The present invention provides a proppant or proppant mixture having insert materials configured for providing a mechanical or physical function in a well to hold open fissures or pathways created in formations caused by well fracking to allow a release of a hydrocarbon from the well, the insert materials being configured at least partly with beads having a functionalized polymer so as to form functionalized polymer proppants that are configured to respond to the hydrocarbon or other composition of matter released from the well, including water, and provide at least one chemical taggant containing an indication about the hydrocarbon or other composition of matter released from the well. The functionalized polymer may include a dual-monomer structure.
The present invention provides a proppant or proppant mixture having insert materials configured for providing a mechanical or physical function in a well to hold open fissures or pathways created in formations caused by well fracking to allow a release of a hydrocarbon from the well, the insert materials being configured at least partly with beads having a functionalized polymer so as to form functionalized polymer proppants that are configured to respond to the hydrocarbon or other composition of matter released from the well, including water, and provide at least one chemical taggant containing an indication about the hydrocarbon or other composition of matter released from the well. The functionalized polymer may include a dual-monomer structure.
Apparatus is provided having an acoustic-based air probe with an acoustic source configured to provide an acoustic signal into a mixture of concrete; and an acoustic receiver configured to be substantially co-planar with the acoustic source, to respond to the acoustic signal, and to provide signaling containing information about the acoustic signal injected into the mixture of concrete.
A reactor system has a number of stations arranged to recover mineral particles in a slurry. The system includes a hopper to receive the slurry and barren media having hydrophobic coating to attract the mineral particles. The hopper provides a mixture of barren media and slurry to a tumbler arranged to stir the mixture in order to increase the contact between the slurry and the barren media so as to allow the mineral particles to attach to the barren media to form mineral laden media. The mineral laden media are conveyed to a rinsing station where water jets are used to wash the gangue materials off the mineral laden media. The rinsed mineral laden media are mixed with a surfactant so that the mineral particles are released from the mineral laden media. High-pressure water and air jets are then used to remove remaining surfactant from the released media.
B03B 7/00 - Combinaisons de procédés ou d'appareils opérant par voie humide, avec d'autres procédés ou appareils, p.ex. pour la préparation des minerais ou cendres
An apparatus for removing mineral particles from loaded engineered collection media includes one or more solvents with sufficiently low surface tension. The engineered collection media are made of a synthetic material and have a surface coated with a hydrophobic material to provide a chemical bond between the mineral particles and the surface. The solvents together with a releasing mechanism are arranged to disrupt the chemical bond. Preferably, a surfactant or a nonionic surfactant is also added to the solvents.
The invention provides a signal processor that receives a signal containing information about an acoustic signal that is generated by at least one acoustic transmitter, that travels through an aerated fluid in a container, and that is received by at least one acoustic receiver arranged in relation to the container, including inside the container; and determines the gas volume fraction of the aerated fluid based at least partly on the speed of sound measurement of the acoustic signal that travels through the aerated fluid in the container. The signal processor also sends an output signal containing information about the gas volume fraction of the aerated fluid. The signal processor may be configured together with at least one acoustic transmitter, the at least one acoustic receiver, or both.
G01L 11/04 - Mesure de la pression permanente, ou quasi permanente d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent par des moyens non prévus dans les groupes ou par des moyens acoustiques
G01F 1/708 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée
G01F 1/712 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée utilisant des moyens de détection à autocorrélation ou à intercorrélation
7.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTING MAINTENANCE NEEDS OF A PUMP BASED AT LEAST PARTLY ON PUMP PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
A signal processor is provided comprising one or more signal processor modules configured to: compare signaling containing information about historical data related to the performance of a pump; and provide corresponding signaling containing information about predicted maintenance needs of the pump on a real time basis based at least partly on the signaling compared containing information about the historical data related to the performance of the pump. The one or more signal processor modules may be configured to compare over time the hydraulic power generated by the pump and electric power consumed by a motor driving the pump, including tracking a ratio of hydraulic to electric power. The one or more signal processor modules may be configured to predict maintenance needs based on an algorithm that takes into account a trade-off between the cost of power consumed by a motor driving the pump and the cost associated with the pump maintenance in order to substantially minimize the total cost of operating the pump.
F04B 15/02 - Pompes adaptées pour travailler avec des fluides particuliers, p.ex. grâce à l'emploi de matériaux spécifiés pour la pompe elle-même ou certaines de ses parties les fluides étant visqueux ou non homogènes
F04D 7/04 - Pompes adaptées à la manipulation de liquides particuliers, p.ex. par choix de matériaux spéciaux pour les pompes ou pièces de pompe du type centrifuge les fluides étant visqueux ou non homogènes
F04B 51/00 - Tests des "machines", pompes ou installations de pompage
F04D 15/00 - Commande, p.ex.régulation de pompes, d'installations ou de systèmes de pompage
A copper/molybdenum separation system uses sea water in the roughing circuit and desalinated water in cleaning circuit. In both roughing circuit and cleaning circuit, hydrophobic engineered media are used to recover the mineral particles of interest. The cleaning circuit includes a molybdenum loading stage configured to contact the conditioned pulp with the engineered media in an agitated reaction chamber, and load the hydrophobic molybdenite on the engineered media.
A particle size tracking system for providing predictive maintenance and battery tuning of hydrocyclones arranged in a battery configuration, featuring a control having a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about particle sizes of material flowing in pipes of hydrocyclones arranged in a battery configuration; and determine corresponding signaling containing information to control the operation of each hydrocyclone arranged in the battery configuration, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor may be configured to provide the corresponding signal as control signaling to control the operation of each hydrocyclone arranged in the battery configuration.
i to each respective difference, and normalizing the sum by the number N of the individual cyclones being evaluated and controlled, based upon the signaling received.
B04C 11/00 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de sécurité ou de commande, non prévus ailleurs
E21B 43/29 - Préparation de suspensions de matières minérales, p.ex. en utilisant des buses
E21B 43/34 - Aménagements pour séparer les matériaux produits par le puits
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G06F 17/18 - Opérations mathématiques complexes pour l'évaluation de données statistiques
D21G 9/00 - Autres accessoires pour machines à fabriquer le papier
G16Z 99/00 - Matière non prévue dans les autres groupes principaux de la présente sous-classe
B01D 21/26 - Séparation du sédiment avec emploi de la force centrifuge
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
B01D 17/00 - Séparation de liquides, non prévue ailleurs, p.ex. par diffusion thermique
11.
Non-flotation based recovery of mineral bearing ore using hydrophobic particle collection in a pipeline section
Apparatus uses hydrophobic synthetic beads to recover mineral particles in a slurry. The synthetic beads and the slurry are mixed into a mixture for processing. The apparatus has an interaction vessel installed in a section of pipeline. The interaction vessel is made from a pipeline folded or coiled into a compact struction having a continuous flow path. The interaction vessel has an input to receive the mixture of slurry and synthetic beads. The folded or coiled structure is used to increase the residence time of the mixture in the flow path, allowing more time for the mineral particles in the slurry to attach to the surface of the synthetic bead, while maintaining a small footprint. The interaction vessel may be formed from a number of loops of pipe section. The interaction vessel may be formed from one or more folded structures.
A system features a combination of an acoustic sensor and a communication transmitter. The acoustic sensor is arranged on a rotating container or drum having a slurry contained therein, including concrete, and configured to provide an acoustic signal to sense an acoustic signal containing information about a characteristic of the slurry, and provide acoustic sensor signaling containing information about the acoustic signal sensed. The communication transmitter is arranged on the rotating container or drum, and configured to receive the acoustic signal, and provide the acoustic signal received from the rotating container or drum for further processing.
G08C 23/04 - Systèmes de transmission de signaux non électriques, p.ex. systèmes optiques utilisant des ondes lumineuses, p.ex. infrarouges
H04B 7/26 - Systèmes de transmission radio, c. à d. utilisant un champ de rayonnement pour communication entre plusieurs postes dont au moins un est mobile
B28C 5/42 - Appareillage spécialement adapté pour être monté sur des véhicules avec possibilité de mélanger au cours du transport
13.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING REAL TIME AIR MEASUREMENT APPLICATIONS IN WET CONCRETE
A system features a combination of an acoustic sensor and a communication transmitter. The acoustic sensor is arranged on a rotating container or drum having a slurry contained therein, including concrete, and configured to provide an acoustic signal to sense an acoustic signal containing information about a characteristic of the slurry, and provide acoustic sensor signaling containing information about the acoustic signal sensed. The communication transmitter is arranged on the rotating container or drum, and configured to receive the acoustic signal, and provide the acoustic signal received from the rotating container or drum for further processing.
Apparatus features a signal processor or signal processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about an acoustic noise profile that is directly measured and generated by a slurry hitting a probe configured in a part of a cyclone; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about the status of the part of the cyclone, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module is configured to provide the corresponding signaling, including where the corresponding signaling provided contains information about whether the part of the cyclone is damaged or worn. The part of the cyclone is an apex of the cyclone, and the corresponding signaling contains information about the status of the apex of the cyclone.
A selective recirculation circuit has a loading stage, a stripping stage and a filtering stage for use in processing a feed stream or slurry containing mineral particles. The stripping stage forms a first loop with the loading stage, and a second loop with the filtering stage. The loading stage has a loading mixer and a loading washing screen. The stripping stage has a stripping mixer and a stripping washing screen. The loading mixer receives the slurry and causes barren media in the circuit to contact with the slurry so that the mineral particles in the slurry are loaded onto the barren media. The media is directed to the stripping stage where the mineral particles are removed from the media. The barren media is recycled to the loading stage. The stripping solution recovered from the filtering stage is returned to the stripping stage and the mineral particles are discharged as concentrate.
B03C 1/01 - Prétraitement spécialement adapté à la séparation magnétique par addition d'agents magnétiques
16.
Techniques to determine a fluid flow characteristic in a channelizing process flowstream, by bifurcating the flowstream or inducing a standing wave therein
The present invention provides a new and unique apparatus featuring a signal processor or processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about a fluid flow passing through a pipe that is channelized causing flow variations in the fluid flow; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about a fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow that depends on the flow variations caused in the fluid flow channelized, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide the corresponding signaling, including where the corresponding signaling contains information about the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow channelized.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
G01F 1/32 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement utilisant des débitmètres à tourbillons
G01F 1/708 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée
G01F 5/00 - Mesure d'une fraction du débit volumétrique
G01N 9/00 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité
17.
Mineral separation using sized-, weight- or magnetic-based polymer bubbles or beads
Apparatus for use in, or forming part of, a separation process to be implemented in separation processor technology, the apparatus comprising synthetic bubbles or beads configured with a polymer or polymer-based material functionalized to attach to a valuable material in a mixture so as to form an enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto, and also configured to be separated from the mixture based at least partly on a difference in a physical property between the enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto and the mixture.
B01D 15/02 - Procédés de séparation comportant le traitement de liquides par des adsorbants ou des absorbants solides; Appareillages pour ces procédés par des adsorbants en mouvement
A flotation tank has an input to receive a slurry from a pipeline section. The slurry contains finer mineral particles and coarser mineral particles. The pipeline section has one or more loops or coiled sections arranged to perform partial centrifugal separation on the finer and coarser mineral particles. As the mineral particles are moved tangentially into the lower part of the flotation tank, the coarser mineral particles tend to be near the tank wall while the finer mineral particles tend to move into the central part of the tank. Air bubbles or lightweight synthetic bubbles are used to collect and lift the finer mineral particles to the upper part of the tank. The coarser mineral particles are recovered by using collection surfaces coated with a hydrophobic material.
A system includes a learning network having a signal processor configured to: receive learned signaling containing information about representative samples of conditions related to operating states of a hydrocyclone and characterized as learned samples of each condition when the learning network is trained, and raw signaling containing information about raw samples containing information about the current operation of the hydrocyclone; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about an operating state of the current operation of the hydrocyclone based upon a comparison of the learned signaling and the raw signaling.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G01F 1/32 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement utilisant des débitmètres à tourbillons
G01F 25/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01N 9/36 - Analyse des matériaux en mesurant le poids spécifique ou la densité, p.ex. détermination de la quantité d'humidité
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 29/44 - Traitement du signal de réponse détecté
20.
Sensor detection of the presence of an air core in a fluid conductor, and the flow rate of the fluid in the conductor
Apparatus features a signal processor or signal processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about a central air-core of an overflow pipe of a hydrocyclone where fluid flow is concentrated in an outer annular region of the overflow pipe that is against an inner wall of the overflow pipe during a normal operation of the hydrocyclone; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about a collapse of the central air-core of the overflow pipe of the hydrocyclone during an abnormal operation of the hydrocyclone, based upon the signaling received. The signaling contains information about a fluid flow rate of the fluid flow by detecting a change in the magnitude of a force and/or a moment on the probe.
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
G01F 5/00 - Mesure d'une fraction du débit volumétrique
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01F 1/86 - Débitmètres massiques indirects, p.ex. mesurant le débit volumétrique et la densité, la température ou la pression
G01F 23/18 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme par mesurage de la pression les dispositifs d'indication, d'enregistrement ou d'alarme étant actionnés électriquement
G01F 1/708 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée
G01M 3/26 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit
B04C 11/00 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de sécurité ou de commande, non prévus ailleurs
G01F 1/28 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement par débitmètre à force d'entraînement, p.ex. du type à palette ou à poussée
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01N 29/036 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la fréquence ou la résonance des ondes acoustiques
B03D 1/02 - Procédés de flottation par formation d'écume
A transportable modular system for enhanced minerals recovery from tailings lines and deposits, features two transportable mineral recovery modules (TMRM), each TMRM for transporting as a truck mounted module to a remote site as an independently-operable mineral recovery module, each TMRM to couple to another TMRM on-site at the remote site and used together to provide enhanced minerals recovery. One TMRM having a central engineered polymer mineral recovery module that receives tailings fluid having a mineral particle of interest, processes the tailings fluid using an engineered polymer configuration, and provides recovered mineral processing fluids having the mineral particle of interest and a tailings disposal fluid. One other TMRM is selected from a group of TMRMs that includes another central engineered polymer mineral recovery module, a tailings fluid management module, an additive/chemical treatment polymer management module, a tailings disposal module and a recovery mineral processing module.
B82Y 30/00 - Nanotechnologie pour matériaux ou science des surfaces, p.ex. nanocomposites
C02F 1/28 - Traitement de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux d'égout par absorption ou adsorption
B03B 5/48 - Lavage de matériaux en grains, en poudre ou en grumeaux; Séparation par voie humide en utilisant des classificateurs mécaniques
B07B 13/00 - Classement ou triage des matériaux solides par voie sèche non prévu ailleurs; Triage autrement que par des dispositifs commandés indirectement
C02F 103/10 - Nature de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux ou boues d'égout à traiter provenant de carrières ou d'activités minières
An engineered collection medium for use in mineral separation is described. The engineered collection medium has a solid phase body configured with a three-dimensional open-cell structure like foam or sponge to provide collection surfaces. The surfaces are functionalized with a hydrophobic chemical having molecules with a functional group for attaching mineral particles to the collection surfaces. The engineered collection medium can be a foam block, a filter or conveyor belt to be placed in a slurry to collect mineral particles in the slurry. The engineered collection medium carrying the mineral particles is provided to a release apparatus where the mineral particles can be released by using mechanical agitation, sonic agitation and so forth.
The present invention provides apparatus, including a pigging tool, that comprises a spraying mechanism configured to move along an inner surface of a pipeline, including a slurry transport pipeline in a minable oilsands facility or plant, and to spray a coating on the inner surface of the pipeline; and a curing source, including an ultraviolet (UV) light source, a microwave source or an RF source, configured to cure the coating sprayed on the inner surface of the pipeline in situ as the spray mechanism moves along the inner surface of the pipeline.
B05D 7/22 - Procédés, autres que le flocage, spécialement adaptés pour appliquer des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides, à des surfaces particulières, ou pour appliquer des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides particuliers à des surfaces internes, p.ex. à l'intérieur de tubes
B05D 3/06 - Traitement préalable des surfaces sur lesquelles des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides doivent être appliqués; Traitement ultérieur des revêtements appliqués, p.ex. traitement intermédiaire d'un revêtement déjà appliqué, pour préparer les applications ultérieures de liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides par exposition à des rayonnements
B05D 1/02 - Procédés pour appliquer des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides aux surfaces réalisés par pulvérisation
F16L 58/10 - Revêtements caractérisés par les matériaux utilisés de caoutchouc ou de matériaux plastiques
F16L 55/164 - Dispositifs pour aveugler les fuites dans les tuyaux ou manches à partir de l'intérieur du tuyau un fluide d'étanchéité étant introduit à l'intérieur du tuyau
F16L 55/26 - Hérissons ou chariots, c.à d. dispositifs pouvant se déplacer dans un tuyau ou dans une conduite et portant ou non un moyen de propulsion autonome
B05C 9/12 - Appareillages ou installations pour appliquer des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides aux surfaces par des moyens non prévus dans l'un des groupes , ou dans lesquels le moyen pour déposer le liquide ou autre matériau fluide n'est pas important pour appliquer un liquide ou autre matériau fluide et exécuter une opération auxiliaire l'opération auxiliaire étant exécutée après l'application
F16L 101/16 - Revêtement par application de matériaux fluides, p.ex. de peinture
24.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECOVERY AUGMENTATION PROCESS AS APPLIED TO MOLYBDENUM PRODUCTION
A copper/molybdenum separation processor is provided featuring a slurry/media mixture stage configured to receive a conditioned pulp containing hydrophobic molybdenite and hydrophilic copper, iron and other minerals that is conditioned with sodium hydrosulfide together with an engineered polymeric hydrophobic media, and provide a slurry/media mixture; and a slurry/media separation stage configured to receive the slurry/media mixture, and provide a slurry product having a copper concentrate and a polymerized hydrophobic media product having a molybdenum concentrate that are separately directed for further processing. The slurry/media mixture stage include a molybdenum loading stage configured to contact the conditioned pulp with the engineered polymeric hydrophobic media in an agitated reaction chamber, and load the hydrophobic molybdenite on the engineered polymeric hydrophobic media.
A copper/molybdenum separation processor is provided featuring a slurry/media mixture stage configured to receive a conditioned pulp containing hydrophobic molybdenite and hydrophilic copper, iron and other minerals that is conditioned with sodium hydrosulfide together with an engineered polymeric hydrophobic media, and provide a slurry/media mixture; and a slurry/media separation stage configured to receive the slurry/media mixture, and provide a slurry product having a copper concentrate and a polymerized hydrophobic media product having a molybdenum concentrate that are separately directed for further processing. The slurry/media mixture stage include a molybdenum loading stage configured to contact the conditioned pulp with the engineered polymeric hydrophobic media in an agitated reaction chamber, and load the hydrophobic molybdenite on the engineered polymeric hydrophobic media.
A selective recirculation circuit has a loading stage, a stripping stage and a filtering stage for use in processing a feed stream or slurry containing mineral particles. The stripping stage forms a first loop with the loading stage, and a second loop with the filtering stage. The loading stage has a loading mixer and a loading washing screen. The stripping stage has a stripping mixer and a stripping washing screen. The loading mixer receives the slurry and causes barren media in the circuit to contact with the slurry so that the mineral particles in the slurry are loaded onto the barren media. The media is directed to the stripping stage where the mineral particles are removed from the media. The barren media is recycled to the loading stage. The stripping solution recovered from the filtering stage is returned to the stripping stage and the mineral particles are discharged as concentrate.
B03D 1/02 - Procédés de flottation par formation d'écume
B01D 21/00 - Séparation par sédimentation de particules solides en suspension dans des liquides
B02C 23/12 - Séparation ou triage de matériaux, associé au broyage ou à la désagrégation au moyen d'un séparateur situé dans le passage de décharge de la zone de broyage ou de désagrégation avec retour des matériaux hors dimension à la zone de broyage ou de désagrégation
B03D 1/018 - Mélanges de composés inorganiques et organiques
A selective recirculation circuit has a loading stage, a stripping stage and a filtering stage for use in processing a feed stream or slurry containing mineral particles. The stripping stage forms a first loop with the loading stage, and a second loop with the filtering stage. The loading stage has a loading mixer and a loading washing screen. The stripping stage has a stripping mixer and a stripping washing screen. The loading mixer receives the slurry and causes barren media in the circuit to contact with the slurry so that the mineral particles in the slurry are loaded onto the barren media. The media is directed to the stripping stage where the mineral particles are removed from the media. The barren media is recycled to the loading stage. The stripping solution recovered from the filtering stage is returned to the stripping stage and the mineral particles are discharged as concentrate.
Apparatus or recovering a mineral particle of interest from a slurry in a mineral extraction process, featuring a core or substrate; and multiple layers arranged on the core or substrate, each layer of the multiple layers configured with a respective outer surface having a plurality of molecules attached thereto, the molecules comprising a functional group selected for attracting and attaching one or more mineral particles of interest to the molecules. Each layer is made from a polymer having a thickness of less than or equal to about 125 microns. The polymer is selected from a group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane or dimethyl siloxane.
B01J 20/28 - Compositions absorbantes ou adsorbantes solides ou compositions facilitant la filtration; Absorbants ou adsorbants pour la chromatographie; Procédés pour leur préparation, régénération ou réactivation caractérisées par leur forme ou leurs propriétés physiques
C02F 103/28 - Nature de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux ou boues d'égout à traiter provenant du traitement de plantes ou de parties de celles-ci provenant de l'industrie du papier ou de la cellulose
C02F 103/10 - Nature de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux ou boues d'égout à traiter provenant de carrières ou d'activités minières
29.
APPLYING MEASUREMENT, CONTROL AND AUTOMATION TO A DRY CORN MILLING ETHANOL PRODUCTION PROCESS TO MAXIMIZE THE RECOVERY OF ETHANOL AND CO-PRODUCTS
Apparatus features a signal processor or signal processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about about a measurement of one or more constituents of an output stream from a centrifuge in a dry corn milling process, including to produce Ethanol; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about a real time feedback control of the dry corn milling process, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module is configured to provide the corresponding signaling as control signaling to provide the real time feedback control of the dry corn milling process.
C12P 7/08 - Ethanol en tant que produit chimique et non en tant que boisson alcoolique préparé comme sous-produit, ou préparé à partir d'un substrat constitué par des déchets ou par des matières cellulosiques
G05D 11/08 - Commande du rapport des débits de plusieurs matériaux fluides ou fluents avec source d'énergie auxiliaire non électrique en déterminant la concentration du mélange, p.ex. en déterminant la valeur du pH
G05D 21/02 - Commande des variables chimiques ou physico-chimiques, p.ex. de la valeur du pH caractérisée par l'utilisation de moyens électriques
G05B 21/02 - Systèmes impliquant l'échantillonnage de la variable commandée électriques
30.
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF THE PRESENCE OF AN AIR CORE IN A FLUID CONDUCTOR
ABSTRACT This invention relates to a technique for optimizing the performance of cyclones, e.g., operating in a hydrocyclone battery in a mineral extraction processing system, including extracting a mineral from ore. An apparatus is disclosed that comprises a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about a central air-core of an overflow pipe of a hydrocyclone where fluid flow is concentrated in an outer annular region of the overflow pipe that is against an inner wall of the overflow pipe during a normal operation of the hydrocyclone, and determine corresponding signaling containing information about a collapse of the .. central air-core of the overflow pipe of the hydrocyclone during an abnormal operation of the hydrocyclone, based upon the signaling received. Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-17 APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF THE PRESENCE OF AN AIR CORE IN A FLUID CONDUCTOR CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims benefit to US provisional patent application serial no. 62/112,433 (712-2.419/ICCS-0135), filed 5 February 2015. This application is related to PCT patent application serial no. PCT/U516/15334 (712-2.418-1//CCS-0134), filed 28 January 2016, which claims benefit to US provisional patent application serial no. 62/108,689 (712- 2.418//CCS- 0134), filed 28 January 2015. This application is related to PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US14/52628 (712-2.410-1//CCS-0124), filed 26 August 2014, which claims benefit to US provisional patent application serial no. 61/869,901 (712- 2.410//CCS- 0124), filed 26 August 2013. This application is related to US patent application serial no. 13/389,546 (712- 2.330-1-1), which corresponds to PCT/US10/45178, filed 11 August 2010, claiming benefit to US provisional patent application serial nos. 61/232,875 (CCS- 0026), filed 11 August 2009; serial no. 61/400,819 (CCS-0044), filed 2 August 2010; and serial no. 61/370,154 (CCS-0043), filed 3 August 2010. This application is also related to US patent application serial no. 13/377,083 (712-2.326-1-1//CCS-0027), which corresponds to PCT/US10/38281, filed 11 June 2010, claiming benefit to US provisional patent application serial nos. 61/186,502, 12 June 2009. 1 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-17 This application is related to US patent application serial no. 12/991,636 (712- 2.322-1-1//00-0962), which corresponds to PCT/US09/43438, filed 11 May 2009, claiming benefit to US provisional patent application serial nos. 61/051,775 (00- 0962P), 61/051,781 (CCS-0963P), and 61/051,803 (CCS-0964P), all filed 9 May 2008. The aforementioned applications were all assigned to the assignee of the present application, which builds on this family of technology. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention This invention relates to a technique for optimizing the performance of cyclones, e.g., operating in a hydrocyclone battery in a mineral extraction processing system, including extracting a mineral from ore. 2. Description of Related Art General Background In many industrial processes the sorting, or classification, of product by size is critical to overall process performance. A minerals processing plant, or beneficiation plant, is no exception. In the case of a copper concentrator as shown in Figure 1A, the input to the plant is water and ore (of a particular type and size distribution) and the outputs are copper concentrate and tailings. The process consists of a grinding, classification, floatation, and thickening, as shown in Figure 1B. The grinding and classification stage produces a fine slurry of water and ore, to which chemicals are added prior to being sent to the flotation stage. Once in the flotation stage, air is used to float the copper mineral while the gangue (tailings) is depressed. The 2 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-17 Since the volume of fluid flow of fluid through the pipe increases greatly when the central air-core collapses, the forces on the probe/sensor will also greatly increase. The probe/sensor can detect this increase in force by various means that are well known. One technique is to use strain gages to detect the bending moment on the probe/sensor produced by the fluid impact. Another example is using an acoustic probe/sensor to look at the frequency spectrum that will be significantly different depending on the presence or absence of the central air-core. An additional technique is to use a probe/sensor with one or more separate detection areas located along the axis of the probe. These one or more separate detection areas will experience significantly different acoustic signals depending on the presence or absence of the central air core, i.e. whether or not there is fluid or slurry impacting these separate detection areas. These one or more separate detection areas can be formed by creating acoustically isolated cylindrical areas along the cylindrical axis of the probe/sensor by using an acoustically isolating material such as rubber between metallic detection areas. Both the metal and isolating material should have very good abrasion resistance so they can survive the flow of abrasive particles in the fluid. The one or more separate detection areas may be coupled to individual transducers, e.g., via separate wave guides that are designed into the probe/sensor. Such wave guides could be concentric cylinders with acoustic isolation between them. By way of example, and as an alternative to the aforementioned wetted probe, the general design of such a probe/sensor could resemble, or take the basic form of, a typical audio plug like that shown in Figure 5A 9 Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-17
B04C 11/00 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de sécurité ou de commande, non prévus ailleurs
G01F 1/28 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement par débitmètre à force d'entraînement, p.ex. du type à palette ou à poussée
Apparatus features a signal processor or signal processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about a central air-core of an overflow pipe of a hydrocyclone where fluid flow is concentrated in an outer annular region of the overflow pipe that is against an inner wall of the overflow pipe during a normal operation of the hydrocyclone; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about a collapse of the central air-core of the overflow pipe of the hydrocyclone during an abnormal oporation of tho hydrocyclone, based upon the signaling received. The signaling contains information about a fluid flow rate of the fluid flow by detecting a change in the magnitude of a force and/or a moment on the probe.
B04C 11/00 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de sécurité ou de commande, non prévus ailleurs
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
G01F 5/00 - Mesure d'une fraction du débit volumétrique
G01F 23/18 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme par mesurage de la pression les dispositifs d'indication, d'enregistrement ou d'alarme étant actionnés électriquement
G01M 3/26 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit
32.
FLUID FLOW CHARACTERISTICS IN A CHANNELIZING PROCESS FLOWSTREAM, BY INDUCING A STANDING WAVE THEREIN
The present invention provides a new and unique apparatus featuring a signal processor or processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about a fluid flow passing through a pipe that is channelized causing flow variations in the fluid flow; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about a fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow that depends on the flow variations caused in the fluid flow channelized, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide the corresponding signaling, including where the corresponding signaling contains information about the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow channelized.
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
33.
DETECTION OF CYCLONE WEAR OR DAMAGE USING INDIVIDUAL CYCLONE OVERFLOW MEASUREMENT
Apparatus features a signal processor or signal processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about an acoustic noise profile that is directly measured and generated by a slurry hitting a probe configured in a part of a cyclone; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about the status of the part of the cyclone, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module is configured to provide the corresponding signaling, including where the corresponding signaling provided contains information about whether the part of the cyclone is damaged or worn. The part of the cyclone is an apex of the cyclone, and the corresponding signaling contains information about the status of the apex of the cyclone.
Apparatus features a signal processor or signal processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about an acoustic noise profile that is directly measured and generated by a slurry hitting a probe configured in a part of a cyclone; and determine corresponding signaling containing information about the status of the part of the cyclone, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module is configured to provide the corresponding signaling, including where the corresponding signaling provided contains information about whether the part of the cyclone is damaged or worn. The part of the cyclone is an apex of the cyclone, and the corresponding signaling contains information about the status of the apex of the cyclone.
B04C 11/00 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de sécurité ou de commande, non prévus ailleurs
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
G01F 1/28 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement par débitmètre à force d'entraînement, p.ex. du type à palette ou à poussée
G01F 23/18 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme par mesurage de la pression les dispositifs d'indication, d'enregistrement ou d'alarme étant actionnés électriquement
G01M 3/26 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit
Apparatus is provided including a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: respond to signaling containing information about particle sizes of solids forming part of a slurry stream being fed with a common feed flow into a battery of cyclones; and determine which combinations of cyclones in the battery produce overflow that has undesirable particle size characteristics using a statistical algorithm or technique, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module provides corresponding signaling containing about which combinations of cyclones in the battery produce overflow that has undesirable particle size characteristics, including control signaling to control the operation of the battery, including information about certain combinations of cyclones to avoid, or preferentially to use, to minimize the total amount of coarse material having the undesirable particle size characteristics produced by the battery.
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G05B 19/042 - Commande à programme autre que la commande numérique, c.à d. dans des automatismes à séquence ou dans des automates à logique utilisant des processeurs numériques
B25B 11/00 - Porte-pièces ou dispositifs de mise en position non couverts par l'un des groupes , p.ex. porte-pièces magnétiques, porte-pièces utilisant le vide
36.
TRANSPORTABLE MODULAR SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED MINERAL RECOVERY FROM TAILINGS LINES AND DEPOSITS
A transportable modular system for enhanced minerals recovery from tailings lines and deposits, features two transportable mineral recovery modules (TMRM), each TMRM for transporting as a truck mounted module to a remote site as an independently-operable mineral recovery module, each TMRM to couple to another TMRM on-site at the remote site and used together to provide enhanced minerals recovery. One TMRM having a central engineered polymer mineral recovery module that receives tailings fluid having a mineral particle of interest, processes the tailings fluid using an engineered polymer configuration, and provides recovered mineral processing fluids having the mineral particle of interest and a tailings disposal fluid. One other TMRM is selected from a group of TMRMs that includes another central engineered polymer mineral recovery module, a tailings fluid management module, an additive/chemical treatment polymer management module, a tailings disposal module and a recovery mineral processing module.
A transportable modular system for enhanced minerals recovery from tailings lines and deposits, features two transportable mineral recovery modules (TMRM), each TMRM for transporting as a truck mounted module to a remote site as an independently-operable mineral recovery module, each TMRM to couple to another TMRM on-site at the remote site and used together to provide enhanced minerals recovery. One TMRM having a central engineered polymer mineral recovery module that receives tailings fluid having a mineral particle of interest, processes the tailings fluid using an engineered polymer configuration, and provides recovered mineral processing fluids having the mineral particle of interest and a tailings disposal fluid. One other TMRM is selected from a group of TMRMs that includes another central engineered polymer mineral recovery module, a tailings fluid management module, an additive/chemical treatment polymer management module, a tailings disposal module and a recovery mineral processing module.
An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed, including a collection area or tank having one or more collection surfaces configured to contact with a mixture having water and valuable material, the valuable material having a plurality of mineral particles of interest; and a synthetic material provided at least on the one or more collection surfaces, the synthetic material having plurality of molecules with a siloxane functional group configured to attract the mineral particles of interest to the collection surfaces. The one or more collection surfaces includes a conveyor belt that is driven through the collection area or tank, through a release area or tank, back through the collection area or tank. The mixture includes a pulp slurry having ground ore with mineral particles of interest forming part thereof, including mineral particles of interest of about 500 microns or larger.
B01D 15/26 - Adsorption sélective, p.ex. chromatographie caractérisée par le mécanisme de séparation
B01D 15/20 - Adsorption sélective, p.ex. chromatographie caractérisée par des caractéristiques de structure ou de fonctionnement relatives au conditionnement de la matière adsorbante ou absorbante
Apparatus features a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about acoustic emissions resulting from particles impacting a solid sensor element configured in a process pipe having a process fluid flowing therein, including a slurry; and determine particle sizes of solids in the process fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may also be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the particle sizes of solids in the process fluid.
G01N 29/14 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores; Visualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet utilisant des techniques d'émission acoustique
G01N 29/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores; Visualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet - Détails
G01N 29/09 - Analyse de solides en mesurant l'impédance mécanique ou acoustique
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
40.
Smart pipe concept based on embedded taggant-sensor and/or color-encoded elements to monitor liner wear in lined pipelines, including urethane lined pipe
Apparatus, including a pipeline, featuring at least one pipe liner or coating configured to line or coat a pipe for receiving a process fluid flow, configured with at least one chemical taggant or tracer, and also configured to respond to the process fluid flow, and provide an indication about a degree of liner or coating wear or a location of wear in the pipe. The apparatus may also include the pipe having the at least one pipe liner or coating configured therein.
F16L 58/10 - Revêtements caractérisés par les matériaux utilisés de caoutchouc ou de matériaux plastiques
G01M 3/22 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par détection de la présence du fluide à l'emplacement de la fuite en utilisant des révélateurs particuliers, p.ex. teinture, produits fluorescents, produits radioactifs pour soupapes
G01N 23/223 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de rayonnement [ondes ou particules], p.ex. rayons X ou neutrons, non couvertes par les groupes , ou en mesurant l'émission secondaire de matériaux en irradiant l'échantillon avec des rayons X ou des rayons gamma et en mesurant la fluorescence X
G01M 3/00 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide
41.
Tomographic determination of multiphase flows in pipes and/or liquid/froth interfaces in process tanks using high speed multiplexed electrical impedance sensing
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about coded and multiplexed voltages measured across pairs of electrodes in an array of electrodes configured in relation to a fluid processing structure, including a pipe, tank, vessel, vat or container, having a process fluid therein; and determine using a tomographic signal processing algorithm a tomographic indication of the process fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the tomographic indication of the process fluid. The tomographic indication includes a 2D or 3D image or visualization of the process fluid, including an analysis of mixing in multiphase flows, liquid interfaces or liquid-froth layers detected in the process fluid.
G01N 27/08 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la résistance d'un liquide qui coule sans interruption
G01N 27/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la capacité
G01B 15/06 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou de radiations de particules, p.ex. par l'utilisation de micro-ondes, de rayons X, de rayons gamma ou d'électrons pour mesurer la déformation dans un solide
G01B 15/00 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou de radiations de particules, p.ex. par l'utilisation de micro-ondes, de rayons X, de rayons gamma ou d'électrons
42.
MINERAL RECOVERY WITH MULTIPLE LAYERS OF MOLECULES HAVING FUNCTIONAL GROUPS
Apparatus for recovering a mineral particle of interest from a slurry in a mineral extraction process, featuring a core or substrate; and multiple layers arranged on the core or substrate, each layer of the multiple layers configured with a respective outer surface having a plurality of molecules attached thereto, the molecules comprising a functional group selected for attracting and attaching one or more mineral particles of interest to the molecules. Each layer is made from a polymer having a thickness of less than or equal to about 125 microns. The polymer is selected from a group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane or dimethyl siloxane.
Apparatus for recovering a mineral particle of interest from a slurry in a mineral extraction process, featuring a core or substrate; and multiple layers arranged on the core or substrate, each layer of the multiple layers configured with a respective outer surface having a plurality of molecules attached thereto, the molecules comprising a functional group selected for attracting and attaching one or more mineral particles of interest to the molecules. Each layer is made from a polymer having a thickness of less than or equal to about 125 microns. The polymer is selected from a group consisting of polydimethylsiloxane or dimethyl siloxane.
B32B 5/02 - Produits stratifiés caractérisés par l'hétérogénéité ou la structure physique d'une des couches caractérisés par les caractéristiques de structure d'une couche comprenant des fibres ou des filaments
C02F 1/52 - Traitement de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux d'égout par floculation ou précipitation d'impuretés en suspension
44.
Velocity based method for determining air-fuel ratio of a fluid flow
A method for determining one or more fluid flow parameters for a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided. The fluid is a mixture of solid particles and gas. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a meter operable to determine the velocity of the fluid flow through the pipe, which meter is substantially insensitive to the particulate/gas mass ratio of the fluid flow; b) determining the velocity of the fluid flow within the pipe using the meter; and c) determining a particulate/gas mass ratio using a density value for the gas within the flow and the determined fluid flow velocity.
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01F 1/34 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
G01F 1/708 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée
45.
Tomographic and sonar-based processing using electrical probing of a flowing fluid to determine flow rate
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about electrical responses to a transiting flow perturbation in at least three planes of a fluid flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel sensed using a tomographic processing technique; and determine a flow rate of the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using a combined tomography and SONAR-based algorithm and signal processing technique, based at least partly on the signaling received.
G01R 27/08 - Mesure de la résistance par mesure à la fois de la tension et de l'intensité
G01F 1/64 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets électriques ou magnétiques en mesurant le potentiel électrique produit par l’écoulement de fluide, p.ex. par effet électrochimique, effet de contact ou effet de frottement
G01F 1/704 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu utilisant des zones marquées ou non homogènes de l’écoulement de fluide, p.ex. des variations statistiques d'un paramètre du fluide
G01F 1/712 - Mesure du temps de parcours d'une distance déterminée utilisant des moyens de détection à autocorrélation ou à intercorrélation
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
46.
Flow profiling techniques based on modulated magnetic-electrical impedance tomography
Apparatus includes a signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about an application of a rotating magnetic field across a fluid flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel; and determine a flow analysis across the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processing module may also be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the flow analysis across the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel.
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
G01F 1/58 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets électriques ou magnétiques par débitmètres électromagnétiques
47.
Mineral recovery in tailings using functionalized polymers
An apparatus and method for collecting mineral particles in the tailings is disclosed. The apparatus may take the form of a filter, a conveyor belt, a collection plate or an impeller configured to contact with tailings of a flotation process, before and/or after the tailings are discharged into a pond. The filter, conveyor belt, collection plate or impeller has a collection area or surface made of, or coated with, a synthetic material having a functional group, e.g., having an ionizing bond to attract the mineral particles of interest. Alternatively, the synthetic material has hydrophobic molecules to render the collection area hydrophobic. When the mineral particles of interest in the tailings are combined with collector molecules, the mineral particles of interest may also become hydrophobic. The hydrophobic mineral particles of interest are attracted to the hydrophobic collection area or surface. The filter, conveyor belt, collection plate and impeller may have a plurality of passage ways or synthetic beads in order to increase the contacting surfaces.
B01D 15/02 - Procédés de séparation comportant le traitement de liquides par des adsorbants ou des absorbants solides; Appareillages pour ces procédés par des adsorbants en mouvement
Method and apparatus for the control of a flotation separation process, including parameters of the flotation process and reagent addition to optimize mineral recovery
A method and apparatus are provided to control of a flotation separation process, including parameters of the flotation process and reagent addition to optimize mineral recovery. The apparatus includes a signal processor or processing module configured at least to receive signalling containing information about at least one acoustic characteristic of a froth layer in a flotation cell or tank of a flotation separation process; and determine a control characteristic related to the flotation separation process based at least partly on the signalling received. The signal processor or processing module may also be configured at least to: provide corresponding signalling containing information to control the flotation separation process based at least partly on the control characteristic determined.
G05B 19/401 - Commande numérique (CN), c.à d. machines fonctionnant automatiquement, en particulier machines-outils, p.ex. dans un milieu de fabrication industriel, afin d'effectuer un positionnement, un mouvement ou des actions coordonnées au moyen de données d'u caractérisée par des dispositions de commande pour la mesure, p.ex. étalonnage et initialisation, mesure de la pièce à usiner à des fins d'usinage
B03D 1/02 - Procédés de flottation par formation d'écume
B07C 5/34 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières
49.
Charged engineered polymer beads/bubbles functionalized with molecules for attracting and attaching to mineral particles of interest for flotation separation
Apparatus is providing featuring a synthetic bead having a solid-phase body with a surface, and being configured with a predetermined electric charge so as to respond to a corresponding predetermined electric field; and a plurality of molecules attached to at least part of the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group selected for attracting and attaching one or more mineral particles of interest to the molecules. Some combination of the solid-phase body or the surface may be configured from a polymer. The polymer may be polyethylenimine. The polyethylenimine may be engineered or configured to be highly charged so as to be used to collect the mineral particles of interest and then manipulated through and by the corresponding predetermined electric field.
B04B 5/10 - Centrifugeurs combinés avec d'autres appareils, p.ex. avec des séparateurs électrostatiques; Ensembles ou systèmes de plusieurs centrifugeurs
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about the conductivity of a fluid contained, processed or flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel having electrodes around the circumference of the pipe, tank, cell or vessel in an irregular configuration; and determine a scale build-up in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using a tomographic processing technique, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the scale build-up in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using the tomographic processing technique, e.g., including where the corresponding signaling contains information about a chemical to be injected to control the scale build-up, including in a closed loop manner.
Apparatus is provided comprising a signal processing module configured with at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive signaling containing information about a stiffness of a concrete mixture; and determine an average bubble size of gas contained in the concrete mixture, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the average bubble size of gas contained in the concrete mixture. The signal processing module may be configured to determine the pressure inside air bubbles and determine an average air bubble size of the gas contained in the concrete mixture, based at least partly on the pressure determined inside the air bubbles.
G01N 29/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi d'ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores; Visualisation de l'intérieur d'objets par transmission d'ondes ultrasonores ou sonores à travers l'objet
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 29/07 - Analyse de solides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01N 3/30 - Recherche des propriétés mécaniques des matériaux solides par application d'une contrainte mécanique en appliquant une force unique et brève
52.
Dimensionally controlled ‘engineered polymer bubble’ for flotation separation
Apparatus is provided featuring a first and second cells. The first cell receives an ore slurry having mineral particles of interest, receives unexpanded polymer microspheres comprising a surface having mineral collector chemistry attached thereto with molecules for attaching the mineral particles of interest, causes the unexpanded polymer microspheres to expand substantially in volume into expanded polymer microspheres having a substantially increased sphere surface area, and provides an expanded polymer microsphere foam layer comprising the expanded polymer microspheres with attached mineral particles of interest. The second cell receives the expanded polymer microsphere foam layer, and causes the expanded polymer microspheres to collapse substantially in volume into collapsed polymer microspheres having a substantially reduced sphere surface area that results in a mechanical shearing off of the attached mineral particles of interest. The second cell may also provide a mineral concentrate output having the mineral particles of interest.
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about a radiation impedance of a piston vibrating a process medium, including a fluid or slurry; and determine a speed of sound or density measurement related to the process medium, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module may determine a speed of sound measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the density of the process medium, including where the density of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module, or determine a density measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the speed at which sound travels in the process medium, including where the speed of sound of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module.
Apparatus is provided including a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: respond to signaling containing information about particle sizes of solids forming part of a slurry stream being fed with a common feed flow into a battery of cyclones; and determine which combinations of cyclones in the battery produce overflow that has undesirable particle size characteristics using a statistical algorithm or technique, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module provides corresponding signaling containing about which combinations of cyclones in the battery produce overflow that has undesirable particle size characteristics, including control signaling to control the operation of the battery, including information about certain combinations of cyclones to avoid, or preferentially to use, to minimize the total amount of coarse material having the undesirable particle size characteristics produced by the battery.
B04C 11/00 - Accessoires, p.ex. dispositifs de sécurité ou de commande, non prévus ailleurs
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01S 7/539 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant l'analyse du signal d'écho pour la caractérisation de la cible; Signature de cible; Surface équivalente de cible
Apparatus is provided including a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: respond to signaling containing information about particle sizes of solids forming part of a slurry stream being fed with a common feed flow into a battery of cyclones; and determine which combinations of cyclones in the battery produce overflow that has undesirable particle size characteristics using a statistical algorithm or technique, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module provides corresponding signaling containing about which combinations of cyclones in the battery produce overflow that has undesirable particle size characteristics, including control signaling to control the operation of the battery, including information about certain combinations of cyclones to avoid, or preferentially to use, to minimize the total amount of coarse material having the undesirable particle size characteristics produced by the battery.
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
G01F 1/20 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques par détection des effets dynamiques de l’écoulement
G01F 1/74 - Dispositifs pour la mesure du débit d'un matériau fluide ou du débit d'un matériau solide fluent en suspension dans un autre fluide
56.
Acoustic probing technique for the determination of multiple liquid/froth interfaces in separation and storage vessels based on an oblique tomographic analysis approach
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor configured to receive from an array of ultrasonic transponders around a tank, container or flow pipe signaling containing information about acoustic waves of energy penetrating a fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe; and determine using tomography a three-dimensional image of layers of the fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe based at least partly on the signalling received and. The signal processor provides corresponding signal containing information about the three-dimensional image of the layers of the fluid in the tank, container or flow pipe. The array is an obliquely oriented array of ultrasonic transponders arranged on an oblique plane to the axis of the tank or column; or the array is placed normal to the flow around the exterior of the flow pipe.
G01F 1/66 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en mesurant la fréquence, le déphasage, le temps de propagation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou d'autres types d'ondes, p.ex. en utilisant des débitmètres à ultrasons
57.
Method and system for flotation separation in a magnetically controllable and steerable medium
The present invention provides new techniques related to magnetically controllable and/or steerable froth for use in separation processes of mineral-bearing ore and bitumen. Apparatus is provided featuring a processor configured to contain a fluidic medium having a material-of-interest and also having a surfactant with magnetic properties so as to cause the formation of a froth layer that contains at least some of the material-of-interest and is magnetically responsive; and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field and provide non-mechanical mixing and steering/driving of the froth layer in the processor. The material-of-interest may be mineral-bearing ore particles or bitumen. The processor includes a flotation tank, a primary separation vessel (PSV), or a pipe, including a tailings pipeline. The pipe has a non-magnetic pipe section, and the magnetic field generator includes a magnetic coil arranged in relation to non-magnetic pipe section to generate the magnetic field and provide the non-mechanical mixing and steering/driving of the froth layer in the pipe.
B03C 1/32 - Séparation magnétique agissant sur le milieu qui contient la substance à séparer, p.ex. séparation magnéto-gravimétrique, magnéto-hydrostatique ou magnéto- hydrodynamique
C10G 1/04 - Production de mélanges liquides d'hydrocarbures à partir de schiste bitumineux, de sable pétrolifère ou de matières carbonées solides non fusibles ou similaires, p.ex. bois, charbon par extraction
B03D 1/02 - Procédés de flottation par formation d'écume
B03D 1/08 - Traitement ultérieur du produit concentré
B03D 1/22 - Machines de flottation à propulseurs; Machines à subaération avec soufflantes extérieures
B03D 1/18 - Machines de flottation à propulseurs; Machines à subaération sans apport d'air
58.
Dual acoustic and electrical analysis technique for the tomographic determination of multiphase flows in pipes and/or liquid/froth interfaces in process tanks
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least two sensing modalities sensed by a single probe arranged in relation to a multiphase flow or process volume; and determine using a multiple modality tomographic analysis technique information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing corresponding information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume.
G01N 27/06 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la résistance d'un liquide
G01N 27/08 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la résistance d'un liquide qui coule sans interruption
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation de l'intérieur, p.ex. microscopie acoustique
G01N 29/07 - Analyse de solides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
Apparatus is provided comprising a signal processor that receives signaling containing information about an acoustic signal swept and sensed over a frequency range in relation to a pipe; and determines information about the structure of the pipe based at least partly on two or more sub-frequency ranges that form part of the frequency range in the signaling received. The signal processor also receives the acoustic signal being transmitted to the pipe and corresponding signaling in the two or more sub-frequency ranges containing information about reflections of the acoustic signal back from the pipe; and determines information about the structure of the pipe based at least partly on a coherent mixing of the acoustic signal and the corresponding signaling in the two or more sub-frequency ranges using a coherent acoustic tomography technique. Alternatively, the signal processor also receives associated signaling in the two or more sub-frequency ranges containing information about associated resonance in a liner of a wall of the pipe and determines information about the liner of the wall of the pipe, based at least partly on the two or more sub-frequency ranges.
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or signal processing module configured to receive signaling containing information about images of an ore sample; and determine information about a Bitumen Content of the ore sample based at least partly on the signaling, including for use in real time ore blend management in a bitumen recovery process related to mined oil sands. The ore sample may be an ore face, and the signaling may contain information about the images of the ore face. The signal processor or signal processing module may be configured to determine a real time ore face ore grade visualization based at least partly on the signaling, and provide corresponding signaling containing information about the real time ore face ore grade visualization, including a composite overlay image.
G01N 21/27 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en utilisant la détection photo-électrique
H04N 5/33 - Transformation des rayonnements infrarouges
G01N 21/31 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p.ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique
G01N 21/3563 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p.ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en utilisant la lumière infrarouge pour l'analyse de solides; Préparation des échantillons à cet effet
G01G 19/08 - Appareils ou méthodes de pesée adaptés à des fins particulières non prévues dans les groupes pour incorporation dans des véhicules
G01N 21/84 - Systèmes spécialement adaptés à des applications particulières
An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed. The apparatus may take the form of a filter, a conveyor belt or an impeller to be used in a processor to collect mineral particles in the slurry, or in a tailings pond to collect mineral particles in the tailings. The filter, conveyor belt or impeller has a collection area made of or coated with a polymer or a polymer-coated material having a functional group, either anionic or cationic to attach to the mineral particles. Alternatively, the synthetic material has hydrophobic molecules to render the collection area hydrophobic. When the mineral particles in the slurry or tailings are combined with collector molecules, the mineral particles also become hydrophobic. The hydrophobic mineral particles are attracted to the hydrophobic collection area. The filter, conveyor belt and impeller may have a plurality of passage ways in order to increase the contacting surfaces.
B03D 1/02 - Procédés de flottation par formation d'écume
C02F 1/24 - Traitement de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux d'égout par flottation
C02F 1/28 - Traitement de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux d'égout par absorption ou adsorption
B01D 15/36 - Adsorption sélective, p.ex. chromatographie caractérisée par le mécanisme de séparation impliquant une interaction ionique, p.ex. échange d'ions, paire d'ions, suppression d'ions ou exclusion d'ions
An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed, including a collection area or tank having one or more collection surfaces configured to contact with a mixture having water and valuable material, the valuable material having a plurality of mineral particles of interest; and a synthetic material provided at least on the one or more collection surfaces, the synthetic material having plurality of molecules with a siloxane functional group configured to attract the mineral particles of interest to the collection surfaces. The one or more collection surfaces includes a conveyor belt that is driven through the collection area or tank, through a release area or tank, back through the collection area or tank. The mixture includes a pulp slurry having ground ore with mineral particles of interest forming part thereof, including mineral particles of interest of about 500 microns or larger.
An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed, including a collection area or tank having one or more collection surfaces configured to contact with a mixture having water and valuable material, the valuable material having a plurality of mineral particles of interest; and a synthetic material provided at least on the one or more collection surfaces, the synthetic material having plurality of molecules with a siloxane functional group configured to attract the mineral particles of interest to the collection surfaces. The one or more collection surfaces includes a conveyor belt that is driven through the collection area or tank, through a release area or tank, back through the collection area or tank. The mixture includes a pulp slurry having ground ore with mineral particles of interest forming part thereof, including mineral particles of interest of about 500 microns or larger.
The present invention provides a technique that uses discrete wavelengths of illumination of an ore sample, and through the use of optical filters and laser illumination the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement can be greatly improved, and may take the form of apparatus featuring a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about a spectral reflectance caused by discrete wavelengths illuminating an ore sample; and determine information about a bitumen content of the ore sample based at least partly on the signaling. The signal processor may provide corresponding signaling containing information about the bitumen content of the ore sample, including for further processing, printing or displaying.
G01N 21/3563 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p.ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en utilisant la lumière infrarouge pour l'analyse de solides; Préparation des échantillons à cet effet
G01N 21/39 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p.ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en utilisant des lasers à longueur d'onde réglable
G01N 21/84 - Systèmes spécialement adaptés à des applications particulières
65.
Acoustic standing wave particle size or distribution detection
Apparatus features an acoustic comb filter module configured to receive signaling containing information about different frequencies F1 and F2 to create a selected comb spacing D to capture certain particles having a selected size X in a flow stream in a flow pipe, and to provide an acoustic standing wave via ultrasonic excitation based at least partly on the two different frequencies F1 and F2 to create the selected comb spacing D to capture the certain particles having the selected size X in the flow stream in the flow pipe. The apparatus may also include a particle size or distribution determination module configured to receive the certain particles for off-stream analysis via a detection port that forms part of the flow pipe and determine the particle size or distribution of the certain particles in the flow stream in the flow pipe.
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
66.
Optimizing acoustic efficiency of a sonic filter or separator
Apparatus features a container and a transducer. The container is made of a selected material and has a container wall with a selected thickness, and configured to hold a fluid therein. The transducer is configured on the outside of the container wall, and is also configured to provide a standing wave into the fluid. The selected thickness and material of the container wall is chosen to ensure about a ½ wavelength of a desired frequency exists within the container wall, so as to substantially reduce back reflections toward the transducer due to any mismatch in acoustic impedance at the interface between the container wall and the fluid, and so as to substantially maximize the amount of energy delivered to the fluid, thus improving the operating efficiency of the apparatus.
B01J 19/10 - Procédés utilisant l'application directe de l'énergie ondulatoire ou électrique, ou un rayonnement particulaire; Appareils à cet usage utilisant des vibrations de fréquences audibles ou des ultrasons
A synthetic bead for use in mineral separation is described. The synthetic bead has a surface made of a synthetic material such as polymer and the synthetic material is functionalized with molecules having a functional group for attracting mineral particles to the surface in a separation process. The synthetic beads can be placed in flotation cell containing a mixture of water, valuable material and unwanted material or in a pipeline where the mixture is transported from one location to another. The enriched synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are separated from the unwanted materials in the mixture. The mineral particles are then released from the synthetic beads by means of low pH treatment, ultrasonic agitation, thermal or electromagnetic treatment.
B01D 15/02 - Procédés de séparation comportant le traitement de liquides par des adsorbants ou des absorbants solides; Appareillages pour ces procédés par des adsorbants en mouvement
Apparatus features a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about acoustic emissions resulting from particles impacting a solid sensor element configured in a process pipe having a process fluid flowing therein, including a slurry; and determine particle sizes of solids in the process fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may also be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the particle sizes of solids in the process fluid.
Apparatus features a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about acoustic emissions resulting from particles impacting a solid sensor element configured in a process pipe having a process fluid flowing therein, including a slurry; and determine particle sizes of solids in the process fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may also be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the particle sizes of solids in the process fluid.
70.
TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF MULTIPHASE FLOWS AND LIQUID/FROTH INTERFACES USING CODE DIVISION MULTIPLEXED ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE SENSING
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about coded and multiplexed voltages measured across pairs of electrodes in an array of electrodes configured in relation to a fluid processing structure, including a pipe, tank, vessel, vat or container, having a process fluid therein; and determine using a tomographic signal processing algorithm a tomographic indication of the process fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the tomographic indication of the process fluid. The tomographic indication includes a 2D or 3D image or visualization of the process fluid, including an analysis of mixing in multiphase flows, liquid interfaces or liquid-froth layers detected in the process fluid.
G01B 15/06 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation d'ondes électromagnétiques ou de radiations de particules, p.ex. par l'utilisation de micro-ondes, de rayons X, de rayons gamma ou d'électrons pour mesurer la déformation dans un solide
G01R 21/00 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de la puissance ou du facteur de puissance
71.
Synthetic bubbles or beads having hydrophobic surface
A synthetic bead for use in mineral separation is described. The synthetic bead has a surface made of or coated with a synthetic material such as a polymer that is naturally hydrophobic or a polymer that is hydrophobically modified. The synthetic bead can be made of glass having a coating or polysiloxane. The synthetic beads can be placed in flotation cell containing a mixture of water, collector molecules, valuable material and unwanted material or in a pipeline where the mixture is transported from one location to another. The collector chemical can be xanthates. The enriched synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are separated from the unwanted materials in the mixture. The mineral particles are then released from the synthetic beads by means of low pH treatment, ultrasonic agitation, thermal or electromagnetic treatment.
B01D 15/02 - Procédés de séparation comportant le traitement de liquides par des adsorbants ou des absorbants solides; Appareillages pour ces procédés par des adsorbants en mouvement
The present invention provides a proppant or proppant mixture having insert materials configured for providing a mechanical or physical function in a well to hold open fissures or pathways created in formations caused by well fracking to allow a release of a hydrocarbon from the well, the insert materials being configured at least partly with beads having a functionalized polymer so as to form functionalized polymer proppants that are configured to respond to the hydrocarbon or other composition of matter released from the well, including water, and provide at least one chemical taggant containing an indication about the hydrocarbon or other composition of matter released from the well. The functionalized polymer may include a dual-monomer structure.
The present invention provides a proppant or proppant mixture having insert materials configured for providing a mechanical or physical function in a well to hold open fissures or pathways created in formations caused by well fracking to allow a release of a hydrocarbon from the well, the insert materials being configured at least partly with beads having a functionalized polymer so as to form functionalized polymer proppants that are configured to respond to the hydrocarbon or other composition of matter released from the well, including water, and provide at least one chemical taggant containing an indication about the hydrocarbon or other composition of matter released from the well. The functionalized polymer may include a dual-monomer structure.
C09K 8/80 - Compositions pour renforcer les fractures, p.ex. compositions pour agents de soutènement utilisés pour maintenir les fractures ouvertes
74.
SMART PIPE CONCEPT BASED ON EMBEDDED TAGGANT-SENSOR AND/OR COLOR-ENCODED ELEMENTS TO MONITOR LINER WEAR IN LINED PIPELINES, INCLUDING URETHANE LINED PIPE
Apparatus, including a pipeline, featuring at least one pipe liner or coating configured to line or coat a pipe for receiving a process fluid flow, configured with at least one chemical taggant or tracer, and also configured to respond to the process fluid flow, and provide an indication about a degree of liner or coating wear or a location of wear in the pipe. The apparatus may also include the pipe having the at least one pipe liner or coating configured therein.
An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed. The apparatus may take the form of a filter, a conveyor belt or an impeller to be used in a processor to collect mineral particles in the slurry, or in a tailings pond to collect mineral particles in the tailings. The filter, conveyor belt or impeller has a collection area made of or coated with a synthetic material having a functional group, either anionic or cationic to attach to the mineral particles. Alternatively, the synthetic material has hydrophobic molecules to render the collection area hydrophobic. When the mineral particles in the slurry or tailings are combined with collector molecules, the mineral particles also become hydrophobic. The hydrophobic mineral particles are attracted to the hydrophobic collection area. The filter, conveyor belt and impeller may have a plurality of passage ways in order to increase the contacting surfaces.
B01D 15/02 - Procédés de séparation comportant le traitement de liquides par des adsorbants ou des absorbants solides; Appareillages pour ces procédés par des adsorbants en mouvement
SMART PIPE CONCEPT BASED ON EMBEDDED TAGGANT-SENSOR AND/OR COLOR-ENCODED ELEMENTS TO MONITOR LINER WEAR IN LINED PIPELINES, INCLUDING URETHANE LINED PIPE
Apparatus, including a pipeline, featuring at least one pipe liner or coating configured to line or coat a pipe for receiving a process fluid flow, configured with at least one chemical taggant or tracer, and also configured to respond to the process fluid flow, and provide an indication about a degree of liner or coating wear or a location of wear in the pipe. The apparatus may also include the pipe having the at least one pipe liner or coating configured therein.
Apparatus featuring synthetic bubbles or beads and a flotation stage. The synthetic bubbles or beads are configured with a polymer or polymer-based material functionalized to attach to the valuable material in a mixture to form at least some enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto, and also configured to be transported through the mixture based at least partly on a characteristic of the synthetic bubbles or beads. The flotation stage has the mixture containing valuable material, and is configured to receive the synthetic bubbles or beads and to provide the at least some enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto based at least partly the characteristic of the synthetic bubbles or beads.
B01D 15/02 - Procédés de séparation comportant le traitement de liquides par des adsorbants ou des absorbants solides; Appareillages pour ces procédés par des adsorbants en mouvement
Apparatus for use in, or forming part of, a separation process to be implemented in separation processor technology, the apparatus comprising synthetic bubbles or beads configured with a polymer or polymer-based material functionalized to attach to a valuable material in a mixture so as to form an enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto, and also configured to be separated from the mixture based at least partly on a difference in a physical property between the enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto and the mixture.
B01D 15/02 - Procédés de séparation comportant le traitement de liquides par des adsorbants ou des absorbants solides; Appareillages pour ces procédés par des adsorbants en mouvement
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least one rheological parameter related to a fluid containing Mature Fine Tailings (MFTs) flowing through a process pipe; and determine a dosing of a polymer to the fluid so as to cause a polymer induced agglomeration of the MFTs in the fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor may be configured to provide corresponding signaling to control the dosing of the polymer to cause the polymer induced fine agglomeration of the MFTs in the fluid.
C10G 1/04 - Production de mélanges liquides d'hydrocarbures à partir de schiste bitumineux, de sable pétrolifère ou de matières carbonées solides non fusibles ou similaires, p.ex. bois, charbon par extraction
F17D 3/01 - Dispositions pour la surveillance ou la commande des opérations de fonctionnement pour commander, signaler ou surveiller le transfert d'un produit
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least one rheological parameter related to a fluid containing Mature Fine Tailings (MFTs) flowing through a process pipe; and determine a dosing of a polymer to the fluid so as to cause a polymer induced agglomeration of the MFTs in the fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor may be configured to provide corresponding signaling to control the dosing of the polymer to cause the polymer induced fine agglomeration of the MFTs in the fluid.
C02F 1/52 - Traitement de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux d'égout par floculation ou précipitation d'impuretés en suspension
F17D 3/00 - Dispositions pour la surveillance ou la commande des opérations de fonctionnement
G01F 1/00 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu
A machine or apparatus featuring a first processor and a second processor. The first processor is configured to receive a mixture of fluid, valuable material and unwanted material and a functionalized polymer coated member configured to attach to the valuable material in an attachment rich environment, and provide an enriched functionalized polymer coated member having the valuable material attached thereto. The second processor is configured to receive a fluid and the enriched functionalized polymer coated member in a release rich environment to release the valuable material, and provide the valuable material released from the enriched functionalized polymer coated member.
B01D 37/02 - Revêtement préalable des éléments filtrants ou de la substance filtrante; Addition d'adjuvants de filtration au liquide à filtrer
C02F 1/24 - Traitement de l'eau, des eaux résiduaires ou des eaux d'égout par flottation
B01D 39/00 - Substance filtrante pour fluides liquides ou gazeux
B01D 15/02 - Procédés de séparation comportant le traitement de liquides par des adsorbants ou des absorbants solides; Appareillages pour ces procédés par des adsorbants en mouvement
B03C 5/00 - Séparation de particules des liquides dans lesquels elles sont dispersées, par effet électrostatique
B04C 1/00 - Appareils dans lesquels la direction principale du flux décrit une spirale plate
B07B 1/00 - Criblage, tamisage ou triage des matériaux solides au moyen de treillis, grilles ou systèmes analogues
B03B 1/04 - Traitement pour faciliter la séparation, en altérant les propriétés physiques du matériau à traiter par additifs
B03C 1/01 - Prétraitement spécialement adapté à la séparation magnétique par addition d'agents magnétiques
B03D 1/02 - Procédés de flottation par formation d'écume
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about electrical responses to a transiting flow perturbation in at least three planes of a fluid flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel sensed using a tomographic processing technique; and determine a flow rate of the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using a combined tomography and SONAR-based algorithm and signal processing technique, based at least partly on the signaling received.
G01R 29/08 - Mesure des caractéristiques du champ électromagnétique
G01F 1/56 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets électriques ou magnétiques
G01F 1/704 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu utilisant des zones marquées ou non homogènes de l’écoulement de fluide, p.ex. des variations statistiques d'un paramètre du fluide
83.
Sonic filter for measuring and capturing particles having a particular particle size in a fluid, mixture or process flow
Apparatus is provided featuring an acoustic driver and a transducer. The acoustic driver is configured to provide an acoustic driver signal having a frequency that can be adjusted to yield a given wavelength, which in turn, will selectively capture a particular particle size of particles in a fluid, mixture or process flow. The transducer is configured to respond to the acoustic driver signal and provide an acoustic signal having a standing wave at the frequency in order to yield the given wavelength that will selectively capture the particular particle size of the particles in the fluid, mixture or process flow, in order to determine the mass of the particles having the particular particle size in the fluid, mixture or process flow.
Apparatus includes a signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about an application of a rotating magnetic field across a fluid flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel; and determine a flow analysis across the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processing module may also be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the flow analysis across the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel.
Apparatus includes a signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about an application of a rotating magnetic field across a fluid flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel; and determine a flow analysis across the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processing module may also be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the flow analysis across the fluid flowing in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel.
G01F 1/58 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets électriques ou magnétiques par débitmètres électromagnétiques
86.
Wear monitoring with rotational sensor and sensor thickness
Apparatus for determining a thickness of a wall of a pipe, featuring a signal processing module configured to respond to signaling containing information about traveling stress waves transmitted to and reflected back from a wall of a pipe by a sensor band that includes a series, ring or array having multiple transducers circumferentially arranged and mounted around, and attached to or clamped onto, an outside wall of the pipe; and determine a profile of a thickness of the wall of the pipe corresponding to circumferential locations of the multiple transducers based on the signaling received from the sensor band; and one or more orientation or rotation sensors, each responding to its orientation in relation to its displacement on the pipe and to provide an orientation signal containing information about the same.
Apparatus for determining a thickness of a wall of a pipe, featuring a signal processing module configured to respond to signaling containing information about traveling stress waves transmitted to and reflected back from a wall of a pipe by a sensor band that includes a series, ring or array having multiple transducers circumferentially arranged and mounted around, and attached to or clamped onto, an outside wall of the pipe; determine a profile of a thickness of the wall of the pipe corresponding to circumferential locations of the multiple transducers based on the signaling received from the sensor band, and the provides corresponding signaling containing information about the profile of the thickness of the wall of the pipe; and another module configured to receive the corresponding signaling and provide a visual indication of either data or a graph of the thickness of the wall of the pipe.
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about the conductivity of a fluid contained, processed or flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel having electrodes around the circumference of the pipe, tank, cell or vessel in an irregular configuration; and determine a scale build-up in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using a tomographic processing technique, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the scale build-up in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using the tomographic processing technique, e.g., including where the corresponding signaling contains information about a chemical to be injected to control the scale build-up, including in a closed loop manner.
G01R 27/28 - Mesure de l'atténuation, du gain, du déphasage ou des caractéristiques qui en dérivent dans des réseaux électriques quadripoles, c. à d. des réseaux à double entrée; Mesure d'une réponse transitoire
89.
TOMOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF SCALE BUILD-UP IN PIPES AND OTHER TANKS, CELLS, VESSELS OR CONTAINERS
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about the conductivity of a fluid contained, processed or flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel having electrodes around the circumference of the pipe, tank, cell or vessel in an irregular configuration; and determine a scale build-up in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using a tomographic processing technique, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the scale build-up in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using the tomographic processing technique, e.g., including where the corresponding signaling contains information about a chemical to be injected to control the scale build-up, including in a closed loop manner.
G01N 27/06 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la résistance d'un liquide
90.
BUBBLE SIZE DETERMINATION BASED ON BUBBLE STIFFNESS
Apparatus is provided comprising a signal processing module configured with at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive signaling containing information about a stiffness of a concrete mixture; and determine an average bubble size of gas contained in the concrete mixture, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the average bubble size of gas contained in the concrete mixture. The signal processing module may be configured to determine the pressure inside air bubbles and determine an average air bubble size of the gas contained in the concrete mixture, based at least partly on the pressure determined inside the air bubbles.
Apparatus is provided comprising a signal processing module configured with at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive signaling containing information about a stiffness of a concrete mixture; and determine an average bubble size of gas contained in the concrete mixture, based at least partly on the signaling received.
G01N 29/028 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant l'impédance mécanique ou acoustique
92.
CHARGED ENGINEERED POLYMER BEADS/BUBBLES FUNCTIONALIZED WITH MOLECULES FOR ATTRACTING AND ATTACHING TO MINERAL PARTICLES OF INTEREST FOR FLOTATION SEPARATION
Apparatus is providing featuring a synthetic bead having a solid-phase body with a surface, and being configured with a predetermined electric charge so as to respond to a corresponding predetermined electric field; and a plurality of molecules attached to at least part of the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group selected for attracting and attaching one or more mineral particles of interest to the molecules. Some combination of the solid-phase body or the surface may be configured from a polymer. The polymer may be polyethylenimine. The polyethylenimine may be engineered or configured to be highly charged so as to be used to collect the mineral particles of interest and then manipulated through and by the corresponding predetermined electric field.
B03C 5/00 - Séparation de particules des liquides dans lesquels elles sont dispersées, par effet électrostatique
93.
CHARGED ENGINEERED POLYMER BEADS/BUBBLES FUNCTIONALIZED WITH MOLECULES FOR ATTRACTING AND ATTACHING TO MINERAL PARTICLES OF INTEREST FOR FLOTATION SEPARATION
Apparatus is providing featuring a synthetic bead having a solid-phase body with a surface, and being configured with a predetermined electric charge so as to respond to a corresponding predetermined electric field; and a plurality of molecules attached to at least part of the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group selected for attracting and attaching one or more mineral particles of interest to the molecules. Some combination of the solid-phase body or the surface may be configured from a polymer. The polymer may be polyethylenimine. The polyethylenimine may be engineered or configured to be highly charged so as to be used to collect the mineral particles of interest and then manipulated through and by the corresponding predetermined electric field.
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about a radiation impedance of a piston vibrating a process medium, including a fluid or slurry; and determine a speed of sound or density measurement related to the process medium, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module may determine a speed of sound measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the density of the process medium, including where the density of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module, or determine a density measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the speed at which sound travels in the process medium, including where the speed of sound of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module.
G01N 9/34 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité en utilisant les propriétés d'écoulement des fluides, p.ex. l'écoulement à travers des tubes ou des ouvertures en utilisant des éléments se déplaçant à travers le fluide, p.ex. moulinet (ou ailette, ou aube)
G01N 9/24 - Recherche du poids spécifique ou de la densité des matériaux; Analyse des matériaux en déterminant le poids spécifique ou la densité en observant la propagation de l'onde ou de la radiation des particules à travers le matériau
G01N 29/024 - Analyse de fluides en mesurant la vitesse de propagation ou le temps de propagation des ondes acoustiques
G01F 1/86 - Débitmètres massiques indirects, p.ex. mesurant le débit volumétrique et la densité, la température ou la pression
95.
SPEED OF SOUND AND/OR DENSITY MEASUREMENT USING ACOUSTIC IMPEDANCE
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or signal processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about a radiation impedance of a piston vibrating a process medium, including a fluid or slurry; and determine a speed of sound or density measurement related to the process medium, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or signal processing module may determine a speed of sound measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the density of the process medium, including where the density of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module, or determine a density measurement related to the process medium, based on at least partly on the speed at which sound travels in the process medium, including where the speed of sound of the process medium is known, assumed or determined by the signal processor or signal processing module.
Apparatus is provided featuring a first and second cells. The first cell receives an ore slurry having mineral particles of interest, receives unexpanded polymer microspheres comprising a surface having mineral collector chemistry attached thereto with molecules for attaching the mineral particles of interest, causes the unexpanded polymer microspheres to expand substantially in volume into expanded polymer microspheres having a substantially increased sphere surface area, and provides an expanded polymer microsphere foam layer comprising the expanded polymer microspheres with attached mineral particles of interest. The second cell receives the expanded polymer microsphere foam layer, and causes the expanded polymer microspheres to collapse substantially in volume into collapsed polymer microspheres having a substantially reduced sphere surface area that results in a mechanical shearing off of the attached mineral particles of interest. The second cell may also provide a mineral concentrate output having the mineral particles of interest.
Apparatus is provided featuring a first and second cells. The first cell receives an ore slurry having mineral particles of interest, receives unexpanded polymer microspheres comprising a surface having mineral collector chemistry attached thereto with molecules for attaching the mineral particles of interest, causes the unexpanded polymer microspheres to expand substantially in volume into expanded polymer microspheres having a substantially increased sphere surface area, and provides an expanded polymer microsphere foam layer comprising the expanded polymer microspheres with attached mineral particles of interest. The second cell receives the expanded polymer microsphere foam layer, and causes the expanded polymer microspheres to collapse substantially in volume into collapsed polymer microspheres having a substantially reduced sphere surface area that results in a mechanical shearing off of the attached mineral particles of interest. The second cell may also provide a mineral concentrate output having the mineral particles of interest.
New techniques are provided for measuring the thickness of a pipe wall using ultrasonic reflections. The apparatus includes a signal processor that receives a signal containing information about ultrasonic pulses injected into a pipe wall; and determines a pipe wall thickness measurement based at least partly on decomposing the signal received in order to identify either peaks using a cepstrum analysis or repeated spacing using a wavelet analysis. The wavelet analysis includes dividing data in the signal received into a specific frequency component and a defined temporal component in order to detect correct pulses where multiple reflections are caused by irregularities in the pipe wall surface being measured. The cepstrum analysis includes processing repeating pulses in the signal in order to detect correct pulses where multiple reflections are caused by irregularities in the pipe wall surface being measured.
G06F 19/00 - Équipement ou méthodes de traitement de données ou de calcul numérique, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques (spécialement adaptés à des fonctions spécifiques G06F 17/00;systèmes ou méthodes de traitement de données spécialement adaptés à des fins administratives, commerciales, financières, de gestion, de surveillance ou de prévision G06Q;informatique médicale G16H)
G01B 17/02 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de vibrations infrasonores, sonores ou ultrasonores pour mesurer l'épaisseur
An apparatus comprises a signal processing module configured to receive signaling containing information about detected acoustic emissions related to ore being mined from a block cave in a block caving process, including falling ore that creates unique acoustic signatures; and determine information about the ore being mined from the block cave in the block caving process, based partly on the signaling received. The signal processing module may receive the signaling from an array of acoustic sensors placed around the block cave, including where the array of acoustic sensors surrounds the block cave in both vertical and horizontal directions. The signal processing module may provide corresponding signaling containing corresponding information about the ore being mined from the block cave in the block caving process, including where the corresponding information includes information about a distribution and size of the ore being mined from the block cave in the block caving process.
G01S 15/02 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes acoustiques, p.ex. systèmes sonar utilisant la réflexion d'ondes acoustiques
100.
DUAL ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRICAL ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE FOR THE TOMOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF MULTIPHASE FLOWS IN PIPES AND/OR LIQUID/FROTH INTERFACES IN PROCESS TANKS
Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least two sensing modalities sensed by a single probe arranged in relation to a multiphase flow or process volume; and determine using a multiple modality tomographic analysis technique information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor or processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing corresponding information about different fluid layers in the multiphase flow or process volume.
brevets
