Method and apparatus for separating low density particles from feed slurries

In a method and apparatus for separating low density particles from feed slurries, a bubbly mixture is formed in a downcomer (14) and issues into a mid region (12) in a chamber (1). An inverted reflux classifier is formed by parallel inclined plates (6) below the mid region allowing for efficient separation of low density particles which rise up to form a densely packed foam (16) in the top of the chamber, and denser particles which fall downwardly to an outlet (29). PCT/AU2011/000682, ARIPO Patent No. AP4561, Australian Patent No. 2011261162, Brazilian Application No. BR1120120305654, Canadian Patent No. 2801380, Chilean Patent No. 56.650, Chinese Patent No. ZL201180034985.4, Columbian Patent No. 35802, Eurasian Patent No. 034687, European Application No. 2576070, Hong Kong Application No. 13109545.6, Indonesian Patent No. 000051501, Indian Application No. 8/DELNP/2013, Mongolian Patent No. 3919, Mexican Patent No. 330600, New Zealand Patent No. 604253, OAPI Patent No. 16263, Peruvian Patent No. 8502, Ukrainian Patent No. 108237, US Application 13/701,668, ZA Application 2012/09575.