Abstract: A spiral chute for mineral processing, comprising a spiral chute body (10) supported to be vertical. A radial cross-sectional profile curve of the chute body gradually rises from the inside of the chute body to the outside of the chute body. The radial cross-sectional profile curve of the chute body is a compound curve (100). The compound curve comprises a first curve segment (110) and a second curve segment (120) sequentially arranged from the inside of the chute body to the outside of the chute body. The tail end of the first curve segment and the head end of the second curve segment are connected to a first connection point (130). The included angle between the curve tangent of the head end of the second curve segment and the horizontal plane is smaller than that between the curve tangent of the tail end of the first curve segment and the horizontal plane.

Abstract: An eggshell membrane separation system of separating a broken egg into an eggshell and an eggshell membrane (100) including: a pulverizer (10) that pulverizes the broken egg; an alkaline water tank (20) in which alkaline water is synthesized; and a separation tank (30) in which the alkaline water is supplied from the alkaline water tank and the broken egg pulverized by the pulverizer is separated into the eggshell and the eggshell membrane, wherein the alkaline water discharged from the separation tank is returned to the alkaline water tank (20) and reused. The eggshell membrane separation system can improve a separation property of an eggshell and an eggshell membrane and smoothly discharge the eggshell precipitated in the separation tank.

Abstract: A classifier cleaning and optimization device is provided. The device includes a chamber that is adapted to contain a fluidized bed, an array of two or more adjacently arranged inclined plates positioned above the fluidized bed wherein an inclined channel is formed between each pair of adjacent inclined plates, and a means for introducing a process liquid into the chamber between the fluidized bed and the array of inclined plates such that in use, the process fluid travels through at least one of the inclined channels. A method of cleaning the separation section of a classifier is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An assembly and method for gravitationally separating gold from particles, and specifically for separating small components of gold, less than 1 millimeter from small particles. A series of sieves having graduated mesh sizes, and arranged in a sequential, stacked configuration sieves the aggregate of large particles and larger components of gold. The remaining small particles and smaller components of gold fall into a container. A pressurized column of fluid is forced into the container. The fluid has sufficient flow velocity to suspend the lighter small particles, but insufficient flow velocity to support the denser, high specific gravity gold. Gold has a large specific gravity relative to the fluid and particles. Gravity causes the gold to falls into a transparent collection conduit. Manipulation of valves enables gold to redirect to a collection bin. Fluid flow is shut, enabling small particles to be flushed out through gravitational forces and excess fluid momentum.

Abstract: A water treatment system including an enclosure for water to be treated, a multiplicity of biomass carriers located within the enclosure, at least one airlift in the enclosure for raising the water and the biomass carriers and at least one mechanical biomass carrier accumulated residue removal apparatus operative to remove accumulated residue from the biomass carriers.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system, a fluid processing apparatus and a method of treating a mixture are provided in which a separator has two outlets for different components of mixed fluid. A conduit connecting one of the outlets of the separator to the inlet of the separator is provided to recycle fluid from an outlet of the separator back to the inlet and a pump at the inlet of the separator regulates the fluid flow through the separator at a constant rate. As a result, the flow rate through the separator is increased, which increases the separation efficiency of the separation system. The conduit also functions as a bypass line should the flow of fluid be obstructed through the separator. The conduit may preferably be operated in conjunction with an energy harvester.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating materials and recovery of valuable materials such as from end-of-life vehicles and appliances are disclosed. Vehicles are shredded and resulting pieces are dropped into a fluidic separator that separates the shredded vehicle scrap into heavier pieces and lighter pieces. The fluidic separator separates the bulk of the more valuable metals of the non-metals. The fluidic separator, which may be used for separating many kinds of mixtures of pieces of varying specific gravity, comprises a fluid-filled container in which the pieces and the fluid are stirred so that pieces of specific gravity greater than that of the fluid tend to sink and pieces of specific gravity less than that of the fluid tend to float.

Abstract: A sensing circuit for an electrochemical sensor includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an operational amplifier, an instrumentation amplifier, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The DAC generates a biased ground voltage signal which is received by the operational amplifier. The operational amplifier creates a high current biased voltage on one of a pair of terminals connected to the electrochemical sensor. The instrumentation amplifier receives a signal from the pair of terminals, and generates an output representative of a voltage across the pair of terminals with reference to the high current biased ground voltage signal. The ADC converter receives the output and derives an actual voltage reading taken by the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A sand washing apparatus may be used for separating organic material from a mixture comprising sand and organic material. The apparatus may comprise: a wash chamber for accepting a mixture comprising sand and organic material, the chamber including a lower portion; and an agitator comprising a screw having two or more flights extending into the lower portion. A method for recovering sand from a mixture comprising sand and organic material may comprise the steps of: introducing a mixture comprising sand and organic material into a water-filled chamber having a net flow of water in an upwardly direction; allowing organic material from the mixture to ascend in a net upwardly direction and allowing sand from the mixture to descend in a net downwardly direction; subjecting at least a portion of the descending sand to a turbulence; and recovering sand that has descended past the turbulence.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing heavy material from ore in a water environment includes an upstanding tube, a reservoir, and a pulsator connected between the upstanding tube and the reservoir. The pulsator cyclically causes the upstanding tube to move downward, and fluid pressure within reservoir causes it to move back upward. This vertical pulsation of the upstanding tube effects the separation of heavy material from lighter material contained within the ore. The pulsator includes a member and diaphragm which are cyclically forced downward into the reservoir by a cam-driven rocker arm. A given downward movement of the member and diaphragm results in an amplified upward movement of the ore and the water within the upstanding tube.

Abstract: A method for separating particles in hydrous slurry comprises connecting at least one teeter water pipe of a teeter water distributor of a hindered-bed separator in fluid connection with a teeter water discharging mechanism, and discharging teeter water from the at least one teeter water pipe to the teeter water discharging mechanism.

Abstract: An elutriation column is installed in a separation tank. The elutriation column includes a vertical separation column having a first side feed arm and a second side overflow arm spaced above the first side feed arm. Water is forced upwardly through the vertical separation column at a controllable velocity. A solid feed mixture is fed through the first side feed arm to the vertical separation column. Water from the tank rising in the vertical separation column at the controlled velocity causes targeted floater materials to move upwardly in the vertical separation column and heavier sinker materials to continue to sink. The floater materials flow from an outlet in the side of the separation tank into the recovery tank. At a discharge, lower end of the vertical separation column, the heavier sinker materials are removed from the separation tank. A mechanism is provided for purging undesirable materials that can cause plugging from the feed arm.

Abstract: A materials classifying cyclone with at least one vibrator for transmitting generated vibrations into the downwardly swirling slurry of materials to interrupt the flow pattern thereof so that some of the smaller particles trapped in the outer portions of the slurry are freed for movement into the vortex of the cyclone to increase the operating efficiency of the cyclone. In a first embodiment, the cyclone has a solid metallic conical housing with the vibrator attached to the periphery of the housing. In a second embodiment, a plurality of longitudinal struts in spaced apart relationship provide the conical housing with open sides with the vibrator mounted on one of the struts which transmit the vibrations to abrasion resistant liners mounted in the housing. In still another embodiment, the vibrator is coupled to an abrasion resistant liner which is exposed in one of the open spaces of the conical housing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices, including classifying microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices from a dispersion containing microcapsules in an aqueous medium, using a specific particle classification apparatus of the particle settling type. The resultant microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices are used, as their applications, for sheets for electrophoretic display devices, electrophoretic display devices, and electronic equipments.

Abstract: A disclosed sand washing apparatus may be used for separating organic material from a mixture comprising sand and organic material. The apparatus may comprise: a wash chamber for accepting a mixture comprising sand and organic material, an agitator, a collection chamber, and a conveyor configured to transport sand away from the collection chamber. The disclosed method for recovering sand from a mixture comprising sand and organic material may comprise the steps of: introducing the mixture into a chamber, allowing organic material to ascend while allowing sand to descend, subjecting a portion of the descending sand to a turbulence that creates a lifting action, and recovering sand that has descended past the turbulence.

Abstract: A flotation method in which a liquid or slurry is fed to a downcomer (20) where it forms a region of high void fraction which moves out of the downcomer (20) into a vessel (10) in which a froth rises and liquid or slurry falls, characterized in that the liquid or slurry is fed to the downcomer (20) with a jet velocity as it exits an orifice and enters a free jet zone of less than 8 metres/second.

Abstract: This application concerns the separation of fine granular mixtures that may occur when the grains are suitably vibrated within fluid. In particular, the present invention provides a method of separating a particulate mixture comprising different particle types, comprising subjecting a supported particle bed comprising a fluid and said particulate mixture to a vibration thereby to effect separation of the particulate mixture into strata each of which is preferentially rich in substantially one particle type. Apparatus for effecting the above method also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for determining trace oversize contaminant particles in a paper-making pulp employs a screen assembly having a screen housing with a screen mounted therein, and ports for introduction of aqueous pulp and rinsing and flushing fluids, and for withdrawal of screened aqueous pulp, the screen housing has no port designated for the sole purpose of removing accumulated contaminant particles from the screen housing; instead the port employed for introduction of aqueous pulp and which may also be employed for introduction of rinsing fluid to the housing, is employed as the flushing port for removal of contaminant particles.

Abstract: A cyclone for classifying materials has at least one vibrator attached to the downwardly tapering conical housing thereof to set up vibrations which interrupt the normal flow pattern of the downwardly swirling slurry of materials so that some of the smaller particles which would otherwise be trapped in the slurry are freed so that an increased amount of the smaller particles will move into the vortex created in the cyclone and thereby increase the operating efficiency of the cyclone. In a first embodiment, a conventional cyclone having a solid metallic conical housing is modified by having the vibrator attached to the periphery of the conical housing. In a second embodiment, an open-sided conical housing having a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal struts with the vibrator mounted on a strut which is configured to transmit vibrations to the metallic substrates of abrasion resistant liners mounted in the conical housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to the concentration of useful minerals and may be used in the concentration of iron ores. The magnetic hydroseparator includes a body with an upper drain, a supply device, a driving scraping device, set up with the possibility of interacting with the inner surface of an annular magnetic system and made with a changing number of revolutions, the annular magnetic system being set up within the upper part of the body, an unloading device with a washing device made with the possibility of regulating the supply of the washing liquid, gas or mixture of these, the lower part of the body being made in the shape of a cone. The claimed invention permits increasing the efficiency of concentration. One dependent claim, two illustrations.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of particles in a liquid that within chosen limits have different physical property values, wherein the particles to be separated are supplied via a feeder to a screen upon which a layer of facilitating particles is disposed the size of the facilitating parties being too large to fit through the openings in the screen, wherein particles to be separated are passed through the layer of facilitating particles and through the openings in the screen and collected under the screen, the density of the particles being greater than that of the liquid, and wherein a repetitive vertical movement is provided between the particles and the liquid, respectively.

Abstract: A reflux classifier for segregating particles by size or density using a fluidized bed in a chamber. Arrays of inclined plates form lamellae and divide the chamber into zones into which particles of predetermined size or density migrate. Particle differentiation is controlled by plate length, inclination and spacing in each array, combined with fluidization rate.

Abstract: A process is described for separating particles based on differences in mass after the selective attachment of air bubbles to reduce the density of one or more of the components of the feed. A novel feature of this process is aeration of a hindered-bed of solids in a fluidized-bed separator to create particle/bubble agglomerates that can be separated based on the principal of gravity. This approach offers an improvement in process efficiency that cannot be achieved by other processes. Air and water are mixed in a shear device before the aerated fluidized water is introduced to the separation chamber.

Abstract: A hydroseparator for separating particles based on the differences in settling rates such as for separating fly ash from gypsum includes a substantially cylindrical side wall closed at its bottom end by a floor. A laminar upflow is created through the hydroseparator by adding dilution water to the bottom of the hydroseparator and removing most of the added dilution water from the top of the hydroseparator. The remaining volume of liquid is removed in an underflow. The hydroseparator is divided into at least two sections by a baffle that extends about the interior of the side wall. An inlet is disposed in the center of the hydroseparator slightly above the baffle such that the material added to the hydroseparator to be separated is inserted into the section of the hydroseparator completely surrounded by the baffle.

Abstract: A method and centrifugal separator apparatus for separating more dense particles from less dense particles contained in a slurry. The separator apparatus receives slurry into a rotor assembly which includes a bowl open upwardly and a surrounding hutch chamber. The bowl has a lower impermeable portion coupled to a drive shaft for rotating the rotor assembly, an upper impermeable portion connected to the lower portion, and a frusto-conical screen. The frusto-conical screen forms the inner wall of the hutch chamber and discharge outlets are provided in the periphery of the hutch chamber. An annular fluid inlet connected to the hutch chamber supplies elutriation liquid continuously to the interior of the hutch chamber, and a plurality of pulse blocks supply intermittent pulses of liquid to the hutch chamber. A dam is formed at the top of the screen. In operation, slurry is supplied to the lower portion of the bowl and forms a bed on the screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for decontaminating aqueous paper pulp, the apparatus comprising a decontaminating cell (12). The decontaminating cell (12) has an upper light contaminate collection hood (30) and/or a lower heavy contaminate collection trough (40). Paper pulp is provided to the cell (12) under a pulp head sufficient to purge the contaminates therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating the membrane portion of waste egg shells from the hard mineral portion thereof, so that each can be used or further processed as desired, thereby addressing the environmental and economic issues associated with disposing of waste egg shells. The membrane and shell are separated by first processing waste egg shells so as to yield small waste egg shell particles. During this processing, the waste egg shell particles are at least slightly abraded, whereby the linking structure between the membrane and shell is at least partially disrupted. Thereafter, the waste egg shell particles are conveyed to a tank containing, preferably, water, and allowed to settle therethrough. As the waste egg shell particles settle, the particles experience turbulent forces in the liquid which cause the membrane and shell portions to fully separate. Since the membrane particles are very light, they tend to remain entrained in the liquid, where they are, for example, siphoned off and dewatered.

Abstract: An elutriation apparatus which combines pressurized liquid nozzles (16A) and the low energy air nozzles (20) producing bubbles for flotation and separation of trace materials in a heterogeneous mixture of materials is described. Quantitative separation of trace evidence is achieved by the apparatus by a closed system of mechanical separations using the water and the air to isolate and deposit trace evidence on a fine mesh screen filter (17) submerged in the water (24) in a container (23). The method provides a rapid, quantitative and inexpensive method for detection of the evidence in soil samples.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the recovery of heavy metals from a heavy metal-contaminated material wherein the heavy metal, or particles containing the heavy metal, are separated from the material by a hydraulic mineral separator. The process and apparatus may be used, for example, in removing or recovering of mercury from a mercury-contaminated soil, caustic sludge, or similar material. The process provides a ready method for removal of mercury from mercury-contaminated materials or, more generally, heavy metals from heavy metal contaminated soils which process can allow recovery of the mercury or heavy metal for re-use. The apparatus allows for continuous operation of the mineral separator and automates various functions of the separator allowing for improved control of the process.

Abstract: The separation of different minerals based on differences in density, surface tension effects and general relative settling rates of the different media over a range of particle sizes is effected in a unique hydraulic mineral separator system. The system and process are particularly useful in the separation of mercury from mercury contaminated soils, sands, gravels, clays and process sludges, (such as chlor-alkali sludges). Sonic vibrations are used to enhance recovery of finely divided mercury and conditioning agents are also used to advantage to reduce surface tension effects and further enhance recovery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning particulate materials which readily sink in water, being slightly heavier than water, such as beans, peas, grains, etc.; by removing much heavier particulates such as stones, glass, metal pieces, etc., and, by also removing particulates which either float or sink very slowly in water, such as plant stems and leaves, dead insects, bean pods, husks, dust etc. Differences in settling velocities in water are used to separate groups of particulate materials, by allowing the particulates to float or settle through two columns filled with water. The columns have water flowing upward at different velocities, or water flowing upward through one column and stagnant water in the other column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing scraps by separating and recovering various nonferrous metals from a mixture of scraps comprising nonferrous metals and nonmetals, wherein scraps which have been crushed and cleared of magnetic substance parted from long-size material and washed out of the adhering fine dust and oily substance, and separated into light and heavy materials based on the difference in the specific gravity thereof by use of a heavy liquid made up of water and magnetic powder body and by the effect of an upward flow of the heavy liquid which increases its own apparent specific gravity; the separated light material is further sorted into nonferrous metals and nonmetals based on the difference in the electric conductivity thereof by the application of a moving magnetic field thereto, being recovered as resources.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photoreceptor material reclaim method comprising: (a) centrifuging a first photoreceptor coating solution comprised of a liquid, a photoreceptor material, and impurities, resulting in a residue composition comprised of a lower density material including a portion of the photoreceptor material and a higher density material including a portion of the impurities and a supernatant composition; (b) drying the residue composition to remove a portion of the liquid in the residue composition; (c) grinding the dried residue composition; (d) separating the lower density material from the higher density material of the dried, ground residue composition; (e) forming a second photoreceptor coating solution comprised of the lower density material obtained by (d); and (f) depositing the second photoreceptor coating solution comprised of the lower density material on a substrate.

Abstract: A material classification device for separation of solid materials, having a relatively high specific gravity, from a stream of fluid and solid material. The device is particularly suited for the extraction of gold from alluvial material. The device generally comprises an open conduit that has a first opening and a second opening therethrough. A container is attached to the bottom of the conduit so that the openings are in fluid flow communication with the container. A portion of the flow of fluid and materials passes through the first opening and is captured in the container. A tube passes into the container with an aperture therein so that a fluid may be passed into the container to agitate the material collected therein freeing the lighter material so that it can exit the container out the second opening.

Abstract: A device for removal of solid materials from the beds of bodies of water and the separation and capture of materials having a relatively high specific gravity from lighter solid material. The device is particularly suitable for the extraction of gold from alluvial material. The device is small and lightweight and generally comprises a pipe having an open inlet end and an open outlet end. The pipe has a first opening and a second opening that communicate with a container attached to the pipe. A suction force is applied along the length of the pipe so that water and materials from the bed of the body of water enter the pipe. That material having a relatively high specific gravity is collected within the container.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of the separation of constituents in a fluid stream. A cyclone separator includes an assembly for separately discharging both constituents through the same end of the separator housing. A rotary separator includes a rotary housing having a baffle disposed therein for minimizing the differential rotational velocities of the constituents in the housing, thereby decreasing turbulence, and increasing efficiency. The intensity of the centrifugal force and the time which the constituents reside within the housing can be independently controlled to improve efficiency of separation.

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: A method and apparatus for exposing particles to a fluid including the steps of adding fluid and particles to a container having impeller means therein, generating a current with the impeller so as to subject the particles to centrifugal and convective forces resulting in the formation of a well-defined and localized fluidized bed of particles, and maintaining the existence of the current through the fluidized bed so that the particles are thereby exposed to the fluid. The fluidized bed is located in a region removed from the impeller when the particles are more dense than the fluid, and the fluidized bed is located in a region near the impeller when the particles are less dense than the fluid. A method of exposing a first fluid to a second fluid, the second fluid being either a gas or a liquid immiscible in the first fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mixture of two sets of similarly sized particles having different terminal velocities in a separation liquid is separated. This is done by removing either the smaller particle portion of the set having the greater terminal velocity, or the larger particle portion of the set having the lesser terminal velocity, or both, for example, by sieving. The resulting mixture is introduced into a tube in which the separation liquid is flowing upwardly. This eliminates intermixing of the fines of one set with the larger particles of the other set. The flow of liquid in the tube can be arranged to provide laminar flow separated by two regions of turbulent flow to improve separation of particles. Anion and cation exchange resin particles can be separated in this manner, regenerated and returned to service.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process and an apparatus for beneficiating a mineral ore, such as phosphate-containing ore, in a substantially vertical column. The feed subjected to the benefication preferably has a particle size of less than 20 mesh. The feed is introduced into the column, containing at least one baffle, into which there is also introduced a gas at the bottom portion thereof and a liquid through at least one column inlet at the top of the column. The baffle and the rates of introduction of the feed, the gas, and the liquid are such as to create relatively high turbulence conditions within the column. The enriched, beneficiated product is removed at the top of the column, while the waste products, such as silica-containing material, in the case of a phosphate ore, are recovered at the bottom of the column.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of solid materials of different specific gravities comprising a vertical separator tube having a material inlet port, a light material discharge port located above the inlet port, and a heavy material discharge port located below the inlet port; a holding tank having a top opening for receiving the solid materials to be separated and a bottom opening connected to the inlet port of the separator tube by a feeder tube; a pressurized water source, as by a pump; and a conduit connecting the water source to the separator tube at or below the heavy material discharge port. The holding tank is located at such a height as to allow water coming into the tank from the separator tube to reach a predetermined static level within the tank. The heavy material discharge port is located substantially below the water static level in the tank and adjacent the pressurized water intake so that heavy material may be rapidly removed by water moving at a high velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful for effecting liquid-liquid extraction by contacting a first liquid medium with a substantially immiscible heavier second liquid medium. Each mixer-settler unit includes a vertically extending settling tank having a top and a bottom with an outlet for the first liquid medium near the top and an outlet for the second liquid medium near the bottom. An elongated extraction column extends generally vertically upwardly through the settling tank bottom. The extraction column is open at its top with the top of the extraction column below the top of the settling tank. A diverter surrounds and extends downwardly along a top portion of the extraction column. The diverter has a closed top and an open bottom with an annulus being between the diverter and the portion the extraction column surrounded by the diverter. The dispersion flows from the pumping and mixing means upwardly through the extraction column and out its top.

Abstract: This specification relates to a counter-flow sedimentation separator which is designed to separate mixed aggregate materials on either side of a preset cutoff density and to a method of separating such materials. The separator has been designed primarily to highgrade gold tailings but can be used to perform a similar function with other materials given an adequate difference in density between the materials to be separated. It employs a multi-column design which coupled with screening allows density separations to be completed throughout the usual spectrum of particle sizes found in tailings and can be modified according to the material to be processed in order to maximize efficiency.

Abstract: An elutriation apparatus for de-shotting fibrous material carried in a liquid current comprises a battery of washing vessels located in sequence. A power driven mixing apparatus is provided in the first washing vessel of the sequence for dispersing the fibrous material. The upper section of each washing vessel is divided into two compartments by a baffle, while the vessel's lower section is unobstructed, whereby a current of liquid carrying fibrous material which is introduced into the upper section of the vessel to one side of the baffle travels downwardly and then underneath the baffle and upwardly to the vessel's upper section to the other side of the baffle. The latter upper section is provided with a spout for discharge of the fibrous dispersion from the vessel to the next washing vessel or to the separator apparatus located after the last washing vessel of the sequence for removal of the wash liquid from the de-shotted fibrous material.

Abstract: Process for the concentration of fibrous material in a mixture thereof with non-fibrous material, by subjecting an aqueous suspension of the mixture to centrifugal force in a hydrocylone to obtain an overflow enriched in fibre and an underflow of reduced fibre content, the aqueous suspension which is admitted to the hydrocylone being the fibre-enriched fraction which results from a preliminary classification in which an aqueous suspension of lower fibre:non-fibre ratio is submitted to flow under conditions which bring about settling out under ordinary gravitational force of material reduced in fibre content and formation of a fibre-enriched fraction above it.In the process, the underflow flow from the hydrocylone is incorporated in the aqueous suspension which is submitted to the preliminary classification.

Abstract: A process for the continuous crystallization of at least one crystallizable material from a solution wherein a series of crystallization stages are utilized, with partial crystallization taking place in each stage. The process includes the classification of partially crystallized suspension between each stage, and the suspension from the final stage is passed to a separator wherein it is separated into a concentrated suspension containing crystals and a spent liquor, the concentrated suspension being returned to the final stage and the spent liquor being discharged. Product crystals are taken from the first stage of the series.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for scrubbing crude oil (bitumen) from tar-sands, the apparatus being characterized by a heated vessel for maintaining the tar-sand/water slurry at between approximately 180.degree.-200.degree. F., a pair of counterrotating screw conveyors in the bottom of the vessel for agitating the sand and moving it to the discharge end, means for simultaneously diluting and aerating the incoming slurry that produces small bubbles effective to float the crude oil freed from the sand to the surface, an overflow wier running alongside the vessel for catching the oil skimmed off the surface of the water, transversely-extending endless chain-and-flight skimmers for skimming the oil into the wier, a bottom-opening discharge for the clean sand, and valves controlling the discharge of sand effective to remove the latter without lowering the fluid level in the vessel to a point where the oil previously released can reattach itself to the sand.

Abstract: A fragmented material is dissolved continuously by impregnation and immersion into a solvent bath in which said material is subjected to a moderate mixing movement allowing it to be kept within the interior of said bath to undergo dissolution therein until formation of fine residual particles of insoluble material which are maintained in suspension by this movement, the whole being removed continuously by a controlled overflow of the bath. This process is applied to cellulose contained in various lignocellulosic materials, which is dissolved continuously by immersion of the previously impregnated material into a bath of hydrochloric acid through which hydrogen chloride gas is caused to bubble, to effect complete dissolution of the cellulose and suspension of the fine insoluble residual lignin particles.

Abstract: Severed metal bearing ore is placed in a vessel having a water inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top. A propeller causes water to flow upwardly through the vessel and to be discharged through the outlet carrying gangue with it. Concentrate, which is heavier because it contains the metal to be recovered, does not rise to the level of the outlet and therefore remains in the vessel. To achieve better vertical separation of the gangue and concentrate, a horizontal screen is positioned above the propeller to equalize pressure and inhibit rotational flow in the upper portion of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for classifying particulate substances. A mix of heavier and lighter particles is confined between upwardly divergent side walls and a fluidizing gas is blown into the mix from below. A conveying conduit is arranged below the sidewalls and has vertical conduit portions which have upper open ends communicating with the space between the sidewalls. A classifying gas is blown through the conduit and the conduit portions at a pressure which is higher than that of the fluidizing gas to keep the lighter particles from entering the upper open ends, but which is sufficiently low so that the heavier particles can overcome the pressure of the classifying gas and drop through the upper open ends into the conveying conduit from which they are periodically expelled by bursts of a transporting gas.