Abstract: A item separating or debris eliminating system includes a tank and a pump for circulating water from one end of the tank around through a duct and back into the opposite end of the tank. A medium density object collector is located within the tank, and a light debris collector is located within the tank. A conveyor filter is included through which substantially all of the water in the tank is circulated. The debris eliminating system preferably also includes a high density object collector within the tank. The system can be used to separate a variety of objects having different densities and terminal velocities in a fluid. Most preferably, the system is utilized for separating debris from potatoes and the like produce.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a multi-step screening apparatus (1), the method comprising controlling other accept, reject and dilution flows in relation to the flow measured in the accept channel (7a) of the first screening step (3a). Thus a simpler control unit (9) can be used and accept of higher quality can be obtained than before. The invention further relates to an apparatus for controlling a multi-step screening apparatus (1), said apparatus comprising a control unit (9) arranged to measure the flows of all accept, reject and dilution water channels (7a-7c, 5a, 5b, 11a, 11b) and to adjust the flow of the other channels on the basis of the flow of the accept channel of the first step.

Abstract: Sample focusing method and device for field-flow fractionation techniques that lead to improved detection, improved separation resolution, and a compressed sample plug while permitting a more straightforward quantitation of peaks and reliable large volume injections. The method and technique can be implemented in separations that are performed by a variety of field-flow fractionation techniques, including thermal FFF, electrical FFF, sedimentation FFF, gravitational FFF, dielectric FFF, photophoretic FFF, flow FFF, asymmetric flow FFF, and symmetric flow FFF. The sample focusing device can be integrally built into a separation channel or it can be manufactured as an attachable independent piece.

Abstract: In an apparatus for classifying objects by sedimentation having a straightening passage, capable of being prevented adhesion of bubbles to the straightening passage, and capable of being prevented a sample supplying error generated caused by a closed sample supplying portion on account of air locking, there is provided a bubble-removing passage for removing the bubbles within fluids at upper stream position of a straightening mesh within a classifying bath for classifying objects based on dropping position caused by a final sinking velocity of said objects falling within fluids after throwing said objects into flowing fluids, the bubble-removing passage which comprises a filter and a filter holder secured within the classifying bath through a protuberance.

Abstract: The device (10) includes a cylindrical guiding channel (16) communicating with a lower container (17) formed with two parallel planar walls (21) separated by a distance smaller than the maximum width of the guiding channel. The device is further provided with a motion generator (24) arranged to generate a substantially laminar fluid flow in the guiding channel for conveying particles to the guiding channel. The particles introduced in the guiding channel (16) receive the kinetic energy of the fluid flow, fall in the lower container (17) and are recovered at positions which depend of the mass and the kinetic energy received.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus and method for fractionating and simultaneously viewing individual microstructures, such as free cells, viruses, macromolecules, or minute particles in a fluid medium. The sorting apparatus is composed of a substrate having a receptacle located therein, the receptacle having sidewalls and a floor. An array of obstacles is positioned within the receptacle with the obstacles upstanding from the floor of the receptacle. A transparent cover overlies the array of obstacles to cover the receptacle and afford visual observation of migration of the microstructures exclusively through the array of obstacles. Electrodes may be positioned within the receptacle to generate an electric field in the fluid medium in the receptacle in order to induce the migration of the microstructures. Migration of the microstructures may also occur, for example, by a hydrodynamic field, an optical field, a magnetic field, or a gravity field applied to the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention entails a device for separating liquid and entrained solids from a vapor stream traveling under pressure within a conduit by inducement of the annular boundary layer within the pipe wall, to a stratified region flowing along the bottom of the pipe, for removal by way of a condensate drain pot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing particles suspended in a fluid by creating an obstacle field in a region of a conduit or receptacle and causing the fluid to flow through the conduit where the obstacle field has a configuration that causes the particles suspended in the fluid to disperse in a differential manner in a direction perpendicular to the flow of fluid as the fluid flows through the obstacle field.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus and method for fractionating and simultaneously viewing individual microstructures, such as free cells, viruses, macromolecules, or minute particles in a fluid medium. The sorting apparatus is composed of a substrate having a receptacle located therein, the receptacle having sidewalls and a floor. An array of obstacles is positioned within the receptacle with the obstacles upstanding from the floor of the receptacle. A transparent cover overlies the array of obstacles to cover the receptacle and afford visual observation of migration of the microstructures exclusively through the array of obstacles. Electrodes may be positioned within the receptacle to generate an electric field in the fluid medium in the receptacle in order to induce the migration of the microstructures. Migration of the microstructures may also occur, for example, by a hydrodynamic field, an optical field, a magnetic field, or a gravity field applied to the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus provides the removal of particular matter from an aqueous carrier such as water, water-based slurry, mine slurry, or the like. Particles below 40 mesh in size can be separated from the aqueous carrier and concentrated with like particles according to their specific gravity and flow characteristics. A plurality of guides are provided for directing the aqueous carrier into different flow paths which are configured to take advantage of the force of gravity for diverting the aqueous carrier into a plurality of drop channels. The drop channels contain additional flow diversion guides for diverting a portion of the primary flow through a respective drop channel. As the aqueous carrier flows through the guides and into the drop channels by gravity, the diversionary flow paths tend to pull matter below a desired density out of a primary drop channel. This enables particulate matter to be separated from the aqueous carrier and to be concentrated at a selected density.

Abstract: Articles, such as apples, to be sorted by size, float in water along a main channel. Depending upon the depths to which the apples penetrate below the surface of the water, the apples may be diverted into one of a plurality of side channels by endless belts positioned at respectively different depths beneath the surface of the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sorting method and a sorting device for sorting particles according to their settling velocities in a fluid medium. According to one aspect, the sorting method comprises admitting particles into a longitudinally vertically positioned container containing a fluid and allowing the particles to settle for a specified period of time under the influence of gravitational forces resulting in separation of the particles according to their settling velocities, followed by rotating the container by 90 degrees in order for the container to take a longitudinally horizontal position and thus allowing the separated particles to settle down and be collected in a sorted fashion. The sorting device comprises a container and means for achieving sorting of particles using this sorting method.

Abstract: A mixture of rock, soil particles and wood pieces (10') is introduced into a water tank (34) generally between a manifold (64) for a plurality of jet nozzles (62) and a vane or baffle (66) towards which the nozzles (62) discharge streams of water. Buoyant and nonbuoyant wood pieces (14) are moved by currents produced by jet streams issuing from the nozzles (62) towards and over the baffle (66) onto a wood piece conveyor (150) which removes the wood pieces (14) out from the water tank (34). Rocks (16) from the mixture drop down onto a rock receiving portion (82) of a rock conveyor (82, 84) which collects the rock (14) and removes it out from the water tank (34). Soil particles (18) from the mixture are washed off from the rock (16) and wood pieces (14) and settle to the bottom of the tank (34). A drag chain conveyor (160) moves accumulated soil particle mud out from the bottom of the chamber (34).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating bark from gravel including first and second conveyors disposed within a trough having a first zone and a second zone maintained preferably at different liquid levels by virtue of a partition dam to provide cleansing of the bark and the gravel so that these substances have commercial vitality apart from each other.

Abstract: A continuous flow FFF process for the separation of samples of particles which uses a modified channel structure to reduce the relaxation effect, reduce sample adhesion to the wall, and where possible eliminate the stop-flow procedure and thus greatly increase the speed and stability of operation, said modified channel comprises a thin channel whose thickness is reduced at the inlet end for a substantial distance beyond the inlet, such as the conventional triangular or near triangular piece, and then broadened out at the outlet end of the channel.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for the complete fractionation of submicron particles according to size by capillary hydrodynamic fractionation. This objective is achieved by using small diameter capillaries; introducing a minor fraction of a liquid dispersion of particles to be separated into at least one capillary fraction; passing the minor fraction through the capillary; and, at the exit of the capillary, diluting the minor fraction with the same liquid as is carrying the fractionated sample. These modifications in the flow patterns are essential to the use of capillaries with diameters smaller than 60 microns. This invention is especially adapted for rapid analytical separation of not only rigid colloidal particles but also of soft latexes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating peas based upon differences in density. The apparatus includes a flow trough having a flow manifold. A pump takes water from a reservoir and delivers the water to the flow manifold. A flow nipple having a lip portion extending into the flow manifold and turning vanes within the flow manifold distribute the water to create a substantially laminar flow. Fixed and pivotable water deflectors at an inlet portion of the flow trough establish a linear, laminar flow of water along the flow trough. A hopper and conveyor combination deliver a stream of peas to an adjustable plate member positioned in the laminar flow of water in the flow trough. The peas carried by the laminar flow of water descend off of the plate member into a separating chamber where peas having a high density range settle into a first collecting chamber and peas with a low density range settle into a second collecting chamber.

Abstract: A product separator having a flotation tank through which a quantity of product is passed in a flow of water. A shaped duct having a horizontal capture leg and an upwardly inclined discharge leg is connected into the floor of the tank so that the entrance of the capture leg communicates with the flow and an upper exit in the discharge leg empties into a vibratory hopper. A raised gate passes upwardly into the flow and directs less buoyant product into the capture leg. An ejector is positioned in the bottom of the capture leg and is arranged to direct a continuous high velocity stream of water across the transition region between the two legs into the discharge chute into a segregation hopper.

Abstract: A method for classifying sand wherein a mixture of sand and water is introduced into a classification tank (7) partially filled with water. Depending on the weight of the sand grains, the grains of sand will precipitate at the bottom (8) of the tank (7) at graduated distances from an inlet pipe (6), the heavier particles nearest the inlet and the lighter particles farther away.To prevent large quantities of fines, i.e., sand grains between about 0.002 mm and 0.006 mm in size, from being lost by being washed out of the tank (7) together with the overflow water, the water from the tank (7) is recirculated by means of a pump (14) so that the water becomes progressively more saturated with fines, which means that larger amounts of fines will precipitate in the tank (7).Because the water is recirculated, water consumption can be reduced by 2/3, and at the same time the problem of the overflow water from the tank (7) is also reduced.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator for separating solid particles from a fluid comprises a housing including a chamber, a first deflector between the chamber and its inlet for deflecting the fluid flowing from the inlet to a radially-extending passageway before reaching the chamber, and a second deflector between the radially-extending passageway and the chamber for deflecting the fluid in the circumferential direction before entering the chamber to produce a vortex therein for separation of solid particles from the fluid before the fluid reaches the chamber outlet. The housing further includes a dirt-purging outlet at the bottom of the chamber for purging the solid particles settling therein.

Abstract: In a sand classification tank for producing classified sand for concrete pouring purposes, i.e., sand containing predetermined fractions of sand grains of different sizes per unit of volume, a mixture of unclassified sand and water is introduced into a tank (1) partially filled with water, beneath the surface of the water, and the sand grains are deposited by sedimentation at the bottom of the tank at varying distances from the inlet, depending on their weight, such that the coarsest sand fraction will be deposited closest to, and the finest fraction or fines farthest from, the place where the sand/water mixture is introduced into the tank. For the purpose of retaining as much of the fines fraction as possible (i.e., sand grains of between 0.002 and 0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a well drilling operation where drilling fluids are used and recycled. More particularly, it relates to novel method and apparatus for reclaiming valuable drilling fluids otherwise discarded with solids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for separating coal from impurities, which comprises a first and second tank including drag conveyor means and agitation means for the combination of saturating a raw mass containing coal and impurities, dispersing the impurities in to water, separating the coal from the impurities and flowing the mass from the front of the tanks to the rear of the tanks. A crusher as arranged between the tanks through conveyor means for transferring the mass between from one tank to the crusher and from the crusher to the other tank. The mass from the second tank is conveyed in to a separator pan which includes a separator plate, the separator plate having a configuration and being located within the separator pan at a position, so that an upper flow portion of the mass having a lower specific gravity passes thereover, and so that a lower flow portion of the mass having a higher specific gravity passes thereunder and out a hole in the bottom of the separator.

Abstract: A chemical reagent is mixed with the mixture to form a resultant reaction mixture under substantially nonoxidizing or oxygen-free conditions. A continuous movement of the resultant reaction mixture is established through a flotation zone while maintaining substantially quiescent flow conditions during the continuous movement thereof. A first outlet is used to discharge a free or unimpeded flow of material collected at the upper surface of the liquid carrier medium within the flotation zone. A second outlet is used to discharge an impeded flow maintained at a lower flow rate than the free flow from said first discharging outlet. The chemical reagent is composed of a liquid hydrocarbon, a reducing material and an activator material. A trough shaped vessel has a discharge end with an upper outlet means and a lower outlet means. The vessel has a structural configuration effective to provide the continuous, substantially quiescent movement of the mixture through the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for separating materials of small size. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a separation tub which can be filled with a liquid up to a preselected level, means for introducing a conveying liquid with the materials to be separated into the tub below said preselected level under a pressure which is higher than that existing the area of introduction due to the effect of the weight of the liquid in the tub, and first and second material-ejection means arranged at said preselected level and, respectively, at the tub bottom to eject lighter and, respectively, heavier material.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for catching a partly fibrated mineral bloom which is thrown out from rotating fibrating wheels (1, 2), which are supplied with a mineral bloom. The catching of the partly fibrated mineral is made by one or several jets or flows of a liquid medium, especially water, which are directed to the fibres at an angle to the outflow direction of the fibres from the fibrating wheel or wheels (1, 2). The liquid flow or flows can be provided in one or several sets completely or partly extending round the periphery of the fibrating wheels (1, 2). The liquid flows can be flat or bowformed jets which are provided so as to completely surround the periphery of the fibrating wheels. By means of the liquid flows the partly fibrated mineral is brought away for further treatment, especially for separating fibres from non-fibrated particles, so called pearls.

Abstract: A dredging system operates entirely by siphon action and includes a completely sealed conduit system having the intake end disposed upstream or at an upper level from the outlet end which is disposed sufficiently below the inlet end to maintain a flow of water once started. A pump and bypass system is provided for starting the system in operation with the pump bypassed once the system begins this operation. The system is designed to operate continuously without the need for auxiliary power at dams and reservoirs and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous, steric field-flow fractionation and segregation of particles according to particle size. An elongate, fluid flow channel carrying a stream of entrained particles is subjected to a force field which urges the particles against one of the channel walls. The field strength is sufficient and in an appropriate direction to maintain the particles in close proximity to the wall so that particle size determines the rate of movement down the channel, the larger particles being exposed to the higher flow rates toward the center of the flow stream. The combined effects of fluid flow forces and force field strength develops a pattern of selective particle deflection from a point of particle infusion near the top of the channel, such that the particles drift and settle into segregated groups of common particle size.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating beans such as soybeans, comprising means for hulling the beans, such as a disk-type hulling device, and a running-water-type hull and seed separating device in which the hull and the seed are separated by water flows having different velocities.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a coal slurry from a raw coal feedstock which contains coal and gangues. The process optimizes coal recovery, coal quality and the hydraulic characteristics of the pipeline slurry.

Abstract: A chemical reagent is mixed with the mixture to form a resultant reaction mixture under substantially nonoxidizing or oxygen-free conditions. A continuous movement of the resultant reaction mixture is established through a flotation zone while maintaining substantially quiescent flow conditions during the continuous movement thereof. A first outlet is used to discharge a free or unimpeded flow of material collected at the upper surface of the liquid carrier medium within the flotation zone. A second outlet is used to discharge an impeded flow maintained at a lower flow rate than the free flow from said first discharging outlet. The chemical reagent is composed of a liquid hydrocarbon, a reducing material and an activator material. A trough shaped vessel has a discharge end with an upper outlet means and a lower outlet means. The vessel has a structural configuration effective to provide the continuous, substantially quiescent movement of the mixture through the vessel.

Abstract: A rotary drum-type sand classifier of this invention is provided with a desired number of rows of sand discharging mechanisms at the rear end thereof.Between each pair of sand discharging mechanism, a water cleaning chamber is formed where the classified sand is cleaned with water fed from the rear outlet of the drum. Due to the above construction, the sand classifier of this invention can conduct the classifying and cleaning of sand to be produced simultaneously and efficiently.

Abstract: An automatic liquid analyzing apparatus for quantitatively measuring the parameter of a liquid is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises means for automatically and continuously obtaining a relatively pure sample of the liquid to be analyzed. Discrete quantities of the sampled liquid are reacted with discrete quantities of chemical reagents in accordance with the reaction which one desires to conduct. The transmittance of the reacted sample is then compared to the transmittance of the unreacted sample to obtain a measure of the parameter which one desires to monitor.