Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation of a mixture of particles containing differing concentrations of a selected component into three fractions of similar concentration of the selected component. The process comprises conditioning the mixture of particles with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface-active agent to selectively coat each of the particles relative to the concentration of the selected component in each particle. In combination with the surface-active agent there is provided a fluorescent dye which either adheres to the coated or non-coated particles. The mixture of conditioned particles is then irradiated to excite and induce fluorescence of the fluorescent dye to a degree sufficient to distinguish among the intensities of fluorescence of the fluorescent dye on the various particles. The particles are separated into concentrate, middling and tailing fractions based upon distinguishing among the intensities of fluorescence.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selective wetting of particles includes sizing of particles to a preselected size for enabling optical discrimination between desired particles having a relatively large surface area receptive to coating by a preselected wetting agent and undesired particles having a relatively small surface area receptive to coating by the preselected wetting agent. The particles are fed into a conditioning zone defined by the spray of wetting agent from at least one spray means, the spray of wetting agent being in sufficient quantity to impact and coat substantially all of the surface areas of the particles receptive to coating by the wetting agent. The means for feeding the particles into the conditioning zone is disposed outside the conditioning zone and preferably feeds the particles in an unsupported state into the conditioning zone.

Abstract: A process for efficiently recycling the water used in the various stages of a process for recovering glass from municipal trash. The invention comprises the separate treatment and recycling of the process water resulting from the first step separation of the incoming trash into a glass and inorganic constituent and an organic constituent for reuse in that step; the separate treatment and recycling of the process water emanating from the second step size classification to either the first or second steps; and, the treatment and recycling of the process water used in the froth flotation separation of the glass from the other inorganic constituents to any of the three steps in the process.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the selective conditioning, wetting and coating of particles with a selective wetting agent. The apparatus includes a horizontally extending surface capable of vibration which vibration induces uniform translatory movement along the surface to particles upon the surface. A vertically extending barrier is on the surface and extends across the surface and at right angle to the direction of movement of particles upon the surface. A means for spraying the selective wetting agent onto the particles as they move along the surface and before they reach the barrier is provided. Means for removing excess wetting agent are provided on the surface along the direction of movement of the particles after the barrier. A pool of the selective wetting agent forms behind the barrier upon the surface.