Abstract: A filter support element for a candle filter is provided. Methods of making and using the filter support element are provided.

Abstract: A single-pass flow-through dry chemical mixing trailer for use with a well has a trailer, a refillable liquid storage tank, a main liquid storage tank valve, a liquid storage tank inlet valve, an onboard power supply, a motor with a fuel supply, a transmission, a fluid circulation loop, a self-priming bidirectional flow alternating centrifuge pump, an automated mixer assembly, and a discharge tank. The refillable liquid storage tank prevents backflow to the self-priming bidirectional flow alternating centrifuge pump while flowing the homogenized slurry to the well and the dry chemicals introduced at the automated mixer are subjected to high shear forces, incorporating the dry chemicals into the liquid with increased dispersion and reduced agglomeration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing rapid-hardening concrete and a method for producing same, the rapid-hardening concrete being produced by intermixing and dissipating air in normal concrete and adding an early-strength admixture thereto. With respect to forming rapid-hardening concrete, mixed concrete is formed by mixing in a large volume of air bubbles to be discarded, along with an early-strength admixture, to already mixed normal concrete, the early-strength admixture getting evenly dispersed therewithin by means of the ball bearing effect of the air bubbles, and when the mixed concrete is discharged, a rapid-hardening concrete is shotcreted while excess air contained in the mixed concrete is dissipated by means of high-performance air, the slump which was raised due to the large amount of air bubbles having been reduced to the slump range for normal concrete.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a casting sand cooler comprising a sand chamber having an air inlet optionally with a fan for the feed of air into the sand chamber and an air outlet optionally with a fan for sucking air out of the sand chamber. To provide an improved casting sand cooler in which the sand discharge during the cooling operation by way of the air outlet is markedly reduced, it is proposed according to the invention that a dynamic wind sifter which is rotatable about an axis and which is so arranged that substantially the complete air flow leaving the sand chamber through the air outlet is passed through the dynamic wind sifter.

Abstract: Information relating to vibration of a rotating component of an oilfield mixing device is obtained. The oilfield mixing device is operable to blend oilfield materials while the rotating component rotates. Damage sustained by the rotating component is then determined based on the obtained information.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing set cellular cement, including the steps of: (i) mixing cementitious material, water, foaming agent and optionally additives into a free flowing slurry having a slump of at least 100 mm; subsequently (ii) injecting and distributing air into the slurry of step (i) to form a cellular slurry; subsequently (iii) casting the cellular slurry of step (ii); and finally allowing the cellular slurry to set. And, an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently manufacturing modified asphalt materials include agitating a base asphalt at a high shear rate using an in-line mixer while simultaneously exposing the asphalt to oxygen by blowing an oxygen-containing gas at a high gas flow rate through openings in the in-line mixer and heating the asphalt at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently manufacturing modified asphalt materials include agitating a base asphalt at a high shear rate using an in-line mixer while simultaneously exposing the asphalt to oxygen by blowing an oxygen-containing gas at a high gas flow rate through openings in the in-line mixer and heating the asphalt at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently manufacturing modified asphalt materials include agitating a base asphalt at a high shear rate using an in-line mixer equipped with a rotor-stator mixing tool while simultaneously exposing the asphalt to oxygen by blowing an oxygen-containing gas at a high gas flow rate through openings in the rotor-stator mixing tool and heating the asphalt at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus includes a batch mixing vessel with an inlet to receive constituent material, an agitation assembly for mixing the constituents and an outlet to convey batches of the mixed is provided. The apparatus includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the vessel to assist in evacuation of the mix, and a conduit through which the mix is conveyed. A single pneumatic source is used both to pressurize the mixing vessel and to drive a jet pump including the batch loader. During the mixing cycle, the compressor used to discharge the finished mix is generally idle. This compressor can be used during these periods to drive a jet pump to load the mixing vessel. Therefore, manual loading is avoided and can be achieved such that the mixing cycle time is not interrupted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently manufacturing modified asphalt materials include agitating a base asphalt at a high shear rate using an in-line mixer equipped with a rotor-stator mixing tool while simultaneously exposing the asphalt to oxygen by blowing an oxygen-containing gas at a high gas flow rate through openings in the rotor-stator mixing tool and heating the asphalt at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A high-speed turbine mixer combines water and cement into a pre-mixed cement paste that is added to aggregates to create a concrete mix. The turbine mixer includes a housing that cooperates with an auger to move dry cement into a mixing chamber where water is added. A mixing plate rotates at high speed to break up water and cement into small particles that enhances the hydration of the cement and increases the air content in the resultant cement paste. The cement paste is then conveyed to a mixing auger to be combined with aggregates to create a concrete mix. The mixing plate divides the mixing chamber to force the mixing water and cement particles to pass through a circumferential annular opening past agitating fins. Admixtures can be added to the cement as a powder or to the water as a liquid for incorporation into the cement paste.

Abstract: A method and system of forming a fire door core are provided. Hydraulic binder and resin are supplied from raw material bins and mixed to provide a submixture. Exfoliated vermiculite is then mixed with the submixture to provide a mixture that is deposited into a plurality of compression molds. Each of the filled molds are pressed in a press at a predetermined temperature at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined period of time sufficient to harden the mixture into a hardened slab. The hardened slabs are then removed from the molds, impregnated with water or steam in a water impregnation assembly and dried in a drying assembly.

Abstract: A process and equipment for producing multi-color concrete products, including architectural concrete blocks, concrete bricks, modular concrete products that are suitable for use in landscaping applications, such as retaining wall blocks, concrete pavers, and concrete slabs. The invention includes a spray mechanism that sprays liquid pigment onto concrete discharged from a hopper. The concrete then proceeds to a blending mechanism which blends the pigment into the concrete to produce a multi-color concrete blend. The concrete blend is then used to produce multi-colored concrete products.

Abstract: A method and system of forming a fire door core. Hydraulic binder and resin are supplied from raw material bins and mixed to provide a submixture. Exfoliated vermiculite is then mixed with the submixture to provide a mixture that is deposited into a plurality of compression molds. Each of the filled molds are pressed in a press at a predetermined temperature at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined period of time sufficient to harden the mixture into a hardened slab. The hardened slabs are then removed from the molds, impregnated with water or steam in a water impregnation assembly and dried in a drying assembly.

Abstract: Provided herein are combinations of equipment capable of providing the continuous fabrication of road surfaces and the like, by virtue of the continuous manufacture of the concretes used in making the road surface at their point of use. The invention also includes a process for fabricating a road surface or the like. By the present invention it is now possible to provide a greater quantity of road surface in a shorter amount of time as provided for in the prior art, wherein the road surface has a quick-cure time owing to the use of quick-setting cements. Such quickly laid roads are capable of handling loads of about 100,000 lbs. within about 2 hours of its being fabricated and laid in place.

Abstract: An automated interior finishing apparatus has an upper section for mixing material, and a lower section for conveying the material. The upper section has a mixing compartment and a separate washing/storage compartment. Each compartment has a hinged lid that forms an air-tight seal. The mixing compartment has a shaft with an auger for mixing compound with water. The lower section has a motor for driving a progressive cavity pump, which receives mixed material from the mixing compartment. The pump delivers a smooth and uniform supply of material through an external supply hose. The apparatus is used as one component of an overall automated interior finishing system and method for completing surface finishes. For example, one end of the supply hose is connected to the outlet end of the pump for delivering mixed material to a hand tool at the opposite end, such as a flat taper.

Abstract: An automated interior finishing apparatus has an upper section for mixing material, and a lower section for conveying the material. The upper section has a mixing compartment and a separate washing/storage compartment. Each compartment has a hinged lid that forms an air-tight seal. The mixing compartment has a shaft with an auger for mixing compound with water. The lower section has a motor for driving a progressive cavity pump, which receives mixed material from the mixing compartment. The pump delivers a smooth and uniform supply of material through an external supply hose. The apparatus is used as one component of an overall automated interior finishing system and method for completing surface finishes. For example, one end of the supply hose is connected to the outlet end of the pump for delivering mixed material to a hand tool at the opposite end, such as a flat taper.

Abstract: A water blending apparatus for use in conditioning foundry sand. The apparatus creates a vertical sand stream flow path which increases the surface area of the sand stream and allows water to be applied to both sides of the sand stream rather than a single side, as known with conventional water mixing apparatus. In addition, the blending apparatus includes a housing inside which a pair of mixers thoroughly mix the wetted sand. Because the mixers are not positioned in-line with the main sand processing flow, as in conventional apparatus, the mixing time is not dependent upon the speed of the conveyor, and therefore mixing time may be increased. Furthermore, the agitators positioned inside the housing have a more efficient active area since a smaller clearance space is required than with over-the-conveyor style mixing devices, which must avoid contact with the conveyor belt. As a result, the sand may be cooled more quickly due to increased initial water coverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing and conveying device for mixing and subsequently conveying semifluid materials, in particular mortar and concrete. The device comprises a compressor for generating compressed air, and a mixing vessel connected to a conveying conduit and an agitator gear. The mixing vessel is charged with the material to be mixed and conveyed, and compressed air is admitted into the mixing vessel for discharging the semifluid materials through the conveying conduit. The agitator gear is driven by at least one compressed air motor that is supplied with a proportion of the compressed air generated by the compressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing and conveying device for mixing and subsequently conveying semifluid materials, in particular mortar and concrete. The device comprises a compressor for generating compressed air, and a mixing vessel connected to a conveying conduit and an agitator gear. The mixing vessel is charged with the material to be mixed and conveyed, and compressed air is admitted into the mixing vessel for discharging the semifluid materials through the conveying conduit. The agitator gear is driven by at least one compressed air motor that is supplied with a proportion of the compressed air generated by the compressor.

Abstract: A new tuck pointing apparatus for applying cement to joints between bricks. The inventive device includes a cement reservoir for receiving a quantity of cement. The reservoir has an interior, a closed top end, and an open bottom end that forms a bottom opening into the interior of the reservoir. A mixer portion has open upper and lower ends, an interior, a toothed flywheel that is disposed in the interior of the mixer portion, and a mixing shaft that is coupled to the toothed flywheel. The open upper end of the mixer portion is releasably coupled to the bottom end of the reservoir. The mixing shaft mixes cement in the interior of the mixer portion. A motor portion rotates the toothed flywheel thereby rotating the mixing shaft. A first air tube is in communication with a supply of air pressure and is also in communication with the interior of the mixer portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for introducing a metered volume of air into a continuously generated and flowing slurry composed of metered dry cementitious material, metered water and metered air entraining (or foaming) agent and for homogenizing this air into bubbles or cells of relatively small size to produce a uniform cellular product. The apparatus comprises a positive displacement progressive cavity slurry pump driven by a variable speed motor. By driving the pump at a speed in excess of the speed required to accommodate the volume of slurry being generated, the pump will draw air proportionately to this excess of speed. Further elements of the apparatus comprise a closed conduit system for the slurry discharging from the pump, this system communicating with a cylindrical homogenizing apparatus wherein rotating elements homogenize the metered air and slurry with the cooperation of the air entraining agent into a foamed material having relatively small air cells of uniform size.

Abstract: A pneumatic material transporter includes a material hopper (2), a screw conveyor (3) to transport the material (supplied from the hopper) from the rear portion to a front portion of the screw conveyor, a pressure chamber portion (5) to receive the materials from the screw conveyor and to press the materials down while adding a limited amount of water, a horizontal mixer (6) adapted to mix the material supplied from the pressure chamber portion with pressurized air, and then push the mixture to a material transporting conduit portion (8) connected to the mixer through a check valve portion, so that the material transporting conduit portion transports the materials to a yard.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the dispersion and proportioning of fibers used in the building sector in general that consists of mechanical equipment equipped with feeding, stirring and proportioning systems, which may be operated electrically or hydraulically, applicable to both hot and cold bituminous mixes, having an air injection dispersion system, that may or may not be equipped with a vibrating motor with elastic joint between the hopper and the proportioning body. In the stirring and proportioning body there are two shafts, one of which is provided with blades to homogenize the fibers and the other one has a spindle independent from the first shaft, which rotates at a variable speed, the fiber-air blend passing through the dispersion tube which is smaller than the proportioning tube. The fiber mass is made to fall on some deflectors located at the disperser outlet and the assembly may be mounted in an immovable or movable manner.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing concrete by mixing concrete materials including a cement, aggregate, admixture and at least one of water and ice. The aggregate is moved prior the mixing and a low-temperature liquid is sprayed on the aggregate for cooling while the aggregate is being moved.

Abstract: An aerated cementitious composition is produced by feeding a mixture comprising cement and foaming agent to a mixing chamber open to atmosphere together with a feed of liquid. The ingredients are mixed and the wetted mixture pumped to a desired site, the capacity of pumping being greater than the feed rate of the ingredients into the mixing chamber such that air is drawn into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Shotcrete gun consisting of a concrete container and a spraying device, such as a worm screw, and a nozzle for pressurized air. The whole shotcrete gun assembly is mounted on a traversing mechanism allowing the shotcrete gun to be shifted in the horizontal, vertical and depthwise directions beside the element to be shotcreted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile sealant material apparatus comprising a frame adapted for vehicular movement and bearing a scraped-surface, indirectly-heated jacketed vessel for housing heated, fluid sealant material. Heated fluid heating media is heated in heating unit and pumped by a pump for recirculating through the jacket of the vessel in heat exchange relationship for heating sealant material housed therein and back to the media heating unit. A sealant material outlet line is attached to the vessel for withdrawing heated sealant material from the vessel. The sealant material in the outlet line also is being indirectly heated by the recirculated heating media from the media heating unit. Finally, sealant material pump is attached to the outlet line for selectively applying heated sealant material, e.g. applying crack sealant to cracks in roadways.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of soap and soap/synthetic detergent products from raw materials normally employed in the manufacture of such products including fatty acids, triglycerides and caustic by subjecting such raw materials to intensive countercurrent mixing whereby saponification takes place in a relatively short time, and whereby cooling and moisture removal of the soap mass is accomplished by making the mixing vessel substantially air tight and applying a vacuum to the soap mass within the vessel to yield a product, preferably in granular form, which requires no further drying for most uses. The resulting product can, if desired, can then be subjected to plodding, extrusion and stamping to form soap in bar form. The starting material can also be a mixture of such raw materials where neutralization has already proceed to some degree, preferably to the neat soap stage.

Abstract: A sealant melter/applicator includes a sealant melting chamber, an internal combustion engine having a rotating power output shaft and an hydraulic pump which converts the rotary motion of the engine power output shaft into a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pump is coupled to selectively energize a first hydraulic motor which rotates a sealant agitator positioned within the sealant melting chamber and a second hydraulic motor which drives a sealant pump for transferring sealant from the melting chamber through an applicator hose to a sealant discharge nozzle. A sealant flow control valve is coupled in series with the applicator hose to regulate the flow of sealant through the sealant discharge nozzle. A flow control valve position sensor is coupled to an hydraulic flow diverter valve. When the sealant flow control valve is placed in the "closed" position, the flow diverter valve directs the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic motor is activate the sealant agitator.

Abstract: An aerated cementitious composition is produced by feeding a mixture comprising cement and foaming agent to a mixing chamber open to atmosphere together with a feed of liquid. The ingredients are mixed and the wetted mixture pumped to a desired site, the capacity of pumping being greater than the feed rate of the ingredients into the mixing chamber such that air is drawn into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of soap and soap/synthetic detergent products from raw materials normally employed in the manufacture of such products including fatty acids, triglycerides and caustic or alkali by subjecting such raw materials to intensive countercurrent mixing whereby saponification takes place in a relatively short time to yield a product, preferably in granular or powder form, which requires no further drying for most uses. The resulting product can, if desired, be then subjected to plodding, extrusion and stamping to form soap in bar form. The starting material can also be a mixture of such raw materials where neutralization has proceeded to some degree, preferably the neat soap stage.

Abstract: A blending apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical casing bounded by top and bottom walls, the top wall having a central solids inlet for introduction of solids by gravity flow into an impeller mounted for rotation in the casing and in coaxial alignment with the solids inlet. The impeller has one or more spaced plates and impeller vanes mounted thereon which extend radially away from a central opening in the upper plate thereof, the central opening being aligned in open communication with the solids inlet and disposed in closely spaced relation to the top wall in such a way to prevent backflow of materials from the chamber formed in the casing through the upper solids inlet. Tangentially directed fluid inlet and outlet ports are disposed in the casing's cylindrical wall and the inlet port is disposed in outer radially spaced relation to the impeller preferably with the outlet port spaced below the inlet port and impeller for discharging intermixed materials from the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus useful for blending solids with fluids. In a specific application of the blender, sand is mixed with a gel composition to obtain a fluid mixture suitable for stimulation treatments of oil and gas wells. Basic components of this blender are a slinger member and an impeller member, which are enclosed within a casing. The slinger and impeller are fastened together, with the impeller being positioned underneath the slinger. In addition, the slinger has a toroidal configuration and the impeller has a vortex configuration, and the slinger has a larger surface area than the impeller. The toroidal shape of the slinger, and its larger size, contribute to a good pressure balance within the fluid composition as it circulates inside the casing during the mixing operation. A more thorough mixing of the sand and gel composition is achieved by improving the pressure balance in the manner described.

Abstract: Truck-transportable manually positionable apparatus for blending and dispensing a mixture of liquid asphalt emulsion and sand to fill cracks in pavement includes a support on which a sand hopper and blending/dispensing device are mounted. The device includes a housing having a rotatable sand impeller therein driven by a pneumatic motor and having a valved sand inlet port above the impeller, a pressurized air inlet port between the sand port and impeller (supplied from the same source as the motor), a mixture outlet port below the impeller, and a valved emulsion inlet port between the impeller and mixture outlet port. Gravity fed sand from the hopper is forcably propelled through the housing of the device toward the mixture outlet by the impeller and compressed air, and is mixed with emulsion just prior to exiting the mixture outlet port.

Abstract: The percentage of entrapped air in mortar, plaster, concrete or a like building material which is prepared on a continuous basis is increased, preferably by at least 100 percent, by providing a mixing chamber with one or more barriers which oppose the progress of a mixture of solid and liquid constituents toward the outlet so that each increment of the mixture dwells in the mixing chamber for a relatively long interval of time which exceeds 15 seconds and can even exceed 40 or 50 seconds. The mixing chamber defines a sump for a supply of the mixture, and the rate at which the material leaves the chamber equals or approximates the rate of admission of constituents into the chamber so that the quantity of material which forms the supply is constant. Such supply is agitated by blades, paddles, vanes, grates, lattices or like devices to ensure continuous penetration of air into the material which dwells in, as well as the material which advances through, the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for blending sand and solid additives selectively and at selected rates into water for injection into a well. The apparatus may be truck mounted, and includes a frame, an input line with manifold and pump, a mixing tank, a variable venturi nozzle for delivering water to the tank, and an output line with pump, manifold, and recycle line. An auger delivers sand to the mixing tank. Dry chemicals are fed to the tank adjacent the variable venturi nozzle where the water is turbulent, at low pressure, and in high shear. Liquid chemicals may also be pumped into the tank.

Abstract: A device for mixing mortar with a liquid or foaming material includes a reservoir for the dry mortar, a housing containing a portion of a driven shaft with the housing terminating at one end in a mixing chamber; the mixing chamber contains a disc attached to the shaft and rotatable therewith; on one side of the disc, there is located radially extending mixing paddles or blades, the outer edges of the blades and the discs being spaced a predetermined distance to define a gap between the inner surface of the wall of the mixing chamber and the outer edge of the blades and disc; at one end of the mixing chamber an outlet is provided which is connected to a suction device and a baffle ring is situated about the outlet to divert material away from the suction inlet.

Abstract: Powdered or particulate material, especially cement which is prone to caking, is stored in a fluidized storage container (1) and is conveyed in predetermined amount by conveyor means (15) to a mixer unit (20). The material is mixed with water which is also supplied to the mixer unit to form a grout which can be used in pump packing systems in underground mines. The invention provides simple equipment capable of reliably handling large quantities of cement, and is particularly suited for use underground in coal mines. (References to FIG. 1).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of soap and soap/synthetic detergent products from raw materials normally employed in the manufacture of such products including fatty acids, triglycerides and caustic by subjecting such raw materials to intensive countercurrent mixing whereby saponification takes place in a relatively short time to yield a product, preferably in granular form, which requires no further drying for most uses. The resulting product can, if desired, be then subjected to plodding, extrusion and stamping to form soap in bar form.

Abstract: A flowable material pump apparatus for coupling to a vehicle including an application assembly comprising a frame which is attached to and travels in a spacially consistent fashion with respect to the vehicle. A flowable material supply and a flowable material propellant supply are attached to the frame and are in communication with the application assembly. The supplies are powered by a power system attached to the frame.

Abstract: A self-contained mechanism for the preparation handling and application of liquified materials such as coating compounds, joint sealers, crack fillers, waterproofing compounds and the like, is provided with an especially configured materials tank having primary and secondary materials heating devices and a unique engine driven hydraulic system which allows reversible and variable speed operation of the materials mixing, delivery, and cleanout devices and systems.

Abstract: A plaster spraying and concrete mixing machine comprised of a frame chassis, a rotatable top loading horizontally axis mounted drum type mixing tank with a center mounted rotatable mixing shaft and mixing paddles therein, and a gravity fed Moineau type progressive cavity pump mounted to the bottom of the mixing tank for pivoting therewith. A primary power source and driving mechanisms provide for turning of an air compressor, the mixing paddles, and the Moineau pump which enable the machine to mix and spray plasters and other cementitious materials. The embodiment of a selectively rotatable mixing tank provides that the machine can also mix and conveniently fully discharge batches of concrete or mortar. The pump is mounted directly to the bottom of the tank with the drive arrangement permitting the pump to pivot with the mixing tank between its mixing and dumping positions.