Abstract: A method for reducing the particle size of a pozzolanic material includes providing a pozzolanic material having an initial particle size and heating the pozzolanic material to cause a portion of the particles to at least partially fracture. Fracturing the particles creates a plurality of fissures that define sub-particles within the particles. The method also includes processing the fractured pozzolanic material to separate the sub-particles, thereby yielding the pozzolanic material having reduced particles.

Abstract: A device for reprocessing used plastic containers including a system for analyzing the degree of contamination of the plastic, a system for determining decontamination process parameters as a function of the degree of contamination thus detected, and a system for controlled decontamination of the plastic according to the decontamination process parameters thus determined. The system for determining decontamination process parameters provides determined decontamination process parameters to corresponding decontamination control elements that are automatically adjusted depending on the degree of contamination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: A method of sorting mined material to separate the mined material into at least two categories is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of the mined material to microwave energy and heating particles depending on the susceptibility of the material in the particles. The method also comprises allowing sufficient time for heat generated in the particles to be transferred through the particles so that the surface temperature of the particles is a measure of the mass average temperature through the particles. The method further comprises thermally analysing the particles to detect temperature differences between particles which indicate composition differences between the particles; and thereafter sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis.

Abstract: A method of testing objects and an apparatus for performing the same, the method including loading the objects into a testing unit through a loading unit; testing the objects in the testing unit and determining whether the objects are normal objects or abnormal objects; unloading the tested objects from the testing unit to an unloading unit; directly reversely loading the abnormal objects from the unloading unit into the testing unit when the objects are determined to be abnormal objects; and re-testing the abnormal objects in the testing unit.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the beneficiation and utilization of various kinds of coal and shale oil as a solid fuel for thermoelectric power stations. The beneficiation process is performed underground, near to the place of beneficiation waste stowing, using aqueous salt solution with a density between those of the target component and waste rock. The regeneration of heavy liquid from final beneficiation tailings is performed by washing with non-aqueous volatile liquid, with subsequent drying by the subsurface heat after placing these tailings in the worked-out space. The resulting vapors are compressed and condensed; thus regenerated non-aqueous liquid is returned for washing the beneficiation tailings, while effluents produced by washing are separated into aqueous and non-aqueous components by heat released at the liquefaction of the non-aqueous liquid vapors. The enriched solid fuel remaining in the floatable state is delivered by its flow to the thermo-electric power plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a UCST-type thermoresponsive polymer compound which responds to a temperature under physiological conditions and has biofunctionality, and various uses thereof as a thermoresponsive material. Specifically, the invention provides a thermoresponsive material containing, as an active ingredient, a polymer compound represented by Formula (I) below or an addition salt thereof, the thermoresponsive material having an upper critical solution temperature in the range of 5 to 50° C. in an aqueous solution with a salt concentration of at least 1 mM and a pH in the range of 3 to 10.5: wherein m represents an integer of 10 or more; n represents a number satisfying 0.4?n?1; R1 represents hydrogen or succinyl; and R2 represents carbamoyl.

Abstract: A separation screen has multiple discs configured to receive a material stream at an in-feed end and move a first group of materials from the material stream up an inclined angle and over a top out-feed end of the separation screen while a second group of materials from the material steam either fall through openings between the discs while being carried up the separation screen or roll off the in-feed end of the separation screen. A heating system heats an outside surface of the discs so that the discs can separate the first group of materials from the material stream during cold environmental temperatures.

Abstract: Process for separating at least one type of catalyst or adsorbent particles having similar colors characterized in that such particles undergo an oxidative heating treatment for generating particle of different colors, and then particles are separated using a color sorting process for separating at least one type of particles.

Abstract: A method and device for reprocessing used plastic containers, especially PET bottles, by analyzing the degree of contamination of the plastic, determining the decontamination process parameters as a function of the degree of contamination found in the analyzing step, and conducting a controlled decontamination of the plastic according to the decontamination process parameters thus determined. With this method and this device, it is thus possible to perform the decontamination process step in a controlled manner, yielding a more economical reprocessing method.

Abstract: A system and method for treating tailings from a bitumen froth treatment process such as TSRU tailings. The tailings are dewatered and then combusted to convert kaolin in the tailings into metakaolin. Calcined fines and heavy minerals may be recovered from the combustion products, namely from the flue gas and bottom ash.

Abstract: A method of sorting mined material for subsequent processing to recover valuable material, such as valuable metals, from the mined material is disclosed. The method includes a combination of selective breakage of mined material, for example, by using microwaves and/or high pressure grinding rolls, subsequent size separation, and then particle sorting of a coarse fraction of the separated material based on differential heating and thermal imaging.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for separating or classifying material to be fed into at least two different grain fractions comprises a screen device, which is formed by rotatable elements, particularly a roller table screen, wherein at least one finer grain fraction passes between the rotatable elements and means are provided for cooling the rotatable elements.

Abstract: Sorting dissimilar materials, such as sorting plastics from wood, foam, or rubber. These systems and methods employ either dielectric heating or fluorescent dye absorption characteristics of materials to distinguish the materials. The systems and methods may employ differential dielectric heating and thermal imaging to sort wood, rubber, and foam, from plastic, metals, and other materials that do not undergo dielectric heating. Similarly, systems and methods may employ the greater liquid absorption properties of wood, rubber, and foam as compared to plastic. The dissimilar materials are subjected to fluorescent dye and carrier liquid, that is differentially absorbed by objects. Fluorescent imaging can be used to distinguish the materials. In either case, a computer-controlled system can be used to sort material types based on an evaluation of the thermal or fluorescent image.

Abstract: A method for reformulating reclaimed, contaminated mixed waste plastics into useful articles wherein a plurality of batches of the mixed waste plastics are preprocessed to produce substantially homogeneous mixtures of a desired particle size range that are characterized according to their respective apparent densities, and are thereafter blended to produce a mixed plastic feed material having a color predetermined to be desirable for reprocessing into at least one of such useful articles.

Abstract: This invention has as its object an automatic process and machine for inspecting and sorting non-metallic objects.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for removing slag from a coal gasification reactor and to a slag water bath enclosed by the reaction vessel. The slag is discharged by means of a lock-type transfer vessel arranged downstream of the slag bath. The lock-type transfer vessel comprises one upper and one lower cylindrical section, the upper cylindrical section having a diameter larger than that of the lower cylindrical section and both sections being connected with each other via a tapered section which preferably is conical and the angle of the cone being similar to that of the angle of repose of the slag. Also disclosed is a process for removing slag from a coal gasification reactor and a slag water bath housed by the reaction vessel. The device permits a discharge of slag in a lock-type transfer vessel and precludes formation of slag incrustations in the lock-type transfer vessel.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding a meltable sharps container during a sterilization process in which the meltable sharps container and any contained sharps are heated. The receptacle includes a side wall and a bottom wall having respective interior surfaces defining a space for receiving the meltable sharps container. The receptacle also includes a plurality of recessed areas in the interior surface of the bottom wall, and a plurality of elevated areas on the interior surface of the bottom wall, whereby as the sharps container melts, material from the sharps container flows into the recessed areas and the elevated areas hold the contained sharps above the recessed areas, so as to inhibit the contained sharps from protruding through the melted sharps container.

Abstract: A method of sorting mined material to separate the mined material is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of the mined material to microwave energy and heating the particles depending on the susceptibility of the material in the particles. The method also comprises thermally analysing the particles using the temperatures of the particles as a basis for the analysis to indicate composition differences between particles and sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis. The method also comprises controlling the temperature of particles as the particles are moved between a station at which particles are exposed to microwave energy and a station at which particles are thermally analysed.

Abstract: A method of sorting mined material to separate the mined material is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of the mined material to microwave energy and heating the particles depending on the susceptibility of the material in the particles. The method also comprises thermally analysing the particles using the temperatures of the particles as a basis for the analysis to indicate composition differences between particles. The thermal analysis step includes thermally assessing particles against a background surface. The thermal analysis step also includes heating the background surface to a temperature that is different to the temperature of the particles to provide a thermal contrast between the particles and the background surface. The method also comprises sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis.

Abstract: A process for classifying water-absorbing polymer beads, wherein screens having different mesh sizes are used before and after the postcrosslinking to remove the oversize.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method and system to separate magnetically non-susceptible impurities from coal intended for combustion, and it includes the removal of such impurities together with magnetically susceptible impurities that are collocated within the same lump of coal, prior to the combustion of the coal, by the use of the magnetic properties of the magnetically susceptible impurities. The described subject matter is based on the fact that the former impurities are normally collocated in the same lumps of coal as the latter, especially as far as pyrite and cinnabar are concerned, provided the lumps have not been liberated, in particular, they meet the requirement that at least 50% by mass of the coal lumps should be at least 2 mm in maximum dimension.

Abstract: This consists of the preparation of powdered still slops from concentrated liquid still slops dried and converted into a powder in a conventional dryer (1) and then fed to a powder collecting cyclone (4), featuring at the lower outlet aperture of the collecting cyclone (4) a circular or snail-shaped or logarithmic spiral-shaped device (7) fed with a cool, dry air draught which generates a downward suction effect counter to the upward suction effect of the collecting cyclone (4), bringing about the falling and separation of the powder from the draught of hot air which carries the same. The cool, dry air carries the powder to the exterior for bagging, and the hot air exits upwards via the collecting cyclone (4) towards the flue (6), using a device for the recovery of the heat which it still bears as much as possible.

Abstract: A method of preparing cellulosic biomass material for subsequent processing first comprises moving at least one stream of biomass material along a flow path. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material can be explosively dried and pulverized to disrupt lignocellulosic bonds, and to reduce a moisture content and a particle size of the cellulosic biomass material. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material can be electrically degraded the stream of cellulosic biomass material to disrupt lignocellulosic bonds. Additional pre-treatment and post-treatment processes can also be included.

Abstract: A separation screen has multiple discs configured to receive a material stream at an in-feed end and move a first group of materials from the material stream up an inclined angle and over a top out-feed end of the separation screen while a second group of materials from the material steam either fall through openings between the discs while being carried up the separation screen or roll off the in-feed end of the separation screen. A heating system heats an outside surface of the discs so that the discs can separate the first group of materials from the material stream during cold environmental temperatures.

Abstract: A paper clip removing device capable of removing a paper clip made of a shape memory alloy, that has such a shape that a plurality of documents are bound at a normal temperature and a document bundle is released in a heated state, when the paper clip is on any positions on an end side of a document is provided. When a paper clip made of a shape memory alloy, that has such a shape that a plurality of documents are bound at a normal temperature and a document bundle is released in a heated state, is removed, the paper clip removing device detects a position of the paper clip to heat the paper clip and deforms the paper clip into a shape of releasing a document bundle to attract and remove the paper clip, resulting that the paper clip is collected in the collecting box.

Abstract: An automated system for sorting dissimilar materials, and in particular for sorting plastics from other materials and for sorting different types of plastics from one another comprises, depending upon the embodiment, combinations of a sizing mechanism, a friction separation, an air separator, a magnetic separator, a dielectric sensor sortation bed, shaker screening, a ballistic separator, an inductive sensor sortation system and a float/sink tank. The dielectric sensor sortation system may be either analog or digital, depending upon the particular implementation. One or more float/sink tanks can be used, depending upon the embodiment, each with a media of a different specific gravity. The media may be water, or water plus a compound such as calcium chloride. In addition, multiples of the same general type of module can be used for particular configurations. A heavy media system or a sand float process can be used either alternatively or additionally.

Abstract: A process for the enrichment of anatase mechanical concentrates, in order to obtain synthetic rutile with low contents of rare earth and radioactive elements, comprising the steps of: calcination of the anatase concentrate; reduction of the calcined product; dry or wet low-intensity magnetic separation of the reduced product; dry, high-intensity, high-gradient magnetic separation of the non-magnetic fraction from the low-intensity separation; leaching of the high-intensity magnetic fraction; oxidation of the dried product; leaching of the quenched product; filtering of the product from the second leaching; drying of the filtered product; and dry, high-intensity, high-gradient magnetic separation of the product of the second leaching.

Abstract: A vibratory conditioner includes a plurality of screens having a planar surface through which there is a material feed opening, wherein each screen is retained in vertical alignment such that all planar surfaces are parallel, a chamber within which the parallel screens are retained, means for conditioning air within the chamber to a predetermined temperature and a predetermined humidity level, and a vibratory generator operable to vibrate the chamber and fluidize particles of material retained on a top surface of each screen and to move the fluidized particles in a first direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: A process for classifying water-absorbing polymer beads, wherein screens having different mesh sizes are used before and after the postcrosslinking to remove the oversize.

Abstract: Recycling of laminate flooring based on a separation of the panels into particles which are connected with a binder and formed to a new sheet shaped material. A building panel includes a surface layer and a wood fiber based core, and the wood fiber based core includes aluminium oxide particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a wetted wall cyclone comprises a cyclone body including an inlet end, an outlet end, an inner flow passage, and an inner surface defining an inner diameter. In addition, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a cyclone inlet tangentially coupled to the cyclone body. The cyclone inlet includes an inlet flow passage in fluid communication with the inner flow passage. Further, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a skimmer extending coaxially through the outlet end of the cyclone body. The skimmer comprises an upstream end disposed within the cyclone body, a downstream end distal the cyclone body, and an inner exhaust passage in fluid communication with the inner flow passage. Still further, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a first annulus positioned radially between the upstream end and the cyclone body having a radial width W1 between 3% and 15% of the inner diameter of the cyclone body.

Abstract: Enhanced methods for separating of overlapping density porous materials are provided. The methods of the invention exploit the differences in the porosity of porous feed materials compared to that of the solid plastics. In the first stage, air is forced out of the pores of a porous feed material. In the second stage, a solution, having the appropriate density, is forced into the pores. This increases the density of the porous material relative to the density of the solid plastics. As a result, the porous material can be made to sink, while the solid plastics continue to float.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exhaust gas waste heat recovery heat exchanger including a housing having a working fluid inlet, a working fluid outlet, an exhaust inlet, and an exhaust outlet, an exhaust flow path extending through the housing between the exhaust inlet and the exhaust outlet, and a working fluid flow path extending through the housing between the working fluid inlet and the working fluid outlet and having a first portion and a second portion. A flow of working fluid along the first portion of the working fluid flow path can be substantially counter to a flow of exhaust along the exhaust flow path, and the flow of working fluid along the second portion of the working fluid flow path can be substantially parallel to the flow of exhaust along the exhaust flow path.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for on-line sorting of waste matter, at the entrance to a waste processing plant, according to the level of specific chemicals, typically chlorine detected therein. The apparatus comprises a waste matter inlet that provides waste matter to a weighing module, preferably until a preset limit is reached. Then, this control volume of waste is introduced into a pulsed neutron material analyzer that is optimized for the determination of the content of the specific chemical in the control volume. A control means such as a computer then decides whether the level of the chemical in the waste control volume is above or below a preset threshold, and accordingly channels the waste into one or another of two channels. One of these channels accepts waste with low content of the given chemical, for introduction into the waste processing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying sludge, in particular sewage sludge, by creating a granulate from the dried product. A mixture of a carrier material consisting of recycled sludge which has already been dried and liquid sludge is fed to a dryer 6. The dried product is fed to a solids separator 8 after the dryer 6 and is stored intermediately in the former in an intermediate container that is placed immediately downstream of the separator.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the separation, recovery and recycling of municipal solid waste (MSW) in which hot water 48 is added to shredded and homogenized MSW 2 as it enters a rotating feed preparation drum 34 equipped with internal lifter blades 36. The blades 36 and rotation of the drum 34 cause mixing and pulping of the MSW before discharge into a rotating thermal processor 56 also equipped with lifter blades 58 and cone section 64, and in which the moist MSW 2 is heated by heating the hot gases in the processor by a flame from burner 62 which converts the moisture in the MSW to steam. The steam permeates through the MSW as it is turned and lifted in the thermal processor 56, causing further pulping. The now cooked and treated MSW 2 is then fed to a conveyor 68 for transportation to a trommel screen for the separation of recyclable components.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is exposed to microwave/millimeter wave energy in order to differentially heat the first and second group of particles, thereby increasing differences in magnetic susceptibility between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through a magnetic field gradient, which causes the particles to separate into magnetic and non-magnetic fractions.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting wet fly ash into a useful product such as cement replacement or industrial filler. A first amount of wet fly ash is provided. The wet fly ash is fed into a mixing chamber. An amount of aggregate, such as stone, is provided. The aggregate is also fed into the mixing chamber where the wet fly ash is mixed with the aggregate. The mixed wet fly ash and aggregate is fed into a drying chamber where the mixture is heated, thereby drying the fly ash and heating the aggregate. The heated aggregate is separated from the fly ash. The heated aggregate is fed back into the mixing chamber. A second amount of wet fly ash is added to the mixing chamber where is it mixed with the heated aggregate. The heated aggregate assists in drying the second amount of wet fly ash. Once in cycle, the process is continuous.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing high-purity standard particles produces nanometer-sized high-purity standard particles of monodispersive uniform structure efficiently, with the abatement of contamination and damage. The apparatus includes a particle generation chamber, a particle classification chamber and a particle collecting chamber. The particle generation chamber excites a semiconductor target with pulse laser beam under a low-pressure rare gas ambient so as to detach and eject materials from the target into the ambient gas, in which those materials are condensed and grow into high-purity particles. The particle classification chamber subjects the high-purity particles as generated to classification, and the particles collecting chamber collects high-purity standard particles as classified onto a substrate.

Abstract: Method for the removal and recovery of the oily component from cuttings coming from the drilling of oil wells by treatment of the cuttings with a solvent, which can be compressed to the liquid state, at a pressure value ranging from 45 to 80 bar and a temperature corresponding to the saturation value.

Abstract: Method for the removal and recovery of the oily component from cuttings coming from the drilling of oil wells by treatment of the cuttings with a solvent, which can be compressed to the liquid state, at a pressure value ranging from 45 to 80 bar and a temperature corresponding to the saturation value.

Abstract: In a process for producing hollow bodies of plastic by stretch-blow molding heated parisons, the parisons are inspected before being heated and at least some of the defective parisons are heated and are not separated out until after being heated. This method and the respective device can be implemented at low cost and with low space requirements and it has only a minor negative effect on output of finished hollow bodies.

Abstract: A method or processing composite waste including combustibles and incombustibles has a press process for pressing the composite waste, a dry distillation process for performing dry distillation on the pressed composite waste, a shredding process for shredding the composite waste that has been pressed and has undergone dry distillation and a separating process for separating the shredded composite waste into combustible carbide and incombustibles.

Abstract: A method for removing ammonia from fly ash employs water mist (a water fog) or a flowing warm humid air stream to rid the fly ash of ammonia. Ozone alone or with other co-oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide are also used to rid fly ash of ammonia.

Abstract: A finely ground powder comprising a mixture of fly ash and a compound selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal salts, alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, and metakaolinite. Preferably, the amount of said compound is 0.4 to 1% by weight of the powder. A composition comprising Portland cement and finely ground powder, said finely ground powder being a mixture of fly ash and a compound selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal salts, alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, and metakaolinite. A method for the treatment of fly ash comprising the step of subjecting a mixture of fly ash and a compound selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal salts, alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, and metakaolinite, preferably in which the fly ash has been treated for removal of carbon and in particular to increase the amount of crystalline phase.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting out shredder waste allows for lower sorting cost and higher sorting accuracy to be achieved.

Abstract: A method of treating a kaolin particulate material to improve its properties by removal of impurities which includes the steps of: (a) producing a dispersed aqueous suspension of a kaolin particulate material containing at least 0.1% by weight, based on the dry weight of the kaolin particulate material, of separable impurity by adding a dispersing agent to the kaolin particulate material to deflocculate solid particles of the material in the suspension; (b) conditioning the suspension prior to adding selective flocculation polymer thereto by allowing the suspension to age for a period of at least 30 minutes and optionally by adding one or more conditioning chemicals thereto; (c) adjusting the pH of the suspension to be at least about 9.5; (d) adding to the suspension at a pH of at least about 9.