Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the discharge time of a fluid activated diaphragm pump. The control system regulates the discharge time, by measuring the discharge time and comparing the measured time with a predetermined desired discharge time. The control system includes, inter alia, a programmable logic controller, an upper and lower proximity switch, a target, a rod to hold the target, a pilot controlled pressure regulator, a set of digitally controlled solenoids which control a pilot valve, a solenoid, and a pressure switch. The rod is secured to the diaphragm of the diaphragm pump, and the proximity switches respond to the movement of the rod to detect the movement, or stroke, of the diaphragm. The pressure supplied to the diaphragm pump is automatically, and continuously, adjusted to maintain a desired discharge time.

Abstract: A screen assembly for use with a solids-liquid separation screen device that allows for simply replacement or adjustment of the screen assembly. The screen assembly includes an arcuately shaped screen held between pair of side panels. When installed, the screen assembly rest on a ledge formed on the inner walls of the solids-liquid separation device housing. The screen assembly is then securely held in position by a pair of clamps at the top of the screen and by a pair of springs at a lower rear portion of the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved flotation cell design for the mining industry. The flotation cell includes a cylindrical froth flotation unit and a unique hexagonal overflow froth launder. The unique design optimizes the froth flotation process and allows for the economical utilization of a honeycomb nesting arrangement.

Abstract: High-rate washing centrifuges are employed in a corn wet milling process to accomplish displacement washing of the starch and a sharp classification into starch and gluten.

Abstract: A drum centrifuge has a housing, a drum in the housing, an axially extending outer foraminous side wall in the interior of the drum forming an outer chamber, and a transversely extending foraminous end wall in the drum forming a bypass chamber radially inward of the outer chamber. A suspension is fed to the interior of the drum while same is rotating so that the suspension is thrown centrifugally against the outer wall and separates into a radially outer body of filter cake having an inner surface and a radially inner body of liquid sitting on the inner surface. A drainage chamber is formed at the end wall and a drain passage extends between the drainage chamber and the outer chamber while a bypass passage extends between the drain chamber and the bypass chamber.

Abstract: The process for recovering vegetable oleaginous substances from oil-containing natural substances comprises a series of continuous combined pressing and extraction steps to increase and simultaneously to guarantee a high quality product for different kinds of natural substance starting materials. This is accomplished by subjecting the natural substances, conditioned and comminuted if necessary, after mixing with a solvent phase containing some oil to an intensive processing, mixing and extraction in the shear field of at least one rotor-stator unit and subsequently feeding the resulting liquid phase, through a filter if necessary, to a distillation column. The solid phase is extracted in successive stages until a residual oil content of 1% is reached and the solvent is fed back to a solid phase in a counterflow. The process as defined in my invention is universally applicable to all fat and oil-containing natural substances using suitable fluid extraction means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of qualitative and quantified monitoring of the instant local physical state of a substantially incompressible fluid material such as a liquid or pasty substance (for instance slurry or pulp) and a device for carrying out this method and the various applications and uses resulting from the working of the method and/or device for the automatic control of said physical state. The invention is also directed to the various equipment and systems provided with at least one such device.

Abstract: A corn steeping process is conducted in a fluidized bed apparatus with steeping liquor introduced at the bottom of the apparatus and removed from the top of the apparatus after traversing the body of fluidized corn grains.

Abstract: A method for treating ash produced by waste coal fluidized bed boilers in which hot ash fines and heated secondary air are introduced into the boiler as the coarse ash is cooled. An ash treatment system for cooperation with a fluidized bed boiler operating on waste fuel having a high ash content receives and classifies hot ash from the boiler, returns ash fines to the boiler, cools coarse ash fines for disposal and burns carbon associated with the ash received from the boiler.

Abstract: A process for the production of starch from cereals includes the steps (a) subjecting dry-ground dehusked grains to enzyme treatment, (b) homogenizing the treated product (optional), (c) extracting starch from the homogenized product, leaving the fibre, (d) concentrating the starch to yield a crude starch fraction and process water, (e) separating proteins from the crude starch and (f) separating the crude starch into primary and secondary starch fractions. The process assures that solubles will be maximized so that drying can be accomplished primarily by evaporators rather than by other types of dryers.

Abstract: Corn or sorghum kernels are steeped in warm water containing sulfur dioxide in the presence of an enzyme preparation including one or more phytin-degrading enzymes, such as phytase and acid phosphatases, to eliminate or greatly reduce phytic acid and the salts of phytic acid.

Abstract: A vacuum filter for the separation of solids from liquids, comprising an endlessly circulating array of troughs which constitute a common horizontal filter surface, on which an endless filter cloth is laid, in which each trough has an elastic sealing strip on that rimless edge which extends along the trough bottom transversely to the direction of movement. A good vacuum seal between two successive troughs with easy replaceability of the sealing strip is provided wherein the sealing strip is releasably clamped by a spring-loaded movable clamping bracket against the leading and/or rear edge of one of the adjacent troughs.

Abstract: A method of dewatering filter cake in which the cake is supported on a positively driven pervious conveyor belt or filter cloth. The cake is guided about the circumference of a drum, with the drum positively driven at a variable speed of rotation. In the region of the drum, the pervious conveyor belt or filter cloth holds the cake against the periphery of the drum and additional pressing rollers press the filter cloth and cake against the drum. The drum drives the filter cloth in this region through the medium of the filter cake and induces shear effects in the cake. The speed of rotation of the drum is regulated in dependence on the tension existing in the filter cloth.

Abstract: A rake classifier provides reciprocating movement using crank-mounted drive shafts to establish translatory forward movement as well as lifting and rearward movement of the rake structure.

Abstract: An improved flotation cell for recovery of minerals from ore using a three phase system flotation process provides improved metallurgical recovery through improved rotor/stator and cell design by establishing good zonal separation within the cell and minimizing froth turbulence, providing uniform aeration in the cell, and accommodating higher aeration volumes before encountering turbulence. Parameters for the rotor/stator pump assembly, a deflector vane forming part of the stator and for pump assembly/cell configuration are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging a cake of suspended solids formed on an electrode structure, the electrode structure comprising an electrode, a membrane wall, an electrolyte chamber formed by the membrane wall, and means for increasing the pressure inside the electrolyte chamber so that the membrane wall expands, whereby the cake of solids of suspension are discharged therefrom. The means for increasing the pressure inside the electrolyte chamber are injecting gas into the electrolyte chamber, injecting liquid into the electrolyte chamber, and/or reducing the vacuum means applied internally to the electrolyte chamber.

Abstract: A membrane for dewatering a suspension of solids in a carrier liquid by means of either an electrically augmented vacuum filter (EAVF) or an electrically augmented crossflow device. The EAVF and crossflow devices both include an anodic structure comprising an anode, anolyte and a filter membrane for depositing or concentrating solids from the suspension of solids; and a cathodic structure comprising a cathode, catholyte, a catholyte chamber, and a filtrate chamber for filtering the filtrate of the bath of the suspension of solids. The catholyte chamber having a membrane wall which is liquid impervious and either an anion exchange membrane or a non ion selective membrane. Filtrate being removed at the filtrate chamber.

Abstract: A rotary drum vacuum filter suitable for processing pulp slurries is provided with a vacuum expression belt. The invention provides a method and apparatus for tracking and controlling the belt during operation. The belt is positioned by a moveable frame for expressing filtrate from the pulp web and in operation a control unit monitors lateral movement of the belt with respect to the drum. When drifting occurs the belt is adjusted horizontally during operation to counter drift. The adjustment can be repeated as necessary. If continued drift cannot be corrected then the belt is moved vertically to an inoperative position.

Abstract: The cyclone degritter particularly suited for household use for receiving, degritting and discharging a water feed flow. The cyclone degritter comprises a pressurized housing containing a cyclonic degritter cartridge with a plurality of small hydro-cyclones arranged within a shell for collecting grit and an overflow vessel for directing clarified liquid to the housing overflow connection. In one form there is a bleed line from the top region of the shell or grit pot to the overflow for providing substantially improved recovery efficiency. In another form the cyclone degritter is provided with primary and secondary cyclone degritters with the primary set being used under conditions of low water flow while both primary and secondary sets are used for increased water flow.

Abstract: Apparatus to reduce or eliminate fluid bed erosion in fluidized bed combustion boilers by increasing the fire-side tube temperature by adding appropriately dimensioned longitudinal or circumferential fins to the inbed heat exchange tubes in the reactor.