Abstract: An energy diffusion sealing ring [872] for use with a hydrocyclone or pump is provided. The energy diffusion sealing ring [872] comprises a sacrificial suspension matrix [872A] comprised of a polymer, elastomer, or combination thereof, and a number of packed inserts [872B] suspended in the matrix [872]. The matrix [872] serves as delivery means for the inserts [872B] into one or more recessed portions [833, 841]. The inserts [872B] comprise a hard material (e.g., ceramic or carbide) and form wear bodies which slow and dissipate kinetic energy of escaping slurry by way of creating paths of resistance. As the suspension matrix [872A] erodes over time, a plurality of interstices [872C] between the inserts [872B] are formed. Escaping slurry [852] slows as it traverses three-dimensional serpentine paths defined by said interstices [872C], thereby reducing its potential to wear surrounding components.

Abstract: An energy diffusion sealing ring [872] for use with a hydrocyclone or pump is provided. The energy diffusion sealing ring [872] comprises a sacrificial suspension matrix [872A] comprised of a polymer, elastomer, or combination thereof, and a number of packed inserts [872B] suspended in the matrix [872]. The matrix [872] serves as delivery means for the inserts [872B] into one or more recessed portions [833, 841]. The inserts [872B] comprise a hard material (e.g., ceramic or carbide) and form wear bodies which slow and dissipate kinetic energy of escaping slurry by way of creating paths of resistance. As the suspension matrix [872A] erodes over time, a plurality of interstices [872C] between the inserts [872B] are formed. Escaping slurry [852] slows as it traverses three-dimensional serpentine paths defined by said interstices [872C], thereby reducing its potential to wear surrounding components.

Abstract: Coal spiral having a relatively short first stage helix for separating a slurry into clean coal, refuse and middlings splits, and a relatively short second stage helix for recleaning middlings split from the first stage. The first stage has only 3.25 turns, the second stage has only two turns, and a combination separator box and feed box delivers the middlings directly from the first stage to the second. The two helices are aligned coaxially, and are of opposite rotational sense to provide counter-rotation of the middlings in the two stages.

Abstract: Apparatus of the type known as Sieve Bends which serve to separate particles differing in size. The apparatus includes a headbox that receives feed slurry and a throat that receives the slurry from the headbox. Means is provided in the throat for yieldably engaging the flow in such a manner as to prevent or minimize clogging of the slots between the bars of a sieve that receives the flow from the throat. This means includes a nip flap which contacts one side of the slurry flow. The invention makes possible a substantial increase in operating capacity and is particularly applicable to the coal industry.

Abstract: Sieve bend for separating particles of differing size in a liquid slurry. The bend structure defines a passage having an inlet end and a discharge end, with a throat of decreasing cross sectional area at the discharge end of the passage, and a sieve screen for receiving slurry flowing from the discharge end of the passage. The throat is formed in part by a movable member, with means for adjusting the position of the movable member to vary the cross sectional area of the throat and means for temporarily moving the movable member to an open position to clear debris from the throat. The sieve screen is mounted in a housing associated with the bend structure, and the housing is vibrated in a resonant manner to dislodge material from the screen. A repulping box is positioned midway along the screen for supplying additional liquid to the slurry as it passes over the screen.

Abstract: A sieve bend has been described incorporating a headbox 40, throat mechanism 46, nip flap 90 and sieve surface area 52 supported by frame 96 which may have portions thereof rotated or positioned behind headbox 40 temporarily until its use is desired. The invention overcomes the problem of requiring frequent end for end reversal of the sieve surface area and of debris jamming the throat mechanism. Further, the invention permits in process variation of the sieve surface area 52 in response to downstream conditions.