Distribution array for use in a settler area of a mixer-settler

1. A distribution array for use in a settler area of a mixer-settler, the distribution array further comprising:

at least an upstream panel and a downstream panel of linearly-spaced barrier elements, wherein a depth of the barrier elements, measurable along a length of the settler area in which each barrier element is to be positioned, is greater than a spacing between the barrier elements, thereby defining a fluid flow channel between adjacent barrier elements that is longer than it is wide;

wherein the upstream panel is spaced apart from the downstream panel and the upstream and downstream panels are arranged relative to one another such that the fluid flow channels defined in the upstream panel are laterally off-set along a width of the settler area in a staggered relationship relative to the fluid flow channels defined in the downstream panel thereby defining a tortuous flow path through the upstream and downstream panels; and

wherein the distribution array is such that there is only minimal impact on dynamic head loss across the distribution array.

2. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the spacing between the upstream and downstream panels is selected to provide even and parallel flow distribution across the width of the settler.

3. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein each barrier element has a width that is greater than a depth, measurable along the length of the settler area, of a channel defined between the upstream and downstream panels.

4. The distribution array according to claim 3 , wherein the width of each barrier element may be between about 100% and 250% of the depth of the channel defined between the upstream and downstream panels.

5. The distribution array according to claim 3 , wherein the upstream and downstream panels are spaced about 30 mm to 50 mm from each other.

6. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier elements are spaced about 30 mm to 60 mm from each other.

7. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the channel defined between adjacent barrier elements has a depth of between about 60 mm and 100 mm.

8. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein each barrier element is between about 88 mm and 175 mm in cross-sectional width.

9. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier elements are equally spaced from one another.

10. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier elements are unequally spaced from one another.

11. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier elements within a single panel are provided at varying distances from one another.

12. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier elements within a single panel are aligned with each other in a straight line and together span substantially the width of the settler area.

13. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier elements are either fixed, retractable, or movable within the settler area.

14. The distribution array according to claim 1 , wherein the spacing between the barrier elements is such that it results in the fluid flow being re-directed towards a discharge launder provided in the settler area, while being substantially parallel to sides of the settler area.

15. A method of facilitating distribution of a fluid flow in a settler, the method further comprising the step of:

in a settler, providing a distribution array as described in claim 1 .

16. The method according to claim 15 , wherein the positioning of the or each distribution array in the settler area is varied according to the type of materials to be separated, the flow characteristics, desired kinetics, and fluid characteristics.

17. The method according to claim 15 , wherein the distribution array is retrofitted to an existing settler-mixer.

18. A mixer-settler wherein a settler area of the mixer-settler has provided therein one or more distribution arrays as described in claim 1 .

19. The mixer-settler according to claim 18 , wherein the positioning of the or each distribution array in the settler area is varied according to the type of materials to be separated, the flow characteristics, desired kinetics, and fluid characteristics.

20. A settler area in which is provided a distribution array as described in claim 1 .

21. The distribution array according to claim 1 wherein the spacing between the barrier elements is such that it results in a reduction of between 80% and 100% in transverse momentum of a feed fluid when compared to a free flow system in which the distribution array is not present.