UA112185C2 - EXTRACTION OF MINERALS FROM WASTE USING FUNCTIONALIZED POLYMERS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for extracting minerals from the tails of a flotation process, comprising: a collection processor configured to receive tails of the flotation process with mineral particles of interest; at least one collection device housed in the collection processor, wherein the collection device comprises a collection surface made with a functionalized polymer containing a functional group for attracting mineral particles of interest to the collection surface, wherein the functional group is intended to to make the surface of the collection device hydrophobic, while the synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of siloxane, polydimethylsiloxane and polysiloxane hydrophobic mo modified ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose.

Description

Cross-references to related patent applications

This application corresponds to international patent application serial No. PCT/O52012/039655, filed on May 25, 2012, which claims priority to the prior US patent application No. 61/489893, filed on May 25, 2011, and to the prior US patent application No. 61/533544, filed Sep. 12, 2011, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

This application is also related to the following eight PCT applications, all of which were filed concurrently on May 25, 2012, and which all claim priority to the above-referenced prior US patent application Mo. 61/489893, filed on May 25, 2011, and the above-referenced prior US patent application Me 61/533544, filed Sep. 12, 2011, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to include the following subject matter of each other:

PCT application Me RSOT/O512/039528 entitled "Flotation separation using light synthetic balls or bubbles";

PCT application Mo PCT/O512/039534 entitled "Separation of minerals using functionalized membranes";

PCT application Me PCT/O5 12/039540 entitled "Separation of minerals using calibrated, weighted or magnetic polymer bubbles or balls";

PCT application Me PCT/O5 12/039576 entitled "Synthetic spheres/bubbles functionalized with molecules for attraction and attachment to mineral particles of interest";

PCT application Me PCT/O5 12/039591 entitled "Method and system of mineral extraction from synthetic bubbles and balls";

PCT application Me PCT/O5 12/039596 entitled "Synthetic bubbles or spheres with a hydrophobic surface";

PCT application Mo PCT/O512/039631 entitled "Separation of minerals using functionalized filters and membranes"; and

PCT application Me PCT/O512/03965 8 entitled "Methods of transporting synthetic balls or bubbles in a flotation chamber or column".

Prerequisites of the invention 1. Field of technology

This invention relates mainly to a method and device for separating valuable material from unusable material in mixtures, such as flotation process waste. 2. Description of the known prior art

Flotation is used in many industrial processes to extract valuable or needed materials from unsuitable materials. For example, in this process, a mixture of water, valuable material, waste material, chemicals and air is placed in a flotation chamber.

Chemicals are used to make the desired material hydrophobic, and air is used to carry the material to the surface of the flotation chamber. When the hydrophobic material and the air bubbles come into contact, they adhere to each other

Bubbles rise to the surface, carrying the necessary material with them.

The performance of the flotation chamber depends on the surface area of the flow of bubbles in the collection zone of the chamber. The surface area of the flow of bubbles depends on the size of the bubbles and the speed of air injection. Controlling the surface area of the bubble flow is usually very difficult. This is a problem with variable parameters, and there are no dependent real-time feedback mechanisms for control.

Foaming flotation is a process of selective extraction of substances from a composition with a high affinity for water. The process has been adapted and applied to a variety of materials to be separated, as well as additional collector reagents, including surfactants (surfactants) and synthetic compounds adopted for various applications. The flotation process is used to separate a wide range of sulphides, carbonates and oxides before further purification. Coal and phosphates are also enriched (purified) by the flotation method. Foam flotation begins with crushing (that is, reduction and grinding), which is necessary to increase the surface area of the ore for further processing. Ore contains useful minerals and unnecessary substances known as waste rock. The process of crushing the ore into a fine powder is known as separation.

Then the fine ore powder is mixed with water to form a liquid mass. The desired mineral becomes hydrophobic by adding a surfactant or collector chemical. The choice of chemical substance is determined by which mineral is being purified. This suspension (commonly referred to as pulp) of hydrophobic mineral particles and hydrophilic waste rock particles is then placed in a flotation column or horizontal pipeline where the concentrated mineral 60 is separated from the waste containing the waste rock. For effective work with this rock suspension, collectors are chosen based on their selective property of wetting the types of separated particles. A good collector will physically or chemically adsorb one of the particle types. In the process of flotation to concentrate minerals in a mixture of ore and water (called pulp), various flotation reagents are added to the container for preparation. The flow rate and the size of the container are planned to allow enough time for the activation of the minerals. The pulp from the preparation tank enters a series of primary flotation chambers, which remove most of the desired minerals as a concentrate. The coarse pulp passes to a series of secondary flotation chambers, where additional reagents can be introduced. Foam from the secondary flotation chamber is usually returned to the primary flotation chambers for further processing, but in some cases may be directed to special cleaning chambers. Secondary flotation pulp is usually empty enough that it can be discharged as waste. More complex flotation processes have several complexes of cleaning and additional cleaning chambers, as well as intermediate grinding of pulp or concentrate. A typical pulp processing system is shown in Fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1, the slurry 8 is treated by multiple flotation chambers 10, and the waste 12 is removed to a waste storage or sump 100. If the treated pulp 9 can be further processed for mineral extraction, another flotation chamber 10 can be used to repeat the process. When the treated pulp 9 is processed in the final flotation chamber 10, foam flotation is usually no longer an efficient or practical process for collecting minerals. Due to a number of other factors, as many as 15 95 of the released minerals are not mined and are thrown away as empty rock into the accumulator or sump 100.

There is an industrial need for a better way to separate valuable materials from non-precious materials, from discarded waste.

The essence of the invention

Way

According to some variants of the embodiment of the invention, the present invention can be considered as a method comprising the steps of: providing a functionalized device for collection with a synthetic material containing many molecules having a functional group formed in order to collect particles of the corresponding minerals on the surface of the device for collection; cause the collection device to come into contact with waste containing particles of the relevant minerals, for example that

Zo includes waste from the flotation process.

According to some variants of the embodiment of the invention, the functional group may include an ion or charged particles for binding particles of the corresponding minerals and molecules. A functional group may include, but is not limited to, one or more carboxyl ions, sulfates, sulfonates, xanthates, dithiophosphates, thionocarboamates, thioureas, xanthogens, thionothiophosphates, hydroquinones, and polyamines. The synthetic material can be selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, polyacetal, polyethylene, polyisobutylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyacrylates, polycarbonate, phenolaldehyde polymer and polydimethylsiloxane. The list is not exhaustive.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the functional group can be formed to make the surface of the collection device hydrophobic. For example, the synthetic material can be selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, poly(d, l-lactide), poly(dimethylsiloxane), polypropylene, polyacrylic, polyethylene, hydrophobically modified ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose polysiloxanate, alkylsilane and fluoroalkylsilane. The list is not exhaustive.

Particles of the corresponding minerals may have one or more hydrophobic molecular segments. In addition, the method may also comprise providing storage molecules in the waste, each storage molecule comprising a first end and a second end, the first end having a functional group formed to attach to particles of the respective minerals, and the second end comprising a hydrophobic molecular segment, including xanthan storage molecules . The synthetic material may contain siloxane derivatives or polysiloxanes, or polydimethylsiloxanes with terminal hydroxyl groups.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may include releasing the waste in the release zone and bringing the collection device into contact with the waste before or after the release of the waste.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the collection device may include a plurality of passageways in the collection area, where the passageways may have surfaces made of synthetic material, the method may also include causing at least a portion of the waste to move through the passageways so as to allow particles of the respective minerals to contact with molecules on the collection surfaces in the through channels. For example, the through channels may 60 include fibers to provide collection surfaces.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the collection device may include a collection plate having a collection surface made of a synthetic material, and the method may further include causing at least a portion of the waste to move along the collection plate so as to allow particles of the material to contact the molecules on the surface for

B collection.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the collection device may include a plurality of solid bodies to provide collection surfaces made of synthetic material.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the collection device may be designed to contact the waste for a period of time to provide enrichment of the collection surface containing the mineral particles, and the method may further include separating the collection device from the waste and releasing the corresponding mineral particles from enriched surface for collection.

For example, the release step may include contacting the enriched collection surface with a liquid having an acidity level in the range of 0 to 7, or at least partially immersing the enriched collection surface in the liquid and applying ultrasonic waves in the liquid to generate ultrasonic excitation on the enriched collection surface .

System

According to certain embodiments, the present invention may take the form of a system characterized by a collection processor designed to receive flotation waste, waste having particles of the corresponding mineral; and at least one collection device located in the collection processor, the collection device includes a collection surface made with a functionalized polymer containing a plurality of molecules having a functional group designed to attract particles of the corresponding mineral to the collection surface.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the functional group may include an ionizing bond to bind particles of the corresponding mineral to molecules. For example, the synthetic material can be selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, polyacetal, polyethylene, polyisobutylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyacrylates, polycarbonate, phenolaldehyde polymer and polydimethylsiloxane.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the functional group can be made so that the collecting surface is hydrophobic. For example, the synthetic material can be selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, poly(d,l-lactide), poly(dimethylsiloxane), polypropylene, polyacrylic, polyethylene, hydrophobically modified ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose polysiloxanates, alkylsilane and fluoroalkylsilane. In addition, particles of the corresponding mineral may have one or more hydrophobic molecular segments, and the waste may have a plurality of molecules, each storage molecule having first and second ends, the first end containing a functional group adapted to attach to the particles of the corresponding minerals, and the other end contains a hydrophobic molecular segment. The synthetic material may include a siloxane derivative or polysiloxanes, or polydimethylsiloxanes with terminal hydroxyl groups.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the collection surface may be configured to be in contact with the waste for a period of time to provide enrichment of the collection surface in the collection device by incorporating particles of appropriate minerals, and the system further includes a release processor configured to accept a collection device with an enriched storage surface, wherein the release processor is further configured to provide a release medium for releasing particles of the respective mineral from the enriched collection surface. For example, the release medium may include a fluid configured to contact an enriched collection surface, the fluid having an acidity of 0 to 7. The release medium may also include a fluid configured to contact the enriched collection surface, and the system may further include an ultrasound source configured to sonicate the enriched collection surface to release particles of the respective mineral from the enriched collection surface.

Embodiment of the invention based on at least partially functionalized polymers.

According to certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods for separating minerals using functionalized polymers. For example, this invention can be implemented in the form of a new machine and process for extracting useful materials or minerals from waste using such functionalized polymers. In particular, various functionalized polymers containing the complex described below can be used to attract useful materials or mineral particles in waste. Waste can come into contact with the functionalized polymer surface, which is designed to attract the necessary minerals. A functionalized polymer surface may include, for example, a synthetic bubble or ball containing the complex described in the Mo patent application; filed which claims the priority of the above-mentioned provisional US patent application Mo 61/489893, as well as a membrane or membrane structure, which may be in the form of a mixer, belt conveyor, filter device or flat plate, containing the complex set forth in the above-mentioned provisional US patent application Mo. 61/533544.

The unwanted material can be washed away and only the desired material or mineral remains on the functionalized polymer surface or the membrane structure containing the functionalized polymer surface can be separated from the unwanted material. Such separation may take place by technology involving flotation, size sorting, gravimetric separation and/or magnetic separation. The enriched surface is then treated to release and collect the mineral. The functionalized polymer surface can then be reused.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a functionalized polymer surface can be provided on an element covered with a functionalized polymer. The element covered with a functionalized polymer can be made in the form of a conveyor belt covered with a functionalized polymer, intended for circulation between the extraction processor and the release processor. The conveyor belt, covered with a functionalized polymer, can be made of mesh material. In the extraction processor, the conveyor belt, covered with a functionalized polymer, is designed to increase the contact between the waste and the functionalized polymer.

The element coated with a functionalized polymer can be in the form of a collection filter coated with a functionalized polymer placed in the extraction processor or for movement in the extraction processor to increase contact between the waste (4 functionalized polymer. The element coated with the functionalized polymer can be in the form of a membrane or a thin flexible sheet or layer.

The functionalized polymer coated element may be in the form of a functionalized polymer coated collection plate designed to be placed in the recovery processor or moved within the recovery processor to increase contact between the waste (and

With a functionalized polymer. The element covered with a functionalized polymer can take the form of a flexible sheet or a rigid plate.

The element covered with a functionalized polymer can be made in the form of a mixer blade covered with a functionalized polymer for placement in the extraction processor or movement between the extraction processor and the release zone.

Combined drive/hydrophobic balls/bowling balls

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, part of the surface of the synthetic bubbles or beads can be made to have molecules attached to it, where the molecules contain storage devices.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, part of the surface of the synthetic bubbles or beads can be made to have molecules attached to it, where the molecules contain accumulators, and the other part of the surface of the synthetic bubbles or beads can be made hydrophobic.

According to some embodiments of this invention, part of the surface of synthetic bubbles or balls can be made hydrophobic.

A brief description of the drawings

Referring now to the drawings, which are not to scale, the following and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike:

Fig. 1 - scheme of the suspension processing system from the state of the art.

Fig. 2ha-240 is a general waste treatment scheme according to individual embodiments of this invention.

Fig. For - a diagram of a processor designed for extraction and made with a conveyor belt covered with a functionalized polymer, which works together with the processor to release minerals, according to some variants of the implementation of this invention.

Fig. 365 is a diagram of a mineral extraction processor made with multiple filters having surfaces covered with a functionalized polymer for collecting precious material in a batch process, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. Cc is a diagram of a processor for mining minerals, made with multiple storage plates with functionalized polymer surfaces for collecting precious material in a batch process, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a diagram of a release processor according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. Ba - section of the conveyor belt, according to some variants of the implementation of this invention.

Fig. 56 is a filter according to some embodiments of the present invention

Fig. 5c - a plate for collection, according to some variants of implementation of this invention.

In Fig. illustrates various properties of a collection plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 7a-7/i illustrate various properties of the filter and the conveyor belt, according to some variants of the implementation of this invention.

In Fig. 8a illustrates various functional groups attached to a filter for attracting mineral particles, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 8B06 illustrates a plurality of hydrophobic molecules attached to the fiber to attract mineral particles, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 8c illustrates a plurality of hydrophobic molecules attached to a fiber to attract non-mineral particles, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 9a illustrates a plurality of hydrophobic molecules attached to the surfaces of mineral particles, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 9 p illustrates a multitude of hydrophobic molecules attached to the edges or surfaces of mineral particles, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 9c illustrates a plurality of hydrophobic molecules attached to the edges or surfaces of non-mineral particles in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 1b0a - a filter with many synthetic balls or bubbles for collecting valuable material from the waste of the flotation process, according to some variants of the implementation of this invention

From Fig. 106 is a storage plate with many synthetic balls or bubbles for collecting valuable material from flotation process waste, according to some variants of the implementation of this invention.

Fig. 10c - a bag of synthetic balls, which can be used as a filter for collecting valuable material from the waste of the flotation process, according to some variants of the implementation of this invention

Fig. 11a is a functionalized synthetic ball for attracting hydrophobic particles, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 11606 - an enlarged part of the surface of a functionalized synthetic ball for attracting wetted particles of minerals, according to some variants of the implementation of this invention.

Fig. 11c is an enlarged part of the surface of a functionalized synthetic ball for attracting hydrophobic particles of minerals, according to some variants of the implementation of this invention.

Fig. 12a is a synthetic ball with a functional group for attracting mineral particles, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 1260 is an enlarged portion of the surface of a functionalized synthetic ball for attracting mineral particles, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a waste clarifier with multiple functionalized polymer-coated surfaces to attract valuable material in the clarifier, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 14 includes FIG. 14a, which is a schematic partial section of a compartment processor made with two chambers, tanks or columns with a mixer covered with a functionalized polymer located therein, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, and includes FIG. 14p, which is a schematic cross-sectional top view of a mixer coated with a functionalized polymer moving in an attached enriched medium contained in an attached chamber, tank, or column, and moving in a released enriched medium contained in a release chamber, tank, or column , according to some variants of implementation of this invention.

Fig. 15 is a diagram of a compartment processor made with two chambers, tanks, or columns with a conveyor belt covered with a functionalized polymer installed therein, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a diagram of a compartment processor made with a filter complex covered with a functionalized polymer to move between two chambers, tanks or columns in a semi-continuous batch process, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 17a depicts a large proportion of mineral attracted to a plurality of functional groups provided on the surface of a filter in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 1765 depicts a large fraction of a mineral attracted to multiple functional groups provided on molecular lattices, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 17c depicts a large proportion of mineral attracted to a plurality of hydrophobic molecules on the surface of a filter, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 18a shows a mineral particle simultaneously attached to a series of much smaller synthetic beads, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 1806 illustrates how a portion of the mineral is attracted to a number of slightly larger beads at the same time, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

In Fig. 19a illustrates how a wetted particle of mineral is simultaneously attached to a number of much smaller hydrophobic synthetic beads, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention

In Fig. Fig. 19 illustrates how a wetted particle of mineral is simultaneously attached to a number of much larger hydrophobic synthetic beads, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 2a -2a: Waste processing

For example, waste from the flotation process can be processed in a clarifier or somewhere between the final flotation point and the clarifier. According to some variants of the implementation of this invention, a method or technology for extracting precious materials or corresponding fractions of minerals or what is part of them, waste by means of a collector device that can be functionalized with a synthetic material consisting of many molecules of a functional group formed as follows to attract the appropriate particles of minerals to the surface of the collector device. The method or technology is to bring the collection device into contact with waste having a plurality of particles of the appropriate mineral, including waste from the flotation process. This document outlines a number of techniques or methods for the collection device to be in contact with the waste.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the functional group may contain an ionizing bond for binding mineral particles to molecules. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the functional group can ensure that the platform or surface is hydrophobic to attract the hydrophobic particles of the corresponding minerals. In the present description, the terms "functionalized synthetic material", "synthetic material" and "functionalized polymer" are used interchangeably.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2a, after discharge of the waste 12 from the last flotation chamber 10 to the sump 100, the functionalized polymer 20 can be placed in the sump to collect the corresponding precious material from the sump.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 260, the functionalized polymer 30 may be used in a recovery processor 50 located close to the last flotation chamber 10 to process the waste 12 to collect valuable suitable material in the recovery processor 50. The treated waste 14 is then transported to a sludge storage tank or clarifier 100.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2c, the extraction processor 50 may be placed adjacent to the sludge storage/settling tank 100. The extraction processor 50 may use the functionalized polymer 30 to process the waste 12.

The processed waste 14 can then be discharged into a sludge storage tank or sump 100.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 24, the functionalized polymer 30 may be used to collect particles of the corresponding mineral in the extraction processor 50 and the functionalized polymer 20 may be used in the settling tank 100 .

For example, the functionalized polymer 20, 30 may contain areas or surfaces for collection coated with the functionalized polymer as shown in FIG. Za-3s, 5a-5s, ba-ba, 7a- 71, va- 9s, 1 Ia, 12a.

Fig. Za-Zc: functionalized polymer in the extraction processor For example, a functionalized polymer 30 (Fig. 2c-24) may be provided on the collection device in the extraction processor in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The collection device may include a pad or surface coated with a functionalized polymer. The collection device can take various forms, but the scope of the invention is not limited to any specific form or type, both not yet known and developed in the future. For example, the collection device can take the form of a conveyor belt, a filter, and a storage plate.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. Alternatively, one or both sides of the conveyor belt 120 may be coated with or made of a functionalized polymer. As the waste 12 may be received in the extraction processor 50, the waste comes into contact with the surfaces of the conveyor belt 120, which moves in a continuous circuit between the extraction processor 50 and the release processor 70. The precious material or particles of the corresponding mineral deposited on the surfaces of the conveyor belt 120 in extraction processor 50, will be drawn from the conveyor belt 120 into the reset processor 70 by means of a low pH environment and by means of ultrasonic excitation. As shown in Fig. Alternatively, one or two ultrasound sources 72 may be provided in the extraction processor 70 to cause ultrasonic excitation on the surface of the conveyor belt.

The pH value in the reset processor can be in the range of 0-7. After processing in the extraction processor 50, the processed waste 14 can be transported to a waste storage facility or directly discharged into a sump. Alternatively, the processed waste 14 may be received by another extraction processor 50 for further processing.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. See, some number of filters 220 can be used in group execution. Each of the filters 220 may have a plurality of passageways (see Figs. 7a-7e) to allow the waste 12 to pass through them. The passageways may be used to provide platforms or surfaces (see Figs. va-9c) designed to to contact the waste as it passes through the passageways. The storage areas or surfaces in the through channels can be coated with a functionalized polymer. As the waste passes from one end of the extraction processor 50 to the other end through the filters 220, the molecules of the functionalized polymer attract particles of the corresponding mineral from the waste. When the filters 220 have collected a certain number of particles of the corresponding mineral, at the desired time one or more filters 220 can be removed from the extraction processor 50 in order to release the mineral particles accumulated on the filters.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. Cs, a number of storage plates 320 may be installed in a certain order to increase contact between the waste in the extraction processor 50 and the storage plates 320. All the storage plates 320 may be coated with or made of a functionalized polymer. As the waste moves from one end of the extraction processor 50 to the other end through the accumulation plates 320, the functionalized polymer molecules are formed to attract particles of the corresponding mineral from the waste. When the storage plates 320 have collected a certain number of particles of the corresponding mineral, one or more storage plates 320 can be removed from the extraction processor 50 at the desired time in order to release the mineral particles accumulated on the storage plate. Particles of minerals settled on filters 220 or storage plates 320 can be released in various ways. For example, they can be released in a low pH environment, ultrasonic excitation, microwaves, ultraviolet light or thermally. For example, a filter 220 or accumulation plate 320 with accumulated mineral particles may be received at a particle discharge station 400, as shown in FIG. 4 The filter 200 or accumulation plate can be placed in a release device 410 for washing with a mixture of acid and water from the water container 424 and the acid container 422. One or more sources can be used for shaking to release the attached mineral particles from the filter 220 and the collection plate 230 ultrasound 432. Recycle water 427 can be returned for reuse. The mineral concentrate 440 can be extracted from the discharge device 410.

Fig. 5a, 50 and 5c: Conveyor Belts, Filters and Storage Plates For example, the conveyor belt 120 (FIG. 1a) may be provided with a storage pad 123 to support the functionalized polymer (FIG. 5a). The filter 220 (Fig. 35) can be made with a storage area 223 to support the functionalized polymer (Fig. 56).

The storage plate 320 (Fig. 3c) can be made with a storage platform 323 to support the functionalized polymer (Fig. 5c). The accumulation platform 123, 223 and 323 can be of different shapes and have different surface characteristics (Figs. 7a-7i) for collecting particles of the corresponding mineral, if the conveyor belt 120, the filter 220 and the accumulation plate 320 are designed to be in contact with the waste in the sludge accumulator 100 (Fig. 2a-2a) or in the processor for extraction 50 (Fig. 20-24, Za-3c).

Fig. ba-6a: Surface structures

The storage area 323 storage plates 320 can take different forms. For example, the storage area 323 on one or both sides of the storage plate 323 may have a smooth surface, as shown in FIG. ba.

The storage area 323 on one or both ends of the storage plate 323 may have a rough surface of a non-standard height and appearance, as shown in FIG. 6 years

The storage pad 323 on one or both ends of the storage plate 323 may have grooves and recesses, as shown in FIG. bs5. The storage area 323 on one or both ends of the storage plate 323 may have a fibrous structure, as shown in FIG. ba. The storage area can be coated with a functionalized polymer to attract particles of the corresponding mineral or made of it. Surface structures in Fig. 6p-by can be designed to increase the contact between the functionalized polymer at the waste disposal site.

Fig. 7a-7i: Characteristics of the surface

For example, each of the storage sites 123, 223 and 323 (Fig. 5a-5c) can have many channels for the passage of waste 12 (Fig. Za-3c), while collecting at least part of the precious material or particles of the corresponding mineral from the waste. The surface inside the channels and the surface of the edges around the channels can provide for the presence of functionalized polymer molecules to attract the mineral particles. Such surfaces are considered

With storage surfaces. For example, the passageways in the storage pads 123, 223, and 323 may take the form of holes or cylindrical passageways 701, as shown in FIG.

Fig. 7a. Passage channels on storage sites 123, 223 and 323 can take the form of hexagons. The passageways 702 are arranged as a honeycomb, as shown in FIG. 7 years

Accumulation pads 123, 223, and 323 may have rectangular grids 703, as shown in FIG.

Fig. 7s. The storage areas 123, 223 and 323 may have a stack of corrugated sheets 104, as shown in FIG. 74. The storage areas 123, 223 and 323 may have irregular fiber-like structures 705, as shown in FIG. 7e. The storage areas 123 and 323 may have a flat surface 706, as shown in FIG. 7th Flat surfaces 706 can be smooth, have a sheet-like or matte surface without large structures. The storage area 23, 123 and 223 can be made of a synthetic material, such as a polymer, functionalized to attract mineral particles. Alternatively, only the storage surfaces may be coated with such a functionalized polymer, while most of the conveyor belt 120, filter 220, and storage plate 320 may be made of metal, ceramic, glass, or other polymer.

Fig. va-9c: Surfaces of molecules

For example, fiber-like structures 705 (Fig. 7e) can be functionalized so that they attach to molecules 73 (Fig. va, 80). Fibrous structures 705, as shown in FIG. 7e, can be made of individual fibers 401, 401", as shown in Fig. va-8c. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fiber 401 (Fig. va) can be made of a polymer that has many molecules 73 to create a functional group 78 and an adjacent molecular segment 76. Xanthan, for example, has both a functional group 78 and a molecular segment 76 incorporated into the polymer used to create the fiber 401. The functional group 78 is also known as a collector, which binds the mineral particles 72 as ions and not ions.

An ion can be an anion or a cation. Anion contains, among other things, hydrogen-oxygen compounds, such as carboxyl, sulfates and sultanates, as well as a sulfhydryl group, such as xanthans and dithiophosphates. Other molecules or compounds that can be used to create functional group 78 include thiocarbonate, thiourea, xanthogens, monothiophosphates, hydroquinones, and polyamines. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fiber 401 is coated with a polymer containing molecules 73 to create a functional group 78 and a connecting molecular segment 76. With this coating, the fiber 401 can be made of glass,

ceramics, metal, nylon or other polymer. The diagram of fiber 401 and attached molecules 73 is shown in Fig. you

In another embodiment of the present invention, fiber 401 (Fig. 85) may be made of a polymer having multiple molecules 79 to make fiber 401! (and, accordingly, storage sites 123, 223 and 323 in Fig. 5a-5c) hydrophobic The polymer can be a hydrophobic material such as polystyrene, poly(a, 1-lactide), polymethylsiloxane, polypropylene, polyacrylic, polyethylene, and so on. The polymer can be a hydrophobically modified polymer, such as hydrophobically modified ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. Alternatively, fiber 401" can be made of glass, metal, ceramic, nylon, cotton, or other fabric materials coated with hydrophobic molecules such as polysilosonates, alkylsilane, and fluoroalkylsilane.

Molecules 79 make fiber 401" hydrophobic. Actually, hydrophobically modified mineral particles 72" can be attracted to hydrophobic fiber 401". Hydrophobically modified, or wetted, mineral particle 72" can contain particle 71 and one or more molecules 73 attached to it. The molecule 73, or collector, may have a functional group 78 attached to the mineral particle 71 and the hydrophobic chain or molecular segment 76. A diagram showing the attraction between the hydrophobic chain or molecular segments 76 and the hydrophobic fiber 401" is shown in Fig. 80. It should be understood , that particles 72" may not be minerals and may be several harmful particles in the water mass. Further, hydrophobic fiber 401 can also be used to draw non-mineral particles.

For example, if the non-mineral particle 71" has one or more hydrophobic chains or molecular segments 76, then the non-mineral particle 71" can also be attracted to the hydrophobic fiber 401". A diagram showing the attraction between the non-mineral particles 71 and the hydrophobic fiber 401! is shown in Fig. Thus, the hydrophobic fiber 401" can be used in a filter, impeller or conveyor belt (similar to that shown in Fig. 4-6) for water pollution control, water purification, etc.

The surfaces and edges around bypass channels or surface structures 701, 702, 703, 704 (Fig. 7a-7a4) can be functionalized to provide molecules 73 (Fig. 3a, 95). Open surfaces and edges around channels or surface structures 701, 702, 703, 704 are represented by surface parts 403, 403", as shown in Fig.

Z 403" can be equal to the thickness of the conveyor belt 120, the filter 220 and the storage plate 320 (Figs. 5a-5c). As with the fiber 401, as shown in Fig. va, a part of the surface 403 can be made of a polymer with many molecules 73 to provide the functional group 78 and the adjacent molecular segment 76. In another embodiment, the surface part 403 can be coated with a polymer with molecules 73 to provide the functional group 78 and the adjacent molecular segment 76. The surface part 403 can be made of glass, ceramic, metal, nylon , cotton or other polymer. The functional group 78 can be used to attract a portion of the corresponding mineral 72. A schematic of the surface portion 403 and the attached molecules 73 is shown in Fig. 3a.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the surface part 403" can be made of a polymer having many molecules 79, making parts of the surface 403", therefore, the storage areas 123, 223 and 323 (in Fig. 5a-5c) hydrophobic. As with hydrophobic fiber 401", as shown in Fig. 85 et seq., the polymer may be a hydrophobic material such as polystyrene, poly(α,1-lactide), polydimethylsiloxane, polypropylene, polyacrylic, polyethylene, etc. The polymer may be hydrophobic -modified polymer, such as hydrophobically modified ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. Alternatively, the surface portion 403" can be made of metal glass, ceramic, nylon, cotton, or other fabric materials coated with hydrophobic molecules, such as polysilosonates, alkylsilane, and fluoroalkylsilane. Molecules 79 make part of the surface 403" water repellent. Actually, hydrophobically modified particles of mineral 72 can be attracted to the hydrophobic fiber 403. A diagram showing the attraction between molecular segments 76 of the hydrophobic part of the surface 403! is shown in Fig. 9r. It should be taken into account that 72" particles may not be minerals and may be harmful particles in the water mass. Moreover, the hydrophobic portion of the surface 403" may also be used to attract non-mineral particles. For example, if the non-mineral particle 71" has one or more hydrophobic chains or molecular segments 76, then the non-mineral particle 71" may also be attracted to the hydrophobic portion of the surface 403". A diagram showing the attraction between non-mineral particles 71! and the hydrophobic part of the surface 403! shown in Fig. 9s. Thus, a filter, accumulation plate, or conveyor belt (similar to those shown in Fig

Fig. 5a-5c), having hydrophobic parts of the surfaces 403" can also be used to control water pollution, water purification, etc., to get rid of hydrophobic

modified particles 72", which may not be the minerals of interest, but simply metals or other material or chemically harmful to the environment.

The processing of the flat surface 706 (Fig. 7) can be carried out similarly to the processing of parts of the surface 403, 403, as shown in Fig. U9a.-9s. The planar surface 706 may also be functionalized to provide a functional group 78, as shown in FIG. By. The planar surface 706 can also be functionalized to be hydrophobic, as shown in FIG. 9r and 9s.

It should be understood that when the storage area or surface 123 of the conveyor belts 120 (FIG. 5a), the storage area or surface 223 of the filters 220 (FIG. 55) and the storage area 323 of the storage plates 320 (FIG. 5c) are functionalized to be hydrophobic, then the waste 12 in the extraction processor 50 (Figs. 20-24, 3a-3c) and the waste in the settling tank 100 (Figs. 2a and 24) must be mixed with collector molecules such as xanthates so that the mineral particles 71 (Figs. 85 and 95 ) in the waste were hydrophobic modified collector molecules 73 and to become wetted mineral particles 72.

Fig. 1ba-10c: Various implementation options

In various embodiments of the present invention, a functionalized synthetic material can be used to provide specific molecules on beads or bubbles, or to create beads or bubbles (see Figs. 11a-125). Bubbles or spheres that contain such special molecules with a functional group formed to attract particles of the corresponding mineral are referred to herein as synthetic bubbles or spheres. For example, synthetic balls or bubbles 170 may be used in the filter 220 to collect mineral particles 72, 72" (see Figs. va-90, 11a-120). As shown in Fig. 1ba, the filter may have a cage or the like for storage of a plurality of synthetic balls or bubbles to provide the storage surfaces of the storage platform 223. As shown in

Fig. 10, the accumulation plate has a cage or the like for storing a plurality of synthetic balls 170 to provide the accumulation surfaces of the accumulation pad 323. When the synthetic balls or bubbles 170 are used to collect precious materials from the sump 100 (FIG. 13), they can be placed in bag 420 as shown in

Fig. 10s. As with the synthetic material used on storage surfaces

From 403, 403 (FIGS. 5 9Za-9c), the synthetic material used for synthetic beads or bubbles 170 may have functional groups 78 to attract mineral particles 72, or may have hydrophobic molecules 79.

In Fig. 11a shows a synthetic ball functionalized to attract hydrophobic particles. As shown in Fig. 11a, the synthetic bubble or ball 170 has a solid body to provide the surface of the ball 174. At least one outer portion of the ball body is made of a synthetic material, such as a hydrophobic polymer, or a coating of a hydrophobic chemical. As shown in Fig. 11a and 1160, the surface 174 of synthetic bubbles or balls consists of many molecules 79, which make the surface 174 hydrophobic. For example, surface 174 may be a glass surface coated with polysiloxanates that may bond to a hydroxyl group on the glass surface. Polyxilosonates, such as polydimethylsiloxanes with terminal hydroxyl groups, have an oxygen chain for silicon, which provides hydrophobic molecules 79. The hydrophobic particle 72", as shown in Fig. 11p, can be a mineral particle 71 with one or two collectors 73 attached to it. One end (78) of the collector 73 has an ionizing bond attached to the mineral particle 71. The other end of the collector 73 has a hydrophobic chain 76 that tends to enter the hydrophobic molecules 79. Thus, the hydrophobic particle 72 may be a wetted mineral particle. , such as xanthan, has both a functional group 78 and a molecule 76. The hydrophobic moiety 72, as shown in Fig. 11c, may be a moiety 71", which has a hydrophobic chain 76. Such a moiety may not be associated with a mineral , but may be in contact with hydrophobic synthetic bubbles or balls 170 of the present invention. Similarly, particle 71 may not be a mineral and may be harmful to the environment. Thus, hydrophobic bubbles or balls 170 according to this invention can be used in non-mining applications, but for water pollution control.

The size of synthetic balls can be less than the minimum size of mineral particles, which is approximately 150 µm, and can be larger than the maximum size of mineral particles. In some cases, the size of the synthetic ball can be 1 cm or more.

In Fig. 12a shows a synthetic ball having a functional group for attracting particles of the corresponding mineral. The synthetic ball 170 has a body to provide a surface 174 for attracting particles of the corresponding mineral 72. In Fig. 1265 depicts an enlarged surface of a synthetic ball functionalized to attract a particle of the corresponding mineral.

At a minimum, the exterior of the ball body may be made of a synthetic material, such as a polymer, to have multiple molecules or molecular segments 76 on the surface 174 .

Molecule 76 can be used to attach functional group 78 to surface 174 .

In general, the molecule 76 may be a hydrocarbon chain, for example, and the functional group 78 may have an ionic bond to attract a mineral such as copper to the surface 174 .

Xanthate, for example, has both a functional group 78 and a molecular segment 76 that is incorporated into the polymer used to make the synthetic bead 70. Functional group 78 is also known as a collector, which is either ionic or non-ionic to bond with mineral particles. 72. Similarly, a chelating agent can be introduced into or onto the polymer as a collection site to attract a mineral such as copper.

The release of mineral particles from synthetic beads can be similar to the release of mineral particles from an accumulation plate, conveyor belt, or filter. For example, after the synthetic balls 170 on the accumulation platform 223 or 323 or in the bag 320 (Figs. 10a-10c) have collected a certain amount of mineral particles, the synthetic balls 170 can come into contact with a solution with a low pH and be subjected to ultrasonic action (e.g. ., Fig. 4) in order to throw off the particles of minerals.

Fig. 13 shows a sump in which multiple surfaces, functionalized with a polymer coating, can be made to attract valuable material from the sump. As shown in Fig. 13, waste 12 (Fig. 2a) or recycled waste (Figs. 2p-3c) can be discharged into the sump 100 at the discharge point 16. A plurality of filters 220 can be placed near the discharge point 16 to collect valuable material from the waste 12 or recycled waste 14 from the sump. It is also possible to place a plurality of accumulation plates 320 and a plurality of bags 420 in the sump to collect valuable material therefrom. Filters 220 , storage plates 320 , and bags 420 can be moved to increase the contact between the precious material and the functionalized polymer in filters 220 , storage plates 320 , and bags 420 .

Fig. 14, 14a, 14r6

For example, in Fig. 14 shows the present invention in the form of a machine, device, system or apparatus 610, for example, for the separation of valuable material from unnecessary in a mixture 611, such as

From the waste using the first processor 612 and the second processor 614. The first processor 612 and the second processor 614 can be made with an element covered with a functionalized polymer, that is, shown as a vane wheel covered with a functionalized polymer 620 (Fig. 14a), 620" (Fig. 14p) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. During operation, the mixer blade wheel 620, 620" slowly rotates toward the first processor 612 and the second processor 614, while the mixer blades slowly pass through the enriched medium 616 in the first processor 612, where precious material accumulates on the blades, and through the enriched dumping medium 618 in the second processor 614, where the precious material is dumped from the blades... For example, the blade wheel 620 is shown rotating clockwise as indicated by the arrow, but the scope of the invention is not limited by the direction of movement of the blade wheel or the way in which the blade wheel 620 is arranged and mounted (Fig. 1 4a), 620! (Fig. 14p), covered with a functionalized polymer, relative to the first processor 612 and the second processor 614.

The first processor 612 may be in the form of a first chamber, vessel, mesh, or column containing the accumulated enriched medium, usually designated 616. The first chamber, vessel, or column 612 may be configured to receive through conduit 613 a mixture or waste 611 in the form of a liquid (e.g., water), precious material and junk material in the collected enriched medium 616, e.g., in which a high pH is favorable for the collection of precious material. The second processor 614 may be in the form of a second chamber, vessel, mesh, or column containing an enriched extracting medium, designated 618. The second chamber, vessel, mesh, or column 614 may be configured to receive, for example, water through conduit 615 622 in an enriched extracting medium 618, for example, which may have a low pH or receive ultrasonic waves that favor the release of precious material. The collected enriched medium as that which forms part of the elemental medium 616, contributing to the accumulation of the corresponding precious material and the release of the enriched medium as part of the creative medium 618, contributing to the extraction of the corresponding precious material known in this area, while the limits of the scope of the invention are not limited to what- some specific form or type, both unknown and developed in the future. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will be able to formulate a storage enriched medium, such as medium 616, and a corresponding release enriched medium, such as medium 618, based on separation technology,

set out in this document, in relation to any particular relevant precious material, eg copper, a component of a particular mixture or waste.

In operation, the first processor 612 may be configured to receive a mixture or waste 611 of a mixture of water, precious material, and an element coated with a functionalized polymer that is configured to bind the precious material in a storage enriched medium 616. In FIG. 14, an element coated with a functionalized polymer is shown as a vane wheel coated with a functionalized polymer 620 (Fig. 14a), 620' (Fig. 145). In Fig. 14a, the blade wheel covered with a functionalized polymer 620 has a shaft 621 and at least one blade 6b20a, 6205, 6b20c, 6204, b20e, 6201, 6209 and is designed to slowly rotate inside the first processor 612 and the second processor 614. In Fig. 146 blade wheel coated with a functionalized polymer 620' has a shaft 621 and blades 620a", 6200, 620c, 6204", b20e", 620, b20d and 6201. All blades in Fig. 14 are understood to be functionalized with a polymer coating to attach precious material from the added enriched medium 616. (The scope of the invention is not intended to limit the number of blades on the blade wheel 620, 620, and the embodiment in Figs. 14a and 146 is depicted with blades 621, 621" having a different number blades).

In Fig. 14, the first processor 612 is designed to receive at least one blade of the paddle wheel 620 (Fig. 14a), 620! (Fig. 14r), covered with a functionalized polymer. On

Fig.b shows at least one vane wheel 6209, which is received in the accumulation zone 630, which forms a part of the accumulated enriched medium 616, limited by the walls Zba,

Z06. The first processor 612 can also be made with a first transition zone, usually marked 640, to provide drainage from the pipeline 641, for example, processed waste 642 as shown in FIG. 14a.

The first processor 612 may also be configured to provide at least one blade with a precious material attached thereto after passing through the added enriched medium 616. In FIG. 14p, at least one enrichment vane is shown as enrichment vane 620c, which is in a position of movement from the accumulated enrichment medium 616 in the first processor 612 to the enrichment medium for release 618 in the second processor 614.

Second processor 614 may be configured to receive through conduit 615 a fluid 622 (eg, water) and an enriched element coated with a functionalized polymer to release the precious material into an enriched release medium 618. In FIG. 145 depicts a second processor 614 receiving an enriched impeller 620c in a discharge zone 650, e.g., one that forms the enriched release medium 618 and is defined, e.g., by walls 630c and 6304.

The second processor 614 may also be configured to provide precious material that is released from the enriched element coated with the functionalized polymer in the enriched release medium 618. For example, in FIG. 146, the second processor 614 is made in the form of a second transition zone 660, defined by the walls bZ0a and 6300 to ensure through the pipeline 661 the drainage of precious material in the form of a concentrate 662 (Fig. 14a).

Fig. 15: Conveyor belt covered with a functionalized polymer

For example, in Fig. 15 shows the present invention in the form of a machine, device, system or apparatus 700, e.g., for separating valuable material from junk material from a mixture 701, such as waste, using a first processor 702 and a second processor 704. The first processor 702 and the second processor 704 are made with an element coated with a functionalized polymer, that is, shown, for example, in the form of a conveyor belt coated with a functionalized polymer 720 that moves between the first processor 702 and the second processor 704 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Arrows AT, A2, AZ show the movement of a conveyor belt covered with a functionalized polymer, 720. Methods, including motors, mechanisms, etc. for the moving element of the conveyor belt 720 between the two processors, such as the elements 702 and 704 are known in the true state of the art, and the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular form or type, either not yet known or developed in the future.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the functionalized polymer coated conveyor belt 720 may be made of mesh material.

The first processor 702 may be in the form of a chamber, vessel, mesh, or column containing the accumulated enriched medium, denoted 706. The first chamber, vessel, or column 702 may be configured to receive waste 701 in the form of a liquid (e.g., water ), precious material and junk material in the accumulated enriched medium 706, e.g., which has a high pH, is favorable for the accumulation of precious material. The second processor 704 may be configured as a second chamber, container, cell, or column containing the released enriched medium, designated 708. The second chamber, container, cell, or column 704 may be configured to receive, e.g., water 722 from the released enriched medium 708, e.g., which may have a low pH value or receive ultrasonic waves favorable to the release of the precious material. Accordingly, an accumulation enriched medium such as that forming part of the elemental medium 706 conducive to the accumulation of the corresponding precious material and a released enriched medium such as that forming part of the medium 708 conducive to the release of the precious material are known in the prior art. , while the scope of the invention is not limited to any specific type or form, both currently known and developed in the future. Moreover, a person skilled in the art will be able to design a storage enrichment medium such as medium 106 and a corresponding release medium such as medium 708 based on the separation technology disclosed herein for any suitable precious mineral, e.g. ., copper included in a specific mixture or waste.

In operation, the first processor 702 may be configured to accept a mixture or waste 701 of water, precious material, and junk material, while the functionalized polymer coated conveyor belt 720 is configured to collect the valuable material from the enriched medium 706. In FIG. 15, the tape 720 is understood to be made with a functionalized polymer coating for collecting valuable material from the enriched medium for collection 706.

The first processor 702 may be configured to drain from the conduit 741, e.g., processed waste 742, as shown in FIG. 15.

The first processor 702 can also be designed so that the conveyor belt with the accumulated on it is covered with the functionalized polymer after passing through the accumulation enriched medium 706. In fig. 15 an enriched conveyor belt coated with a functionalized polymer is shown, e.g. ab and the portion 720a of the tape 720 that came from the storage medium 106 to the first processor 702 on the medium for extraction 708 in the second processor 704. It should be understood that some areas of the tape 720 may be enriched, including the area that directly exits the medium 706, and also the plot is directly included in the middle of release 708.

The second processor 704 may be configured to receive a fluid 722 (eg, water) and an enriched, functionalized polymer-coated section 720a of the conveyor belt 720 to dump the precious material into the enriched release medium 708.

The second processor 704 may also be configured to ensure that the precious material released from the functionalized polymer coated element into the enriched environment with the released material 708. For example, in FIG. 15, the second processor 704 is shown configured to provide drainage of precious material through conduit 761 as concentrate 762.

In Fig. 15, the first processor 702 is configured with a functionalized polymer coated conveyor belt 720 passing only two turns in the storage medium 706. However, embodiments are contemplated in which the first processor 702 may be configured to process a functionalized polymer coated conveyor belt 720, using a coil to twist and turn the tape 720 back and forth inside the first processor to increase the surface area of the tapes inside the processor 702 and open the tape 720 to contact the collection medium 706.

Fig. 16: A filter coated with a functionalized polymer

For example, in fig. 16 shows the present invention in the form of a machine, device, system or apparatus 800, for example, for the separation of valuable material from unnecessary material in a mixture of waste 801, such as waste, using a first processor 802, 802" and a second processor 804, 804". The first processor 802 and the second processor 804 are configured so that an element coated with a functionalized polymer, which is indicated, e.g., in the form of a functionalized polymer-coated collection filter 820, configured to move between the first processor 802 and the second processor 804, as indicated in Fig. 16, as part of a cyclic process, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. is limited to the number of first and second processors. Moreover, embodiments provide for the use of different numbers of first and second processors, different types and types of processors, and different types and types of processors that are known in the art or will be developed in the future. According to in some embodiments of the present invention, a functionalized polymer-coated collecting filter 820 can be made and in the form of a membrane or a thin flexible sheet or layer. Arrow VI1 indicates the movement of the filter 820 coated with a functionalized polymer from the first processor 202, and arrow B2 indicates the movement of the collecting filter 820 coated with a functionalized polymer into the second processor 802. Equipment, including engines, mechanisms, etc. for moving the filter as an element 820 from one processor to another, as elements 802 and 804, is known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular form or type, both not yet known and developed in the future.

The first processor 802 can be made in the form of a first chamber, container, mesh or column containing the accumulated medium, indicated by the number 806. The first chamber, container or column 802 can be made to receive the mixture or waste 801 in the form of a liquid (eg, water), precious material and junk material in a storage enriched medium 806, e.g., which has a high pH value favorable for the collection of precious material. The second processor 804 can be made in the form of a second chamber, container, cell or column containing the medium for release, indicated by the number 808.

The second chamber, container, mesh, or column 804 may be configured to receive, eg, water 822 in the release medium 808, eg, which has a low pH value or to receive ultrasonic waves conducive to the release of precious material. According to the above, collection media, such as those forming part of the environment of the element 806, favorable for the collection of the corresponding precious material and enriched media, such as forming the part of the environment 808 favorable for the release of the corresponding precious material, are known in the presented state of the art, and the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular type or form, either known at present or to be developed in the future. A person skilled in the art will be able to design a storage medium, such as medium 806 and a corresponding release medium 808 based on the separation technology disclosed in the present invention, for any relevant particular precious mineral, e.g., copper, that is part of any specific mixture or waste.

In operation, the first processor 802 can be configured to receive the mixture or waste 101 in the form of a mixture of water, valuable and unnecessary material to the collection filter 820,

Zo is coated with a functionalized polymer that is designed to collect precious material from the collection enriched medium 806. In FIG. 16, the functionalized polymer-coated collection filter 620 should be understood as a polymer-functionalized filter for collecting precious material in a collection enriched environment.

The first processor 802 may also be configured to provide drainage from conduit 841 of, e.g., processed waste 842, as shown in FIG. 16.

The first processor 802 may also be configured to provide a collection filter coated with a functionalized polymer on which valuable material accumulates after saturation in the collection enriched medium. In Fig. 16, the functionalized polymer-coated collection filter 820 is shown, e.g., as withdrawn from the storage medium 806 from the first processor 202 into the release medium 808 in the second processor 204 .

The second processor 804 may be configured to receive a fluid 822 (eg, water) and a collection filter coated with a functionalized polymer 820 to drop the precious material into the release medium 808 .

The second processor 804 may also be configured to dispense precious material that is released from the functionalized polymer-coated collection filter 220 into the release medium 808. For example, in FIG. 16, the second processor 804 is shown to drain the precious material in the form of a concentrate 862 through the pipeline 861.

First processor 802" may also be configured with conduit 880 and pump 880 to recycle waste 842 back to first processor 802". The scope of the invention also includes a second processor 804", made with suitable piping and a pump for recirculating the concentrate 862 back to the second processor 804". A similar method of recirculation can be carried out in accordance with the embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 14-15 mentioned above.

The scope of the invention is not limited by the type or form of the cyclic process being carried out.

For example, embodiments are provided in which the cyclic process includes first and second processors 802, 804 configured to process an enriched collection filter coated with a functionalized polymer 820 according to the type or type of precious material, wherein the first and second processors 802, 804 " are made to process an enriched filter because it is coated with a functionalized polymer 820 relative to a precious material of the same type or type, or a different type or type of precious material. Moreover, the scope of the invention is intended to include cyclic processes that are both currently known and being developed in the future.

The surface of the polymer with functional groups

The term "polymer" in this description means a large molecule of many units of the same or similar structure linked together. In some embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the polymer on the filter has many molecules 73 (Fig. va, 3a) with a functional group 78 (Fig. va, 80) to attract material particles 72 (Fig. va, 9a). In these embodiments, the unit can be a monomer or oligomer that forms bases for, for example, polyamides (nylon), polyesters, polyurethanes, phenol formaldehyde, urea form, melamine formaldehyde, polyacetal, polyethylene, polyisobutylene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polymethyl acrylates , polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyacrylates, polycarbonate, phenol-aldehyde polymer, polydimethylsiloxane and other organic or inorganic polymers. Thus, a synthetic material can be hard or stiff, plastic or soft, and flexible like an elastomer. While the physical properties of the synthetic beads may vary, the surface of the synthetic beads is chemically functionalized to provide a variety of functional groups to attract mineral particles. The terms "valuable material" and "mineral fraction" are used interchangeably in this document. You can use a molecule or a molecular segment 76 (Fig. va, za) to attach a functional group 78 to the surface of the polymer. In general, the molecule 76 can be a hydrocarbon chain, for example, and the functional group 78 can be an ion or a charged species for binding to a mineral, such as copper, to the surface 74. Xanthate, for example, has both the functional group 78 and the molecular segment 76, which is introduced into the polymer to make the synthetic bead 709. The functional group 78 is also known as a collector, which can be ionic or nonionic. An ion can be an anion or a cation. The anion includes, but is not limited to, oxygen-hydrogen elements, such as carboxyl, sulfates, and sulfonates, as well as sulfahydryls, such as xanthates and dithiophosphates. Other molecules or compounds that can be used to create functional group 78 include dithiocarbamates, thiourea, xanthogens, monothiophosphates,

From hydroquinones and polyamines. Likewise, a chelating agent can be introduced into the polymer as a collection site to attract a mineral such as copper. At the same time, a surface having a functionalized polymer is also considered a synthetic surface in this document.

A polymer with molecules that make the surface hydrophobic

In some embodiments of the present invention, at least the surface of the filter is functionalized so that the surface is hydrophobic. It is possible to functionalize the upper surface of the polymer so that there are many molecules 79 (Fig. 85, 8c, 90, 9c) to make the surface hydrophobic. A hydrophobic surface tends to attract hydrophobic molecules.

In chemistry, the property of hydrophobicity is a physical property of molecules (known as hydrophobicity), that is, that they are repelled by the mass of water. Hydrophobic molecules tend to be nonpolar and thus prefer other neutral molecules and nonpolar solvents.

Hydrophobic molecules in water often form clusters. According to thermodynamics, the substance tends to a low-energy state, and the bond reduces the chemical energy. Water is electrically polarized and able to form hydrogen bonds from the inside, which gives it unique physical properties. But because hydrophobes are not electrically polarized and because they are unable to form hydrogen bonds, water repels hydrophobes in favor of bonding with itself. It is this effect that causes the hydrophobic interaction.

The hydrophobic effect is the observed tendency for nonpolar substances to accumulate in an aqueous solution and exclude water molecules. Separation and clear repulsion between water and non-polar substances can be observed. The hydrophobic interaction is mainly entropic, arising due to the destruction of highly dynamic hydrogen bonds between water molecules by nonpolar substances dissolved in the solution.

A hydrocarbon chain or similar non-polar region or large molecule is unable to form hydrogen bonds with water. The introduction of such a surface, where there are no hydrogen bonds, into water causes the destruction of the network of hydrogen bonds between water molecules. Hydrogen bonds reorient tangentially to such a surface to minimize network disruption

ZO of hydrogen bonds of water molecules and, thus, leads to the formation of a "cage" of structured water around the non-polar surface. Water molecules that form a "cage" (or a shell of substances dissolved in water) have limited mobility. For example, in the case of large nonpolar molecules, the reorientation and translational movement of water molecules in the bo shell of a substance in solution can be limited by a factor of two to four. This usually leads to significant losses of translational and rotational entropy of water molecules and makes the process unfavorable in terms of the free energy of the system. By clustering together, non-polar molecules reduce the surface area exposed to water and reduce their destructive effect.

The desired mineral is rendered hydrophobic by the addition of a surfactant or collector chemical. To affect the waste, the collectors are selected based on their selective wetting of the particles that are separated. A good collector will adsorb, either physically or chemically, one type of particle.

Collectors

Collectors either form a chemical bond (chemosorption) on the hydrophobic surface of the mineral or are adsorbed on the surface in the case of, for example, coal flotation through physical adsorption.

Collectors increase the water repellency of the surface, enhancing the separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles. The corresponding hydrophobic particles according to this invention are described as particles 71", 72.

In Fig. 80, sun, 960 and 9s.

Fig. 17a-17c: Large fractions of minerals

It should be noted that the fractions of minerals in the waste can be relatively large compared to the mineral fractions obtained in the flotation process. Some mineral particles can be more than 200 um, for example. It is likely that a large mineral particle requires more binding forces to attach to the functionalized surface. As indicated in Fig. 17a, the mineral particle 72 is attached to the surface of the filter 403 due to the involvement of many functional groups 78. In order to strengthen the binding forces between the surface of the filter 403 and the mineral particle 72, it is possible to functionalize the surface 403 with molecules 67 consisting of many functional groups 78 , attached to the flexible backbone or chain 69. As such, significantly more functional groups 78 can be drawn onto the surface of the mineral particle 72, as indicated in FIG. 17 years old In Fig. 17c shows how a large wetted particle of mineral 72" is attracted and attached to the surface of filter 403, which becomes hydrophobic due to molecules 79.

Fig. 18a illustrates a scenario where a mineral particle 72 is attached to a number of synthetic beads 74 at the same time. Thus, although the synthetic beads 74 are much smaller in size than the mineral particle 72, some amount of the synthetic beads 74 is able to lift up the mineral particle 72 in the flotation chamber. Similarly, a fine particle of mineral 72 may also be lifted up by a number of synthetic beads 74, as indicated in FIG. 18 years old In order to increase the likelihood of such a "cooperative" rise, a large number of synthetic beads 74 can be introduced into the pulp. Unlike air bubbles, the density of the synthetic beads can be chosen so that the synthetic beads remain in the pulp before they rise up into the flotation chamber.

In Fig. 19a and 19p show a similar scenario. As indicated, particle 172 is attracted to a number of hydrophobic synthetic beads 174 at the same time.

Application

The scope of the invention is described in relation to mineral separation, including separation of copper from ore.

For example, use cases involving chambers for greater purification in the production stream instead of traditional flotation devices are envisioned.

Waste treatment chambers are used to clean unmined minerals from waste streams.

Waste treatment chambers are used to remove unwanted substances from waste before it is sent to septic tanks.

A waste treatment machine, which is placed in a waste sump, is designed to extract valuable minerals that have fallen into the sump.

It should be understood that the synthetic beads of the present invention, whether functionalized to have a collector or functionalized to be hydrophobic, are designed to be used to separate oil from sand - to separate bitumen from sand and water in a bitumen extraction process. mining in sands. In the same way, functionalized filters and membranes are made in accordance with some variants of the implementation of this invention for the separation of oil and sand.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the synthetic bead may be functionalized to have an assembly molecule. The collector has a functional group with the ionic ability to form a chemical bond with a part of the mineral. A mineral particle, because it is associated with one or more collector molecules, is considered a wetted mineral particle. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the synthetic bead can be functionalized and rendered hydrophobic to remove one or more mineral particles.

Other types or types of valuable material or sought after minerals include gold, molybdenum, etc.

However, the scope of the invention is intended to include other types or types of applications that are either currently known or will be developed later in the future.

Scope of the invention

It should further be noted that any properties, characteristics, variables, or modifications described with respect to a particular embodiment herein may also be applicable, used, or implemented with any other embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, it is believed that while the embodiments described herein are applicable to homogeneous flows, the embodiments described herein may also be applicable to dispersive flows having dispersive properties (eg, stratified flow). . Although the invention is described and illustrated in the form of exemplary embodiments thereof, further and other various additions and omissions may be made to it, while retaining the basic idea and scope of the present invention.

Claims (21)

FORMULA OF THE INVENTION 1. A method of extracting minerals from the tailings of a flotation process, which includes: providing a collection device functionalized with a synthetic material that includes a functional group designed to attract mineral particles of interest to the surface of this collection device; and contacting the collection device with the mineral particulate tailings of interest, including flotation process tailings, wherein the functional group is intended to render the surface of the collection device hydrophobic, and wherein the synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of derivative of siloxane, polydimethylsiloxane and polysiloxanes of hydrophobically modified ethylhydroxyethylcellulose. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the mineral particles of interest have one or more hydrophobic molecular segments attached to them. 3. The method of claim 2, which further comprises: providing a scavenger molecule in the tails, wherein each scavenger molecule comprises a first end and a second end, wherein said first end comprises a functional group intended for attachment to mineral particles of interest, wherein this second end contains a hydrophobic molecular segment. 4. The method according to claim 3, in which the collector molecules include xanthates. 5. The method of claim 1, which includes unloading the tails into the unloading area and bringing the collection device into contact with the tails before unloading the tails. 6. The method according to claim 1, which includes unloading the tails into the unloading area and bringing the collection device into contact with the tails after the tails are unloaded. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the collection device comprises a plurality of bypass channels that contain collection surfaces made of said synthetic material, wherein said method further comprises: driving at least a portion of the tails through the bypass channels to enable contact of the mineral particles of interest with the molecules on the collecting surfaces in these bypass channels. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the bypass channels contain a plurality of fibers to provide collecting surfaces. 9. The method according to claim 1, in which the collection device includes a collection plate with a collection surface made of said synthetic material, while said method additionally includes: moving at least a portion of the tails along the collection plate to ensure the possibility of contact of mineral particles , of interest, with molecules on the collecting surface. 10. The method according to claim 1, in which the assembly device contains a plurality of solid phase bodies to provide assembly surfaces made of said synthetic material. 11. The method according to claim 1, in which the collection device is made with the possibility of contact with the tails for a period of time to provide an enriched collection surface containing mineral particles, while the specified method additionally includes: 60 separation of the collection device from the tails; and releasing the mineral particles of interest from the enriched collection surface. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that said release includes bringing the enriched collection surface into contact with a liquid having a pH value in the range of 0 to 7. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said release includes at least partially immersing the enriched collection surface in a liquid and applying ultrasonic waves to the liquid to provide ultrasonic agitation over the enriched collection surface. 14. A system for extracting minerals from the tailings of the flotation process, containing: a collection processor designed to accept the tailings of the flotation process with mineral particles of interest; at least one collection device that is located in the collection processor, wherein the collection device comprises a collection surface made of a functionalized polymer containing a functional group designed to attract mineral particles of interest to the collection surface, wherein the functional group is in order to make the surface of the collection device hydrophobic, and at the same time the synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of a derivative of siloxane, polydimethylsiloxane and polysiloxanes of hydrophobically modified ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the mineral particles of interest have one or more hydrophobic molecular segments attached thereto and the tails have a plurality of scavenger molecules, each molecule comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first the end contains a functional group intended for attachment to the mineral particles of interest, while said second end contains a hydrophobic molecular segment. 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the collection surface is configured to be in contact with the tailings for a period of time to provide an enriched collection surface in the collection device that contains the mineral particles of interest, said system further comprising: a release processor that configured to receive a collection device with a Zo-enriched collection surface, while the release processor is configured with the additional capability of providing a release medium to release the mineral particles of interest from the enriched collection surface. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein said release medium comprises a liquid that is intended to contact the enriched collection surface and has a pH value in the range of 0 to 7. 18. The system according to claim 16, in which said release medium contains a liquid that is intended to contact the enriched collection surface, while said system additionally includes: an ultrasound source designed to deliver ultrasonic waves to the enriched collection surface to release mineral particles, of interest from the enriched collecting surface. 19. The system of claim 14, wherein part of the collecting surface is designed to have collector molecules attached to it. 20. The system according to claim 19, where the second part of the collecting surface is made hydrophobic. 21. The system according to claim 14, where part of the collecting surface is made hydrophobic. E CT k vy i - i i x / i x -ya K. shchi t gy N z y shi x 5 Fiv r EU nyu N Z bom i z i shin i still - m V ho Za a Z. 4: "Uh I 5 and Ex I FC. p. I and - sh cat "I her shih figs, for From a dream Ah Z A 1 I VE Her / Zk is SHE: Z i 5 8 a E t VE y 58 zh X 115 M ta ШЮ She yi 5 cha ; IN SHO x from Ii: In ZE Fig. Zv 3 her ie a 5 Y her I Ia u, yah :Щ GA she u tr t He 5 her ee vi sh U E she a shik "Fig, go E tn, What x claim 0 ; »! Ku KA, ryn - a ЗХ a: I 2-7 and /! And What and g and gray t ; (y y y ma So a b te re yi re uyak i shk ih) o) EI s - 8 osv I : Z I Fig. By Ii ko - Z V | І і і пі Chis, 35 Ko N ; a: and p - and same KO shchi dyan lllllllyatnnk vv. t fig. WITH Cheo y U y A kh regu pesunnovansm Me prin borona novi ZHI will get used to Y and rosEtya, dya etdprdr ete? tashny P de and I (she yaidd eh OK and I from freoncentrenchin lknyu ris nd and I Asonporah mo Busonysn nie pe yak -zv Y and inno I tyate Her ! SKK AL shchi I her I and her F Fyui PE Y N p. in o: I'm my own " (NN / s | finy shi 5 her and s V ! shu ha Tovshchyna I ! o AH S ii her ro nyny and Tovshchika SHE Kk I 1 ii ; and also Tovshkna MAY Y da! t tu nt ti Y v z o V ON o s |. piece yaz o 5 I PO y y 5 to her he t y Zva v y - da: N B now mon one det nkzhtntntnnnkh approx. b Fi. ba Zh - LU OV loA th Rush G and ZL z pi a A "E. be zhk popu i vouu t - shk and her sovnn we: t Fu. BA t70oeo