Abstract: An optofluidic device includes: a housing having an inlet port coupled to an inlet side and an outlet port coupled to an outlet side; and a microlens disposed within the housing between the inlet side and the outlet side. A fluid having a plurality of particles flows from the inlet side through the microlens to the outlet side. The optofluidic device further includes a light source configured to emit a light beam in a direction opposite flow direction of the fluid, the light beam defining an optical axis that is perpendicular to the microlens.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles from a particulate suspension comprises a conduit comprising a plurality of elongate channels extending in adjacent alignment along a spiral path at different curvature radii from an axis of the spiral path. Longitudinal sidewalls of the elongate channels are fluidly joined together to allow for transfer of fluid between them. The apparatus also comprises an inlet for directing a particulate suspension into the conduit and outlets that direct fluid from the particulate suspension out from different discharge positions. At least first and second of the elongate channels are approximately circular in cross section and comprise a shared longitudinal sidewall, wherein the shared longitudinal sidewall comprises opposed uppermost and lowermost sidewall sections that are laterally offset from one another relative to the axis of the spiral path to allow for transfer of helically flowing fluid between the first and second of the elongate channels.

Abstract: A method and system for air classification of a milled feed stock includes generating a feed stream by combining the milled feed stock with at least one gasflow element, wherein the milled feed stock includes a plurality of particle sizes. The method and system includes directing the feed stream across a curvilinear surface, such that the milled feed stock in the feed stream separates into a plurality of classification streams, each of the plurality of classification streams based on the particle sizes of the milled feed stock. Therein, the method and system separates the plurality of classification streams and collects each of the plurality of classification streams, thereby classifying the milled feed stock contained therein based on the particle sizes for each of the plurality of classification streams.

Abstract: Methods of separating a multiphase mixture are provided. The multiphase flow can include petrochemicals. The multiphase flow is flowed through a vane assembly having a plurality of curved passages. The multiphase mixture is gradually decelerated such that it collides with surfaces of the vane assembly at relatively oblique angles and at lower relative speeds. Such a configuration can reduce droplet breakup which, in turn, can preserve larger droplet sizes that are more likely to settle to a liquid bed below the inlet diverter due to gravity.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a refrigerator interior includes a lower housing where a fan that rotates around a rotation axis as a center is installed, the rotation axis extending in an up-down direction; an upper housing that includes an inlet that sucks air from the refrigerator interior; and a side housing that covers a surrounding portion of the fan, wherein any one of the upper housing, the lower housing, and the side housing includes a flow straightening member that straightens a flow of air that is discharged from the fan, and wherein any one of the upper housing, the lower housing, and the side housing includes a discharge port.

Abstract: An apparatus for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional components by successive, selective layer-by-layer exposure.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner including a suction inlet fluidly connected in series to a vac-motor for drawing a dirty airflow in through the suction inlet. The suction inlet is fluidly connected downstream to both a first cyclonic separator and to a flow device via a flow junction, the flow junction configured for dividing the dirty airflow into two separate airflows, a first airflow passing through the first cyclonic separator and a second airflow passing through the flow device, thus stepping down the dirty airflow through the first separator compared to the dirty airflow through the suction inlet. The flow device is either a second cyclonic separator, an air filter or an air turbine. A screening member is upstream of the flow device for screening out dirt particles from the second airflow so that the dirt particles are retained in the first airflow, thus “concentrating” dust loading in the first airflow.

Abstract: Methods of separating a multiphase mixture are provided. The multiphase flow can include petrochemicals. The multiphase flow is flowed through a vane assembly having a plurality of curved passages. The multiphase mixture is gradually decelerated such that it collides with surfaces of the vane assembly at relatively oblique angles and at lower relative speeds. Such a configuration can reduce droplet breakup which, in turn, can preserve larger droplet sizes that are more likely to settle to a liquid bed below the inlet diverter due to gravity.

Abstract: An oil mist separator (10) for a crankcase ventilation (11) such as in an internal combustion engine (13) for separating oil particles from a gaseous fluid, in particular blow-by gas is disclosed. The oil mist separator (10) has at least one nozzle plate (24). The at least one nozzle plate (24) is arranged in a flow way of the gaseous fluid. The nozzle plate (24) has at least one aperture (26; 126) for the gaseous fluid. The oil mist separator (10) further has at least one impact surface (32; 132). The at least one impact surface (32; 132) is arranged downstream of the nozzle plate (24) relating to the flow of the gaseous fluid. The at least one impact surface (32; 132) can be moved away from the at least one nozzle plate (24) in an opening direction (36) against a pretension force by influence and dependent on a flow of the gaseous fluid through the at least one aperture (26; 126).

Abstract: A flow divider assembly for a sorting apparatus, comprising a flow divider (3), which is operative to separate first and second product streams or flows (F1, F2), wherein the flow divider (3) comprises a flexible separator element (11), which has an upper edge (12) which presents a dividing edge to the product flows and the position of which is adjustable by flexing the separator element (3).

Abstract: An airborne substance sensing device is capable of blocking fluorescence that is not from an airborne substance and detecting faint fluorescence of an airborne substance with a high degree of accuracy through the use of a cartridge having an introduction plate in which micropores are formed through which a gas including an airborne substance can pass. A transparent collection plate opposes the introduction plate, and the airborne substance can be made to collide on the plate and be collected through the collision of the gas having passed through the micropores. In a main body, the introduction and collection plates are disposed in parallel, and a flow path for guiding the gas including the airborne substance to the micropores is formed. An opaque mask covers the collection plate and is provided with an opening window through which light can pass at a position corresponding to a collection area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method disperse particles suspended in a fluid with an obstacle field in the flow path of the fluid. The particles may be dispersed after an interaction with obstacles in the obstacle field. The obstacle-particle interactions may result in an asymmetrical particle shift in which the particles are dispersed in an asymmetrical manner relative to the obstacle and the fluid flow. Obstacles are arranged to separate particles flowing through the device based on individual obstacles having properties that are asymmetrical and are oriented and aligned for the separation.

Abstract: A fan module is provided herein. The fan module includes a fan, a fan diverter, and a guide pin. The fan diverter is formed in the fan module. The fan diverter includes a diverter wall and a torsion spring along the diverter wall to position the diverter wall. The guide pin is connected to the diverter wall. The guide pin is formed to engage with a guide path formed along a chassis bay to position the diverter wall.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a point of care diagnostic test for detecting and quantifying at least one analyte in a biological sample. The device may include an immunoassay apparatus and a holder with a variable angle stage for positioning the immunoassay apparatus relative to a light source and a detector device. In one embodiment, the device is based upon elastic light scattering, so the variation in the angle of incidence and angle of reflection are optimized to maximize signal generation due to elastic light scattering. The detector device may include a wired or wireless connection to a computer network for communicating with an electronic medical records system, uploading the amount or concentration of at least one analyte present in the sample to the electronic medical records system, or querying a decision support algorithm stored in a computer readable format. The detector device may further include an onboard interpretive algorithm.

Abstract: A cyclone comprises a second or lower portion that is pivotable with respect to a first or upper portion about an articulation between a first position and a second position; the second portion being aligned with the first portion along a first or vertical axis when the second portion is in the first position, and the second portion being aligned on a second axis that is different from the first axis when the second portion is moved from the first position to the second position. In various additional embodiments, the second axis may be normal to the first axis, for example, in the first position the lower portion is horizontal and in the first position the lower portion is vertical and aligned with the upper portion. The second position may be used as a cleaning position. When the lower portion is pivoted away from the upper portion, the vortex is interrupted. In the second position, the lower portion may also interface with a suction mechanism.

Abstract: An inlet diverter is provided for separating multiphase mixtures. The inlet diverter has curved vanes which define flow passages between adjacent vanes. The passages are arranged such that the inlet diverter discharges flow from the passages toward the inlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grinding mill including a roller press configured to comminute grinding stock, a first conveying mechanism in communication with the roller press and configured to transport downstream at least one of fresh grinding stock or grinding stock comminuted by the roller press, and a static sifter disposed downstream of the first conveying mechanism and configured to sift at least one of the fresh grinding stock or grinding stock comminuted by said roller press. The static sifter includes a sifting stock inlet disposed in an upper sifting space, and sifting gas inlet disposed in a lower sifting space, and an aeration plate separating the upper sifting space from the lower sifting space. The aeration plate also permits sifting gas to pass there through from the lower to the upper sifting space. The static sifter also includes oversized material outlets disposed in each of the respective upper and lower sifting spaces.

Abstract: A method of producing roasted and glazed nuts includes the steps of providing a roaster apparatus having a roaster bowl, placing water and a mixture of nuts and sugar in the roaster bowl, mixing the water and the mixture, heating the roaster bowl while mixing to produce roasted and sugar coated nuts, adding water to the roaster bowl to produce roasted and glazed nuts, and lifting a cantilever arm coupled to the roaster's housing to raise the roaster bowl from a fully lowered position to a raised position. A first piston coupled to the bowl support is engaged during the raising of the roaster bowl to provide a counterforce to the bowl assembly's weight. The method further includes removing the roasted and glazed nuts from the roaster bowl when in the raised position, lowering the cantilever arm to lower the roaster bowl from the raised position to a partially lowered position, and then lowering the cantilever arm to lower the roaster bowl to the fully lowered position.

Abstract: A solar powered cooling system that obtains a plurality of cooling temperatures in a simultaneous fashion. The system includes a heliostat field, a steam-Rankine cycle (SRC), absorption-refrigeration cycle (ARC), an ejector-refrigeration cycle (ERC) and a cascaded-refrigeration cycle (CRC). The heliostat field directs solar energy to a receiver included in the SRC to heat molten-salt. The heated molten salt transfers heat energy to form vapors of a first refrigerant. A steam turbine transfer the power to drive the vapor compression system (CRC) system and vapor at the turbine exit is fed to the ERC cooling system. The ERC achieves a first cooling temperature range by driving an ejector-nozzle by the vapors of the first refrigerant. The steam turbine drives a first compressor and a second compressor included in the CRC to obtain a second cooling temperature range. A condenser included in the ARC portion condenses the vapors of the first refrigerant to obtain a third cooling temperature range.

Abstract: A laser microcladding process utilizing powdered flux material (93b). A jet (92) of propellant gas containing powdered alloy material (93a) and the powdered flux material are directed toward a substrate (94). The powdered materials are melted by a laser beam (96) to form a weld pool (98) which separates into a layer of slag (100) covering a layer of clad alloy material (102). The flux material deoxidizes the weld pool and protects the layer of clad alloy material as it cools, thereby allowing the propellant gas to be nitrogen or air rather than an inert gas. In one embodiment, the substrate and alloy materials are superalloys with compositions beyond the traditional zone of weldability.

Abstract: Trapping structures are provided for particle separation devices that make use of traveling wave fluid flow. These trapping structures are operative to capture and collect separated particles and present them for extraction. The extraction can be accomplished in conventional manners, such as through the use of suitable sized pipettes.

Abstract: A particle detecting system includes an airborne particle detecting device that detects scattered light and/or fluorescent light produced through illuminating with light a particle included in a gas, a gas inspection flow path that introduces, into the airborne particle detecting device, a particle included in a gas that is subject to inspection, an aerosol generating portion that generates an aerosol from a liquid that is subject to inspection, and a liquids inspection flow path that introduces a particle included in the aerosol into the airborne particle detecting device.

Abstract: A dynamic air separator for separating materials consisting of particles of different sizes into particle-size fractions. The separator includes a rotary housing and a chamber for recovering the fine particles, which is coaxially arranged in alignment with the rotary housing. The separator also includes a fan wheel positioned coaxially to the chamber for recovering the fine particles. The fan wheel is located at the end of the outlet duct for purified air from the chamber for recovering the fine particles, in order to suck in air during use and send the latter to the air-distribution chamber around the rotary housing.

Abstract: A turbulence inducing device is described. Embodiments of the device include a nozzle (135), a vessel assembly (110), and an obstructer (140). The vessel assembly typically includes an open ended main channel (115) surrounded by a housing. In typical operation, fluid under positive pressure is forced through the nozzle into the main channel. Disposed at the main channel outlet, the obstructer is adapted to deflect the flowing fluid and induce turbulence that can result in cavitation when the fluid is a liquid. When the liquid includes water, cavitation can result in production of reactive species that oxidatively modify contaminants in the water. Embodiments of the turbulence inducing device can be used to reduce contamination of produced water, the produced water arising from hydrocarbon extraction or exploration.

Abstract: A solid particle flow distribution controller includes an extension skirt configured to be mounted to a discharge skirt at a division between an upstream solid particle conveyance pipe and a plurality of downstream pipes. The extension skirt includes a plurality of circumferential segments. Each segment is movably mounted to the discharge skirt for movement in an upstream and downstream direction with respect to the discharge skirt. The segments of the extension skirt are configured and adapted for motion in the upstream and downstream direction independent of one another to extend upstream of the discharge skirt as needed to improve solid particle distribution among the downstream pipes.

Abstract: A system for sorting has an inlet end, a first separation section disposed downstream of the inlet end and including a fluidizing section and a hood disposed above the fluidizing section, a negative pressure developed adjacent the fluidizing section to draw a first class of materials into the hood, a second separation section disposed downstream of the first separation section and including an air knife and a dropout, a second class of materials passing through the air knife and into the dropout and a third class of materials passing over the dropout and through an outlet end, and a vibration generator coupled to the first separation section and the second separation section to convey material from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a variable flow classifier for vertical air-swept coal pulverizers are disclosed. In all embodiments, a classifier structure includes a cone with means for providing a pattern of inlet ports for introducing airborne coal to the cone wherein said means allows for selective variation in the size of the ports.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to obstacle array devices (also known as bump array devices) for separating populations of particles by size. Improvements over previous obstacle array devices are realized by causing the fluid velocity profile across gaps between obstacles to be asymmetrical with respect to the plane that bisects the gap and is parallel to the direction of bulk fluid flow. Such asymmetry can be achieved by selecting the shape(s) of the obstacles bounding the gap such that the portions of the obstacles upstream from, downstream from or bridging the narrowest portion of the gap are asymmetrical with respect to that plane. Improvements are also realized by using obstacles that have sharp edges bounding the gaps. Other improvements are realized by selecting obstacle shapes such that the critical particle dimensions defined by the gaps in two different fluid flow directions differ.

Abstract: A method and system for controlled fractionation of particles. A sample having a plurality of particles of different size distributions. A uniform array for the preparing of optical traps having a selected array lattice constant. The plurality of particles for inputting the plurality of particles to the uniform array of optical traps at a driving direction angle ? and the plurality of particles separating along different directions ?v based on variable particle attributes.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a rotating classifier which can keep classification performance high and which can prevent blockages caused by biomass and the like. [Means for Resolution] The rotating classifier is characterized in that: comb teeth-like protrusion portions protruding toward a fixed member side are provided on top of rotary classification fins at intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotating classifier fins; a first gap is provided between an upper end portion of each of the comb teeth-like protrusion portions and a lower surface of the fixed member; a second gap formed between a protrusion portion and a protrusion portion adjacent to the protrusion portion is connected to the first gap; and an air stream flowing from the radial outside to the radial inside of the comb teeth-like protrusion portions through the first gap and the second gap is formed due to the rotation of the rotary classification fins.

Abstract: A device is operable to separate tissue particles. The device comprises a reservoir and an ultrasonic transducer. The reservoir is configured to receive tissue particles in a fluid. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to emit ultrasonic energy toward tissue particles in the reservoir. Control circuitry is configured to drive the ultrasonic transducer at parameters selected to provide movement of tissue particles in the first reservoir based on the size of the tissue particles. The ultrasonic transducer may thus drive the tissue particles toward respective outlets or at particular times based on their particle size. An electrically driven screen may be used to separate tissue particles from liquid. An ultrasonic mincing device may be used to mince tissue particles whose size exceeds a predetermined size range.

Abstract: Trapping structures are provided for particle separation devices that make use of traveling wave fluid flow. These trapping structures are operative to capture and collect separated particles and present them for extraction. The extraction can be accomplished in conventional manners, such as through the use of suitable sized pipettes.

Abstract: To provide a classification device in which product fine powder little in mixture ratio of coarse particles can be obtained. A classification device characterized in that a setting pitch P between stationary fins 13 and a width L of each stationary fin 13 are combined so that a value of P/L is in a range between 0.042×(??50)+0.64 and 0.019×(??50)+0.22 in 50°???70° when ? is an inclination angle of each stationary fin 13, P is the setting pitch, and L is the width in a direction of circulation of particles.

Abstract: Separating a mixture comprising at least two solid materials comprises transporting the mixture into a plenum, introducing air into the plenum, removing a heavier fraction of the solid materials from the plenum, removing air having a lighter fraction of the solid materials entrained therein from the plenum, removing the lighter fraction of the solid materials from the air that is removed from the plenum, filtering the remaining air, and re-circulating the air back to the plenum. Valves at the locations where material is introduced to and removed from the system can prevent air flow therethrough while allowing the materials to pass. The air can be introduced into the plenum at an angle with respect to the pathway in which the heavier fraction of the materials falls through the plenum, thereby avoiding damage to a screen that diffuses the air being introduced into the plenum.

Abstract: A system includes a vibratory apparatus with a housing having a floor with an opening and a chamber, a deck disposed in the chamber between the chamber inlet and the opening, a section of the deck having a plurality of apertures and a plenum defined beneath the deck section, and an air knife disposed between the deck section and the chamber outlet. The system includes an air handling system with a first path in communication with the plenum, a second path in communication with the air knife, a third path in communication with a space beneath the air knife, a fourth path in communication with the chamber above the deck between the inlet and the deck section, a return path from the outlet, and an air mover having an outlet in communication with the first, second, third, and fourth paths and an inlet in communication with the return path.

Abstract: A separator is disclosed for separating particles of at least first and second mass/size ranges from an ambient fluid (e.g. gaseous) medium in which they are present, particles of the first range being of generally larger size/mass than particles of the second range. The separator is especially designed for use in an air monitoring device which is designed for rapid detection of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, pathogens and the like, and is designed to be portable so that it can be readily and rapidly deployed in both civilian and military environments and can be used indoors and outdoors; it can also be designed for personal use.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to obstacle array devices (also known as bump array devices) for separating populations of particles by size. Improvements over previous obstacle array devices are realized by causing the fluid velocity profile across gaps between obstacles to be asymmetrical with respect to the plane that bisects the gap and is parallel to the direction of bulk fluid flow. Such asymmetry can be achieved by selecting the shape(s) of the obstacles bounding the gap such that the portions of the obstacles upstream from, downstream from, or bridging the narrowest portion of the gap are asymmetrical with respect to that plane. Improvements are also realized by using obstacles that have sharp edges bounding the gaps. Other improvements are realized by selecting obstacle shapes such that the critical particle dimensions defined by the gaps in two different fluid flow directions differ.

Abstract: A method for classifying a ground material-fluid mixture and a mill classifier. In order to improve the grinding and classification process, the subsequent dust separation and in particular to optimise the energy situation of a grinding plant, it is provided according to the invention that the fine material-fluid flow leaving the dynamic classifier part with angular momentum, besides a swirl reduction or swirl elimination, with the aid of a guiding apparatus and a displacement body, is made uniform in a classifier outlet housing and deflected into a virtually linear flow. The fixed guiding apparatus arranged coaxially with the classifier axis in the classifier outlet housing and the displacement body can be formed as one unit and the guide elements of the guiding apparatus can be arranged on the displacement body and extending into the vicinity of the inner wall of the classifier outlet housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for size-specific detection of particles entrained in fluids are provided. A particle size selector separates particles entrained in a sample fluid stream using a curved channel. Shroud fluid streams are interposed between the sample fluid stream and walls of the channel. Centrifugal forces arising from fluid flow through the curved channel separate differently-sized particles into different transverse sections of the channel. A detector downstream from the particle size selector specifically detects particles in one or more transverse sections of the channel.

Abstract: A radial opposed migration classifier is provided for separating particles in a sample, introducing and removing the particles into and out of the classifier at the same potential. A sample passes through a classification channel having two circular walls. The sample is introduced and exits the classifier through the same plane as the first wall, which is at a different potential from the second wall. A cross-flow fluid enters the classification channel through one of the walls. The cross-flow fluid flows at a first velocity and exits in a first direction through the other wall. An imposed field is applied on the particles in a second direction counter to the first direction of the cross-flow. This causes the particles of a desired size and/or charge to migrate at a second velocity opposite and/or equal to a first velocity of the cross-flow. The particles that travel through the channel are discharged.

Abstract: A method is provided for changing a property of a sample. A sample, comprising particles suspended within a sample fluid, is introduced into a channel which comprises two walls that are permeable to a flow of fluid. A cross-flow is introduced at a predetermined temperature and of a predetermined chemical composition into the channel through a wall. This cross-flow flows at a first velocity and exits in a first direction through the other wall. An imposed field is applied on the particles in a second direction counter to the first direction of the cross-flow. The imposed field causes the particles to migrate at a second velocity opposite and/or equal to the first velocity of the cross-flow. Particles that are approximately balanced by the first and second velocities travel through the channel and are discharged in a fluid of predetermined chemical composition and at the predetermined temperature of the cross-flow.

Abstract: A method for classifying a ground material-fluid mixture and a mill classifier improve the grinding and classification process, wherein a fine material-fluid flow leaving a dynamic classifier part with angular momentum is subjected to a swirl reduction or swirl elimination, with the aid of a guiding apparatus and a displacement body and is made uniform in a classifier outlet housing and deflected into a virtually linear flow. The fixed guiding apparatus arranged coaxially with the classifier axis in the classifier outlet housing and the displacement body may be formed as one unit, and the guide elements of the guiding apparatus may be arranged on the displacement body and extending into the vicinity of the inner wall of the classifier outlet housing.

Abstract: A flow splitter for distributing solid particles flowing in a fluid through a piping system includes a divider housing. The divider housing has an inlet configured to connect to an upstream pipe and has a plurality of outlets, each outlet being configured to connect to a respective downstream pipe. A divider body is mounted within the divider housing. A plurality of divider vanes are included, each extending from the divider body to the divider housing. The divider housing, divider body, and divider vanes are configured and adapted to reduce non-uniformity in particle concentration from the inlet and to supply a substantially equal particle flow to each outlet.

Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Also included is an apparatus for segregating particulate by density and/or size including a fluidizing bed having a particulate receiving inlet for receiving particulate to be fluidized. This is useful for segregating contaminants like sulfur and mercury from the product stream.

Abstract: In a cyclone and a method for operating a cyclone, in a duct leading to an inlet of the cyclone, at least partial separation of particles according to size takes place. A bypass arrangement diverts selected particles to the discharge duct of the cyclone. The cyclone is suitable for separating particles from blast furnace waste gases.

Abstract: An apparatus including an acoustic transducer configured to acoustically associate with at least a portion of a fluid cavity. The fluid cavity is configured as a resonator. The acoustic transducer is configured to create an acoustic wave in the at least a portion of the fluid cavity. The acoustic wave is selected to increase the concentration of at least one particulate in a location in the fluid cavity.

Abstract: A flow divider assembly for a sorting apparatus, comprising a flow divider (3), which is operative to separate first and second product streams or flows (F1, F2), wherein the flow divider (3) comprises a flexible separator element (11), which has an upper edge (12) which presents a dividing edge to the product flows and the position of which is adjustable by flexing the separator element (3).

Abstract: An inline virtual impactor comprising an outer housing having a housing inlet, a housing inner surface, a major flow outlet and a minor flow outlet; a flow accelerator member disposed in the upstream portion of the outer housing; and a flow stabilizer member disposed within the outer housing downstream of the flow accelerator member, wherein the disposition of the flow accelerator creates an annular flow passage between the flow accelerator and the outer housing, and wherein a flow divider that is at least partially downstream of the flow stabilizer member effects splitting of the flow stream entering the housing into major and minor flows. The minor flow comprises primarily particles having a size greater than a cutpoint size and the major flow comprises primarily particles smaller than the cutpoint size. The inline virtual impactor may further comprise an aspiration section located upstream of the flow accelerator member.

Abstract: The powder classifying device classifies powder having a particle size distribution and collects the classified powder. The device includes a disc-like cavity to which the powder is supplied and where the supplied powder is classified, a powder supply port for supplying the powder to the cavity, guide vanes arranged so as to extend from an outer periphery of the cavity in an inner direction at a predetermined angle, a discharge unit for air streams including fine particles discharged from the cavity, a collection unit for coarse particles discharged from the cavity and air nozzles arranged below the guide vanes on an outer peripheral wall of the cavity along a tangential direction of the outer peripheral wall and blow compressed air into an inside of the cavity.

Abstract: An axial classifier, for separating the coarse particles from a fluid flow having both coarse and fine particles, comprising a housing forming a first chamber for the fluid flow to enter the classifier, a vane assembly provided within the housing, wherein the vane assembly includes a plurality of blades aligned around a flow diverter, a cone member forming a second chamber for the fluid flow to pass therein, wherein the cone member includes an opening for the coarse particles separated from the fluid flow to pass therethrough, and an outlet for the particles remaining in the fluid flow after separation of the coarse particles to exit the classifier, wherein the plurality of blades of the vane assembly abut an outer surface of the flow diverter to direct the fluid flow from the first chamber into the second chamber in a manner that congregates the coarse particles for classification.