Abstract: A process for preheating glass batch ingredients is disclosed. The invention uses a heat exchange method that employs furnace exhaust gases. The exhaust gases are electrically charged and passed through an electrified bed of heat transfer media to remove particulate from the gases. The gases heat the media while the media scrubs the gases. The heated media then is used to preheat glass batch which is fed to a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming composite materials that includes viscous and non-viscous constituents is described. The process comprises the steps of submerging the materials in a bath of liquid having a specific gravity greater than the viscous constituent but less than the non-viscous constituent, blasting the submerged materials with a gas or vapor heated to a temperature in excess of the melting temperature of the viscous constituent whereupon the viscous constituent is liberated from the non-viscous constituent and rises to the surface of the bath, skimming the viscous constituent from the surface of the bath, and emerging the non-viscous constituent from the bath.

Abstract: A method of separating rubber from metal which includes covering a metal-taining rubber body with an inert powdered agent, 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, removing the powdered agent and magnetically separating the rubber from the metal, and apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of separating more magnetic particles from less magnetic particles, contained in a fluid medium which is subjected to a magnetic field, in which as fluid liquified gas is used.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing high grade phosphate rock from low grades, slime or tailings by subjecting the low grade rock, slime or tailings to a calcination treatment at a temperature within the range from 1000.degree. F. to 1600.degree. F., and preferably from 1400.degree. F. to 1600.degree. F., until a fraction of said rock, slime or tailings becomes magnetically attractable, and subjecting the treated material to a high strength magnetic field to separate the same magnetically into at least two fractions, one of increased BPL and one of decreased BPL.

Abstract: A slurry of coal particles is dewatered by agglomerating the coal particles using a hydrocarbon binder at an elevated temperature to obtain coal pellets which are then heat treated. Gases released by the pellets during heat treatment may be heat exchanged with the slurry or burned to produce heat for the heat treatment, steam for the heat treatment, or to provide mechanical energy for the agglomeration.

Abstract: The solid organic materials contained in wet-process phosphoric acid are removed by froth flotation in a flotation cell in which the solid organic materials overflow with the foam from the top of the cell and the acid, after passing through the cell, is passed to extraction. The froth flotation process can also be used to remove defoamer and organic soluble materials from the wet-process phosphoric acid. Uranium in the partially purified phosphoric acid product is extracted with a suitable organic extractant, typically a mixture of mono- and di-(alkylphenyl) esters of orthophosphoric acid.

Abstract: One or more mineral values of sulfide ores are beneficiated by cotreating the sulfide ore with a metal containing compound and a reducing gas under conditions such as to selectively enhance the magnetic susceptibility of the mineral values to the exclusion of the gangue in order to permit a physical separation between the values and gangue.

Abstract: In a process for beneficiating one or more mineral values of sulfide ores by treating the sulfide ore with a metal containing compound under conditions such as to selectively enhance the magnetic susceptibility of the mineral values to the exclusion of the gangue in order to permit a separation between the values and gangue, the improvement comprising pretreating the sulfide ore by heating it to a temperature of at least about 80.degree. C. for at least about 0.1 hours.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a process for the flotation of an acid grade fluorspar enriched concentrate, having a sulfide sulfur content not greater than about 0.02%, from a fluorspar ore containing in addition to fluorspar substantial amounts of gangue minerals and metallic sulfide accessory minerals. The invention utilizes in this conventional flotation process an alkali metal sulfide, preferably sodium sulfide, as a depressor reagent, in substitution of environmentally objectionable sodium cyanide, to depress the flotation of metallic sulfide minerals, thereby rendering a flotation concentrate low in sulfide sulfur content while substantially reducing associated environmental effects.

Abstract: A tar separating device for separating tar from hot rinsing liquid, specifically, the rinsing liquid of a receiver of a coke oven battery including a container having a rinsing liquid inlet, a solids removal device for removing solids from the liquid as the liquid enters the container, a tar dewatering chamber located in the container near the inlet such that the rinsing liquid entering the container flows over the outer surface of the chamber and a tube in the container for conveying rinsing liquid into the tar dewatering chamber. The inlet to the tube is located at a point distant from the rinsing liquid inlet to the container. At the tube inlet point, the temperature of the liquid is lower than that at the inlet. The present invention utilizes this temperature differential to effect a particularly distinct separation between the tar and the water. The device further includes means for separately removing the tar and the water from the dewatering chamber.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transporting items such as chopped nuclear fuel pins from a receiving station to a discharge station. The apparatus contains a liquid for transporting the items in an inlet duct which extends downwardly from the receiving station to a region where it is joined to an outlet duct which extends upwardly to the discharge station.The region is connected to a source capable of applying a pressure pulse to the liquid so as to displace the liquid upwardly in at least the outlet duct and thereby transport the items through the apparatus.At least two apparatus may be connected together in series relationship to provide a plant for the transport of the items through the plant.

Abstract: Crude potash salt is conditioned for separation into its components by means of an electrostatic field by grinding the salt to disintegration and contacting the ground salt with a conditioning agent, such as salicylic acid, which has been converted to the gaseous state, such that the conditioning agent draws up onto the surfaces of the salt crystals by absorption. The quantity of the conditioning agent employed is adjusted by varying the evaporation temperature and/or by varying the volume of heated air and/or inert gas, serving as a carrier material.

Abstract: A process for purifying an aqueous solution of NaOH by removing suspended NaCl and Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 impurities therefrom comprising bubbling a gas into the impurity-containing NaOH solution at a first stage temperature above 16.degree. C. up to 31.degree. C. and at a second stage temperature above 31.degree. C. up to about 36.degree. C., separating a foam layer containing NaCl and Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 from NaOH at the first stage and a foam layer containing Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 from NaOH at the second stage.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/SE78/00029 Sec. 371 Date May 9, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date May 9, 1979 PCT Filed Aug. 10, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00137 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 22, 1979This specification describes a method of separating a fine-grained close-packed solid material from a liquid with which the fine-grained material is saturated. The material may by way of example consist of grindings; metal-containing pickling bath deposits; or metal oxides from metallurgical venturi-filter. The moist mixture (1) is packed in a container (2) which thereafter is closed and heated from underneath. The liquid is evaporated starting from the lower portions in the container and forces liquid from the upper portions towards the surface of the paste-like mixture, wherefrom collected liquid (9) can be removed. Common oil drums can be used as containers.

Abstract: The transporting of solids using selected fluorochlorocarbons as carriers. Techniques of recovering the carrier are also disclosed as are novel solids handling and processing systems in which the compositions employed as carriers are also used to effect a heavy liquid resolution of solids.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of drying agglomerated moist particulate material, the particles of which when dry have a very low density. Drying is effected by supporting the material on a screen within a retainer, and by applying heat to the material in contact with the screen by way of an electrical or heat exchange type heating element. Vaporized moisture is extracted by way of a vent which extends upwardly through the retainer from a position adjacent the screen, so that the vapour is caused firstly to flow down through the screen and then upwardly through the vent.

Abstract: Waste materials of varying density are passed through a hammer mill for size reduction after which they are moved along a gravity path within a stream of hot inert gas. The stream of materials is intercepted by a transversely moving mass of heated inert gas that separates the lighter materials from the heavier ones. A manifold receives the lighter materials while the heavier items are picked up at a lower position by a sealed screw conveyor. An adjustably located table and damper plate enable varying the weight-cut.

Abstract: Molybdenite (MoS.sub.2) is recovered from copper sulfide flotation concentrates by froth flotation utilizing steam-air injection into the concentrate flotation pulp at a temperature of about 70.degree. to 100.degree. C. in the presence of activated carbon and soluble sulfide reagents.

Abstract: In processes for making carbon black from automobile tires containing fiberglass, or the like, a mat of fiberglass strands intertwined with carbon black trapped in the interstices thereof can be produced. The present invention discloses method and apparatus of producing useful fiberglass and carbon black from such mats. Rapid agitation breaks the mat into a cloud of fine fiberglass particles and free carbon black. A low velocity airstream carries the particles to a separation zone wherein the free carbon black is filtered from the airstream as a first useful by-product. The fiberglass particles are then combusted to remove remaining carbon black carried therewith thus forming a second useful by-product.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating and collecting viable female spermatozoa (XX chromosome) and male spermatozoa (XY chromosome). The process utilizes apparatus comprising two sterilized columns of glass, plastic or other suitable material, a ball valve, a vacuum pump, a mercury manometer, and connecting tubes of glass, plastic or other suitable materials. The system is assembled with rubber percussion gaskets or other suitable connecting materials, to prevent the introduction of extraneous air into the closed system, and a burp bottle to preclude unwanted introduction of fluids into parts of the system under vacuum. The column containing the semen sample may be of variable volume, to accommodate semen samples of varying volume and concentration.The process may be modified by introducing into the system a direct and continuous electrical current flow, or by creating within the separating columns an electrophoretic field.

Abstract: A particle separator physically separates a mixture of small and large particles and metal particles which are suspended in a stream of air into discrete groups of small particles, large particles and metal particles. The particle separator includes a chamber having a bottom and including an inverted truncated cone. The cone includes an upper skirt which forms a seal with the inner wall of the chamber and an aperture in the lower end. The cone divides the chamber into upper and lower compartments. An inlet duct extends through the wall of the chamber into the upper compartment of the chamber. A filter plate is positioned within the lower compartment of the chamber and includes a first side surface which forms a seal with the inner wall of the chamber and a second side surface which forms a seal with the wall of the cone. The structure of the filter defines an intermediate compartment in the upper portion of the lower compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying solids and transporting a solids-laden fluid containing large particle size solids which will tend to plug a tubular transport means and small particle size solids which will pass through the transport means without plugging, including passing the solids-laden fluid through a screening means and removing therefrom large particle size solids having a maximum dimension greater the internal diameter of the fluid transport means while passing through the screening means the solids-laden fluid containing small particle size solids having a maximum dimension smaller than the internal diameter of the fluid transport means and thereafter passing the solids-laden fluid containing the small particle size solids through the fluid transport means.

Abstract: There is proposed herein a method and apparatus for cooling, drying and separating casting pieces and molding sand and wherein the apparatus includes an opening that extends lengthwise therethrough, the cooling operation being conducted by inducting air in a rotary drum that is contiguous to a first rotary chamber that is in juxtaposition relative to a stationary chamber. The sand is caused to pass through perforated areas within the apparatus while the casting pieces continue through the axial opening in the stationary chamber. A perforated divider wall disposed between the first rotary chamber and the stationary chamber permits passage of sand to a discharge valve and vents air to atmosphere. In a further embodiment of the invention a polygonal sieve is disposed between the rotary chamber and the stationary chamber, said sieve being a truncated pyramid and provided with guide foils.

Abstract: Equipment and method for treating solid waste in which a substantially nonoxidizing atmosphere is provided through which the shredded solid waste falls under gravity, unsupported and non-contacted, to prevent fusion of the plastics with each other, with other materials in the solid waste, or with the walls or components in the treating equipment. The unique atmosphere also allows a high treatment temperature to accelerate the debonding of fibrous combustible matter and fusion of the plastics into dense particles for substantially complete separation and recovery of plastics from the lighter fibrous but non-fusible combustible matter through gas classification during the fall. This same atmosphere also produces a clean, substantially, homogeneous, storageable and highly combustible fuel derived from the fibrous combustible matter.

Abstract: A method for recovering plastics which is easy in working and effective in separation of materials. The method comprises the steps of: heating multilayer plastic articles, immediately crushing the heated plastic articles by means of shearing, impact or tearing force and peeling the layers of the plastic articles into small pieces of respective component layer materials, and separating the crushed and peeled pieces of materials into the respective component layer materials, thereby recovering the component layer materials in separated state.

Abstract: A waterless method of separating minerals and a mobile mineral separator are described in which preheated mine products are continuously separated from associated mine refuse by sink/float washing in a heavy-liquid bath which has been heated to its boiling point. The heavy liquids will usually be halogenated organic liquids or liquid mixtures. The separated product and reject fractions are withdrawn by augers to drainage hoppers where most of the heavy liquids are removed for return to the bath. Final removal of the heavy liquids from the mine products and reject fractions is accomplished by vaporization as the product and the reject fraction move by additional augers through heated pipes. The vaporized heavy liquids are collected in air-cooled or otherwise cooled condensers and are returned to the bath. The heavy liquids are essentially completely recycled.

Abstract: Plastic film cartridges generally comprise a variety of component parts plus a label affixed by adhesive to the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing (a plastic) is recyclable when the label and adhesive are removed and the housing is separated from the other non-compatible plastic and non-plastic cartridge components. In accordance with the invention, multi-stage reclaiming apparatus and method is disclosed wherein film cartridges are first rough chopped to provide physical separation of the cartridge components. The cartridge housing pieces are separated from other cartridge components on the basis of differences in specific gravity in a series of specific gravity separation tanks. To remove the labels and adhesive from the housing pieces, a separation tank contains a detergent solution capable of assisting in dissolving the adhesive. The tank is provided with a group of heating elements to cause the detergent solution to boil in the immediate vicinity thereof.

Abstract: Plastic film cartridges generally comprise a variety of component parts plus a label affixed by adhesive to the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing (a plastic) is recyclable when the label and adhesive are removed and the housing is separated from the other non-compatible plastic and non-plastic cartridge components. In accordance with the invention, multi-stage reclaiming apparatus is disclosed wherein film cartridges are first rough chopped to provide physical separation of the cartridge components. The cartridge housing pieces are separated from other cartridge components on the basis of differences in specific gravity in a series of specific gravity separation tanks. To remove the labels and adhesive from the housing pieces, a separation tank contains a detergent solution capable of assisting in dissolving the adhesive. The tank is provided with a group of heating elements to cause the detergent solution to boil in the immediate vicinity thereof.

Abstract: A process for treating a clay mineral of the kandite group comprising forming a fluid aqueous suspension of the clay mineral, the suspension having a solids content in the range of from 60% to 75% by weight and a pH in the range of from 7.0 to 11.0 and the suspension containing a dispersing agent to deflocculate the clay mineral; and treating the fluid suspension of clay containing the dispersing agent with a water-soluble reducing bleaching agent under alkaline pH conditions for a time sufficient to give the desired improvement in brightness of the clay. Preferably, the clay mineral suspension is subjected to a particle size separation process at said solids content to reduce the percentage of particles larger than 10.mu.m to not more than 3% by weight. Advantageously, the viscosity of the clay mineral suspension during the particle size separation process is below 2 poise.

Abstract: Coal is separated in a gravity separator using a fluorinated hydrocarbon parting liquid. The cleaned coal is burned and the ash mixed with recovered parting liquid and returned to the gravity separator. Additives may be dispersed in the parting liquid to alter the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the products. The additive may be a dustproofing or a waterproofing agent.

Abstract: A method of using fluorinated hydrocarbons as a carrier to convey mined coal to a separation station. The carrier acts as a parting liquid for beneficiating the coal. The carrier is recovered and returned to the mine for conveying more coal. Some of the returned carrier may be used at the mining face as a dust suppressant. Ash from burning the coal may be returned with the carrier where it is disposed of as waste material.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for cleaning coal in which fluorochlorocarbons are used as parting liquids. Various novel techniques, components, and combinations thereof are employed to maximize efficiency; to minimize costs and adverse environmental impacts; to make it possible to recover coal of a character which has heretofore been economically unrecoverable; to produce a superior product; and to reach other worthwhile goals.

Abstract: The rotor comprises an elongated hollow cylinder and hollow stub shafts affixed to and extending outwardly of each end portion of the cylinder, such cylinder interior being in fluid communication with the interiors of the shafts so that cooling fluid passes therebetween to reduce the heat build up of the cylinder and the transfer of heat to the rotor support beraings, and to conserve energy by substantially reducing the mass of the rotor. Fan blades may be located in and attached inwardly of the shaft or the cylinder to force cooling air therethrough.

Abstract: A method of reducing the temperature of sponge iron to a safe level for storage and shipment including the steps of transferring freshly prepared sponge iron in particulate form to a separator vessel, such sponge iron being at dangerously high temperatures rendering it susceptible to oxidation; passing a cooling gas stream through the sponge iron in order to initially cool and fluidize the sponge iron and transfer smaller particles and fines away from the larger, more solid sponge iron particulate; conveying by vibration the remaining sponge iron towards a storage area and applying the cooling gas to the remaining sponge iron as it is conveyed towards storage in order to reduce the average temperature of the sponge iron to a safe level.

Abstract: A high intensity magnetic field separator for the wet preparation of magnetizable particles of solids receives a charging material having a carrier medium with the particles therein through an arrangement of ferromagnetic bodies, organized as a matrix, in the area of a magnetic field. A hollow body of magnetically inert material is rotatably mounted for rotation about a vertical axis and carries a ferromagnetic body on its outer side and rotates in close proximity about at least one magnetic system which fixedly mounted within the interior of the rotating body. The hollow body is at least approximately rotationally symmetrical and is preferably a cylinder, but may take the shape of a truncated cone or a polygon. The magnetic system comprises an arrangement of superconducting coils in a cryostat which has refrigeration conduits extending down through the open of the hollow body and downwardly through the base of the machine which mounts the hollow body.

Abstract: Apparatus for the regeneration of fluidized solid catalyst including a regeneration chamber adapted to hold a fluidized solids bed, oxygen containing gas source communicating with the chamber, a tangential inlet communicating with the regeneration chamber to impart a swirling motion to spent catalyst entering the regeneration chamber and a free standing drawoff conduit disposed within the regeneration chamber, the drawoff conduit having an upper, open end in communication with the solids bed, the open end being formed by an obliquely truncated, outwardly flared portion of the conduit, the high portion of said truncated conduit lying closest the spent catalyst inlet.

Abstract: Titanium dioxide component is removed from a mineral containing titanium dioxide component which is difficult to be separated by the conventional electrostatic separation.In the electrostatic separation from the mineral containing titanium dioxide component, the mineral is pretreated by a heat-treatment in an atmosphere of reducing, neutral or inert gas or a mixture thereof so as to change the electrostatic property of titanium dioxide and separating by an electrostatic separation.

Abstract: The disclosure is of the use of a class of chelating agents having active nitrogen and oxygen chelating atoms and which form insoluble chelates with copper, as reagents for the recovery of for example copper values from copper-bearing materials by froth flotation and like techniques.

Abstract: Separation of glass from waste material by high tension techniques. The waste is sized to a range from 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches, dried to a moisture content less than 2%, air classified to remove low bulk density material, and subjected to magnetic separation to remove ferrous metal. The waste is then fed to the top of a rotating grounded drum and subjected successively to ion bombardment from corona discharge electrodes and to an electrostatic field from a static electrode. The glass remains pinned to the roll while other materials come off in the static field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating objects having a density greater than a selected density value from objects having a density less than said selected density value.

Abstract: A water sealing device for establishing a gas-tight seal between a stationary member and a vibratory member in which a water tank is supported upon and moves with the vibratory member, and at least one sealing element is supported upon the stationary member and extends below the water level in the tank. Means are provided for regulating the level of water in the tank. A material flow passage extends through the water tank to interconnect the stationary and vibratory members.

Abstract: A method of removing ash components from coals, particularly high-ash content coals, comprises grinding the coal into ground particles and suspending the ground coals in an aqueous alkali carbonate solution. The solution is maintained in a reactor for 45 to 120 minutes at a temperature range of from 250.degree. to 280.degree. C and under a pressure of from 50 to 80 atm in order to cause the CO.sub.2 to be set free by dissociation. The CO.sub.2 is discharged from the reactor by directing an inert gas stream through the reactor and discharging the CO.sub.2 with the gas stream. The suspension is stirred and agitated at elevated temperatures and increased pressures in order to fuse the ashes. The aqueous solution containing the dissolved ash components is then separated from the coal. The removed carbon dioxide is introduced into a solution for reforming the alkali carbonate in order to cause the contents of the solution to become insoluble and separated and the alkali solution to become regenerated.

Abstract: Steam is injected into water to regenerate asphalt waste which is heated in the water to a predetermined temperature. Such heated asphalt waste is mechanically subdivided in the water into aggregate grains each having its surface coated with a thin asphalt film.

Abstract: A method of removing ash components from coals, particularly high-ash bituminous and sub-bituminous coals, comprises grinding the coals and suspending the ground coal in an aqueous media to form a raw suspension, fusing the raw suspension and without further additives stirring for 60 to 360 minutes at from 250.degree. C to 350.degree. C and at a pressure of from 50 to 80 atm. Thereupon, the fused suspension is cooled and the pressure thereof is relieved. The aqueous phase containing the dissolved ash components are separated from the coal.

Abstract: For the purpose of utilizing as a sinter raw material a rolling mill sludge with a grease deposit having a high moisture content, which is deposited in a waste water pit of a steel rolling mill, the moisture content of said rolling mill sludge is reduced to from about 1% to 10% by drying said rolling mill sludge at a temperature of from about 120.degree. C to about 200.degree. C, preferably of about 140.degree. C to about 150.degree.

Abstract: Metallic scrap containing a coating of organic insulation material is processed to recover a clean, unoxidized metallic substrate and various insulation by-products by thermally decomposing the organic insulation under pressure in a closed, externally heated vessel. Volatile decomposition products are periodically vented to a vapor recovery system and non-volatile decomposition products, primarily carbonaceous char adhering to the clean scrap, are separated by mechanical action such as vibration or tumbling. Apparatus for performing this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the sex of mammalian offspring by separation of the X-chromosome female producing sperm and Y-chromosome male producing sperm according to their different characteristics of density of the respective cells and electric potential on the respective cell surfaces. Separation is accomplished by first producing a thermal convection counter stream within a sedimentation column containing a universal medium with sperm suspended therein and allowing the two sperm populations to settle into different fractions according to different densities. Subsequently, the fractions are further separated and concentrated utilizing convection galvanization. The positive and negative geotaxis applied to the sperm during thermal convection sedimentation in combination with galvanic forces applied during the convection galvanization facilitate a more efficient separation than previously obtained.

Abstract: Process for color sorting of particulate glass employing as the basic concept the differential heating by irradiation and absorption of preselected colored glass particles and contacting such irradiated and differentially heated glass particles with an organic thermoplastic material which melts over a narrow temperature range, the preselected colored glass particles being heated by such irradiation to within the aforementioned temperature range and causing melting of the organic thermoplastic material in contact with such glass particles but without causing melting of the inorganic thermoplastic material in contact with the other glass particles, and thereby enabling separation of the differentially heated colored glass particles in contact with the melted organic material from the remaining glass particles.

Abstract: A cross flow blower unit for use in a grain cleaning system of a self-propelled combine harvester. The rotor of the blower unit doubles as a rotary heat exchanger for use in the engine coolant system and furnishes a heated air stream to the grain cleaning system for drying and removing moisture from the kernels of grain undergoing cleaning treatment therein.