An apparatus and method for removing an underflow stream

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing an underflow stream and in particular to an apparatus and method for removing an underflow stream from a separator. The invention has been developed primarily for use with a mineral particle separator. One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for removing an underflow stream from a separator, said separator having a discharge outlet for discharging said underflow stream, said apparatus comprising: a source of pressurised fluid; a first conduit for fluidly connecting said pressurised fluid source to said discharge outlet such that said pressurised fluid is directed to impede the flow of said underflow stream in said first conduit, thereby creating a fluidisation zone, and a second conduit fluidly connected to said first conduit so that material from said fluidisation zone flows into said second conduit for removal from said apparatus. Australian Application No. 2015299737, Canadian Application No. 2957257, Chinese Application No, United States Patent No. 10,300,495 B2, South African Application No. 2017/00914.