guide means 322 uses a Thompson shaft arrangement, that is, a pair of guide posts 326 each associated with at least one linear sliding block 328.
- Each guide post 326 is mounted within the housing 138 to extend upwardly between the base 207 and a top plate 332 thereof.
- the guide posts 326 are secured to the base 207 by collar members 330 and fasteners (not shown) .
- Each linear sliding block 328 is mounted in surrounding relation to its associated guide post 326 for sliding engagement therewith.
- the mounting members 333 attach the linear sliding blocks 328 with the yoke 320.
- the linear slide assemblies consististing of guide posts 326 and linear sliding blocks 328) are located fore of the yoke 320.
- crank member 318 While the reciprocating drive assembly 318 operates in a generally similar fashion to the reciprocating drive assembly 252, the manner in which the flywheel 314, the crank member 318 and the yoke 320 co-operate with each other differs. Unlike crank member 276, the crank member 318 does not have an inner axle fixedly connected to the flywheel with an outer roller portion rotatably mounted thereon.
- the crank member 318 is embodied in a cam follower block 334 adapted and configured for sliding movement within the race 335 defined in the yoke 320.
- the cam follower block 334 is preferably made of steel and houses therein a roller bearing 336 and an axle 338 rotatively mounted to the roller bearing 336.
- the axle 338 is received in socket 340 formed in the flywheel 314.
- Brass wear plates 342 are fastened to the top and bottom surfaces of the cam follower block 334 for improved wear resistance.
- the cam follower 334 is mounted within the race 336, the brass wear plates 342 bear against hard steel wear plates (not shown) lining the race 335.
- the invention may have advantageous utility even outside the SXEW process, in other mixing applications, such as in the context of a froth flotation cell, illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 , wherein the fluid mixing apparatus is used to agitate a slurry to form a froth, and a paddle mechanism 32 is operatively mounted to the vessel 102 to scour froths produced thereby.
- the fluid mixing apparatus can also be employed in a vessel having baffles 500 disposed therein.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally relates to the field of mineral ore processing, and more particularly, to a mixing apparatus and to uses thereof in the separation of minerals from mineral-bearing ores.
- Processes are known in the prior art which provide for the separation of minerals from mineral-bearing ores.
- For example, in known processes used for the separation of copper from copper-bearing ores, illustrated diagrammatically in
Figure 1 , non-oxidized ores 20 (which might contain as little as 0.5% copper, and typically contain iron sulfides) are processed in acrusher 22, withwater 24, to form aslurry 26. Theslurry 26 is then transferred to aflotation cell 28, and subjected to physical action, specifically, air sparging and mixing. As a result of the physical action, a substantial portion of the copper value in theslurry 26 rises to the surface of theflotation cell 28 as afroth 30, and is skimmed therefrom by apaddle mechanism 32, while the waste rock 33 ("gangue") remains in the bulk, and is ultimately passed from thecell 28 to adryer 34 and discharged astailings 36. This process of "froth separation" results from differences in wettability of copper as compared to other minerals, and is typically aided by chemical frothing andcollector agents 38 added to theslurry 26, such that thefroth 30 from such flotation contains 27% to 36% copper. Methylisobutyl carbonal (MIBC) is a typical frothing agent, and sodium xanthate, fuel oil, and VS M8 (a proprietary formulation) are typical collector agents. - The
froth 30 is then fed to an oxygen smelter 40, and the copper and iron sulfides are oxidized at high temperature resulting in impure molten metal 42 (97% - 99%, copper, with significant amounts of iron oxide) andgaseous sulfur dioxide 44. Theimpure metal 42 is then transferred to anelectrolytic purification unit 46, which separates theimpure metal 42 into 99.99%purity copper material 48 andslag 50. - The
gaseous sulfur dioxide 44 is collected in areactor 52 wherein it is scrubbed and mixed withwater 24 to formsulphuric acid 54. Thesulphuric acid 54 is suitably blended withwater 24 and used to leach oxidized ores, typically by "heap leaching" anore pile 56. The resultant copper-bearingacid 58 is known as "pregnant leach solution".Pregnant leach solution 58 is also obtained by mixing solutions ofsulphuric acid 54, invats 60, with thetailings 36 discharged from flotation operations, to dissolve the trace amounts of copper remaining therein. - The copper is "extracted" from the
pregnant leachate 58 by mixing therewith, in aprimary extraction step 62, organic solvent 64 (often kerosene) in which copper metal preferentially dissolves. Organicchemical chelators 66, which bind solubilized copper but not impurity metals, such as iron, are also often provided with the organic solvent, to further drive the migration of copper. Hydroxyoximes are exemplary in this regard. - In the
primary extraction step 62, the copper is preferentially extracted into the organic phase according to the formula:
[CuSO4]aqueous + [2 HR]organic ⇒ [CuR2]organic + [H2SO4]aqueous
where HR = copper extractant (chelator) - The mixed phases are permitted to separate, into a copper-laden
organic solvent 68 and a depletedleachate 70. - The
depleted leachate 70 is then contacted with additionalorganic solvent 72 in asecondary extraction step 74, in the manner previously discussed, and allowed to settle, whereupon the phases separate into a lightly-loaded organic (which is recycled assolvent 64 in the primary extraction step) and a barren leachate or raffinate 76. - The
barren leachate 76 is delivered to a coalescer 78 to remove therefrom entrainedorganics 80, which are recycled into the system; the thus-conditionedleachate 82 is then suitable for recycling into the leaching system. - The pregnant organic mixture 68 (produced in the primary extraction step 62) is stripped of its copper in a
stripping operation 84 by the addition of an aqueous stripping solution of higher acidity 86 (to reverse the previous equation); after phase separation, a loaded electrolytic solution 88 ("rich electrolyte") remains, as well as an organic solvent, the latter being recycled assolvent 72 in thesecondary extraction 74. - The
rich electrolyte 88 is directed to anelectrowinning unit 90. Electrowinning consists of the plating of solubilized copper onto the cathode and the evolution of oxygen at the anode. The chemical reactions involved with these processes are shown below
Cathode: CuSO4 + 2 e 1- ⇒ Cu + SO4 2-
Anode: H2O ⇒ 2H+ + 0.5 O2 + 2 e1-
- This process results in
copper metal 92, and a lean (copper-poor) electrolyte, which is recycled asstripping solution 86. - The combination of leaching, combined with extraction and electrowinning, is commonly known in the art as solvent extraction electrowinning, hereinafter referred to in this specification and in the claims as"SXEW".
- In a known application of the described SXEW process, in both the primary 62 and secondary 74 extraction steps, the combined organic and aqueous phases are delivered through a series of mixing vessels (primary P, second S and tertiary T), and then to a settling tank ST, the primary mixing vessel P being about 2,44 meters (8 feet) in diameter and 3,66 meters (12 feet) in height, and stirred by a rotary mixer driven by a 14920 watts (20 horsepower) motor, and each of the secondary S and tertiary T mixing vessels being about 3,66 meters (12 feet) in diameter and height, and stirred by a rotary mixer driven by a 5595 watts (7.5 horsepower) motor. (The system of primary P, secondary S and tertiary T mixers, and settling tank ST, is replicated to meet volume flow requirements, with each system' processing about 0.63 cubic meters per second (10,000 gpm)). This provides a mixing regime wherein the organic and aqueous phases are intimately mixed for a period of time sufficient to allow copper exchange (to maximize copper recovery), yet relatively quickly separate substantially into organic and aqueous phases.
- In a known application of the froth flotation process, a plurality of
flotation cells 28, each being approximately 1,52 meters square (5 feet square) and 1,22 meter (4 feet) high, are utilized, with pairs of cells sharing a 37300 watts (50 horsepower) motor driving respecting rotary mixers (not shown). This provides a mixing regime sufficient to allow the air bubbles to carry the copper value to the surface. - Various modifications can be made to the rotary mixers in the extractors and in the flotation tanks of the foregoing process. However, the general configurations noted above have been found to provide relatively economical results, and significant variations therefrom can impact adversely upon economies. For example, an attempt to reduce energy costs by scaling-down the motors for the mixers would have consequent impacts either upon the copper recovery efficiency, or upon available process throughputs. Specifically, the relatively large motors employed are required to drive the sturdy (and therefore heavy) rotary mixers and shafts that are needed to withstand the torques caused by rotation ; lower power motors would demand either lower blade speed or smaller blades, with consequent impacts upon mixing and transfer efficiency.
Further, inWO 02/083280 figures 2-16a and especially infigures 4-5 , a knownreciprocating drive assembly 144 is proposed for use in afluid mixer 100 to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis A-A to ashaft 130 carrying amixing head 106 for immersion in fluids, thereciprocating drive assembly 144 comprising: - a
housing 138; - a
flywheel 146 mounted for rotation about a rotational axis R-R extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis A-A; - a
crank member 150 projecting from theflywheel 146 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis R-R; - a
yoke 152 supported by thehousing 138 for movement along ayoke axis 153 disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A, theyoke 152 being releasably connected to theshaft 130, theyoke 152 having a substantiallylinear race 154 formed therein for receiving thecrank member 150, therace 154 being disposed within theyoke 152 substantially normal to both the rotational axis R-R and theyoke axis 153. - However the apparatus according
WO 02/083280 claim 1. - According to the invention, there is provided a reciprocating drive assembly for use in a fluid mixer to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis to a shaft carrying a mixing head for immersion in fluids. The reciprocating drive assembly includes a housing, a flywheel, a crank member, a yoke, and first and second yoke assemblies. The flywheel is mounted for rotation about a rotational axis extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis. The crank member projects from the flywheel in a direction parallel to the rotational axis. The yoke is supported by the housing for movement along a yoke axis disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The yoke is releasably connected to the shaft. The yoke has a substantially linear race formed therein for receiving the crank member. The race is disposed within the yoke substantially normal to both the rotational axis and the yoke axis. The first and second guide assemblies are operatively connected to the housing, and to the yoke for sliding engagement therewith along a pair of guide axes extending substantially parallel to the yoke axis. The first and second guide assemblies being laterally spaced from each other with the yoke disposed substantially therebetween When the flywheel is rotatively driven, the crank member is caused to translate linearly within .the race thereby urging the yoke to slidingly engage the guide assemblies and move along the yoke axis to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of the shaft and the mixing head.
- In an additional feature, each of the first and second guide assemblies is a linear slide assemblies. In still another feature, each linear slide assembly includes a guide rail member associated with at least one corresponding guide rail following member. Each guide rail member is fixedly mounted to the housing coincident with one of the guide axes. Each of the at least one guide rail following members is rigidly connected to the yoke and slidably moveable relative to its corresponding guide rail member. Further still, each guide rail member has upper and lower, spaced-apart, guide rail following members associated therewith.
- The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:
-
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of conventional SXEW processes for copper extraction. -
Figure 2 is a front, top, right side perspective view of a known fluid mixing apparatus , shown operatively mounted on a vessel. -
Figure 3 is a right side cross-sectional view of the fluid mixing apparatus and vessel shown inFigure 2 . -
Figure 4 is a front, top left side perspective view of the fluid mixing apparatus ofFigure 2 , showing, inter alia, a known reciprocating drive assembly and mounting means. -
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the structure shown inFigure 4 . -
Figure 6A is a front elevational view of the structure ofFigure 4 , with the mixer shaft and shaft gripping means removed for clarity. -
Figure 6B is a view similar toFigure 6A , with, inter alia, the flywheel displaced 90° counter-clockwise relative to its position inFigure 6A . -
Figure 6C is a view similar toFigure 6A , with, inter alia, the flywheel displaced 90° counter clockwise relative to its position inFigure 6B . -
Figure 6D is a view similar toFigure 6A , with, inter alia, the flywheel displaced 90° counter-clockwise relative to its position inFigure 6C . -
Figure 7 is a front, top, right side perspective view of the mixing head of the fluid mixing apparatus shown inFigure 2 . -
Figure 8 is a rear, bottom, left side perspective view of the mixing head of the fluid mixing apparatus shown inFigure 2 . -
Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the mixing head of the fluid mixing apparatus shown inFigure 2 . -
Figure 10 is a right side elevational view of the mixing head of the fluid mixing apparatus shown inFigure 2 . -
Figure 11 is an enlarged detail view of an alternate embodiment of the support webs to that shown inFigure 7 , which view corresponds to the area circumscribed bycircle 11 inFigure 7 . -
Figure 12 is an enlarged detail view of an alternate embodiment of the blade body shown inFigure 7 , which view corresponds to the area circumscribed bycircle 12 inFigure 7 . -
Figure 13 is a view similar to that ofFigure 12 , showing a further alternate embodiment of the blade body. -
Figure 14 is a front, top, left side perspective view of a known fluid mixing apparatus in use in a froth flotation cell. -
Figure 15 is a left side cross-sectional view of the structure ofFigure 14 . -
Figure 16a is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate fluid mixing apparatus to that shown inFigure 3 , showing the fluid mixing apparatus mounted within a vessel having baffles disposed therein. -
Figure 16b is a top left perspective view of the alternate mixing head shown inFigure 16a . -
Figure 16c is a bottom plan view of the alternate mixing head shown inFigure 16a . -
Figure 17 is a partially exploded view showing an alternate mounting means and an alternate shaft gripping means to those shown inFigure 4 . -
Figure 18 is a sectional view, along sight line 18-18 ofFigure 17 , with the apparatus shown fully assembled. -
Figure 19 is a perspective view of mounting means and a reciprocating drive assembly according to the invention. -
Figure 20 is a partially exploded perspective view of the mounting means and the reciprocating drive assembly ofFigure 19 . -
Figure 21 is a top, right perspective view of an alternate reciprocating drive assembly to that shown inFigure 19 . -
Figure 22 is an partially exploded perspective view of the reciprocating drive assembly ofFigure 21 . - .
Figure 23 is a top, right perspective view of an alternate reciprocating drive assembly to that shown inFigure 19 . -
Figure 24 is a partially exploded perspective view of the reciprocating drive assembly ofFigure 23 . - Referring now to
Figure 2 of the drawings, a known fluid mixing apparatus designated withgeneral reference numeral 100, is shown in use with afluid containing vessel 102 having acontiguous sidewall 104 centered about and defining a longitudinal axis A-A. Thefluid mixing apparatus 100 is mounted to aframe 140 which spans over the vessel'102. - The
fluid mixing apparatus 100 includes a mixinghead 106 for immersion in the fluids to be mixed; means 108 for mounting the mixinghead 106 within thevessel 102; and reciprocating means 110 for imparting reciprocating longitudinal (i.e. vertical) movement to the mixinghead 106. - Referring to
Figure 7 , the mixinghead 106 includes: ablade body 112 formed about a head axis H-H; a generallytubular hub member 114; and a plurality ofsupport webs 116 for connecting theblade body 112 to thehub member 114. - As shown in
Figure 8 , theblade body 112 has afirst end 120, an opposedsecond end 122 disposed in spaced relation thereto along the head axis H-H, and apassageway 123 extending longitudinally between the first and second ends 120 and 122. In the preferred embodiment, thepassageway 123 tapers uniformly from thefirst end 120 to thesecond end 122 to impart a substantially frustoconical shape to theblade body 112. - The
blade body 112 also has aninner surface 126 and anouter surface 128. Theouter surface 128 defines an inside blade diameter ID at thesecond end 122 of theblade body 112, and an outside blade diameter OD at thefirst end 120 thereof. The actual outside diameter OD may be between 25 and 40 percent of the internal diameter D of the vessel. - The taper in the
passageway 123 can be expressed as an angle α, where angle α is the angle formed between a pair of axes X,X and Y,Y defined by, and coincident with, the intersections of theouter surface 128 of theblade body 112 and a plane P-P coincident with the head axis H-H, as shown in as indicated inFigures 9 and10 . The angle α is greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°. Preferably, the angle α is between 90° and 120°. - Whereas in the preferred embodiment, the
passageway 123 tapers uniformly along its length from thefirst end 120 to thesecond end 122 to define a substantiallyfrustoconical blade body 112, the passageway may be configured to define other blade body shapes. For instance, the passageway can be configured to have different rates of taper therealong. In an alternate embodiment shown inFigures 16a ,16b and 16c , there is shown a mixinghead 400 having ablade body 402. Theblade body 402 includes afirst end 404, a second end 406 and apassageway 408 defined therebetween. Thepassageway 408 tapers in a non-uniform fashion between thefirst end 404 and the second end 406. More specifically, theblade body 402 is formed with a point ofinflection 410 therein located between thefirst end 404 and the second end 406. Thepassageway 408 tapers at first rate from thefirst end 404 to the point ofinflection 410, and at a second rate from the point ofinflection 410 to the second end 406. In the alternate embodiment shown, the first rate of taper is less than the second rate of taper. However; this need not be the case in all instances. In some applications, it may be desirable for the first rate of taper to be greater than the second rate of taper. - In the preferred embodiment, the
blade body 112 is constructed from sixarcuate segments 118 arranged end-to-end. The segments are secured to one another by bolts (not shown)fastened throughflanges 124 provided at the ends of eachsegment 118 for this purpose (seeFigures 7, 8 and9 ). - The
hub member 114 is disposed generally coincident with the head axis H-H. Extending substantially radially in a downwardly canted fashion from thehub member 114 is the plurality ofsupport webs 116. Thesupport webs 116 connect thearcuate segments 118 of theblade body 112 to thehub member 114. Such connection is effected by rivets or bolts (not shown). - Whereas in the preferred embodiment the
blade body 112 andsupport webs 116 are substantially smooth, in an alternative embodiment, one or both of the blade body and the support webs could be formed with perforations or dimples. For instance, referring toFigure 12 , there is shown analternate blade body 412 having formed therein a plurality ofperforations 414 each extending between aninner surface 416 and anouter surface 418 thereof . -
Figure 13 shows ablade portion 420 provided with a plurality ofdimples 422 projecting outwardly from anouter surface 424 of theblade portion 420 and inwardly from aninner surface 426 of theblade portion 420. This allows fine tuning of the mixing device in a manner not taught by the prior art. - In yet another alternate embodiment shown in
Figure 11 , asupport web 430 is provided with a plurality ofperforations 432, as well as a plurality oftabs 434 each substantially overlying arespective perforation 432. Thetabs 434 are connected to thesupport web 430 at one edge of saidrespective perforation 432 to form a gill. In this manner, the characteristics of the mixing currents produced by the blade body in motion can be finely tuned to control the droplet size of the dispersion, and hence,the mixing efficiency of the device, which feature is not available in prior art mixers. - Referring now to
Figure 3 , the preferred mounting means 108 will be seen to include amixer shaft 130 for carrying the mixinghead 106 and alinear bearing 132 adapted to slidingly engage themixer shaft 130. - The
mixer shaft 130 has abottom end 134 releasably mounted to the mixinghead 106, and atop end 136 operatively connected to the reciprocating means 110. The releasable connection of themixer shaft 130 to the mixinghead 106 may be effected by threadingly engaging thebottom end 134 of themixer shaft 130 with the threaded interior of thehub member 114. When mounted to the mixinghead 106, themixer shaft 130 extends substantially coincident with the head axis H-H. - In the preferred embodiment shown in
Figures 2 and3 , the mixinghead 106 is mounted to themixer shaft 130 with thesecond end 122 of theblade body 112 being carried below thefirst end 120 thereof. In an alternate embodiment, the orientation of the mixing head could be reversed such that the first end of the blade body is carried below the second tube end thereof. - As best shown in
Figure 5 , themixer shaft 130 is preferably hollow and is constructed of a plurality oftube segments 170, threaded at their ends and joined to one-another in end-to-end relation by threadedcouplings 172, so thatsegments 170 can be added or removed as desired to accommodate for different depths of the vessel. The use of a hollow mixer shaft leads to reduced energy consumption by the fluid mixing apparatus during use. In contrast, conventional rotary-type mixers use heavy, solid shafts requiring greater energy input. - The
linear bearing 132 is a sleeve-type bearing mounted in surrounding relation to themixer shaft 130 for sliding engagement therewith during its reciprocating longitudinal movement. Thelinear bearing 132 is securely fixed to ahousing 138 supporting the reciprocating means 110. - As best illustrated in
Figure 4 , the reciprocating means 110 includes a shaft gripping means 142 for gripping themixer shaft 130 adjacent itstop end 136 and areciprocating drive assembly 144 operatively connected to the mixingshaft 130 to impart reciprocating longitudinal movement to the mixinghead 106. - With reference to
Figures 4 and5 , the shaft gripping means 142 preferably includes aclamp 163 formed by a pair ofmating clamping blocks clamping block groove 166 formed therein which is sized and adapted for receving themixer shaft 130 in close fitting relation thereto. In the preferred embodiment, thegroove 166 is generally concave and has a semi-circular cross-section. When the clamping blocks 164a and 164b are mated, thegrooves 166 thereof are disposed in opposed relation to each other to grippingly receive themixer shaft 130 and captively retain themixer shaft 130 therebetween.Bolts 168 rigidly fasten the clamping blocks 164a and 164b to each other and to thereciprocating drive assembly 144. Thus fastened, the clamping blocks 164a and 164b transfer the reciprocating longitudinal movement of thereciprocating drive assembly 144 to themixer shaft 130 when thefluid mixing apparatus 100 is in use. - This clamp arrangement permits the relative depth of the mixing
head 106 in thevessel 102 to be conveniently adjusted from above; theclamp 163 need only be loosed, by disengaging the associatedbolts 168, whereuponmixer shaft 130 can be raised or lowered as desired, andbolts 168 re-engaged. - As shown in
Figures 4 and5 , the reciprocatingdrive assembly 144 includes: aflywheel 146; adrive 148 for driving rotation of theflywheel 146; a crankmember 150 projecting from the flywheel; ayoke 152 adapted and configured to receive thecrank member 150 therewithin; and guide means 156 for guiding theyoke 152 along ayoke axis 153 for reciprocating longitudinal movement. Theflywheel 146, thedrive 148, thecrank member 150, theyoke 152 and the guide means 156 are operatively connected to, and co-operate with, each other to form ascotch yoke assembly 143. - The
flywheel 146 is mounted to thehousing 138 for rotation about a rotational axis R-R which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis A-A. Thedrive 148 in the nature of an electric motor, is operatively connected by its drive shaft (not shown) to theflywheel 146 for driving rotation. - Projecting from the flywheel in a direction parallel to the rotational axis, is the
crank member 150. Thecrank member 150 is removeably attached to theflywheel 146 for rotation therewith. For the purpose of minimizing friction, thecrank member 150 includes aninner axle portion 182 which is fixedly connected to theflywheel 146 and anouter roller portion 184 which is rotatably mounted by bearings (not shown) on the inner axle portion 182 (seeFigure 5 ). - The
yoke 152 is mounted within thehousing 138 for movement along ayoke axis 153 disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. Theyoke 152 is displaced from theflywheel 146 in the direction of thecrank member 150 and has formed therein a substantiallylinear race 154 for receiving thecrank member 150. Therace 154 is disposed within theyoke 152, substantially normal to both the rotational axis R-R and theyoke axis 153. Therace 154 is adapted and configured to allow translational movement of thecrank member 150 relative to theyoke 152 as theflywheel 146 rotates. - The guide means 156 includes upper and lower threaded
guide shafts coaxial bores 156 disposed on upper and lower surfaces of theyoke 152. Corresponding upper andlower guide bearings housing 138 for slidingly engaging the upper andlower guide shafts upper guide shaft 158a extends protrudes through an aperture (not shown) formed in the housing about which the upper guide bearing 160a is mounted. - To counter stresses created on the
yoke 152 by virtue of its carriage of the shaft gripping means 142, the guide means 156 additionally include a balancing or stabilizingshaft 174 and a pair of matinglinear bearing blocks shaft 174. The stabilizingshaft 174 is rigidly connected to thehousing 138 and extends substantially parallel toyoke axis 153. Eachlinear bearing block groove 178 of semi-circular cross-section formed therein which is sheathed with a self-lubricating material such as polytetrafluorethylene. When thelinear bearing blocks grooves 178 thereof are mounted in opposed relation one with the other with the stabilizingshaft 174 extending longitudinally therebetween.Bolts 180 fasten thelinear bearing blocks yoke 152. - The workings of the
reciprocating drive assembly 144 are now explained in greater detail below. With theyoke 152 operatively mounted with the upper andlower guide shafts guide bearings yoke 152 is mounted to thehousing 138 in a manner which constrains movement ofyoke 152 otherwise than along theyoke axis 153 and normal to the rotational axis R-R. When the flywheel is rotatively driven by thedrive 148, thecrank member 150 is caused to translate linearly within therace 154 thereby urging theyoke 152 to move along theyoke axis 153 to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of themixer shaft 130, as indicated by the sequence ofFigures 6A-6D . In the result, the mixinghead 106 carried by themixer shaft 130 is longitudinally displaced through a stroke length "S" with a duration "T" for each cycle (where "S "is expressed in meters (inches) and "T" is expressed in seconds (minutes)). For the sake clarity, a cycle consists of the upstroke and downstroke movement of the mixinghead 106. InFigure 3 , the mixinghead 106 is shown in blackline in a starting position, and in phantom outline, at a position longitudinally displaced from the starting position through the stroke length "S". - The length of the resultant stroke may be selected by suitable adjustment to the radial position of the crank member 150 (that is, the distance between the
crank member 150 and the rotation axis R-R). Accordingly, theflywheel 146 is provided with a plurality of threadedsockets 162 disposed in a radial array on the face of the flywheel 146 (s. eeFigure 5 ). Each threadedsocket 162 is sized and adapted to receive thecrank member 150 therein.
Each crank member and socket combination corresponds to a predetermined stroke length "S". The duration "T" of each cycle may be selected by suitable adjustment of the rotational speed of thedrive 148. - By virtue of the reciprocating longitudinal movement imparted to the mixing
head 106, a portion of the fluids in thevessel 102 is urged to flow through thepassageway 123 defined in theblade body 112 thereby encouraging efficient mixing of the fluids in thevessel 102. It has been found that mixing efficiencies tend to be improved when thefluid mixing apparatus 100 is operated within a set of operational parameters defined by the equation:
where: - OD is the outside diameter of the
blade body 112 at thefirst end 120 thereof measured in meters; - ID is the inside diameter of the
blade body 112 at thesecond end 122 thereof measured in meters; - S is the stroke length measured in meters; and
- T is the duration of each cycle measured in seconds
- OD is the outside diameter of the
blade body 112 at thefirst end 120 thereof measured in inches; - ID is the inside diameter of the
blade body 112 at thesecond end 122 thereof measured in inches; - S is the stroke length measured in inches; and
- T is the duration of each cycle measured in minutes).
- While the stroke length "S" can measure between 0,05 meter (2 inches) and 0,61 meter (24 inches), it is preferred that the stroke length "S" be between 0,10 meter (4 inches) and 0,41 meter (16 inches). More preferably, the stroke length "S" is between 0,20 meter (8 inches) and 0,30 meter (12 inches).
- Moreover, while it has been found that improved mixing efficiencies may be obtained where the value for OD:ID is greater than 1.0 and less than or equal to 1.7, preferably, the value for OD:ID lies between 1.5 and 1.7.
- When operated within the set of operational parameters defined above, it has been found that the present invention can be used to great advantage as a mixer for a vessel in a solvent extractor unit, as shown in
Figures 2 and3 and illustrated in Examples 1 and 2 below. - In the known application of the SXEW process previously described, samples were taken from the outfall of each of the primary vessel; secondary vessel; tertiary vessel and settling tank of a respective secondary extraction unit (A) and permitted to separate.
- In a parallel secondary extraction unit (B) (ie processing a pregnant leachate of substantially identical composition), a mixing apparatus in accordance with the present invention (OD= 1,52 meter (60 inches); ID= 1,02 meter (40 inches); α=120 ; S= 0,25 meter (10 inches); T= 1,998 seconds (0.0333 minutes), driven by a 1492 watts (2hp) motor) was substituted for the rotary mixer in the secondary mixing vessel, and samples were again taken from the outfall from each of the primary, second and tertiary mixing vessels, and from the settling tank, and permitted to separate.
- Copper concentration (g/1) was measured in the organic component of each sample, as follows:
(A) (B) 0,014 cubic meters per second (30 cpm) Cu (g/l) Cu (g/l) Primary mixing vessel 2.01 2.01 Secondary mixing vessel 2.06 2.06 Tertiary mixing vessel 2.12 2.13 Settling tank 2.14 2.13 - As would be expected, copper concentration from the primary mixing vessel in each of the A and B lines is similar (because to that point in the process, mixing is provided by identical rotary mixers). However, unexpectedly, copper concentrations in the outfall from the secondary mixers also remained identical, and copper concentration in the outfall from the settling tanks remained quite similar, despite the almost 70% reduction in energy input (932,5 watts (1.25 hp) drawn from a 1492 watts (2 hp) drive motor for the reciprocating mixer, as compared to 3730 watts (5.0 hp) drawn from the 5595 watts (7.5 hp) motor drive for the rotary mixer).
- In a second test, the B line of Example 1 was modified by altering the motor speed of the mixer of the present invention, such that it operated at 0,75 cycles/second, i.e. T = 1,333 second (45 cycles/minute (T=0,0222 minute)).
- Copper concentration (g/1) was again measured, as follows:
(B) 0,021 cubic meters per second [45cpm] Cu (g/l) Primary mixing vessel 2.00 Secondary mixing vessel 2.08 Tertiary mixing vessel 2.11 Settling tank 2.16 - Again, as would be expected, copper concentration from the primary mixing vessel in the B line remained similar to that obtained in the A line (because to that point in the process, mixing is provided by identical rotary mixers). However, unexpectedly, copper concentrations in the outfall from the settling tank from the modified B line showed significant improvement over the A line results (copper recovery improved from 2.14 g/l to 2.16 g/l).
- Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed the fluid mixing apparatus of the present invention provides mixing currents which [at least in the context of the liquids utilized in SXEW copper extraction] create a dispersion characterized by consistent-sized droplets, uniformly distributed throughout the mixing vessel, whereas in a rotary mixer, there is a wide variation in drop sizes, and in the distribution of said drops, (perhaps due to the fact that the blade in a rotary mixer moves at different speeds along its length). This uniform dispersion is believed to provide an environment amenable to efficient mass transfer between phases, while at the same time providing for substantial disengagement of the mixed phases within a relatively short time frame.
- Whereas the illustrations depict an embodiment of the present invention which is preferred, various modifications are contemplated and described below.
- In the preferred embodiment, the shaft gripping means 142 is adapted to allow the clamping blocks 164a and 164b to be uncoupled from each other and detached from the
yoke 152 by merely removing thebolts 168. It will be appreciated, however, that in some instances it may not be desirable to completely detach the clamp from the yoke when releasing the mixer shaft. In such instances it would be preferable to uncouple the clamping blocks while still maintaining a rigid connection between one of the clamping blocks and the yoke. In the alternate embodiment shown inFigures 17 and18 , this is achieved by replacingclamp 163 with a modifiedclamp 186. While theclamp 186 is generally similar to theclamp 163 in that it has a pair ofmating clamping blocks 188a and 188b formed withconcave grooves 190 therein, it differs in one material respect, that is, theclamping block 188a is fastened to theyoke 152 bybolts 192, independently of clampingblock 186. Mating of the clamping blocks 188a and 188b is achieved by fasteningbolts 194. - While in the preferred embodiment the mounting means 108 includes a single
linear bearing 132 which slidingly engages themixer shaft 130 at a single location, in an alternate embodiment a linear bearing assembly could be provided for sliding engagement with the mixer shaft at more than one location. One such alternate embodiment is shown inFigures 17 and18 , where a mixer shaft designated withreference numeral 196 and a linear bearing assembly is designated withreference numeral 200. The linear bearing assembly. 200 includes anupper bearing subassembly 202 and alower bearing subassembly 204 for engagement with themixer shaft 196 at respective upper and lower, longitudinally spaced,locations - The
upper bearing subassembly 202 is adapted and configured for sliding engagement with themixer shaft 196. More specifically, it has a bushing 210 formed ofmating bushing blocks mixer shaft 196. Eachbushing block concave groove 214 of semi-circular cross-section formed therein for receiving themixer shaft 196. Eachgroove 214 is sheathed or lined with anarcuate pad 216 of self-lubricating material such as polytetrafluorethylene. Preferably, eachpad 216 is ribbed. When the bushing blocks 212a and 212b are mated, thegrooves 214 thereof are mounted in opposed relation one with the other with themixer shaft 196 extending longitudinally therebetween. The bushing blocks 212a and 212b are securely attached to each other bybolts 218. The bushing 210 is operatively connected to thehousing 138 by securely mountingbushing block 212a to abase 207 of thehousing 138. - The
lower bearing subassembly 204 is adapted and configured for rolling engagement with themixer shaft 196. Thelower bearing subassembly 204 includes at least two roller assemblies identified generally as 220, carried below thebase 207 of thehousing 138 at thelower location 208. however, preferably, thelower bearing subassembly 204 has first, second and third roller assemblies respectively, 222, 224 and 226, mounted in surrounding relation to themixer shaft 196. A first mounting member in the nature oftubular support 228 attaches the first andsecond roller assemblies base 207 of thehousing 138. Thetubular support 228 depends downwardly from thebase 207 and terminates at its distal end with aflange member 230. Theflange member 230 has a pair ofupstanding brackets 232 to which are fastened the first andsecond roller assemblies bolts 234. - The
lower bearing subassembly 204 also includes a second mounting member in the nature of a pair ofremovable supports 236. Theremovable supports 236 are securely attached to thebushing block 212a and depend downwardly therefrom to aterminus 238. The terminus has abracket 240 which extends downwardly therefrom. The third roller assembly is secured to thebracket 240 bybolts 242. - In the preferred embodiment, each
roller assembly single roller 239 rotatively mounted to aroller housing 241. It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments multiple rollers may be employed. - When the bushing blocks 212a and 212b are operably secured to each other, the first, second and
third roller assemblies mixer shaft 196, as shown inFigure 18 , at a position beneath and longitudinally spaced from bushing 210. The support provided by the first, second andthird roller assemblies lower location 208 tends to limit flexure of themixer shaft 196, while permitting reciprocating longitudinal movement thereof. - As best shown in
Figure 17 , themixer shaft 196 can be removed from thehousing 138 for servicing, maintenance, repair or replacement by first disassembling theupper bearing subassembly 202 and then by disengaging theclamp 186. The removal ofbolts 218 in bushing 210 allows thebushing block 212b and thethird roller assembly 226 attached thereto, to be removed from sliding engagement with themixer shaft 196.Bolts 194 can then be removed fromclamp 186 thereby releasing themixer shaft 196. An open-ended rebate or slot 244 formed along an outermost edge of the base 207 permits themixer shaft 196 to be displaced laterally from the base for ease of removal. To further facilitate handling of themixer shaft 196 once released, themixer shaft 196 is formed with an upperenlarged end portion 246, in which is provided a threadedbore 248, to receive a threaded lifting lug (not shown). - With reference to
Figures 19 and20 , there is shown mountingmeans 250 and areciprocating drive assembly 252 according to the invention. The mounting means 250 generally resembles the mounting 108 in that it includes amixer shaft 254 and alinear bearing 256. Themixer shaft 254 is generally similar tomixer shaft 130, but differs in that it has anenlarged shaft head 258 provided with asupport flange 259. When operatively connected to theshaft gripping clamp 260, thesupport flange 259 of themixer shaft 254 abuts clampingblocks - The
linear bearing assembly 256 includes a sleeve-type linear plain bearing 266 mounted in surrounding relation to themixer shaft 254. Theplain bearing 266 is secured to thebase 207 of thehousing 138 byfasteners 268. A keyhole-shaped slot 270 formed along an outermost edge of the base 207 permits themixer shaft 254 to be displaced laterally from the base 207 during removal thereof. By virtue of the use of theplain bearing 266, it will however be evident that, in order to remove themixer shaft 244, theplain bearing 266 must first be detached from thehousing 138, by removingfasteners 268. - The
reciprocating drive assembly 252 is generally similar to thereciprocating drive assembly 144 described above in that it has aflywheel 272, adrive 274, acrank member 276, ayoke 278 and guide means 280 operatively connected to form ascotch yoke assembly 282. However, whereas guide means 156 of reciprocatingdrive assembly 144 includes upper andlower guide shafts lower guide bearings shaft 174 with matinglinear bearing blocks linear slide assemblies linear slide assemblies housing 138 and to theyoke 278 for sliding engagement therewith along a pair of guide axes 288 and 290 extending substantially parallel to a yoke axis designated as 292. The first and secondlinear slide assemblies yoke 278 substantially disposed therebetween. - Each
linear slide assembly track 294 associated with at least one corresponding guide rail following member in the nature of asaddle member 296. Eachtrack 294 is fixedly secured to a support member 298 of thehousing 138 coincident with arespective guide axis saddle member 296 is adapted and configured for sliding motion along itscorresponding track 294. - The
linear slide assemblies saddle mounting members 300 for attaching thesaddle members 296 to theyoke 278. Thesaddle mounting members 300 are generally T-shaped members mounted between a pair of transverse yoke beams 301 and 303 to define arace 306 formed in theyoke 278. Thesaddle members 296 are in turn mounted to the back of thesaddle mounting members 300 in opposed relation to thetrack 294. Thus attached, thesaddle members 296 bound on either side therace 306. Looking into the direction of arrow 307 (shown inFigure 19 ), it can be seen that thelinear bearing assemblies yoke 278. - In the alternate embodiment shown and described above, each
linear slide assembly saddle members 296 for improved stability; anupper Saddle member 308 and alower saddle member 310. - It will be appreciated that other alternative track and saddle member arrangements may be constructed. Referring to
Figures 21 and22 , there is shown an alternativereciprocating drive assembly 350 generally similar to reciprocatingdrive assembly 252. Thereciprocating drive assembly 350 has, inter alia, ayoke 352 and track-and-saddle type,linear slide assemblies linear slide assemblies linear slide assemblies assembly 354; 356 includes atrack 358 associated with at least onecorresponding saddle member 360. However, theassemblies saddle members 360 already captively retained on thetracks 358 for sliding engagement therewith. Theyoke 352 differs fromyoke 278 shown inFigure 19 and20 in that it is of unitary construction and hassaddle mounting portions 362 incorporated therein. - Alternate configurations of a reciprocating drive assembly having dual linear slide assemblies, are also possible. Referring now to
Figures 23 and24 , there is shown areciprocating drive assembly 312 generally similar to thereciprocating drive assembly 252 described above. Thereciprocating drive assembly 312 includes aflywheel 314, adrive 316, acrank member 318, ayoke 320 and guide means 322 operatively connected to form ascotch yoke assembly 324. The guide means 322 is similar to the guide means 280 in that it also uses a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending, left and right guide assemblies. However, whereas the guide means 280 employs a pair oftracks 294 each associated with at least onesaddle member 296, the guide means 322 uses a Thompson shaft arrangement, that is, a pair ofguide posts 326 each associated with at least one linear slidingblock 328. - Each
guide post 326 is mounted within thehousing 138 to extend upwardly between the base 207 and atop plate 332 thereof. The guide posts 326 are secured to thebase 207 bycollar members 330 and fasteners (not shown) . Each linear slidingblock 328 is mounted in surrounding relation to its associatedguide post 326 for sliding engagement therewith. As with thelinear assemblies members 333 attach the linear slidingblocks 328 with theyoke 320. However, in this embodiment, the linear slide assemblies (consisting ofguide posts 326 and linear sliding blocks 328) are located fore of theyoke 320. - While the
reciprocating drive assembly 318 operates in a generally similar fashion to thereciprocating drive assembly 252, the manner in which theflywheel 314, thecrank member 318 and theyoke 320 co-operate with each other differs. Unlike crankmember 276, thecrank member 318 does not have an inner axle fixedly connected to the flywheel with an outer roller portion rotatably mounted thereon. Thecrank member 318 is embodied in a cam follower block 334 adapted and configured for sliding movement within therace 335 defined in theyoke 320. Thecam follower block 334 is preferably made of steel and houses therein aroller bearing 336 and anaxle 338 rotatively mounted to theroller bearing 336. Theaxle 338 is received insocket 340 formed in theflywheel 314. Brass wearplates 342 are fastened to the top and bottom surfaces of the cam follower block 334 for improved wear resistance. When thecam follower 334 is mounted within therace 336, the brass wearplates 342 bear against hard steel wear plates (not shown) lining therace 335. - While in the preferred embodiment, a scotch yoke apparatus is utilized to provide linear reciprocating movement, it will be evident that other mechanisms, such as crank shafts, cam and cam follower mechanisms, and swash plates are possible substituents therefor.
- Of course, whereas the detailed description herein pertains specifically to the recovery of copper from copper bearing ores, it should also be understood that the present invention may be utilized in other applications wherein SXEW processes are utilized, such as, for example, in the recovery of zinc, nickel, platinum, uranium and gold
- Moreover, it will be evident that the invention may have advantageous utility even outside the SXEW process, in other mixing applications, such as in the context of a froth flotation cell, illustrated in
Figures 14 and15 , wherein the fluid mixing apparatus is used to agitate a slurry to form a froth, and apaddle mechanism 32 is operatively mounted to thevessel 102 to scour froths produced thereby. - As shown in
Figure 16a , the fluid mixing apparatus can also be employed in avessel having baffles 500 disposed therein.
Claims (6)
- A reciprocating drive assembly (252) for use in a fluid mixer (100) to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis (A-A) to a shaft (254) carrying a mixing head (106) for immersion in fluids, the reciprocating drive assembly (252) comprising:a housing (138);a flywheel (272) mounted for rotation about a rotational axis (R-R) extending substantially normal to the longitudinal axis (A-A);a crank member (276) projecting from the flywheel (272) in a direction parallel to the rotational axis (R-R);a yoke (278) supported by the housing (138) for movement along a yoke axis (153) disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A), the yoke (278) being releasably connected to the shaft (254)-, the yoke (278) having a substantially linear race (306) formed therein for receiving the crank member (276), the race (306) being disposed within the yoke (278) substantially normal to both the rotational axis (R-R) and the yoke axis (153);characterized in that the reciprocating drive assembly (252) comprises first and second guide assemblies (284), (286) operatively connected to the housing (138), and to the yoke (278) for sliding engagement therewith along a pair of guide axes (288), (290) extending substantially parallel to the yoke axis (153), the pair of guide means (284), (286) being laterally spaced from each other with the yoke (278) disposed substantially therebetween; andin that when the flywheel (272) is rotatively driven, the crank member (276) is caused to translate linearly within the race (306) thereby urging the yoke (278) to slidingly engage the guide assemblies (284), (286) and move along the yoke axis (153) to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of the shaft (254) and the mixing head (106).
- A reciprocating drive assembly (252) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the first and second guide assemblies (284), (286) is a linear slide assemblies (284) , (286).
- A reciprocating drive assembly (252) according to claim 2, characterized in that
each linear slide assembly (284), (286) includes a guide rail member (294) associated with at least one corresponding guide rail following member (296);
each guide rail member (294) is fixedly mounted to the housing (138) coincident with one of the guide axes (288), (290); and
each of the at least one guide rail following members (296) is rigidly connected to the yoke (278) and slidably moveable relative to its corresponding guide rail member (294). - A reciprocating drive assembly (252) according to claim 3, characterized in that each guide rail member (294) has upper and lower, spaced-apart, guide rail hollowing members (308), (310) associated therewith.
- A reciprocating drive assembly (312) according to claim 2, characterized in that
each linear slide assembly includes a guide post (326) associated with at least one corresponding linear sliding block (328);
each guide post (326) is fixedly mounted to the housing (138) coincident with one of the guide axes; and
each of the at least one linear sliding blocks (328) is rigidly connected to the yoke (320) and slidably moveable relative to its corresponding guide post (326). - A reciprocating drive assembly (312) according to claim 5, characterized in that each guide post (326) has upper and lower, spaced-apart, linear sliding blocks (328) associated therewith.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/294,563 US6830369B2 (en) | 2002-04-17 | 2002-11-15 | Mixing apparatus |
EP03811311A EP1572337B1 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-10-24 | Fluid mixing apparatus |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP03811311A Division EP1572337B1 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-10-24 | Fluid mixing apparatus |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1894618A1 EP1894618A1 (en) | 2008-03-05 |
EP1894618B1 true EP1894618B1 (en) | 2009-08-26 |
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Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP07019313A Expired - Lifetime EP1894618B1 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-10-24 | Fluid mixing apparatus |
EP03811311A Expired - Lifetime EP1572337B1 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-10-24 | Fluid mixing apparatus |
EP07019312A Expired - Lifetime EP1886724B1 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-10-24 | Fluid mixing apparatus |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP03811311A Expired - Lifetime EP1572337B1 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-10-24 | Fluid mixing apparatus |
EP07019312A Expired - Lifetime EP1886724B1 (en) | 2002-11-15 | 2003-10-24 | Fluid mixing apparatus |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
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EP (3) | EP1894618B1 (en) |
AT (2) | ATE393662T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003275848A1 (en) |
CA (3) | CA2596287C (en) |
DE (3) | DE60328548D1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1572337T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2305571T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1572337E (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004045753A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9675944B2 (en) | 2013-07-19 | 2017-06-13 | Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation | Reciprocating fluid agitator |
Families Citing this family (4)
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DE102008051347B4 (en) * | 2008-10-15 | 2018-12-06 | Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland Gmbh | Method for determining a corrected volume compartment of an amputee, apparatus for carrying out the method and computer program product |
TWI457509B (en) * | 2010-07-28 | 2014-10-21 | Comtop Technology Co Ltd | Fuel supply components and the use of this fuel supply components of the linear drive system |
US20170253512A1 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2017-09-07 | Ovivo Inc. | Municipal Mixing with Reciprocating Motion Disk |
CN109454758A (en) * | 2018-11-01 | 2019-03-12 | 长沙宁湖机械设备有限公司 | A kind of cement mixing divides bucket machine |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE970926C (en) * | 1948-02-05 | 1958-11-13 | Mueller Hans | Device for mixing, stirring, etc. of liquids |
US4169681A (en) * | 1974-11-06 | 1979-10-02 | Nihon Senshoku Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha | Liquid stirring apparatus |
SU967541A1 (en) * | 1979-06-15 | 1982-10-23 | Предприятие П/Я Р-6956 | Reaction apparatus with vibration mixing |
SU858898A1 (en) * | 1979-12-17 | 1981-08-30 | Предприятие П/Я Р-6956 | Vibration type mixer |
AU1095083A (en) * | 1982-02-03 | 1983-08-11 | Uss Engineers And Consultants, Inc. | Froth flotation |
US5813760A (en) * | 1996-10-24 | 1998-09-29 | Binks Manufacturing Company | Reciprocating mix tank agitator and process for mixing the liquid contents of the tank |
DK1381449T3 (en) * | 2001-04-17 | 2008-11-03 | Enersave Fluid Mixers Inc | Liquid mixing apparatus |
-
2003
- 2003-10-24 AT AT03811311T patent/ATE393662T1/en active
- 2003-10-24 CA CA002596287A patent/CA2596287C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-24 DK DK03811311T patent/DK1572337T3/en active
- 2003-10-24 EP EP07019313A patent/EP1894618B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-24 PT PT03811311T patent/PT1572337E/en unknown
- 2003-10-24 AT AT07019313T patent/ATE440660T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-10-24 AU AU2003275848A patent/AU2003275848A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-10-24 CA CA002549983A patent/CA2549983C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-24 EP EP03811311A patent/EP1572337B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-24 WO PCT/CA2003/001629 patent/WO2004045753A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-10-24 DE DE60328548T patent/DE60328548D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-24 CA CA2596395A patent/CA2596395C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-24 EP EP07019312A patent/EP1886724B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-24 ES ES03811311T patent/ES2305571T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-24 DE DE60320674T patent/DE60320674T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9675944B2 (en) | 2013-07-19 | 2017-06-13 | Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation | Reciprocating fluid agitator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1572337B1 (en) | 2008-04-30 |
ES2305571T3 (en) | 2008-11-01 |
EP1894618A1 (en) | 2008-03-05 |
CA2596287A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
CA2596395A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
CA2596287C (en) | 2009-08-25 |
DE60328548D1 (en) | 2009-09-03 |
ATE393662T1 (en) | 2008-05-15 |
EP1886724B1 (en) | 2009-07-22 |
EP1572337A1 (en) | 2005-09-14 |
WO2004045753A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
EP1886724A1 (en) | 2008-02-13 |
DE60320674T2 (en) | 2009-07-02 |
CA2549983A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
DE60329043D1 (en) | 2009-10-08 |
AU2003275848A1 (en) | 2004-06-15 |
DK1572337T3 (en) | 2008-08-11 |
CA2549983C (en) | 2007-11-20 |
CA2596395C (en) | 2010-04-06 |
PT1572337E (en) | 2008-06-11 |
DE60320674D1 (en) | 2008-06-12 |
ATE440660T1 (en) | 2009-09-15 |
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