MX2014013630A

MX2014013630A - Apparatus for resource-friendly separation of magnetic particles from non-magnetic particles.

Info

Publication number: MX2014013630A
Application number: MX2014013630A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Alexej Michailovski; Reinhold Rieger; Piyada Charoensirisomboon; David F Blackwood; Imme Domke
Original assignee: Basf Se
Priority date: 2012-05-09
Filing date: 2013-05-08
Publication date: 2015-06-17
Also published as: BR112014027739A2; EP2846920A1; CN104284731B; KR20150013252A; ZA201408952B; AR090997A1; WO2013167634A1; EA201492013A1; JP2015520670A; CL2014002865A1; CA2870501A1; PE20142378A1; AU2013258104A1; EP2846920B1; CN104284731A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating magnetic particles (1, 2, 10) from a dispersion comprising these magnetic particles (1, 2, 10) and non-magnetic particles (9), comprising at least one loop-like canal forming 90 to 350Â° of a circular arc through which the dispersion flows, at least one magnet (13) that is movable alongside the canal and which forces the magnetic particles (1, 2, 10) into at least one first outlet (5), and at least one second outlet (6) through which the non-magnetic particles (9) are forced, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one first means (11) for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid and at least one second means (12) for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the apparatus according to the present invention for separating magnetic particles (1, 2, 10) from a dispersion, comprising these magnetic particles (1, 2, 10) and non-magnetic particles (9).

Description

APPARATUS FOR SEPARATION WITH LITTLE USE OF RESOURCES OF MAGNETIC PARTICLES FROM NO PARTICLES MAGNETICS Description The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a dispersion comprising these magnetic particles and non-magnetic particles, comprising at least one loop-like channel forming 90 to 350 ° from a circular arc through which the dispersion flows , at least one magnet that can be moved along the channel and that forces the magnetic particles to at least one first outlet and at least one second outlet through which the non-magnetic particles are forced, wherein the apparatus also comprises at least a first means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid and at least a second means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid. In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the apparatus according to the present invention for separating magnetic particles from a dispersion, comprising these magnetic particles and non-magnetic particles.

The processes and apparatuses for the separation of magnetic constituents of a dispersion comprising these non-magnetic constituents and constituents are already known to one skilled in the art.

WO 2010/031617 A1 discloses a device for separating ferromagnetic particles from a suspension, wherein The device comprises a tubular reactor and a plurality of magnets which are arranged outside the reactor, the magnets being able to move along at least a part of the length of the reactor to the vicinity of a particle extractor by means of a rotating conveyor. The reactor is a linear tube, but not a loop type. The cleaning of the magnetic fraction is not described.

US 6,194,014 discloses a magnetic shredding separator and a separation method, wherein the separator comprises a wet drum magnetic separator capable of treating, removing the metal from the trap of the total flow discharge of a grinding mill It has a power box that provides overflow capability. The separation of the magnetic particles from the aforementioned dispersion is achieved by means of fixed magnets which are arranged inside a rotary drum. The aforementioned document does not disclose any specific provision of the apparatus with respect to gravity.

EP 0 520 917 A1 discloses a method and an apparatus for magnetic separation. The apparatus comprises a magnetic separator with fixed magnets of low intensity and a rotated drum that is surrounded by a wall to achieve a long magnetic separation zone. The aforementioned document does not reveal any provision of the apparatus with respect to gravity.

US 3,489,280 discloses a magnetic separator having poles that form the field. The separator according to this document is a drum-type separator, wherein fixed magnets are they have inside the drum that is partially surrounded by a wall. The dispersion flows through this channel thus formed. Other magnets are arranged on the opposite side of this channel. The document mentioned does not disclose any provision of the apparatus with respect to gravity and no washing of the separated magnetic fraction is documented.

SU 1240451 A1 discloses a separator for the separation of magnetic particles from a dispersion comprising these particles and non-magnetic particles by a disk-type magnetic separator, comprising magnets fixed on the outside of the discs. A channel is formed inside the disks and the dispersion to be treated flows through this channel. The magnets are placed in alternating positions on both sides of the disk, so that the magnetic layer juts from one side of the channel to the other. The magnetic fraction is washed from the disc-like channel by means of a clean fluid, but no washing of the magnetic fraction is documented. The aforementioned document does not reveal any provision of the apparatus with respect to gravity.

SU 1470341 A1 discloses a separator for separating magnetic particles from dispersants comprising these particles and non-magnetic particles by means of a drum separator, wherein this drum separator comprises a long path along the drum to which a drum is applied. magnetic field to the dispersion to separate in order to increase the field and the effectiveness of the magnetic separation.

WO 98/06500 discloses an apparatus and method for separating particles. This apparatus includes means for generating a rotating magnetic field such as a rotating magnetic drum. The channel through which the dispersion has to be separated flows in direct vicinity of the magnets, where it is loop or linear. The separation is done by causing a rotation of the particles to be separated, which happens to the coarse particles and using this rotation as a force to separate the magnetizable particles. It is not disclosed in said document that the entire reactor must be arranged with respect to gravity in order to improve the separation of magnetic and non-magnetic particles.

EP 1524038 A1 discloses a separator for separating magnetic particles from dispersions comprising these particles and non-magnetic particles by a loop-type separator which is used using magnetic forces to separate a magnetic fraction assisted by centrifugal and gravity forces, wherein Gravity forces work through the direction of flow due to the horizontal location of the loop and do not effectively separate non-magnetic constituents from the magnetic constituents. The cleaning of the magnetic fraction is not revealed in any way.

In a process to separate values of minerals by fixing the values to magnetic particles, in particular to magnetite, to obtain the magnetic agglomerates and magnetic eliminating these magnetic agglomerates, it is crucial that the magnetite or the magnetic material that is used as the carrier for the values can be recielar in the process in order to run the process in a way economically advantageous On the other hand, in such a process, the agglomerates comprising the value and the magnetic material are preferably treated with an aqueous solution comprising surfactants. This aqueous solution comprising surfactants is then used throughout the process, where a very low amount of surfactants is stuck to the value and a very low amount of the surfactants is attached to the hydrophobic magnetic carrier particles. In order to increase the cost effectiveness of such a process, the surfactant that is used to separate the agglomerates should also be recielated in the process. On the other hand, with the recycling of the magnetic carrier particles and the surfactant that is used to separate the agglomerates, a process that is more favorable for the environment can be designed. A process, in which the substrates that are used are recycled, for example, magnetic material and / or surfactant, gives rise to a significantly improved efficiency of the entire process.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for separating magnetic constituents from a preferred aqueous dispersion, comprising these magnetic constituents and non-magnetic constituents, wherein a very small proportion of non-magnetic constituents must be separated, for example, by union with the magnetic constituents, in order to increase the efficiency of the process.

On the other hand, it is advantageous when a very small proportion of non-magnetic constituents is present in the fraction to be separated, since, in particular in the separation of minerals natural, non-magnetic constituents comprise essentially oxidic compounds that are obtained in a mineral processing by smelting as slag and have an adverse effect on the smelting process. Therefore, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a process for separating natural minerals, so as to obtain a very small amount of slag in a subsequent casting process.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be operated with low amounts of surfactant and magnetic material that must be added to the process in each circuit. To solve this object, an apparatus must be provided which gives rise to the possibility that the surfactant and the magnetic material can be recielated in a very high ratio.

These objects are achieved according to the present invention by means of an apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a dispersion comprising these magnetic particles and non-magnetic particles, comprising at least one loop-like channel forming 90 to 350 ° from a circular arc. through which the dispersion flows, at least one magnet which can be moved along the channel and which forces the magnetic particles to at least one first outlet and at least one second outlet through which the non-magnetic particles are forced , wherein the apparatus also comprises at least a first means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid and at least a second means for treating the dispersion or a portion of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid.

The apparatus of the invention serves to separate magnetic constituents of a dispersion comprising these magnetic constituents and non-magnetic constituents. In general, the apparatus can be used to separate all magnetic constituents from non-magnetic constituents which form a dispersion, preferably in water.

The apparatus according to the present invention can be used, preferably, in two possible embodiments.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the at least one magnetic particle is a hydrophobic bound agglomerate comprising at least one first material that is hydrophobic or is treated to be hydrophobic, preferably values that are generally present in minerals natural and at least one magnetic material that is hydrophobic or treated to be hydrophobic, preferably hydrophobic magnetite. In this first embodiment, the at least one non-magnetic particle present in the dispersion is at least one second material, preferably the gangue which is generally present in natural minerals. This first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown illustratively in Figure 1.

According to the second preferred embodiment, the at least one magnetic particle is a hydrophobic magnetic material, preferably hydrophobedized magnetite which is used to separate values of the gangue into natural minerals, with particular preference, the magnetite that was used for provide magnetic agglomerates hydrophobic connected according to the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, the at least one non-magnetic particle present in the dispersion is at least one first material, preferably the values that are generally present in natural minerals, with particular preference, values that are hydrophobic or are they are treated to be hydrophobic and were present in the hydrophobic connected agglomerates according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown illustratively in Figure 2.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus of the invention is preferably used in order to separate magnetic constituents, eg, natural magnetite, from natural minerals, preferably, before processing these minerals.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises means for carrying out both steps according to the first and second embodiments one after the other. First, the magnetic agglomerates are separated from at least one second non-magnetic material and in a second step, after deagglomeration, at least one magnetic particle that was present in the magnetic agglomerates is separated from the at least one first material.

In a preferred embodiment, the process of the invention serves to separate aqueous dispersions that originate from the production of natural minerals.

In another preferred embodiment of the process of the invention, the aqueous dispersion to be separated originates from a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, separating the less two materials together treating the mixture in aqueous dispersion with at least one magnetic particle, which results in the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle agglomerating and thus forming the magnetic constituents of the aqueous dispersion and the less a second material and the at least one magnetic particle that does not agglomerate, so that the at least one second material preferably forms the non-magnetic constituents of the aqueous dispersion.

The agglomeration of at least one first material and at least one magnetic particle to form the magnetic constituents generally occurs as a result of attractive interactions between these particles.

According to the invention, it is possible, for example, for said particles to agglomerate because the surface of at least one first material is intrinsically hydrophobic or hydrophobic by treatment with at least one substance which modifies the surface, if appropriate, in a additional. Since the magnetic particles also have a hydrophobic surface or are hydrophobic, if appropriate, these particles agglomerate as a result of the hydrophobic interactions. As the at least one second material has, preferably, a hydrophilic surface, the magnetic particles and the At least one second material does not agglomerate. A process for the formation of these magnetic agglomerates is described, for example, in WO 2009/030669 A1. For all the details of this process, express reference is made to this publication.

For the purposes of the present invention, "hydrophilic" implies that the corresponding particle may have been subsequently hydrophobized by treatment with the at least one substance that modifies the surface. It is also possible that an intrinsically hydrophobic particle is further hydrophobicized by treatment with the at least one surface modifying substance.

"Hydrophobic" means, for the purposes of the present invention, that the surface of a corresponding "hydrophobic substance" or a "hydrophobicized substance" has a contact angle of > 90 ° with water against air. "Hydrophilic" implies, for the purposes of the present invention, that the surface of a corresponding "hydrophilic substance" has a contact angle of < 90 ° with water against air.

According to the present invention, at least one hydrophobic liquid is, in general, a liquid that interacts with water as a non-mixing pair forming non-polar domains, i.e., cells, within the water, i.e., causing a hydrophobic effect . Examples of preferred hydrophobic liquids according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of aqueous solutions of surfactants, alcohols with long alkyl chains, for example, with 4 to 18, preferably 4 to 15 carbon atoms and their mixtures Preferred surfactants are selected from the group consisting of in nonionic, anionic, cationic or ionic-hybrid surfactants and their mixtures.

According to the present invention, preferred examples of nonionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers, preferably fatty alcohol polyethylene glycol ethers and mixtures thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, preferred examples of anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of alkylbenzenesulfonates, secondary alkylsulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, fatty alcohol sulfonates, fatty alcohol ether sulfates and mixtures thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, preferred examples of cationic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of stearyltrimethylammonium salts and mixtures thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, preferred examples of hybrid-ionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of sultaines, fatty acid amidoalkylhydroxysultaines, alkylbetaines and mixtures thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, the surfactants of particular preference are selected from the group consisting of sodium alkylphenol ether sulfates.

According to the present invention, at least one hydrophilic liquid is in general a liquid that is completely miscible with water and forms only one phase with water. Examples of hydrophilic liquids according to the present invention are selected from group consisting of water, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanoles, for example, n-propanol, iso-propanol and their mixtures. Preferably, water is used as the hydrophilic liquid.

The formation of magnetic agglomerates, ie the magnetic constituents which can be separated with the apparatus of the invention, are also produced by means of other attractive interactions, for example, by means of the zeta-dependent potential of the corresponding surfaces, see , for example, the international publications WO 2009/010422 and WO 2009/065802. Other methods for joining magnetic particles and particles to be separated include the application of bifunctional molecules as, for example, described in WO 2010/007075. Another method for joining magnetic particles and particles to be separated includes the application of hydrophobic or hydrophilic molecules according to the temperature as described, for example, in WO 2010/007157.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the at least one first material that together with magnetic particles forms the magnetic constituents is at least one compound of hydrophobic metal or carbon and the at least one second material that forms the non-magnetic constituents is, preferably, at least one hydrophilic metal compound.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one hydrophobic metal compound is selected from the group consisting of sulfide minerals, oxycodone minerals, carbonate-comprising minerals, noble metals in elemental form, compounds comprising noble metals and their mixtures.

The present invention relates, preferably, to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one hydrophobic metal compound is selected from the group consisting of sulphide minerals, oxidic minerals, carbonate-comprising minerals, noble metals in the form elemental, compounds comprising noble metals and their mixtures.

In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one hydrophilic metal compound is selected from the group consisting of oxidic metal compounds, hydroxid metal compounds and mixtures thereof.

The present invention therefore preferably relates to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one hydrophilic metal compound is selected from the group consisting of oxidic metal compounds, hydroxid metal compounds and mixtures thereof .

Examples of the at least one first material to be separated are preferably metal compounds selected from the group consisting of sulphidic, oxidic and / or mineral minerals comprising carbonate, for example, azurite [Cu 3 (CO 3) 2 (0H) 2 ] or malachite [Cu2 [(OH) 2 | C03]], rare earth metals comprising minerals such as bastnaesite (Y, Ce, La) C03F, monazite (RE) P04 (RE = rare earth metal) or chrysotile (Cu .AI ^ HS OsfOH ^ n H2O, noble metals in elemental form and their compounds to which a surface modifying compound can be selectively bound to produce hydrophobic surface properties. Examples of noble metals which may be present as at least one first material are Au, Pt, Pd, Rh, etc., preferably in the native state or as sulfides, phosphides, selenides, tellurides or as alloys with bismuth, antimony and / or other metals.

Examples of sulfidic minerals that can be separated according to the invention are selected, for example, from the group of copper ores consisting of CuS covellite, molybdenum sulphide (IV), chalcopyrite (copper pyrite) CuFeS2, born Cu5FeS4, chalcocite (cupric glass) Cu2S, pendlandite (Fe, Ni) 9S8 and their mixtures.

The oxidic metal compounds which can be present as at least one second material according to the invention are preferably selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide SiO2, silicates, aluminosilicates, for example, feldspars, for example, albite Na (Si3AI) 08, mica, for example, muscovite KAI2 [(OH, F) 2AISi3O10], garnets (Mg, Ca, Fe ") 3 (AI, FeIM) 2 (Si04) 3 and other related minerals and their mixtures.

Accordingly, with the apparatus of the invention, preferably, mineral mixtures that were obtained from mineral deposits and treated with appropriate magnetic particles are treated.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material is present in the form of particles having a size of 100 nm to 200 μm; see, for example, US 5,051,199. Mixtures of preferred minerals have a content of materials sulphides of at least 0.01% by weight, preferably 0.5% by weight and with particular preference, at least 3% by weight.

Examples of sulphide minerals that are present in the mixtures that can be treated according to the invention are those mentioned above. In addition, sulphides of metals other than copper may also be present in the mixtures, for example, iron, lead, zinc or molybdenum sulphides, that is, FeS / FeS2, PbS, ZnS or MOS2. On the other hand, oxidic compounds of metals and semimetals, for example, silicates or borates or other salts of metals and semimetals, for example, phosphates, sulfates or oxides / hydroxides / carbonates and other salts, for example, azurite [Cu3 (CO3) 2 (0H) 2], malachite [Cu2 [(0H) 2 (C03)]], barite (BaSO4), monazite ((La-Lu) P04), may be present in the mineral mixtures to be treated in accordance with the invention. Other examples of the at least one first material that is separated with the apparatus of the invention are noble metals, for example, Au, Pt, Pd, Rh etc., which may be present in the native state, as alloy or in associated form.

To form the magnetic constituents, preferably, of the aqueous dispersion to be treated according to the invention, the at least one first material of the aforesaid group is contacted with at least one magnetic particle in order to obtain the magnetic constituents by binding or agglomeration. In general, the magnetic constituents can comprise all magnetic particles known to those skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one particle magnetic is selected from the group consisting of magnetic metals, for example, iron, cobalt, nickel and their mixtures, ferromagnetic alloys of magnetic metals, for example, NdFeB, SmCo and their mixtures, magnetic iron oxides, for example, magnetite, magemite , cubic ferrites of the general formula (I) M2 + xFe2 + 1 -xFe3 + 204 (I) where M is selected from Co, Ni, Mn, Zn and their mixtures and x £ 1, hexagonal ferrites, for example, barium ferrite or strontium MFe6019 where M = Ca, Sr, Ba and their mixtures. The magnetic particles may additionally have an outer layer, for example, of S02.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present patent application, the at least one magnetic particle is cobalt magnetite or cobalt ferrite Co2 + xFe2 + 1-xFe3 + 204 where x £ 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic particles used in the magnetic constituents are present in a size of 100 nm to 200 m, with particular preference from 1 to 50 m.

In the preferred aqueous dispersion to be treated in the apparatus according to the invention, the magnetic constituents, that is to say, preferably magnetic particles and / or agglomerates of magnetic particles and at least one first material, are generally present in an amount that allows transporting or entraining the aqueous dispersion in the apparatus according to the invention.

The preferred aqueous dispersion to be treated according to invention preferably comprises from 0.01 to 10% by weight, with particular preference, from 0.2 to 3% by weight, with particular preference from 0.5 to 1% by weight, of magnetic constituents, each case, based on the total dispersion.

In the preferred aqueous dispersion to be treated with the apparatus according to the invention, the non-magnetic constituents are generally present in an amount that allows the aqueous dispersion to be carried or carried in the apparatus according to the invention. The aqueous dispersion to be treated according to the invention preferably comprises from 3 to 50% by weight, with particular preference, from 10 to 45% by weight, with very particular preference, from 20 to 40% by weight, of constituents non-magnetic, in each case based on total dispersion.

According to the invention, a preferred aqueous dispersion is treated in the apparatus according to the invention, ie the dispersion medium is essentially water, for example 50 to 97% by weight, preferably 55 to 90% by weight. % by weight, with very particular preference, from 60 to 80% by weight, in each case based on the total dispersion. However, the apparatus can also be applied to non-aqueous dispersions or mixtures of solvents with water.

Thus, other dispersion media, for example, alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanoles, for example, n-propanol or isopropanol, other organic solvents such as ketones, for example, acetone, ethers, for example, dimethyl ether, ether -butyl methyl, mixtures of aromatic substances such as naphtha or diesel or mixtures of two or more of the aforementioned solvents, they may be present in addition or instead of water. The dispersion media present in addition to water are present in an amount of up to 97% by weight, preferably up to 90% by weight, with very particular preference, up to 80% by weight, in each case based on to the total dispersion.

The dispersion to be treated with the apparatus according to the present invention has a solid content of, for example, 3 to 50% by weight, preferably 10 to 45% by weight.

The present invention also relates, therefore, to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the dispersion to be treated has a solids content of 3 to 50% by weight, preferably 10 to 45% by weight.

The amounts indicated for the individual components present in the aqueous dispersion to be treated according to the invention in each case add up to 100% by weight.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an aqueous dispersion which does not comprise any other dispersion medium except water is treated with the apparatus of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the magnetic particles, in particular magnetite, which are separated according to the second embodiment of the present invention are recielated in the process to separate at least a first material of a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material. This preferred recycling makes it possible to run the process more economic and more beneficial to the environment.

In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the surfactant, preferably, its aqueous solution which is used, preferably, as a hydrophobic liquid is reclimated in the process to separate at least a first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material. This preferred recycling makes it possible to run the process more economically and more beneficial to the environment.

More preferably, the present invention relates to an apparatus according to the present invention, which also comprises a means for recycling the hydrophobic liquid after treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, both the magnetic particles which are separated according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the surfactant, preferably their aqueous solution which is used, with Preferably, as a hydrophobic liquid they are recycled in the process to separate at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material. This preferred recycling makes it possible to run the process even more economically and more beneficially for the environment.

A very specific feature of the apparatus according to the present invention is that it comprises at least a first means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid and at least a second means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid.

These means are generally located anywhere that is expected to be appropriate by an expert in the art.

In the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention mentioned above, the at least one second means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid is located in the at least first outlet, which is Use to separate the magnetic agglomerates. Within this embodiment, the hydrophobic liquid is an aqueous solution of at least one surfactant. The dispersion comprising, preferably, the magnetic agglomerates at this point of the apparatus is treated with at least one hydrophobic liquid in order to initiate deagglomeration of the hydrophobic connected agglomerates to have the hydrophobic magnetic particle and the at least one hydrophobic first material. treat separately in the second preferred embodiment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein preferably, the hydrophobic agglomerate of the at least one first material that is hydrophobic or is treated to be hydrophobic and less a magnetic particle that is hydrophobic or treated to be hydrophobic is separated from the at least one second hydrophilic material, the at least one first medium (11) is located in the minus a first outlet (5) near the at least one second outlet (6) to treat the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates with a hydrophilic liquid to move the non-magnetic hydrophilic particles, which are kept within the bulk of the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates in the minus a second exit (6).

Therefore, the present invention relates, preferably, to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one first means is located in the at least one first outlet close to the at least one second outlet for treating the agglomerates magnetic hydrophobic with a hydrophilic liquid to move non-magnetic hydrophilic particles, which are kept within the bulk of the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates in the at least one second outlet. Furthermore, preferably, other means can be located between the at least one second output and the at least one first medium, according to this embodiment.

According to the present invention, "located in" in general means that the corresponding means is located near, preferably, directly adjacent to the corresponding input or output. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible that no or at least one other means is located between the corresponding means and the corresponding output or input.

According to the present invention, "near" means in general a distance from the corresponding means of the corresponding output, preferably "near" means 1 to 10 times, with particular preference, from 2 to 8 times, also preferably , from 4 to 6 times the main dimension of the channel, in particular, the width of the channel.

According to the present invention, the channel of the apparatus according to the present invention comprises a width of, for example, 1 to 80 mm, preferably 3 to 60 mm. According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the high-to-wide channel ratio of the apparatus according to the present invention is 1/1 to 1/10.

According to the present invention, the "outlet" means a part of the channel through which magnetic particles and / or non-magnetic particles are conducted, for example, by current, gravity and / or magnetic forces. According to the present invention, the "exit opening" means a part of the outlet that is located at the end of said outlet.

According to the present invention, the phrase "which forces the magnetic or non-magnetic particles" is understood in a way that the aforementioned forces, ie, current, gravity and / or magnetic forces in addition to the design and dimensions of the channel and the corresponding outlets, outlet openings and means according to the present invention act on the aforementioned particles in the manner in which their direction is corrected, as desired.

According to another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one second means (12) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) of the outlet opening (5) to treat the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates with a hydrophobic liquid to start the deagglomeration of these agglomerates.

Therefore, the present invention preferably relates to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one second means (12) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) near the outlet opening. (5) to treat the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates with a hydrophobic liquid.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to said first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one hydrophobic magnetic agglomerate is at least one agglomerate of at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle and at less a first hydrophobic material, preferably at least one valuable mineral that is hydrophobic or treated to be hydrophobic and the at least one non-magnetic hydrophilic particle is at least one second material, preferably at least one bargain said mineral.

Accordingly, the present invention relates, preferably, to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one magnetic agglomerate is at least one agglomerate of at least one hydrophobic or hydrophobicized magnetic particle and at least one first hydrophobic material. or hydrophobicized, preferably, at least one valuable mineral and the at least one non-magnetic hydrophilic particle is at least one second material, preferably at least one gangue of said mineral. Also preferably according to this embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one first means (11) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) near the at least one second outlet (6) to treat the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates with a hydrophilic liquid to move the at least one a second hydrophilic material in the at least one second outlet (6).

Accordingly, the present invention preferably relates according to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one first means (11) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) near the at least one second outlet (6) for treating the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates with a hydrophilic liquid to move the at least one second hydrophilic material in the at least one second outlet (6).

According to another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one second means (12) is located near the at least one first outlet (5) to treat the at least one hydrophobic agglomerate with a hydrophobic liquid to separate the at least one hydrophobic agglomerate in at least one first hydrophobic material and at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle to initiate deagglomeration of those hydrophobic agglomerates and move them to the at least one first outlet (5).

Therefore, the present invention preferably relates to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one second means (12) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) near the outlet opening. (5) to treat the at least one hydrophobic agglomerate with a hydrophobic liquid to initiate the separation of this at least one hydrophobic agglomerate in at least one first hydrophobic material and at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle and moving them to the at least one first outlet (5).

According to the first preferred embodiment, the addition of the at least one hydrophobic liquid, which is preferably an aqueous solution of at least one surfactant, can be carried out immediately or after the magnetic separation of hydrophobic agglomerates of values and magnetic carrier particles of non-magnetic constituents. In a preferred embodiment, the addition in the apparatus according to the present invention can be carried out to obtain that intensive dispersion. In this preferred embodiment, other means, for example, vessels for agitation, are no longer essentially necessary. If the addition of the hydrophobic liquid is carried out using an intensive dispersion, subsequent dispersion in separate media can be avoided and the entire process can be carried out more economically.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the present invention therefore preferably relates to an apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one second means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with A hydrophobic liquid is located in the at least one first outlet near the outlet opening.

In the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one first means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid it is located in the at least one first outlet and close to the at least one second outlet, which is preferably used to remove the non-magnetic hydrophilic material, preferably the at least one second material of the dispersion. The treatment with at least one hydrophilic liquid at this point of the apparatus is carried out to flood the stream of hydrophobic magnetic constituents of the non-magnetic hydrophilic material and to move this non-magnetic material into the at least one second outlet. This must be done by hydrophilic liquid to hold together the hydrophobic agglomerates of values and the magnetic carrier particles.

Accordingly, the present invention relates, preferably, to an apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one first means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid is located in the at least one a first outlet and close to at least a second outlet followed by at least a second means for treating the dispersion or a portion of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid located in the at least first outlet near the exit opening of the at least first departure.

In a preferred embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention, the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates can not be separated, that is, can not be removed through the at least one first outlet, before separating the non-magnetic parts hydrophilic, that is, they are removed through the at least one second outlet. This can be accomplished by another preferred embodiment of this first embodiment, wherein another first means for treating the dispersion or at least part of the dispersion with at least one hydrophilic liquid is present to create an intensive dispersion, ie, with a nozzle to achieve higher shearing forces to separate non-magnetic hydrophilic particles from hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates , preferably between the means for treating the dispersion or at least part of the dispersion with at least one hydrophilic liquid and the means for treating the dispersion or at least part of the dispersion with at least one hydrophobic liquid.

According to the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein preferably at least one first hydrophobic material is separated in a hydrophobic environment which could be a hydrophobic liquid of the at least one hydrophobic magnetic material which is added to obtain the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates, other embodiments are preferred which are explained below: According to a preferred embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one second means (12) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) near the at least one a second outlet (6) for treating the at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle with a hydrophobic liquid to move a first non-magnetic hydrophobic material, which is maintained within the bulk of hydrophobic magnetic particles, in the at least one second outlet (6).

Therefore, the present invention relates, preferably, to apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one second means (12) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) near the at least one second outlet (6) to treat the at least one magnetic particle hydrophobic with a hydrophobic liquid to move the first non-magnetic hydrophobic material, which is kept within the bulk of hydrophobic magnetic particles, in the at least one second outlet (6).

According to another preferred embodiment of the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one first means (11) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) near the opening of leaving the at least one first outlet (5) to treat the at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle with a hydrophilic liquid to recielate it in the hydrophilic environment of the process and move it to the at least one first outlet (5).

Therefore, the present invention relates, preferably, to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one first means (11) is located in the at least one first outlet (5) near the outlet opening. of the at least one first outlet (5) to treat at least one magnetic particle with a hydrophilic liquid to recycle it in the hydrophilic environment of the process and move it to the at least one first outlet (5).

According to the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention as mentioned above, the at least one means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid is preferably located at the at least one first outlet close to the outlet opening, which is used to separate the magnetic particles. Within this embodiment, the hydrophilic liquid is preferably water. The separated magnetic fraction can be transported with water in order to prevent the hydrophobic liquid from being transported with the magnetic particles. If the hydrophobic liquid is transported with the magnetic particles, the subsequent process with agglomeration of the hydrophobic magnetic particles recieladas and the hydrophobic values would be altered.

Accordingly, the present invention relates, preferably, to an apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid is located at the end of the at least one first outlet, more preferably, the at least one first means is located closer to the end of the at least one first outlet than the at least one second means to treat the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid which, preferably, is also present near the at least one second exit.

Accordingly, according to another subsequent second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid is located on the at least one first outlet close to the at least one second outlet, which is preferably used to remove the non-magnetic hydrophobic material, preferably the at least one first hydrophobic material in this second embodiment of the dispersion.

If the magnetic particles are hydrophobic magnetic particles themselves, for example, the magnetite that is treated to be hydrophobic, the addition of a hydrophilic liquid must be avoided so as not to achieve hydrophobic connected agglomerates of the hydrophobic magnetic particles and the hydrophobic values in a hydrophilic environment Accordingly, the flooding of the magnetic particles should preferably be carried out with a hydrophobic liquid at this point of the apparatus according to this second embodiment. Within this embodiment, the hydrophobic liquid is an aqueous solution of at least one surfactant.

Also preferably in this second embodiment is that a second means for treating the dispersion or at least part of the dispersion with at least one hydrophobic liquid is present to flood the hydrophobic magnetic particles with high intensity to freely include the first non-hydrophobic material. magnetic material out of bulk, that is, using a nozzle, preferably between the means for treating the dispersion or at least part of the dispersion with at least one hydrophobic liquid and the means for treating the dispersion or at least part of the dispersion with at least one hydrophilic liquid. This intensive flooding must be carried out by means of a hydrophobic liquid to prevent the formation of hydrophobic agglomerates, as is done in hydrophilic liquids. Within this embodiment, the second hydrophobic liquid is an aqueous solution of also at least one surfactant.

In accordance with both preferred embodiments of the Apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one first or second means for treating the dispersion or part of the dispersion with hydrophobic or hydrophilic liquids are preferably a high intensity dispersion unit, preferably at speeds of input from 0.5 to 10 m / s, more preferably from 1 to 5 m / s, most preferably from 2 to 4 m / s.

Therefore, the present invention relates, preferably, to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one first or second means for treating the dispersion or part of the dispersion with hydrophobic or hydrophilic liquids are preferably , a high intensity dispersion unit, preferably with input speeds of 0.5 to 10 m / s, preferably, 1 to 5 m / s, most preferably 2 to 4 m / s.

On the other hand, according to both preferred embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least one of the at least one first or second means for treating the dispersion or part of the dispersion, preferably the magnetic fraction. , it is created with hydrophilic or hydrophobic liquids, preferably, they are designed in any way to obtain a flow that is arranged at an angle of 30 to 150 °, preferably 90 °, to the flow in the channel, preferably the axis of the at least one of the at least one first or second means for treating the dispersion or part of the dispersion, preferably the magnetic fraction, with hydrophilic or hydrophobic liquids is preferably arranged at an angle of 30 to 150 °, 90 °, with respect to the main axis of the channel, where the main axis of the channel corresponds to a circular arc according to the shape of the channel.

Therefore, the present invention relates, preferably, to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one of the at least one first or second means for treating the magnetic fraction with hydrophilic or hydrophobic liquid is created from any form to obtain a flow that is arranged at an angle of 30 to 150 °, preferably 90 °, to the flow in the channel, more preferably, in the apparatus according to the present invention the main axis of the at least one of the at least a first or a second means for treating the dispersion or part of the dispersion, preferably the magnetic fraction, is disposed with hydrophilic or hydrophobic liquids at an angle of 30 to 150 °, preferably 90 °, with respect to the axis main channel.

The apparatus of the invention comprises at least one loop type channel forming 90 to 350 ° of a circular arc through which the dispersion having at least two outlets flows. In general, the apparatus according to the present invention also has at least one entry.

In accordance with the present invention, the phrase "channel" describes the structure of the body of the apparatus. According to the present invention, the word "channel" describes an apparatus which, in its simplest embodiment, is formed by means of a tube, for example, the channel according to the invention has a length which is longer than the width or diameter of the channel. The cross section of the channel may have any suitable shape, for example, oval, annular, circular, square, rectangular, irregular or a combination of these forms, with preference, square or rectangular.

The loop type channel forming 90 to 350 ° of a circular arc according to the invention is designed to be able to separate magnetic constituents from non-magnetic constituents on a laboratory or industrial scale, preferably industrial scale. According to the present invention, a group of channels is defined as a reactor and can have an exemplary volumetric flow rate through the reactor of at least 350 m 3 / h, preferably of at least 700 m 3 / h, with particular preference , of at least 1000 m3 / h.

According to the invention, the channel is formed as a loop and forms 90 to 350 ° of a circular arc. According to the invention, "loop type" describes a channel which, in a simple embodiment, is formed as a loop. According to the present invention, the loop type channel forms 90 to 350 ° of a circular arc, for example, at least 120 °, more preferably, at least 180 °, in particular at least 270 °, of a circular arc . In accordance with the present invention, the loop-type channel according to the present invention forms up to 350 ° of a circular arc which means that the channel does not cross itself or return to itself. In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the at least first input is present at one end of the loop-type channel and the at least one first output is present at the other end of the loop-type channel and the at least one second output is present between the at least one input and the at least one first output.

The diameter of the loop that is constituted by the type channel loop may have an appropriate size, for example, 0.5 to 5 m, preferably 0.8 to 3.5 m, with particular preference, from 1.2 to 2.5 m. With these general and preferred diameters, a length of the loop-type channel, specifically a magnetic separation length, is, for example, 1.25 to 12.5 m, preferably 2 to 9 m, with particular preference of 3 to 6 m.

Preferably, the loop type channel forming 90 to 350 ° of a circular arc through which the dispersion flows has at least one inlet and at least two outlets. In a preferred embodiment, the loop type channel forming 90 to 350 ° of a circular arc through which the dispersion flows has a first input through which the dispersion comprising magnetic and non-magnetic constituents is introduced into the channel and two outputs. Through the first of these outputs, the magnetic constituents are removed from the channel. Through the second of these outputs, the non-magnetic constituents are removed from the channel. Through a second inlet, the flood liquid is carried into the stream of magnetic constituents to reorganize them and release them from the non-magnetic constituents stored inside. In accordance with the present invention, other inputs and / or outputs may be present.

The present invention preferably refers to an apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the magnetic particles are forced through the at least one first outlet by the magnetic field of the at least one magnet and the non-magnetic particles are forced through the at least one second outlet by the current of the dispersion.

The inlets and outlets that are present in the channel of the present invention can be made in accordance with all the embodiments known to those skilled in the art, for example, tubes of appropriate sizes, for example, equipped with pumps, valves , control and adjustment means, etc.

The apparatus according to the present invention also comprises at least one magnet that can be moved along the channel.

The at least one magnet can be installed in a mobile manner along the outside or along the interior, preferably along the outside of the loop-type channel.

Accordingly, the present invention preferably relates to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the at least one magnet is installed movably along the outside of the loop-type channel.

This preferred embodiment serves to move the at least one magnet in the longitudinal direction of the loop-like channel in order to separate the magnetic constituents from the non-magnetic constituents. With the at least one mobile magnet, the magnetic constituents that are attracted to the magnetic field also move in the corresponding direction, which is the at least one first output.

The apparatus of the invention can be operated by means of the at least one magnet or the magnetic field produced and the preferred aqueous dispersion to be separated which moves in the same direction. In this embodiment, the reactor is operated in the same direction current.

This embodiment is preferred.

In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the at least one magnet or the produced magnetic field moves in the opposite direction to the preferred aqueous dispersion to be separated. In this preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the invention is operated in countercurrent.

The present invention, therefore, relates to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the flow of the dispersion and the direction of movement of the at least one magnet are concurrent.

In the countercurrent mode of operation according to the invention, care must be taken to ensure that the movement of the magnetic constituents, preferably as a compact mass, in the direction opposite to the flow of the dispersion to be treated due to at least a magnet does not occur in the feed line, that is, the at least one first input, for the dispersion to be treated. In this case, blockages can occur in this region.

With the apparatus of the invention, a flow rate of the aqueous dispersion is effected by treating, for example, ³ 200 mm / s, preferably, ³ 400 mm / s, with particular preference, > 600 mm / s. These high flow rates ensure that no blockages occur in the apparatus of the invention, particularly in countercurrent operation.

The magnets used according to the invention can be any magnet known to those skilled in the art, for example, permanent magnets, electromagnets and combinations thereof. Permanent magnets of low intensity are preferred, because the amount of energy which is consumed by the apparatus according to the invention can be substantially reduced in comparison with the use of electromagnets. With this preferred embodiment, a particular energy saving apparatus and process is obtained.

The at least one magnet is installed in any way known to those skilled in the art in the loop type channel as long as it can be moved along the channel, for example, by a conveyor belt, by a drum as a carrier for the at least one magnet or other rotary constructions to hold the at least one magnet. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one magnet is fixed and moved by a drum.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to the apparatus according to the invention, wherein the at least one magnet is moved during operation by a drum.

In a preferred embodiment, a multiplicity of magnets is arranged around the loop type channel. The number of magnets depends on the size of the simple magnets and the size of the loop type channel. An exemplary amount of magnets that are arranged around the loop type channel is 40, preferably 60.

The polarities of the magnets that are preferably arranged around the loop type channel can be adjusted in any possible way. For example, all the polarities of the magnets can be adjusted in the same direction. According to another embodiment, the polarities of the magnets are adjusted alternatively. In a preferred embodiment, the magnets are adjusted with a sequence alternative, for example, every 3 magnets with the same polarity direction followed by, for example, a magnet with alternating polarity.

The at least one magnet and the loop type channel are arranged so that the gap between the outer wall of the channel and the at least one magnet is appropriate to obtain an advantageous magnetic field at the location within the channel where the magnetic constituents must be collected , preferably, inside the outer wall of the channel. An example gap between the outer wall of the channel and the at least one magnet is minimized to less than 2 mm to use the maximum force of the at least one magnet.

The distance at which the magnetic forces act on the magnetic constituents is limited by the behavior of the at least one magnet. An exemplary distance that determines the height of the channel, using standard low intensity magnets could be 80 mm, preferably 60 mm, very particular preference, 40 mm. Accordingly, the height of the channel could be in a range of 20 to 100 mm, preferably 40 to 80 mm, for example, 65 mm.

When the essential features of the apparatus of the invention are met, the apparatus of the invention can have any configuration. In a preferred embodiment, it should be ensured that the preferred aqueous dispersion to be separated has sufficient contact with the at least one magnet installed outside the reactor space or the magnetic field produced by this at least one magnet.

Other details of channels that can be used according to the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in process engineering manuals.

The apparatus itself and / or the loop-type channel, according to the invention, can be arranged, in principle, in any orientation that seems appropriate to one skilled in the art and allows a sufficiently high separation power of the process of the invention . In a preferred embodiment, the tubular reactor is arranged with respect to gravity so that the non-magnetic constituents are assisted to go to the at least one second outlet by sedimentation and by the dispersion stream and magnetic constituents are forced to at least a first outlet by magnetic force against a stream of washing liquid.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the loop type apparatus and / or channel according to the present invention are arranged vertically. According to the present invention, a "vertical arrangement" means that the loop type channel is arranged in such a way that the dispersion, which flows through the loop type channel, flows up and down, i.e. vertical, but essentially not from one side to the other, that is, horizontally.

In general, the individual currents in the apparatus of the invention can be transported by gravity and / or by means of apparatuses known to those skilled in the art, for example, pumps.

Therefore, the present invention relates, preferably, to the apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the current of the dispersion is carried out by at least one pump.

The preferred feature of the apparatus of the invention whereby the loop type channel is arranged with respect to gravity in such a way that the non-magnetic constituents are assisted to go to at least one second outlet by sedimentation and by the current of the dispersion and Magnetic constituents are forced to the at least one first outlet by magnetic force, it can be carried out with all the provisions known to the person skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the loop type channel is positioned such that the closed end of the loop faces up, while the open end of the loop faces downward. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one input and the at least two outputs are present at the open end of the loop.

In another preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the loop type channel is arranged vertically with the open end of the loop in the lower part.

In another preferred embodiment, the open end of the loop is rotated laterally along its perpendicular direction, preferably in the radial direction, from 1 to 90 °, preferably from 30 to 60 °. This rotation is preferably carried out in the direction that gives rise to the at least two outlets in such a way that the non-magnetic sedimented constituents leave the wall, where they settle directly in the at least one second outlet.

According to the invention, a simple apparatus as explained above can be used in order to separate magnetic constituents from a dispersion comprising magnetic constituents and non-magnetic constituents.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, more than one apparatus according to the present invention can be arranged and operated in parallel. This means that the dispersion to be separated flows through more than one channel according to the invention at the same time. In a preferred embodiment, at least two channels are arranged and operate in parallel.

Accordingly, the present invention relates, preferably, to an apparatus according to the present invention, wherein at least two channels are arranged and operated in parallel. In another preferred embodiment at least 30, with particular preference, 100, more preferably, at least 200 channels according to the invention are arranged and operated in parallel.

An expert in the art knows how these channels are connected, in order to have them arranged and operated in parallel. In a preferred embodiment, the at least two outputs of all the present channels are connected in each case to give at least two common outputs. In another preferred embodiment, the at least two inputs of all the present devices are connected in each case to give at least two common inputs. The art expert knows how these connections should be made. For example, in order to have a comparable pressure in all locations in the apparatus formed by more than one channel according to the invention, the diameter of common inputs and / or outputs can be adjusted.

In a preferred embodiment, the constituents Magnetic substances present in the dispersion accumulate at least in part, preferably in their entirety, that is to say in a proportion of at least 60% by weight, preferably of at least 90% by weight, with particular preference, at least 99% by weight, on the side of the loop type channel that looks at at least one magnet as a result of the magnetic field.

According to the present invention, a means for treating the dispersion or at least a part of the dispersion can be provided, in general, in a manner known to the person skilled in the art, for example, a valve, a hole, a nozzle or just a tube. In a preferred embodiment, the means for treating the dispersion or at least a part of the dispersion is provided so that a hydrophobic or hydrophilic liquid wash stream is created which, preferably, rearranges the magnetic constituents to release the non-particulate particles. magnetic inside.

In accordance with the present invention, an output in general can be provided in a manner known to the person skilled in the art, for example, as a simple articulation in the loop type channel. In this embodiment, the diameter of the outlet may be larger, smaller or identical to the diameter of the loop type channel.

In addition to the means that are explained and defined in detail in advance, the apparatus may also have means that are known to the person skilled in the art who must necessarily be operated with such apparatus as pipes, motors, pumps, electrical equipment, valves and means of control and adjustment.

The present invention also relates to a process for the separation of at least one magnetic particle from a dispersion comprising this at least one magnetic particle and at least one non-magnetic particle in an apparatus according to the present invention.

Preferably, the present invention relates to the process according to the present invention, wherein the hydrophobic liquid that is used is recliable in the process after separation of solid contents.

The present invention also relates to the use of the apparatus according to the present invention for separating magnetic particles from a dispersion comprising these magnetic particles and non-magnetic particles.

Preferably, the present invention relates to the use according to the present invention, wherein the magnetic particles are magnetic particles themselves or agglomerates of magnetic particles and non-magnetic particles.

The details and preferred embodiments that were explained with respect to the aforementioned apparatus are accordingly applied for the use and the process according to the present invention.

Figures Figure 1 shows the main features of an apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the hydrophobic magnetic agglomerates are separated from non-magnetic hydrophilic particles according to the invention. first preferred embodiment. Figure 2 shows the main features of an apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the hydrophobic magnetic particles are separated from non-magnetic hydrophobic particles according to the second preferred embodiment. Both figure 1 and 2 show the parts of the apparatus according to the present invention, where the means and outputs are located, where the entries where the magnetic fraction (10) and the outputs (5) are inserted should be prolonged to form at least 90 ° and at most 350 ° of a circular arc. The references in figures 1 and 2 have the following meanings: 1 the magnetic agglomerates or particles moved by magnets 2 the magnetic agglomerates or particles moved by fluid flow (= performance of the clean magnetic fraction) 3 flow area countercurrent (= performance of non-magnetic particles of the magnetic fraction) 4 dispersion zone (separation of magnetic agglomerates / particles of non-magnetic particles) 5 first exit 6 second exit 7 zone of intensive dispersion (separation of magnetic agglomerates / particles of non-magnetic particles) 8 of the magnetic separation zone 9 non-magnetic fraction 10 magnetic fraction 11 hydrophilic washing stream, first medium hydrophobic washing stream, second medium moving magnets

Claims

Apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a dispersion comprising these magnetic particles and non-magnetic particles, characterized in that it comprises at least one loop type channel forming 90 to 350 ° of a circular arc through which the dispersion flows, at least one magnet that it can move along the channel and force the magnetic particles to at least one first outlet and at least one second outlet through which the non-magnetic particles are forced, wherein the apparatus also comprises at least a first means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophilic liquid and at least a second means for treating the dispersion or a part of the dispersion with a hydrophobic liquid.
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first means is located in the at least one first outlet near the at least one second outlet to treat magnetic particles with a hydrophilic liquid to move non-magnetic particles, which are maintained inside the bulk of magnetic particles in the at least one second exit.
Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one second means is located in the at least one first outlet near the outlet opening of the at least one first outlet for treating magnetic particles with a hydrophobic liquid.
Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one magnetic particle is at least one agglomerate of at least one magnetic particle and at least one first material, preferably at least one valuable mineral and the at least one non-magnetic particle is at least one second material , preferably, at least one bargain of said mineral.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one first means is located in the at least one first outlet to treat magnetic particles with a hydrophilic liquid to move the at least one second material in the at least one second outlet.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one second means is located in the at least one first outlet for treating the at least one agglomerate with a hydrophobic liquid to separate the at least one agglomerate in at least one first material and At least one magnetic particle and move them to at least one first output.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second means is located in the at least one first outlet close to the at least one second outlet to treat the at least one magnetic particle with a hydrophobic liquid to move a first material non-magnetic, which is kept inside the bulk of magnetic particles, in the at least one second exit.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, characterized because the at least one first means is located in the at least one first outlet near the outlet opening of the at least first outlet to treat at least one magnetic particle with a hydrophobic liquid to move it to the at least one first outlet.
9. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one first or a second means for treating the dispersion or part of the dispersion with hydrophobic or hydrophilic liquids is a high intensity dispersion unit, preferably with input speeds from 0.5 to 10 m / s, more preferably from 1 to 5 m / s, most preferably from 2 to 4 m / s.
10. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the at least one first or second means for treating the dispersion or part of the dispersion, preferably the magnetic fraction, with hydrophilic or hydrophobic liquid is created in any way to obtain a flow that is arranged at an angle of 30 to 150 °, preferably 90 °, to the flow in the channel.
11. Process for the separation of at least one magnetic particle from a dispersion comprising this at least one magnetic particle and at least one non-magnetic particle characterized in that it is carried out in an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10.
12. Process according to claim 11, characterized by A hydrophobic liquid is used to treat the dispersion or a part of the dispersion and is reclimated in the process after separation of solid contents. Use of the apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is for separating at least one magnetic particle from a dispersion comprising this at least one magnetic particle and at least one non-magnetic particle. Use according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one magnetic particle is at least one magnetic particle itself or at least one agglomerate of at least one magnetic particle and at least one non-magnetic particle.