Abstract: A feeder for a briquetting press comprising a funnel for containing and directing particulate material toward the nip of a pair of cooperating rolls, an elongated ram axially disposed in the funnel with one end extending through the outlet of the funnel, and a power-driven drive shaft disposed normal to the ram and connected to the ram so that rotation of the drive shaft causes axial reciprocation of the ram.

Abstract: A briquetting roll press is disclosed which includes a number of replaceable mold segments. The mold segments are designed to transmit the radial compression forces applied to the mold segments to the central member of the briquetting roll through the sidewalls of the mold segments.

Abstract: Briquetting press rolls are provided for rotation in tangential relationship with respect to each other with unequal peripheral velocities at the point of tangency to impose a shear stress on the briquettes of particulate material being formed in cooperating cavities spaced about the peripheral surfaces of the rolls. In one embodiment, the unequal peripheral velocities are provided by rotating rolls of unequal diameter at the same angular velocity. In an alternative embodiment, rolls of constant diameter are rotated by roll driving means at different angular velocities. In both embodiments, the pitch of the cavity spacings is such to ensure registration and cooperation. The shear stress imposed on the briquettes during formation provides briquettes with greater density and strength.

Abstract: A briquetting press roll comprising a cylindrical core having a regular polygonal cross-section and a plurality of equal planar sections around its peripheral surface, each planar section having at least one transverse groove. Secured end-to-end around the peripheral surface of the core are a plurality of removable mold segments, each having a flat bottom surface coterminous with one of the planar sections and an arcuate top working surface, forming a right circular cylinder. The flat bottom surface of each mold segment has at least one transverse groove substantially complementing the transverse groove in the coterminous planar section to form a keyway. Devices for securing the segments to the core and for utilizing the keyways to align and prevent movement of the segments relative to the core peripheral surface are provided.

Abstract: A method of forming fluorite briquettes from a fluorite flotation concentrate wherein the fine dry powder of the fluid concentrate is preheated, briquetted under pressure and fired after the formation of the briquettes to form solid dust free briquettes.

Abstract: An industrial-sized briquetting press having two independent bearing housings for supporting the drive shafts of the briquette-forming rolls. One of the bearing housings is rigidly mounted and the other is pivotally mounted to the first by a pivot located midway between the longitudinal axes of the drive shafts. The axes are substantially parallel and the pivotally mounted housing moves in the plane of the axes. The rolls are biased together by hydraulic cylinders. Connecting rods attached to the rigidly mounted bearing housing, slidably passing through the pivotally mounted bearing housing and hollow piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders, and supporting the hydraulic cylinders prevent movement of the briquette-forming rolls in relative longitudinal and lateral directions. The press has no overall frame permitting easy access for repair and maintenance and the pivot is demountable permitting removal of the pivotally mounted bearing housing.

Abstract: A briquetting press roll is disclosed which includes a plurality of removable mold segments and means for attaching the mold segments to a cylindrical central core. The mold segments have, on their side walls, connecting means for engaging annular retaining rings. The annular retaining rings span the interface of the mold segments and the central core. The annular retaining rings engage the mold segments and the central core thereby affixing the mold segments to the central core.