There is disclosed processes and systems for improving the efficiency of the separation of insoluble contaminants from a fluid in a floatation unit.

There is disclosed processes and systems for improving the efficiency of the separation of insoluble contaminants from a fluid in a floatation unit.

A sparge for use in a high-pressure vessel operated at elevated temperatures and having high energy agitators for suspending mineral containing particles in a slurry. The sparge injects reagent fluids into the slurry to reduce reaction times and for controlling process parameters for extracting valuable minerals from the particles. The sparge has a vapor lock to inhibit the flow of particulate material and detritus material under low or no fluid flow situations which occur commonly in the operation of high pressure autoclaves. The sparge has a fluid flow path that increases in cross-sectional area in the direction of flow of reagent fluids so as to keep reagent fluids flowing at a velocity below a critical impingement velocity that can cause metal materials of the sparge to either wear rapidly, combust and in the worst case lead to loss of containment and violent and rapid depressurization of the high pressure vessel.

A sparge for use in a high-pressure vessel operated at elevated temperatures and having high energy agitators for suspending mineral containing particles in a slurry. The sparge injects reagent fluids into the slurry to reduce reaction times and for controlling process parameters for extracting valuable minerals from the particles. The sparge has a vapour lock to inhibit the flow of particulate material and detritus material under low or no fluid flow situations which occur commonly in the operation of high pressure autoclaves. The sparge has a fluid flow path that increases in cross-sectional area in the direction of flow of reagent fluids so as to keep reagent fluids flowing at a velocity below a critical impingement velocity that can cause metal materials of the sparge to either wear rapidly, combust and in the worst case lead to loss of containment and violent and rapid depressurisation of the highpressure vessel.