Flotation apparatus

959,920. Flotation apparatus. KLOCKNERHUMBOLDT-DEUTZ A.G. Dec. 12, 1962 [April 27, 1962], No. 46909/62. Heading B2H. A flotation device for selective separation of a mineral mixture which is subjected to the action of air bubbles in a tank comprises an agitator in the lower part of the tank and means for supplying air towards a central portion of the agitator which is constructed so as to discharge the pulp from it in directions continually varying with the horizontal plane. Pulp is supplied to the tank through channels 11 and 8. The agitator has an impeller disc 3 with ribs 5 which rotates on a shaft 2. The disc 3 is set at an angle and coacts with a guide plate 6 arranged annularly around the shaft 2. The ribs 5 are of different heights and the thickness of the disc is varied to keep it in balance. Between the ribs, the disc has circular perforations (not shown). Rotation of the wheel 3 withdraws pulp from the channel 8 and the resulting injector action draws air down a tube 9 which surrounds the shaft 2.