Abstract: A process for producing intermediate grade manganese concentrate from low grade manganiferous ores is disclosed. A low grade manganiferous ore containing silicon, iron, between 1 and 20 per cent manganese and oxides of silicon, iron and manganese is first crushed to reduce the size of the manganiferous ore to a fraction of its original size. The crushed manganiferous ore is then heated to a temperature sufficient to chemically transform the manganese and iron in the manganiferous ore to an artificial magnetic, manganese-iron spinel. The heat treated manganiferous ore is cooled, preferably by air, and then beneficiated by further crushing and grinding to liberate the artificial manganese iron spinel from the silicon and other oxides within the ore. Finally, the artificial manganese-iron spinel is magnetically separated from the silicon and other oxides within the ore to increase the concentration of the manganese and thereby provide an intermediate grade manganese concentrate.

Abstract: A dry sorting machine having a separating function for removing solids of more than a predetermined size from ash and a drying function for drying the ash, and a magnetic sorting machine for removing metals from the dried ash are arranged in a pretreatment route for the ash to be supplied to the furnace. Further, there is provided a drying air pipe for introducing the high-temperature air heat-recovered from exhaust gases discharged from the ash melting furnace into the dry sorting machine. Thus, by the dry sorting machine having the separating and drying functions, simplification of the ash pretreatment process and reduction of the installation space can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for use in an evaporator for selectively controlling the flow of solid particles within the evaporator. The method provides for the separation of solids from a liquid through the use of a separation chamber having a plurality of apertures, each of which has a critical size. In the separation chamber, solid particles which are larger than a critical size are separated from the remainder of the solution. The separated particles exit the separation chamber via a bypass conduit for circulation directly to the sump of the evaporator for recombining with the separated liquid portion which passed through the separation chamber and was subsequently concentrated in the heat exchange tubes. The method prevents solid particles from clogging the system and allows for continuous circulation of the solution and solid particles.

Abstract: The invention proposes using liquefied carbon dioxide as a separation agent for flotation and/or sedimentation separation, which is particularly suitable for separating foodstuff mixtures such as meat components, because it can be maintained in liquid phase at the freezing point of water and is inert with respect to many substances of the mixture. By controlling the pressure and/or the temperature at values of about 26 bar and -14.degree. C., the density of the separation agent can be adjusted to correspond to that of water so that water containing substances of the mixture can be readily separated.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the detection of liquids in fibrous and/or porous materials by irradiating the materials by a source of microwaves, detecting the heat emission by temperature measuring devices and transmission of the temperature data thus obtained to a sorting device, and controlling the sorting device by the temperature data thus obtained, whereby first the materials are treated with a polymer solution and whereby residual humidity within the materials is detected after curing of the polymer and drying of the material and whereby sorting of materials, which contain residual liquids and of materials which are free of liquids is carried out, based on the differences in temperature increase.

Abstract: A waste collection and separation apparatus having a plurality of reusable primary containers for receiving waste materials at the location of an individual user, a plurality of reusable secondary containers for aggregating a plurality of filled primary containers and a plurality reusable tertiary containers. The primary containers are flexible, sealable, substantially puncture resistant and have a volume of not more than 10 cubic feet. The secondary containers are flexible, sealable, and have an opening, lifting device and volume of between 10 and 750 cubic feet. The tertiary containers are flexible, substantially puncture resistant and have a lifting device and a volume of at least about 700 cubic feet.

Abstract: An improved vortex reactor system for affecting fast pyrolysis of biomass and Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) feed materials comprising: a vortex reactor having its axis vertically disposed in relation to a jet of a horizontally disposed steam ejector that impels feed materials from a feeder and solids from a recycle loop along with a motive gas into a top part of said reactor.

Abstract: A method is described for processing waste materials in the form of filter rods, filter cigarettes and the like comprising filter material with inner hollow volumes accessible from the outside and at least one other material component, in particular paper and tobacco, wherein the following process steps are carried out: the waste material is distributed in a liquid in a pressure vessel. By increasing the pressure or decreasing the temperature an inert gas is dissolved in the liquid. Subsequently the temperature is increased or the pressure decreased so that fine gas bubbles develop within the filter material which permits the latter to float whereby a separation from the further material components to be separated is possible. With this method a separation of the waste material into its individual component parts is possible so that for example valuable filter material in the form of cellulose acetate is obtained in highly pure form and can be used again for the production of filter materials.

Abstract: A targeted particulate, synthetic organic plastic material having normally hydrophobic surface characteristics is separated from a mixture of two or more of such plastic materials by conditioning the mixture of plastic materials in a flotation cell with a heteropolar surfactant which has a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) value greater than 5 and which selectively depresses the targeted plastic material by making the surfaces thereof more hydrophilic without substantially affecting the surfaces of the other plastic material(s) and introducing gas bubbles into the resulting conditioned pulp such that the gas bubbles selectively adhere to the surfaces of the other plastic materials(s) and cause them to float. The targeted plastic material is recovered in the cell product and the other plastic material(s) is recovered in the float concentrate.

Abstract: Plastic mixtures, in particular those of a smilar density such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride, are separated electrostatically, whereby the mixture, for triboelectric charging, is subjected to a thermal treatment.

Abstract: Plastic mixtures are split up into the individual components by a process combining density separation with electrostatic separation, and includes a special surface treatment which takes place prior to the electrostatic separation.

Abstract: Medical waste products including plastic and non-plastic elements are placed in a metal container which includes a raised insert element for supporting the waste above the bottom of the container. The container and used medical waste products are subjected to dry heat treatment at temperatures below the waste material flash points but of sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to melt the plastic elements as well as to sterilize the contents. During the heating process the metal, rubber and other non-plastic elements remain on the raised insert; whereas, the molten plastic flows through or over the side of the insert to the bottom of the container. Upon cooling the plastic and non-plastic components of the medical waste products are separated as well as being sterile such that the container can be opened and the contents separately handled for appropriate recycling.

Abstract: A method of separating solid waste materials, in the form of dried particles of substantially uniform size, into constituent materials on the basis of density, with primary stage processing utilizing a series of fluidized bed and cyclonic separator assemblies to separate materials on the basis of density, followed by secondary stage processing utilizing combinations of vibratory conveyors, melt separation assemblies, and the like, is provided by the present invention. As the waste materials move through the separator assemblies the initial stream is further refined into a plurality of streams of increasingly specific densities as a result of air flow separation of lighter particles from heavier particles in each assembly. Further refined separation may be achieved through the use of vibratory conveyors, melt separation, and the like.

Abstract: Method to separate polypropylene in the processing of silk schappe, whereby a lap (14) of silk fibers which are partly combed or are at least made sufficiently parallel undergoes an action of heating between 110.degree. C. and 160.degree. C. together with a simultaneous action of controlled compression so as to form clusters of polypropylene and silk fibers and thereafter an action of combing or pre-combing for the definitive removal of those clusters of polypropylene and silk fibers.Device to separate polypropylene in the processing of silk schappe, which is positioned downstream of a drawing frame (13) or analogous machine producing a lap (14) of silk fibers, the device including a conveyor means (belt/drum) cooperating with means that heat and apply adjustable pressure to the lap (14).

Abstract: Apparatus and process for removing unwanted foreign material from particulate material. The apparatus and process find particular application in the pulp and paper industry to remove contaminating plastic material from wood chips. The apparatus includes a transporting conveyor for moving the particulate material between a inlet area and an outlet area and a vibrating motor for vibrating the conveyor to sort the particulate material and the foreign material. Heated rollers heated to a temperature sufficient to render the foreign material tacky are applied to the sorted material and cause the foreign material to adhere thereto such that the foreign material is extracted from the particulate material which is delivered to the outlet area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the carbon content of fly ash are disclosed. The fly ash is subjected to an inclined surface having first and second vibratory sources for respectively moving the fly ash from the elevated end of the incline to the lower end and to disaggregate and stratify a high carbon fraction from an enhanced fly ash fraction. The second vibratory source, in combination with the inclined surface, separates the lighter, high carbon fraction while the heavier enhanced fly ash fraction travels toward the lower end of the incline. An air jet and associated vacuum draft pull the high carbon fraction from the incline, leaving the enhanced fly ash portion for use, after removal from the surface, as an example, as acceptable mineral admixture for use in Portland Cement concrete.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for treating waste, such as domestic garbage, industrial waste and the like, in which the waste is suspended in a liquid such as to obtain a slurry or a pulp. The constituents of the pulp or slurry are separated into different fractions in accordance with their density and/or magnetic properties or like features. Subsequent to having sorted (18, 24, 26) and removed objects from the pulp or slurry, the pulp or slurry is fed to a wet dryer (32) in which the pulp or slurry is kneaded. As a result, the composite material is separated into its respective constituents; for instance, plastic coatings are separated from their respective substrates, such as paper. The pulp or slurry is washed (36) downstream of the wet grinder (32), in order to remove plastic debris (40). The thus obtained fibre suspension is then led away for further treatment (44) or use. When producting the waste/liquid suspension, the suspension is heated to a temperature of at least 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of reducing the oil content of cuttings, in which the cuttings are introduced into a drum-shaped space, where an elevated temperature is predominant and subjected to a hammering treatment in that space and the drum-shaped space is permanently heated from without so that during the performance of the hammering treatment the temperature in the interior is maintained in the vicinity of, but below, the cracking temperature of the oil in the cuttings to be treated, while further the pressure in the spaces is maintained at a value of at least 0.3 bar gauge.

Abstract: An apparatus for roasting coffee beans or the like includes a controlled spinning bed or fluid bed roaster in combination with a cyclone separator for removing chaff from the heating medium. The cyclone separator is disposed above and in coaxial and abutting relationship with the roaster. The separator has a generally cylindrical shape with a plate having a plurality of louvers in the base thereof. The louvers impart rotational movement as the heating medium passes therethrough so that the chaff can be removed therefrom. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second centrifugal separator which is relatively small with respect to the first separator is disposed adjacent the first separator for making a final separation and returning the heated medium to the roaster.

Abstract: A process for thermically recovering old sand obtained in casting plants and for treating dust containing combustible organic components and incombustible inorganic components is disclosed. Dust obtained by mechanical preparation of the old sand is separated from the sand. The sand is used to form a fluid bed in a fluid-bed kiln having a post-combustion space and an outlet for releasing combustion gases. Dust containing combustible organic components and incombustible inorganic components is introduced into the fluid bed, the combustion of the organic components being used to maintain reaction temperature in the fluid bed. The heat of the fluid bed and the post-combustion space deactivates inorganic components of the dust, which are transported by released combustion gases to effectively separate the inorganic components of the dust from the thermically recovered old sand. These deactivated inorganic components of the dust can be separated from the released combustion gases for easy disposal.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for remotely heating a polymeric material to a selected temperature. The system generally comprises particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed throughout the polymeric material to form a composite, wherein the particulate material has a Curie temperature that corresponds to the selected heating temperature, and a source of microwave energy for remotely applying a beam of microwave energy to the polymeric composite material. Preferably, the particulate ferromagnetic material comprises only about 2 percent of the total composite by weight. The polymeric material may be compliant, thermosettable plastic, and the Curie temperature of the particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed therein may advantageously be above the curing temperature of the polymer, such that the beam from the source of microwave energy may be used to remotely join surfaces or construct joints in composite structures.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor having good current-carrying characteristics can be manufactured by a method including the steps of mixing and baking a plurality of different kinds of ingredient material at a predetermined proportion and obtaining a mixed powder having oxide superconducting powder as a main ingredient, and the step of placing a magnet close to the mixed powder to separate the oxide superconducting powder through the utilization of the magnetic repulsive force due to the Meissner effect of the superconductor. In preferred embodiments, the separating step is carried out in a buoyancy medium and a filter is employed for unifying the particle size of the oxide superconductive powder within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating off polyester plastics from a mixture of polyester, polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics, wherein in the flotation the polyester remains as the residue and the polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics are recovered in floated form, which comprises treating the mixture of plastics with an aqueous alkaline solution and separating off the polyester from polyvinyl chloride and, if present, other plastics by flotation.

Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of foils, in particular aluminum foils, and the other components in waste foil-containing laminates includes subjecting the waste laminates to agitation in a heated polyalkylene glycol polymer solution. The thus heated mixture is cooled to permit density variations to separate the plastic and paper components of the waste laminate from the foil components therein. The separated foil components can be recovered from the polyalkylene glycol polymer solution for recycle or other use. Using a polyalkylene glycol polymer solution permits recovery of the glycol polymer in a heated recovery tank to recycle the polymer to facilitate further foil separation while minimizing adverse effects on the environment.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polyvinyl chloride chip composition is described which has a preferred affinity for air when in water. The chip is supernatant in water after contact with air and has a skin layer containing a surface conditioning agent.A method for separating a PET/PVC chip admixture is also disclosed. The chip admixture is contacted with a surface conditioning agent to produce relatively hydrophobic polyvinyl chloride chips which can be floated in an aerated aqueous medium. The polyethylene terephthalate chips are recovered from the bottom of the aqueous medium. The flotation can be conducted in pure water without frothing or densifying agents.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting particulate solids material. The material is subjected to a microwave field and absorbs energy to an extent depending upon the dielectric properties of the individual particles. The absorbed energy heats the particles, and pyrodetectors detect the heat radiation. Detector output signals control pressurized air jets to remove particles from the waste material which are detected to be colder than the remainder of the bulk.

Abstract: A method for recovering and reusing a scrap multilayer plastic sheet or film comprising at least a base material layer and laminated with an adhesive resin comprising at least one of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a styrene-isoprene copolymer, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer and an ethylene-acrylic acid ester-maleic anhydride copolymer. The method comprises heating the scrap multilayer sheet or film to a temperature lower than the softening point of the base material layer to make the interlaminar peeling strength of the adhesive resin lower than the strength at break of a layer having the lowest strength at break, except for the adhesive layer, and separating the multilayer scrap into at least two scrap layers and recovering at least one scrap layer in sheet or film form. The present invention provides effective reuse of scrap with almost no reduction in physical properties. Furthermore the cost of the production or molding of the sheet can be reduced.

Abstract: A purification apparatus for superconductor fine particles is provided which comprises a device for forming a flow of powder containing the superconductor fine particles, and device for applying a magnetic field to the flow of the powder.

Abstract: An invention is described in which a method and apparatus are disclosed for guiding, trapping, concentrating and separating particles. The method comprises containing particles in a gas, liquid, or other fluid medium, projecting a beam of light into the particles, inducing the beam of light to impart a spinning motion to the particles, generating a field density gradient in the fluid medium thereby trapping the particles in the beam of light, guiding the particles on the beam of light, concentrating the particles at a focal plane of the beam, and if desired, separating the particles into groups by size and density. Particles are caused to spin and interact with the energy gradient of the beam of light, causing them to orbit in a controlled manner. A preferred apparatus utilizes a chamber, a switching mechanism under a vacuum or partial vacuum, a light source such as a laser or a plurality of lasers, and a lens or a plurality of lenses may be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating waste comprising the steps of:i) shredding the waste;ii) separating liquid;iii) subjecting the separated solid waste to a cold treatment; andiv) separating product remnants,and to a device for treating waste, comprising:i) a shredder unit;ii) a unit for separating liquid out of the shredded material;iii) a cold treatment unit for the shredded material; andiv) a unit for separating product remnants.

Abstract: Non-magnetic, conductive particles are separated from one another on the basis of their respective electrical conductivities. This is achieved by irradiating the particles with microwave or radio frequency electromagnetic radiation and simultaneously subjecting the particles to a magnetic field. The eddy currents induced in the particles by the electromagnetic irradiation interact with the magnetic field to cause movements of the particles which are dependent on their conductivities.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous production of intumesced, expanded, puffed, or exfoliated particles. A rotatable processing table is driven by a speed controllable motor connected to rotate the table at a desired rotational rate. Particulate feeding means overlie the table for depositing the particles to be intumesced onto a first sector in the path of the upper surface of the processing table during rotation thereof. Heating means are mounted above and below the plane of the processing table at a second sector in the rotational path of same which is spaced from the first sector, and heat expand the particles during passage through the second sector. A scraper blade is mounted above the processing table at a third sector in the rotational path of the table which is spaced and downstream from the second sector.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing impurities from plant fibrous material which constitutes residual products in the refining of tuber or root vegetables, fruits etc. The plant fibrous material is, for forming a first substance, adjusted to a TS content of at least approx. 25% whereafter the first substance is fractionated in a first screening device to form a first fraction. The TS content of the first fraction is reduced, for the formation of a first mass, whereafter the mass is dried, for the formation of a second substance. This is fractionated in a second screening device to form a second fraction which substantially exclusively consists of plant fibres.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively separating co-mingled materials of different densities by selective density flotation of the materials in a fluid in the vicinity of its critical point. The extermely high compressibility of a fluid in the vicinity of its critical point allows continuous variations over the maximum density range to be accomplished using minimal changes in temperature and pressure. Materials exhibiting similar densities can thus be separated by adjusting the fluid density to a point between the two materials.

Abstract: A method for separation of beverage bottle components including high density polyethylene (HDPE) basecup; poly ethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle body; aluminum cap; paper/plastic labels and adhesives, including disjoining, isolating and separating the various bottle components. The method essentially involves steps of: bisecting the bottles into two halves to disengage the cap from the bottle body; heating the bisected bottle halves so as to cause thermal softening of the adhesives; mechanically isolating the thermally loosened assemblage; subjecting the isolated components to a flotation tank; collecting the light (floating fraction) and heavy (sunk fraction) fractions separately; air classifying the light HDPE fraction to remove labels; separating the components of the heavy fraction (aluminum and PET) due to their size differential.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a high bulk density particulate detergent composition, of a bulk density greater than 0.7 g./cc. and preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.0 g./cc., includes turbodrying a mixture of synthetic anionic organic detergent, preferably of sodium C.sub.12-13 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, water, and fabric softening bentonite, in which turbodrying process the mixture is repeatedly subjected to centrifugal and axial forces which create thin films of the mixture, which are pulled apart, due to such forces, to form particles, which are further turbodried and thereby converted to high bulk density particles of substantially globular shape and desired particle sizes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the mixture charged to the turbodryer is made by turbomixing and aqueous solution, dispersion or paste of anionic detergent with bentonite, and the mixture made thereby is directly turbodried.

Abstract: A process for recovering elemental sulfur from volcanic and non-volcanic ores is disclosed. Ore is processed by crushing the ore to a coarse particle size autoclaving to separate the sulfur from the ore, mild grinding to selectively reduce the size of the liberated sulfur particles, flotation and sulfur separation/filtration steps to produce a sulfur of at least 99% purity. The process recovers at least 90% of the elemental sulfur contained in the ore. The particular crushing of the ore and selective grinding techniques for reducing sulfur particles for reducing sulfur particles size are important factors in the efficiency of the process since the grinding techniques inhibit the formation of fine gangue which is difficult to separate from the liberated sulfur.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for disengaging organic, bituminous material from pulverized bituminous ores and for recovering a concentrated mixture of the bituminous material and water. Wherein the apparatus comprises a pulverizer to pulverize the ores to be processed to particles not larger than 1/4 inch in size and inner and outer process vessels which are preferably combined into a unitary assembly and wherein the process comprises a combination of mechanical and hot water disengagement of the organic, bituminous materials from the mineral ore solids, i.e.

Abstract: Thermoplastic materials are separated and recovered, according to the present invention, utilizing a process wherein a mixture of the thermoplastic material to be recovered and one or more contaminants are simultaneously heated and agitated. The mixture is heated to the temperature at which the thermoplastic will adhere to itself, but at which the contaminant has not become tacky. Impacting thermoplastic particles agglomerate, while the contaminant particles do not adhere to other contaminant particles or to the thermoplastic particles. The resulting mixture is passed through a series of screens of increasing mesh size to separate the larger thermoplastic particles from the smaller contaminant particles.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe a series of devices and methods for classifying and separating superconductive particles. The superconductive particles may be separated from non-superconductive particles, and the superconductive particles may be separated by degrees of susceptibility to the Meissner effect force. The particles may also be simultaneously separated by size or volume and mass to obtain substantially homogeneous groups of particles. The separation techniques include levitation, preferential sedimentation and preferential concentration. Multiple separation vector forces are disclosed.

Abstract: A coal slurry washer which, importantly, is portable for usage at the site of the coal slurry, where the components are disposed on movable platforms capable of highway travel. A mast or boom is provided which carries, at the free upper end thereof, cyclone-sieve bend components, assuring an effective elongated gravity discharge path to a dryer component therebelow. The platform carrying the mast provides space for receiving the cyclone-sieve bend components during a non-use or transporting position of the latter, further assuring the desired portability.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an invention for beneficiation of powered material having superconducting characteristics and processes for carrying it out. The invention involves introducing powdered superconducting material into the vertical field of a magnet wherein particles thereof are levitated according to the Meissner Effect. Particles which are more superconducting levitate at higher elevations or states above the magnet than do particles containing phases that are non-superconducting. Particles that are non-superconducting do not react at all in the magnetic field. Levitated particles are selectively harvested from whatever states desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for salvaging conductive material from electrical power transformers. In the method, the transformer core is removed from the transformer casing and cut so as to separate laminations from windings. The windings with conductive materials and insulative paper are cut into relatively short segments. These segments are then subjected to an aqueous caustic solution with sparging for separating the conductive material from paper insulation and lacquer coatings thereon. The solution is treated with a coagulating or flocculating agent in a separate vessel to remove dissolved cellulose, processed to separate oil and PCBs therefrom and then returned to treat additional windings. The method is adapted to continuous processing.

Abstract: A particulate separating device (1) has an inlet (8) leading to sets of inter-leaved discs (2 and 3). The spacings between the discs determine the sizes of the particles which can pass through to an acceptance outlet (12) while larger particles are carried over to a rejection outlet (10). A comb-like barrier member (11) is interleaved with the set of discs (3) to assist in the removal of particles into the rejection outlet (10).

Abstract: An improved pneumatic plant-blade-from-stem separator, including an upright box having an intermediate separating chamber with an inlet for material to be separated. Beneath the box an air inlet and an outlet mouth are provided, between which a discharge plane is disposed at an angle descending toward the outlet mouth. The plane is provided with a fixed bed comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending stock of square cross-sectional shape movable so as to define slots therebetween which are transverse to the bed.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses are provided for hygienically returning for reuse in subsequent manufacturing processes, the original liquid absorbing materials and moisture sealing materials of used single use collecting and/or absorbing products, previously worn by infants or adults to absorb urine and/or to collect feces. These human wastes are washed out from single use diapers, one use adult diapers, and other like purpose products, and directed into municipal sewer systems, or other systems ending in the treatment of sewage. These used single use collecting and/or absorbing products are heated to reach temperatures high enough to liquidize adhesives originally used, where necessary, to hold together the original liquid absorbing materials and moisture sealing materials, and then the liquidized adhesives are drained clear of these materials. Preferably, this removal of adhesives is completed during the washing of these one use products.

Abstract: An apparatus to acoustically fluidize a bed of fine particles comprises a generally box-shaped hollow chamber. An acoustic source is located at the bottom of the chamber and a convection inhibiting heater is located at the top of the chamber. An acoustic wave is directed from the source into the chamber to levitate and suspend fine particles within the chamber at determinable distances from the acoustic source according to the intensity and frequency of the acoustic wave.

Abstract: A process of melting silicate raw materials includes the steps of using the tank exhaust gases to heat the combustion air, using the tank exhaust gases to preheat a mixture of raw materials, removing acid gaseous aggressive media from the tank exhaust gases, then using the tank exhaust gases to preheat the combination air. Because the acid gaseous aggressive media are removed from the tank exhaust gases before the tank exhaust gases are used to preheat the combustion air, more heat can be withdrawn from the tank exhaust gases than was heretofore possible, since there is no danger of acid condensation even when the tank exhaust gases are cooled to near ambient temperature.

Abstract: A process for recovery of combustionable coal from fine coal such as frequently considered waste coal from mining operations includes drying and classifying the raw coal into ultra-fine and fine size classes. The ultra-fine size class is directed to a collector and further separated in a strictly dry manner while the fine size class is separated in a flotation apparatus to divide out the coal and ash therein which are subsequently screened, with or without washing and drying at that time. The screened fine size coal, after being dried, is collected in a stock pile, as is also any dry ultra-fine size coal as discharged by the collector.

Abstract: A system for segregating trash into discrete fractions including a separator assemblage consisting of a staggered multiple-tiered heated belt system or separating thermoplastic materials from other substances. Each heated belt unit is modular and seated in a frame. Each unit comprises a continuous belt reeved about a driven and a driving rotor disposed in space relationship to each other and having a unique heating element disposed therein.