Abstract: A cyclone-type processor has a vortex initiator positioned thereabove and an exhaust sleeve extending through the initiator and into the processor. A blower connects to the initiator chamber by a duct having a divider wall that separates the duct into an air-only channel and an entrained material channel. A feed inlet feeds material to be processed into the air flow of the entrained channel. The vortex initiator includes an outer annular chamber and an inner annular chamber open to the cyclone processor and is engaged by the duct to convey air into the outer chamber and air entrained material into the inner chamber. The inner and outer chambers and slots therebetween cooperate to cause the air flow to form a vortex and to urge entrained material away from the inner wall. The system may include additional cyclone stages for further material treatment.

Abstract: An improved two-stage comminuting and dehydrating system is efficient, environmentally sound, and may be employed to process sticky materials. The system includes a pair of cyclone structures for comminuting and dehydrating. Injection ports are positioned for injection of viscid substances directly into the low pressure region of each cone. The secondary cyclone structure is equipped with a lower exit port. A single blower is coupled with the cyclone structures to form an air flow loop from the primary cone bottom to the secondary cone top and from the secondary cone top to the primary cone top. Airflow for cycling material between the cones is controlled by feedback from moisture and particle size monitoring devices in a collection unit coupled with the secondary cone.

Abstract: An improved two-stage comminuting and dehydrating system is efficient, environmentally sound, and may be employed to process sticky materials. The system includes a pair of cyclone structures for comminuting and dehydrating. Injection ports are positioned for injection of viscid substances directly into the low pressure region of each cone. The secondary cyclone structure is equipped with a lower exit port. A single blower is coupled with the cyclone structures to form an air flow loop from the primary cone bottom to the secondary cone top and from the secondary cone top to the primary cone top. Airflow for cycling material between the cones is controlled by feedback from moisture and particle size monitoring devices in a collection unit coupled with the secondary cone.

Abstract: An improved comminuting and dehydrating system is efficient, environmentally sound, and may be employed to process sticky materials. The system preferably includes a pair of intercoupled cyclone devices for comminuting and dehydrating, each equipped with a discharge containment unit. A blower is coupled with the primary cyclone to provide air flow, and a channel is included between the blower and the primary discharge containment unit to provide pressure equalization. An injection port is positioned remotely adjacent the discharge portion of the primary cyclone to permit injection of viscid substances such as eggs into the low pressure area of the cone. In preferred forms, the secondary cyclone device includes an exhaust filter and a meter for measuring the passage of material to be comminuted and dehydrated.

Abstract: An improved comminuter/dehydrator apparatus and method includes a body having an inverted, coaxially shaped cavity with an open truncated lower end and an open upper end connected to a cylindrically shaped chamber. A sleeve, which extends through the chamber and into the cavity, is adjustable axially by a pair of jacks. A damper is adjustable relative to the sleeve to control air escaping from the cavity into the ambient atmosphere. A manifold with a velocity-enhancing venturi mechanism directs air from a blower tangentially into the chamber to create cochleated and resonating, oscillatory cyclonic air-flow activity. A portion of the air from the blower to the chamber is diverted through a feeder containing the material being comminuted and dehydrated. The comminuted and dehydrated material is gravitationally discharged through the cavity lower end. The body has a removable nozzle tip to extend the operational characteristics of the apparatus.