Abstract: The present invention provide apparatus and method for removing agglomerates from a slurry comprising a transport fluid and particulate matter carried by the transport fluid. The present invention includes a fluid flow control unit and an agglomerate removal unit fluidly connected thereto. The fluid flow control unit provides for a reduction in the flow velocity entering the agglomerate removal unit by increasing the output cross section relative to the input cross section and by providing a dewatering door that can be opened to varying degrees to allow variable outflow of transport fluid from the fluid flow control unit. The agglomerate removal unit has at least a first screen over which the slurry flows as it exits the fluid control unit. The screen includes a plurality of apertures appropriately sized to allow the transport fluid and the particulate matter to flow therethrough but not the agglomerates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaner having a hopper for receiving dirty product to be cleaned. The hopper feeds the dirty or contaminated product downwardly onto a cleaning comb that directs the larger sized contaminants onto the exterior surface of a scalping reel having a plurality of apertures of a preselected size and shape. The dirty or contaminated material falls through the screen openings into the interior thereof and on out through the screen at the bottom thereof as it rotates. The dirty or contaminated material is then directed into a vertically oriented aspiration column that has a negative airflow from the bottom thereof upwardly. Fines, chaff, and other light contaminants are carried upwardly by the negative airflow and out of the product, which drops on downwardly into an outlet into a storage facility or onto a conveyor as desired by the cleaner operator. A vacuum nozzle is disposed in close proximity to the scalping reel to remove contaminants that may become lodged in the apertures.

Abstract: There is provided an improved centrifugal dryer that includes a motor section or portion, a dryer section or portion disposed therebelow, and a reservoir section or portion disposed below the dryer portion, the dryer portion being hingedly attached to the reservoir portion. A product slurry is introduced into the dryer portion through a center inlet pipe and flows into the dryer section where the product is dried by forcing the fluid in the slurry through apertures in a perforated screen held in position between upper and lower screen positioning plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vertical drop, multi-pass cleaner comprising a housing and first and second panels defining a separation plenum therebetween through which the product drops substantially vertically through an upwardly directed air flow and a plurality of cross air flows. The panels are mounted on tracks within the housing and are separately removable from the housing as desired by the operator for cleaning or repair. The present invention may also includes a velocity control module having metering vanes to control the air flow through individual ones of the plurality of cross flow air passages, the vanes being either manually or automatically adjusted.