Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
A process for the separation of higher-grade magnesite from lower-grade magnesite and at least one mineral selected from dolomite and calcite present in particulate ore which comprises: (a) conditioning the particulate ore by contacting it with at least one coupling agent selected from saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids containing from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms, combining with said coupling agent at least one fluorescent dye before or after conditioning the particulate ore with the coupling agent, said coupling agent selectively coating at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite in the ore and in a relative lesser amount coating lower-grade magnesite to the substantial exclusion of coating higher-grade magnesite; and (b) exposing the conditioned particulate ore to electromagnetic radiation to excite and induce fluorescence of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish higher-grade magnesite particles from lower-grade magnesite particles and mineral particles selected from at least dolomite and calcite particles and separating the higher-grade magnesite particles from said lower-grade magnesite and said mineral particles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
A process for the separation of higher-grade magnesite from lower-grade magnesite and at least one mineral selected from dolomite and calcite present in particulate ore which comprises: (a) conditioning the particulate ore by contacting it with at least one coupling agent selected from saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids containing from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms, combining with said coupling agent at least one fluorescent dye before or after conditioning the particulate ore with the coupling agent, said coupling agent selectively coating at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite in the ore and in a relative lesser amount coating lower-grade magnesite to the substantial exclusion of coating higher-grade magnesite; and (b) exposing the conditioned particulate ore to electromagnetic radiation to excite and induce fluorescence of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish higher-grade magnesite particles from lower-grade magnesite particles and mineral particles selected from at least dolomite and calcite particles and separating the higher-grade magnesite particles from said lower-grade magnesite and said mineral particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the particulate ore is of a particle size of from about 1/4 inch to about 8 inches.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the particulate ore is of a particle size of from about 1/2 inch to about 3 inches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said coupling agent is at least one carboxylic acid containing from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said coupling agent is oleic acid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said fluorescent dye is combined with the coupling agent prior to the conditioning of the ore.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said fluorescent dye is combined with the coupling agent after the conditioning of the ore.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said fluorescent dye is oil soluble.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 8 wherein said fluorescent dye is selected from the group consisting of fluoranthene, fluorescent yellow G and mixtures thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
170 words
A process for the separation of magnesite from at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite in particulate ore, comprising: (a) conditioning the particulate ore by contacting it with at least one coupling agent selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid containing from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms and combining with said coupling agent at least one fluorescent dye before or after conditioning the particulate ore with the coupling agent, said coupling agent selectively coating at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite in the ore particles to the substantial exclusion of coating magnesite in the particles; (b) exposing the conditioned particulate ore to electromagnetic radiation to excite and induce fluorescene of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish the coated mineral particles containing at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite from the non-coated and lesser coated magnesite containing particles; and (c) separating the fluorescing particles containing at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite from the magnesite containing particles.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
170 words
A process for the separation of magnesite from at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite in particulate ore, comprising: (a) conditioning the particulate ore by contacting it with at least one coupling agent selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid containing from about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms and combining with said coupling agent at least one fluorescent dye before or after conditioning the particulate ore with the coupling agent, said coupling agent selectively coating at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite in the ore particles to the substantial exclusion of coating magnesite in the particles; (b) exposing the conditioned particulate ore to electromagnetic radiation to excite and induce fluorescene of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish the coated mineral particles containing at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite from the non-coated and lesser coated magnesite containing particles; and (c) separating the fluorescing particles containing at least one mineral selected from calcite and dolomite from the magnesite containing particles.