Abstract: A method for beneficiating a coal refuse feed stream which includes agglomerated carbonaceous and clay particles. The feed stream is rapidly heated to volatilize moisture. Heating is carried out in a manner to produce abrasive commutation and sub-divide particles by volatilizing the moisture. After deagglomerating the feed stream, the discreet particles essentially consisting of carbonaceous particles and clay particles are separated to form a plurality of differently sized classifications of granular particles. A carbonaceous particle fraction essentially comprised of granular particles having a particle size greater than about 2 microns is recovered to form one fraction and a minus 2 micron fraction is classified to separate particles from the component gas. In one embodiment, a dust laden gas fraction is treated in an air classifier to form a coarse particle fraction and a fine particle fraction. The recovered coarse particle fraction can be used as a carbonaceous fuel.

Abstract: The specification describes specie-separating and concentration-enhancing methods and apparatus which operate on a substantially continual basis. The constituents of a mixture are separated according to their respective influencability by motion in the direction of a separation influence and the species of like net influencability are transported in substantially continuous streams, each of opposite net influencability running near each other, in a direction or directions transverse to the separation influence, the streams being in communication parallel to the separation influence so as to transfer at least one of the separable species from one stream to another stream by virtue of continued separation of influenceable species as the respective streams progress transversely to the separation influence. The two streams can run in the same direction (co-current) or in respectively opposite directions (countercurrent).

Abstract: A method for treatment of mixed wastes containing various plastics, such as municipal solid wastes, in which mechanical agitation and heat distortion of plastic films cause rupture and spilling of the contents of plastic film containers in the wastes. The wastes are introduced into a processing unit with means of heating and mechanical agitation of the contents. By the method in this invention, the plastics are separated and recovered as a mixture that may be recycled as a composite plastic used in the manufacture of various products or that may be further separated into identifiable types of plastics for recycling. The quantity of plastics recovered from MSW is greatly increased compared to previous processes using steam heat to achieve separation of the components of such mixed wastes.

Abstract: The specification describes particle-charging, specie-separating and concentration-enhancing methods and apparatus which operate on a substantially continual basis. The particles of each specie in a mixture are charged by surface contact, separated in an electric field according to their respective polarities by motion in the direction of the field, and the particles of like net polarities are transported in substantially continuous streams, each of opposite net polarity, running near each other, in a direction or directions transverse to the electric field, the streams being in communication parallel to the electric field, so as to transfer particles of at least one of the species to the other of the respective streams by virtue of continued particle contact and field separation of charged particles as the respective streams progress transversely to the electric field. The two streams can run in the same direction (co-current) or in respectively opposite directions (counter-current).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles in accordance with the sphericity of the particles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing which is supplied with air having a desired humidity, and which accommodates therein a cylindrical rotor with a horizontal shaft. The particles are charged into the housing from a hopper above the rotor, and tend to adhere onto the peripheral surface of the rotor with adhesive force which is dependent on the sphericity of each particle. The rotor is placed into a slow rotation and subjected to vibration whereby non-spherical particles and spherical particles are collected in respective receptacles arranged on both sides of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating at least one superconductive phase from a multiphase material which may contain multiple superconductive phases and a normal phase by the use of diamagnetic force. A material containing multiple phases is pulverized into granules approximately the grain size of a selected superconductive phase and is then subjected to a force to cause movement of the particles in a particular direction. The selected superconductive phase is made superconducting by cooling the material below its transition temperature. Diamagnetic force is then generated by an applied magnetic field which deflects and separates the superconducting granules but has substantially no effect on the nonsuperconducting granules. Conversely, the selected superconductive phase has a magnetic field applied to it and then is made superconducting to cause a separation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of and an apparatus for producing a heated reproduction asphalt mixture, in which a new material and a normal-temperature waste material, the water content of which is set at a limited range of values, are adapted to be mixed together in the ratio of (90 to 40):(10 to 60) in terms of weight. The temperature of heating the new material by means of a dryer is controlled to range from 190.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. so as to be in conformity with the above mixing weight ratio. Both the materials are mixed and kneaded together in a mixer at a kneading temperature of 150.degree. C. or more. The gas generated within the mixer is exhausted toward a chimney in a state wherein the amount exhausted is made adjustable.

Abstract: A rice-hull-ash filter aid is produced by burning rice hulls to produce ash, grinding the ash to reduce its particle size, classifying the ground ash to remove oversized particles and collecting the remaining particles.

Abstract: For the purpose of increasing the efficiency during drying of brown coals having a high water content and for the purpose of facilitating the purification of process waste water resulting in a drying process according to Fleissner it is proposed to spray hot water onto the raw coal and to separate the proportion in fine grain having a maximum grain size of 5 mm, preferably of 1 mm. In the following, the proportion in fine grain is subjected to an adsorption stage (5), noting that after a reaction time of at least 1 min, preferably of 2 to 5 min, a major portion of the soluble substances burdening the waste water becomes adsorbed on this fine grain. Subsequently, the waste water is further purified after a flocculating step in a flocculating reactor (6) and after a separating step (8) for separating solid matter, for which purpose can be used sand filters (10), adsorbing resins and activated carbon.

Abstract: A process for coal cleaning providing a method of cycloning fine particle coal for cleaning the cola of ash and pyrites, the method including steps of demoisturizing the coal by immersing the coal in an elevated temperature, non-aqueous liquid and cycloning the coal in a non-aqueous, agglomerate inhibiting carrier liquid.

Abstract: A method for increasing the magnetization of pyrite-containing pulverized coal comprises heating the coal in an atmosphere of inert gas, desirably nitrogen, containing 3 to 60 torr, preferably 12 to 16 torr, partial pressure of air to a temperature in the range 390.degree. to 455.degree. C., desirably 400.degree. to 410.degree. C., for a time sufficient, preferably 2 minutes to 2 hours, for converting enough pyrite to magnetite to allow separation of at least 50% by weight of the pyrite from the coal in a low-strength magnetic field. The sulfur content of coal treated in accordance with this method can be reduced by subjecting the treated coal to a low-strength magnetic field for moving at least 50% by weight of the pyrite from the coal although a smaller fraction, about 5 to 25%, of the pyrite is actually converted to magnetite.

Abstract: A rotating grizzly having a downwardly slanting axis of rotation for reducing the size of agglomerated mineral particles comprising a rotatable framework made up from a series of spaced axial baffles interconnected by a series of parallel spaced bars wherein the baffles extend inwardly toward the axis of rotation a greater distance than the bars.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously mixing dust and water for disposal of the dust, the apparatus including a vertical pipe with a removable cover at its upper end, an inlet pipe adapted to deliver dust particles into the vertical pipe, a mixing chamber closed at the upper end except for the lower end of the vertical pipe discharging thereinto, the lower end of the chamber being open and submerged in a pool of water, water inlets adjacent to the upper end of the chamber directing water tangentially over the walls of the chamber, a water inlet into the pool of water, and an overflow outlet from the pool to remove a mixture of dust and water from the apparatus. A process which includes classifying ash particles from an industrial boiler, passing the smaller particles into an enclosed zone with water washing the walls of the zone and the bottom of the zone opening underneath the level of a pool of water which overflows to discharge a mixture of water and dust for disposal.

Abstract: A thermal gravity classifier in which various nonferrous scrap metals are classified and separated, using a single tank containing two layers of molten media. Shredded nonferrous scrap containing metal constituents such as aluminum, zinc, lead, and copper or the like are introduced to the top of the tank containing an upper layer of molten zinc, floating on a lower layer of molten lead. Metals such as aluminum, having a specific gravity less than zinc, by a screw conveyor approximately parallel with the top surface. Heavier metals and alloys such as copper or the like, having a melting point above the temperature within the tank, fall through the zinc layer and are conveyed from the tank by a separate screw conveyor extending up a diagonal wall of the tank. Metals such as lead and zinc, having a melting point lower than the temperature maintained within the tank, melt and gravitate to the appropriate molten layer in the tank.

Abstract: The electrostatic recovery of gold in the drywasher is improved by providing means to scavenge the waste heat from the internal combustion engine that powers the air blower. This preheats the intake air to the air blower, whereby the equilibrium temperature of the compressed air delivered to the partially fluidized bed of ore particles on the riffle table is raised about 50.degree. F. above ambient temperature. The layer of fabric underlying the bed of particles is maintained at bone dryness, the ore particles are dried, and the electrostatic forces operate under most favorable conditions at low relative humidity.

Abstract: A method and a means for manufacturing cellulose pulp from ligno-cellulose fiber material wherein the fiber material is treated under steam pressure. The treatment is carried out in a mill (18, 32) or similar means under such conditions that substantially all the liquid present in the material and/or added thereto during the treatment is converted into gaseous form or steam. The gas or steam thus generated, plus any added gas, is used to convey the cellulose material at high velocity to at least one subsequent separating vessel (22, 36, 38, 40) wherein the fibers entrained with the gas or steam are given a trajectory of motion in the course of which the fiber material is sorted with respect to weight, surface area, or other distinguishing features.

Abstract: A process for enhancing coal by removing the gangue (rock, shale, iron pyrites and the like) associated with the mined coal as it comes from the crushers before further treatment. The process described slurries the crushed run of the mine (ROM) coal with a heavy medium, such as perchloroethylene, for a short period of time at ambient or below temperatures, (i.e. slurry times of 5-30 minutes and temperatures of 90.degree. C. to below -10.degree. C.); thereafter allowing, in a substantially quiescent environment, the solids to settle or float as their inherent densities are greater or lesser respectively than the density of the heavy medium. After settling the float solids (mostly coal of lower sulfur and ash content) are separated from the heavy medium as one stream and the sink solids (mostly the gangue) as a second stream. These solids are each washed with hot (90.degree. C.-100.degree. C.) water and the vapor azeotrope which forms from the water and heavy medium mixture (azeotrope) removed.

Abstract: Substance particulate in the general size range of minus 30 Mesh U.S. Standard to about 1 micron is separated into portions based on the densities of those components making up the total by drying to about 1% moisture and air conveying the substance through a duct in which the material assumes a stratified arrangement dictated by particle density. Means are provided by air duct configuration and partial flow diversion to remove appropriate laminar segments of the air-solids mixture.Light, medium and heavy ash and pyritic Sulfur in substantial percentages can be removed from bituminous coal fines embodying this principle in a negative air atmosphere. After beneficiation of bituminous coal fines any undesired pyritic or organic Sulfur can be contained by intimately mixing calcium hydroxide with the coal in the amount of 2.24 parts of calcium hydroxide to one (1) part of Sulfur by weight.

Abstract: According to the method the stock suspension is moved across a mass force field due to gravity or centrifugal acceleration in the form of stock stream or current and contacts a pick-up surface moved in conjunction with the stock stream and at substantially the same velocity. The apparatus may comprise a housing in which a turbulent or vortex flow is generated and containing a rotor therein which possesses the pick-up surface. Further embodiments have a guiding wire or screen which is moved along a pick-up cylinder or is trained around the same and upon which there is formed a layer of the stock suspension by using a stock supply device. A band, for example a wire band, may be provided to pick-up the contaminants.

Abstract: A device for separating fine articles as sand from a sludge containing ultrafine articles comprises a continuously rotated substantially horizontal drum having a helical web at the peripheral inside thereof. The mass flow to be separated is deposited in the drum at a place spaced from both ends of the drum. The drum moves the sand at the bottom of the drum to the discharge end thereof, where a water feeding system is arranged providing an oppositely directed fresh water flow which mixes with said ultrafine particles forming a sludge. The sand is elevated at the discharge end of the drum by a plurality of buckets and discharged via an inclined discharge chute through an outlet opening of the drum. The sludge is discharged through the opposite front wall opening through which the mass flow is fed within a feeding tube.

Abstract: A mixture of low melting particles and high melting particles is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the low melting particles and below the melting point of the high melting particles thereby melting the low melting particles and forming a bond between the low melting particles and the high melting particles which bond is strengthened on cooling, the resulting agglomerate containing the low melting particles being separated from the unbonded high melting particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for processing new or reclaiming used abrasive material such as that material used in the surface preparation of structural steel prior to the application of paint or other protective coating. A stream of wet abrasive material, debris and contaminants is placed in a pre-scalper which serves to separate out components thereof having diameter greater than one (1) inch. The remaining abrasives are then conveyed to a dryer for drying. The flow of hot air through the dryer separates fines and talc from the stream of abrasives. The abrasives are then placed in a rotary scalper which serves to remove all particles greater than 3/16ths of an inch in diameter. A dust plenim surrounds the rotary scalper and serves to remove all fines and talc which pass through a 150 mesh screen.

Abstract: A sand calciner system (10) includes a refractory lined drum (12) mounted for oscillation about its longitudinal axis (14). An arrangement of plows (76) are provided along the bottom inside of the drum (12) for mixing the sand received through an inlet (54) and advancing it toward a discharge outlet (56) responsive to oscillation of the drum over a predetermined arc about the axis (14). The plows (76) are arranged in staggered rows with each plow having a transverse front surface facing the inlet (54), an inclined top surface, and an angled back surface facing the outlet (56). An aerator pipe (78) is provided in conjunction with the plows (76) to fluidize the sand and thereby effect more thorough mixing and exposure to burners (58) positioned along the upper side of the drum (12) for complete calcining.

Abstract: Oil shale, coal, inert heat transfer material and other carbon-containing solids of varying sizes are preheated with a gas in a transfer line by first separating the solids into a plurality of size fractions and then separately introducing the size fractions into the transfer line at predetermined distances from the transfer line inlet. The predetermined distances are inversely related to the size of the particles comprising each fraction of solids so that the fraction of solids containing the largest particles is introduced nearest to the gas inlet and the fraction of solids containing the smallest particles is introduced at a point furthest away from the transfer line inlet. Normally, solids withdrawn from the transfer line will have been heated to a temperature below which any liquids or gases evolve and are ready for further processing in downstream conversion units such as oil shale retorts, coal gasifiers and the like.

Abstract: Process for recovery of elemental phosphorus from waste ponds by dredging the waste pond to obtain an aqueous phosphorus slurry, separating particles larger than 2 mm from the slurry, treating the remaining slurry in an initial hydrocyclone and removing an overflow of solids larger than 500 micrometers, treating the underflow from the initial hydrocyclones in smaller diameter hydrocyclones, removing a second overflow enriched in slimes and diminished in phosphorus, removing a second underflow enriched in phosphorus and diminished in slimes and heating it sufficiently to melt the phosphorus therein, treating the heated second underflow in a centrifugal separator, and separating and recovering a stream of coalesced phosphorus from a heavy fraction of impurities.

Abstract: Partially purified salt containing less than about 00.4 weight percent insolubles is further purified to reduce the insolubles until the milk pad rating is 3 or better for certain industrial uses and 1 for human consumption. The entry salt is washed in clarified brine to dislodge insoluble impurities adhered to the salt surfaces. The washed salt is then scrubbed with fresh water sprays to displace the wash brine from salt surfaces. The washed salt is drained and then dried in a kiln where flowing air blows away some impurities. The dried salt is passed through a magnetic separator, doubly sifted to remove both large and small impurities, and, where food grade salt is required, passed through a color sorter that removes relatively dark impurities.

Abstract: A method of separating rubber from metal, which includes obtaining a metaontaining rubber body, impeding the access of oxygen to the rubber, exposing the body to high-frequency electromagnetic field to cause the metal to glow and the border layer of the rubber on the metal-rubber contact to be thermally degraded and carbonized, and magnetically separating the rubber from the metal, and apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method for separation of seeds, in which the seeds are incubated in a suitable environment and then dried to produce a pronounced difference in moisture content between filled-dead seeds and filled-viable seeds. These two seed fractions are then separated from each other by utilizing the moisture content difference.The seed fractions may e.g. be separated from each other by placing seeds in a liquid the density of which is somewhat lower than the density of viable seeds but higher than the density of filled-dead seed. In such a case the filled-dead seeds will float up whereas the viable seeds sink.

Abstract: In a process for separating sand from a brown coal or lignite material containing sand, wherein the sand is present entirely or predominantly in a grain size range covering only a part of the grain size range of the brown coal or lignite, with the grain size of the coarsest grains of the sand being markedly lower than the grain size of the coarsest coal grains, the coal in the grain size range between zero and at least the grain size corresponding to the maximum grain size of the sand is removed by a gaseous classifying operation, and the remaining material is subjected to a sieving or screening operation, the cut-off line of which is in the region of the grain size of the coarsest grains of the sand to be removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between solid particles includes placing a first granular material composed of particles of a first size on the upper side of a downwardly sloping vibratory screen. The openings in the screen are sufficiently small to prevent passage therethrough of the particles of the first material. A second granular material composed of particles of a second size, smaller than the first size, is spread over the first material on the screen to mix with and sift through the first material as the screen is vibrated. The size of the particles of the second material is small enough to allow passage through the openings in the screen. The first and second materials are at different temperatures so that as the particles of the two materials mix, heat is transferred between the particles. After mixing and heat transfer, the first material flows off the lower edge of the screen where it can be gathered, and the second material flows through the screen where it likewise can be gathered.

Abstract: A method for removing ash, sulfur and inertinite from crushed coal includes float/sink treatment in aqueous solutions of monosaccharides, disaccharides, hydrogenated monosaccharides, hydrogenated disaccharides and mixtures thereof. Such solutions also improve the performance of such heavy media physical cleaning equipment as cyclones, heavy media baths, tables, spirals, hydroclones, flotation cells, jigs and solid-bowl centrifuges.

Abstract: Cooling air is introduced into the vibrating chamber of a sand reclaiming apparatus. A plurality of hollow inverted V-shaped ribs, extending longitudinally along the floor of the chamber distribute the air from an external source over the bottom region of the chamber. A gap is included between the lower edges of the ribs and the chamber floor. The air traveling within the hollow of the ribs is expanded about the lower edges of the ribs and directed upwardly through the bonded sand particles to effect cooling.

Abstract: In a glass melting operation, cullet is employed as a particulate emissions collector. Cullet of a selected size is contacted with exhaust gases in a gas/solid contact vessel wherein particulates are deposited onto the cullet. Double screening of cullet is employed to avoid introducing cullet dust to the gas stream. Electrostatic means may be employed to enhance particulate collection in the bed of cullet.

Abstract: A centrifugal classifier is disclosed having a high and adjustable yield of fine material. The classifier has a substantially cylindrical upright housing with an approximately tangential sifting-air inlet, in which are arranged, at a radial distance from, and centrally of, the casing of the housing, a vane-ring and, at a radial distance, inwardly therefrom, a sifting rotor with a lamination-ring forming radial passages, an inlet for the granular material to be classified opening, at the top, into the classifying area located between the said vane-ring and sifting rotor, and an outlet for the sifting air, charged with fine material, being located adjacent the rotor, the diameter of the outlet corresponding approximately to the inside diameter of the rotor, and the sifting-air inlet and the vane-ring extending over approximately the same axial length as the rotor, characterized in that the classifier as a whole is adapted to pivot about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: Particulate materials of different density are separated from one another by placing them in non-reactive liquefied gas of intermediate density whereby the lighter material floats and the heavier material sinks. A pressure field may be established in the liquefied gas to enhance the particulate separation process. The method is especially suited for separating and removing oxide and other particulate contaminants from metal and alloy powders.

Abstract: A process for the treating of zircon to remove a coating which contains iron from the surface of individual grains to make them move amenable to electrostatic and magnetic separation, wherein the method comprises coating the zircon grains with a strong basic reagent, calcining the coated grains and treating the calcined grains to remove the calcined impurities.

Abstract: Oil sand feedstock is mixed in a tumbler with steam and water in the presence of inwardly extending oleophilic surface, that are attached to the drum interior, for the purpose of enhancing oil particle size thereby producing an oil sand slurry suitable for subsequent separation. Undigested oil sand, oversize rocks and debris may be removed prior to said separation.

Abstract: A centrifugal classifier is disclosed which has a higher throughput than existing classifiers. The classifier has a substantially cylindrical upright housing with an approximately tangential sifting-air inlet in which are arranged at a radial distance from, and centrally of, the casing of the housing, a vane-ring and, at a radial distance inwardly therefrom, a sifting rotor with a lamination-ring forming radial passages, an inlet for the granular material to be classified opening, at the top, into the classifying area located between the vane-ring and sifting rotor, and an outlet for the sifting air, charged with fine material, being located adjacent the rotor, the diameter of the outlet corresponding approximately to the inside diameter of the rotor, and the sifting-air inlet and the vane-ring extending over approximately the same axial length as the rotor, characterized in that the two end-faces of the sifting rotor are each located adjacent a fine-material/sifting-air outlet.

Abstract: A method for regulating the granulometric characteristics of the components in metallurgical slags comprising the step of imparting a vibration to the slag, after the separation of the slag from the metallurgical furnace while the slag is being cooled. The imparted vibration frequency and amplitude is adjustable and ranges respectively from 12 to 100 Hz and 0.2 to 5 mm and when circular vibration is imparted from 0.4 to 12 mm.

Abstract: In an upward gas stream sifter for separating sheet-like pieces of paper and plastic in a wetted mixture, the gas is heated to at least 60.degree. C. in order to dry surface moisture on the plastic. The temperature of the gas is not so high that the plastic shrivels. This increases the difference in density between the pieces of plastic and wet paper, thus assisting the separation.Optionally some gas may enter the mixture feed duct through a gas permeable part of its wall, to prevent accumulation of mixture on the wall.If the mixture is derived from household rubbish and the plastic is mostly polyethylene the gas may enter the sifter at 120.degree. C. and leave it at about 70.degree. C.

Abstract: Coal is separated from mining refuse utilizing an autogenous non-magnetic heavy medium and one or more cyclonic separators. In the process, raw input from mine tailings is screened and mixed with heavy medium to form an aqueous slurry feedstock. The feedstock slurry flows through a primary cyclonic separator which causes a coal-rich portion to exit its overflow and a refuse-rich portion to exit its underflow. The coal-rich overflow is dewatered to produce clean coal solids and a water-rich underflow slurry. The refuse-rich underflow from the primary cyclone is dewatered to produce solid refuse particles and one portion of the heavy medium. Another portion of the heavy medium is obtained by the underflow from the coal-rich slurry dewatering equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for regenerating used mixtures for road pavement including an asphalt concrete mixture and a cement concrete mixture is provided with a first vibration sieve, conveyer, passage, roof, transferring means, guide means such as a V-shape plate and a screw conveyer, spray means such as water supply pipes, discharging means such as a hoist device, and a second vibration sieve. The asphalt concrete mixture together with others are sorted by the first vibration sieve, transferred in a given direction by the transferring means such as a container, heated by the hot water from the spray means, subdivided and sorted by the second vibration sieve.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recycling scrap glass is disclosed. Removing the binder and preheating the scrap are carried out in one operation. The resulting cleaned, preheated scrap then may be fed directly into a conventional glass melting furnace.

Abstract: Method for cleaning particles trapped in a filtermatrix of a magnetic separator in the presence of a magnetic field. A cleaning fluid is passed through the filtermatrix which the filtermatrix is heated to a temperature higher than the Curie-temperature of the filtermatrix material.

Abstract: In a glass melting operation, cullet is employed as a waste heat collector and/or particulate emissions collector. Cullet is contacted with exhaust gases in a gas/solid contact vessel wherein the cullet is heated and particulates are deposited onto the cullet. The heated cullet is preferably sent directly to the melting furnace. Electrostatic means may be employed to enhance particulate collection in the bed of cullet.

Abstract: Granular heat exchange medium is employed to recover waste heat from a combustion furnace, particularly a glass melting furnace, and the heated medium is then employed to pre-heat combustion air entering the furnace. A bed of granular heat exchange medium also may remove particulate emissions from the exhaust gas.

Abstract: Uncured rubber scrap may be segregated from metal and fiber contaminants by the method of first embrittling the scrap by immersion in a liquid cryogen, then impacting the embrittled rubber and magnetically removing metal, and then milling the remainder. Gas flotation is used during milling so that particles of rubber and fiber are selectively removed from the mill and subsequently classified by size, whereby most of the fibrous component is segregated from a remainder. The remainder is then worked so as to increase the surface area of residual fiber prior to further segregation of fiber from rubber by gas flotation. The combined milling and flotation procedure may also be used for separating components of other mixtures. Apparatus for embrittling and milling is described.

Abstract: Oil shale mineral solids are separated from a fluid such as retorted shale oil by heating the mineral solids to a temperature above about 480.degree. C. and above the magnetic transformation temperature of at least a portion of the solids. The temperature of the solids is maintained above 480.degree. C. for no longer than about one minute, and the solids are magnetically separated. High gradient magnetic separation techniques are preferred.

Abstract: A method for separating tobacco and sand in stemmery discards is disclosed. The sand tobacco mixture is passed through dryer (14), to reduce the moisture content, agitated by conveyor (16), passed through sieve (18), to obtain the correct particle size and to mechanically agitate the mixture, and is then passed through electrostatic separators (24) and (25) to separate the sand from the tobacco. Portions of the electrostatically separated sand tobacco mixture may be passed through another electrostatic separator (26) to achieve a further separation of sand and tobacco.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of glass is disclosed. Dried glass batch agglomerates are used as the media in an electrified filter bed, preheated with furnace exhaust gases, and then fed to a glass melting furnace. Exhaust gases from the preheating are electrically charged and passed through the electrified bed of agglomerates to remove glass batch particulate from the spent gases.