Abstract: A method of classifying fine particles includes: introducing a fine particle dispersion containing the fine particles to a micro flow channel having an inlet part and a collection part from the inlet part; moving the fine particles to an inner upper side of the micro flow channel by an electric field applied in a gravitational direction; and delivering the fine particle dispersion in a laminar flow state to the collection part. The delivering step includes classifying the fine particles according to differences in settling velocity among the fine particles.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.

Abstract: Hydrogravity separation of a multiple domain solid feedstock is disclosed which comprises granulating the feedstock to produce particles each of substantially a single domain, with each type of particle having a different density. The particles are slurried into a suitable fluid. A dispersion mixer having a high shear and/or turbulent zone is utilized to disperse agglomerated particles and a quiescent hydrogravity tank is utilized to effect binary separation of the mixture of particles into a stream with a higher average specific gravity, and a stream with a lower average specific gravity. A high degree of product purity is obtained by feeding one or both of the initial product streams to a collection of dispersion mixer/hydrogravity tank units using a fluid of substantially the same specific gravity.

Abstract: A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle includes an elongate vehicle frame; a separating assembly configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream, and at least one of the first debris stream and the second debris stream includes fluid from the fluid stream; a first conveyor; a second conveyor; and a fluid collection structure configured to receive fluid from at least the separating assembly and the second conveyor, wherein the first conveyor is configured to drain at least some fluid from the first debris stream to the second conveyor, and the second conveyor includes a non-mesh conveyor belt configured to drain at least some fluid from at least one of the first debris stream and the second debris stream to the fluid collection structure.

Abstract: A method for separation of heterogeneous products included in household waste (HW) comprises separating the products in a fractionation vessel containing a liquid. The waste includes components, of which at least some are capable of floating in the liquid. The components are exposed to a first essentially horizontal force (P1) in a first direction (D1) enforced by a flow of the liquid in the fractionation vessel and to a second essentially horizontal force (P2) in a second direction (D2), which is substantially different from the first direction (D1). The combined impact of the forces (P1; P2) on the components spreads the components and leads them to at least two collection areas. Products of varying buoyancy may thus be treated separately.

Abstract: A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle includes an elongate vehicle frame; a separating structure mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream at a contact region to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream, wherein the second debris stream includes at least some material of a higher density than material from the first debris stream; a first conveyor; and a second conveyor, wherein the contact region is spaced from the feed end portion of the first conveyor, and wherein the separating structure is further configured to selectively direct the fluid stream to move the contact region among a plurality of locations relative to the feed end portion of the first conveyor.

Abstract: The invention provides a separation system comprising a decanter, a supply tank, a first conduit between the decanter and supply tank, and an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with an upper portion of the decanter. Also provided is a method of separating particles. The method comprises providing a reservoir comprising a plurality of seeds in a liquid; providing an inlet flow of the fluid into the reservoir; adjusting the specific gravity of the liquid so that a first portion of the seeds float near the surface of the liquid and a second portion of the seeds sink near the bottom of the reservoir; providing an outlet flow of the fluid from a location proximal to the top of the reservoir, wherein the outlet flow removes the first portion of the seeds from the reservoir; and recycling the outlet flow of the fluid back to the inlet flow of the fluid. The system and method of the invention are particularly useful for separating seeds based on differences in specific gravity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating differently additivated polymers based on polystyrene, the copolymers and/or blends thereof. This method is used in particular when recycling flame-retardant plastic materials, in particular from old electrical appliances. The method according to the invention is characterised by a density separation with at least one liquid or gaseous separation medium.

Abstract: A water bath separator includes a tank for receiving a volume of water for forming a water bath having a top water surface and a light material conveyor path extending from the tank such that an upstream end of the light material conveyor path is closely below the top water surface when the tank is in filled operating condition. The light material conveyor path includes a sorting conveyor provided with a row of rotatable, driven shafts mutually spaced in a conveying direction and each extending transversally to that conveying direction. The shafts each carry a row of radially extending impellers for intermittently urging material on the sorting conveyor upward and in conveying direction, the impellers of each of said rows being mutually spaced in longitudinal direction of the respective shaft. The sorting conveyor has an upstream portion located in the tank such that an upstream end of the sorting conveyor is immersed in the water bath when the tank is in filled operating condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for classifying fine particles, the method comprising: introducing a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid medium into an inlet of a microchannel having the inlet and a recovery portion; and delivering the fine particle dispersion, which has been introduced through the inlet, to the recovery portion in laminar flow, wherein delivering the fine particle dispersion includes classifying the fine particles using the difference in sedimentation speed or floatation speed among the fine particles in the fine particle dispersion. The present invention also provides a device used in the method for classifying fine particles.

Abstract: A method of cleaning bedding sand soiled with animal manure removes the bedding sand from an animal bedding area. An aqueous slurry of the bedding sand is made. The slurry is subjected to cyclonic action so as to separate the sand from the manure. The separated sand is then respread back into the animal bedding area for reuse. The clean bedding sand is free of organic contaminants such as manure, urine and milk. In addition, the bedding sand may contain inorganic contaminants such as clay and silt particles as well as fine particles which are undesirable in a bedding material. Processing the sand removes these inorganic contaminants and fine particles to produce a superior bedding sand for animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for use in separating mixtures. A slurry including a separation liquid and one or more particulate media materials is provided. A classification separation is performed on the slurry to produce a classified media having a controlled particle size distribution of the particulate media materials. The classified media is combined with a mixture to be separated to generate a separation mixture. A density separation is performed on the separation mixture. The particle size distribution can be controlled based in part on characteristics of components of a separation system to be used in subsequent density separations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for abrading the membrane portion of waste egg shells from the hard mineral portion thereof, is provided. The linking structure between the membrane and shell is initially abraded such that the membrane particles and shell particles can be passively dissociated thereafter.

Abstract: A separating apparatus for the sink and float separation of a mineral raw material according to density using a liquid. The separating apparatus includes a rotatable drum including a plurality of sink-product pockets for discharging a sink product of the mineral raw material. The apparatus also includes a raw material inlet for delivering the raw material into the liquid bath, a first liquid inlet and first liquid outlet including an overflow disposed at a top level of the liquid bath, and a second liquid inlet and second liquid outlet. The separating apparatus also includes a front deflecting barrier and a rear deflecting barrier, each projecting into the liquid bath from above and disposed over an entire width of the liquid bath. In addition, a method for the sink and float separation according to density of a mineral raw material using a liquid.

Abstract: A process for extracting and purifying naturally occurring zeolite from ores in the presence of other mineral phases by using mechanical dispersion and differential suspension to remove a majority of the clay content of the ore. The process continues by removal of contaminants with a higher mass to surface area ratio than that of the desired zeolite product by employing the properties of demineralized water in combination with a countercurrent flow separation column. No chemical flocculating or flotation agents need be employed in the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: A pre-separator feed well for use with hydrous slurry feed is provided in a hindered-bed separator that includes an elongate body defining an interior space with upper and lower portions. The feed well is elongate and includes a vertically adjustable conical plate adjacent the bottom thereof for control of downward flow of heavy material. The top of the feed well includes an overflow weir including an overflow ring having a plurality of vertical slots through which flows the lighter material onto an overflow weir adjacent an overflow launder and to an outlet pipe. Feed is introduced into the upper portion of the feed well in a tangential manner. A perforated barrier may be mounted below the feed well in some circumstances. Teeter flow is introduced in a lower portion of the separator and flows upwardly. Alternatively, the lower part of the separator can be perforated for heavy/coarse material discharge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an equipment for combining in one single apparatus, the functions for filtering, decontaminating, and thickening paper pulp from used paper, while providing the complementary function of clarifying the filtrates. The apparatus (1) rotates at high speed. The paper pulp is introduced through the center of the apparatus (2) and driven at its angular speed. The pulp is then brought along a grate (6) with small size holes for separating the fibers from the greater part of the water. The thickened pulp is evacuated through extraction nozzles (8). The water is clarified in the clarification zone (12) and recycled or eliminated depending on uses. More complete embodiments of the apparatus include the functions of fractionating, de-inking and purifying the pulp with slots or holes.

Abstract: A system for separating solids from a fluid stream. The system includes a first separator device mounted to a container. The container includes a settling compartment and baffle plate module, with the initial settling compartment receiving the fluid from the first separator device. The fluid stream proceeds through the baffle plate module. The solids within the fluid stream will descend to the bottom of the container. A spiral blade is positioned at the bottom of the container, with the spiral blade adapted to convey solids to a first pump member. The speed of rotation of the spiral blade may be varied. The first pump member discharges the slurry to a second separator device. The second separator device will discharge the separated fluid stream into the baffle plate module. In one embodiment, the first separator device is a linear shaker and the second separator device is a cyclone separator and linear shaker mounted in tandem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Abstract: The specification describes one or more embodiments of the present invention, which relates to a method of reducing phosphate ore losses in a desliming process. A phosphate ore preparation slurry is directed to a desliming unit; surfactants and/or an organic polymers are added to the slurry and mixed into the slurry to reduce the viscosity of the slurry and to settle out the fine phosphate ore particles for recovery. These particles are collected and directed to a beneficiation process for recovering the phosphate ore product. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method of dewatering a suspension of solids in an aqueous medium, comprising introducing into the suspension a flocculating system, which flocculation system comprises, a) a substantially non-ionic water-soluble polymer and b) a cationic polymeric flocculant of intrinsic viscosity at least 4 dl/g, thereby causing the solids to flocculate, separating the flocculated from aqueous medium, characterised in that i) the components a) and b) are introduced into the suspension as an aqueous blend; or ii) component a) is a non-ionic polymer that has an average molecular weight of below 750,000 and components a) and b) are introduced into the suspension as an aqueous blend or separately. Also claimed is an aqueous composition comprising the substantially non-ionic water-soluble polymer and cationic polymer, method for making it and a composition comprising a blend of substantially anhydrous particles of component (a) and component (b).

Abstract: When a printed board is soldered by a dipping method, a great deal of dross is generated on a jet solder tank. The dross is a mixture of melted solder and oxide. A worker takes out the dross from the jet solder tank, and throws it away. Thus, a large amount of the solder is consumed. The present invention relates to a separating device for separating oxide and solder from dross. A container (21) is provided with a heater (22). A cover (24) is set over the container (21) to be freely attachable or detachable, and further a non-oxidizing gas supplying opening (28) is made in the cover (24) or the container (21). A stirring spatula (25) for stirring the surface of a melted solder (23) put into the container (21) is set near the surface of the melted solder (23).

Abstract: A process and system for recovering fine coal having a size at or below 400 mesh. The process and system includes a series of cyclone separators, a vibrating screen, a centrifuge and a flow path to clean, recover and dewater fine coal having a nominal size of 3 mm down to 400 mesh or below. The process and system includes the use of commercially available components arranged in a novel manner to efficiently recover fine coal for use in various energy supplying systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for abrading the membrane portion of waste egg shells from the hard mineral portion thereof, is provided. The linking structure between the membrane and shell is initially abraded such that the membrane particles and shell particles can be passively dissociated thereafter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for separating polyester, and particularly polyethylene terephthalate, from various contaminants and impurities. In general, the process includes the steps of mixing materials containing polyester with an alkaline composition in a mixer. The mixer imparts sufficient energy to the slurry to provide substantially complete, even coating of the polyester containing materials with the alkaline composition and cause saponification of the outer surface of the polyester with the alkaline composition. After reaction in the mixer, the mixture is heated causing some of the impurities to be chemically modified into a more separable form. After heating, the mixture can be washed with water and the polyester can be easily separated from the remaining impurities. Through the process of the present invention, polyester can be separated and recovered from waste materials such as those containing polyvinyl chloride and aluminum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing lightweight particulates during processing of a primary material. The apparatus includes a classification tank having an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of settling stations located therebetween. A slurry of fluid and particles is introduced into the inlet and directed towards the outlet. As the slurry traverses along the classification tank, particles come out of suspension at the settling stations according to weight and to a lesser degree, density. The composition as well as the quantity of particles at the settling stations is periodically inspected. If particles deposited at a particular settling station are more or less the same size, and if they have accumulated in sufficient quantity, they are discharged to a flume which directs them to preselected collection areas.

Abstract: A method of treating household refuse wherein selection, communication, etc., the fraction of the total refuse containing biodegradable organic dry matter is delivered to an anaerobic fermentation process. Anaerobic fermentation is carried out until all the dry matter is exhausted, degradation rates of the biodegradable organic dry matter (OTSbiol) of 70% and more being attained. The resultant fermentation residue is subjected to a drying process in which the dry matter portion is increased to at least 90%. The resultant dry material no longer exhibits any biological activity. The exhaustive anaerobic fermentation process enables a maximum amount of biogas to be produced, its energy content being sufficient to supply the drying process.

Abstract: An improved aqueous-based extraction method for the separation and recovery of ultra-fine mineral particles. The process operates within the pseudophase region of the conventional aqueous biphasic extraction system where a low-molecular-weight, water soluble polymer alone is used in combination with a salt and operates within the pseudo-biphase regime of the conventional aqueous biphasic extraction system. A combination of low molecular weight, mutually immiscible polymers are used with or without a salt. This method is especially suited for the purification of clays that are useful as rheological control agents and for the preparation of nanocomposites.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming superfine particles of rubber powder suitable for recycling, as by incorporation into new rubber production, is shown. Coarsely ground rubber particles, formed in a conventional manner, are mixed in a soaking vessel with a reagent which causes the rubber particles to swell. The swollen, reagent-impregnated rubber is less elastic and more easily ground. The reagent-impregnated particles are then transported to a grinder which reduces the size of the particles to 200 &mgr;m or less. The ground particles are then heated to drive off the reagent which is recovered in a reagent recovery system. The dried particles are then sorted according to size. The process is conveniently automated and provides the ability to economically recycle rubber.

Abstract: When a printed board is soldered by a dipping method, a great deal of dross is generated on a jet solder tank. The dross is a mixture of melted solder and oxide. A worker takes out the dross from the jet solder tank, and throws it away. Thus, a large amount of the solder is consumed. The present invention relates to a separating device for separating oxide and solder from dross. A container (21) is provided with a heater (22). A cover (24) is set over the container (21) to be freely attachable or detachable, and further a non-oxidizing gas supplying opening (28) is made in the cover (24) or the container (21). A stirring spatula (25) for stirring the surface of a melted solder (23) put into the container (21) is set near the surface of the melted solder (23).

Abstract: A item separating or debris eliminating system includes a tank and a pump for circulating water from one end of the tank around through a duct and back into the opposite end of the tank. A medium density object collector is located within the tank, and a light debris collector is located within the tank. A conveyor filter is included through which substantially all of the water in the tank is circulated. The debris eliminating system preferably also includes a high density object collector within the tank. The system can be used to separate a variety of objects having different densities and terminal velocities in a fluid. Most preferably, the system is utilized for separating debris from potatoes and the like produce.

Abstract: A device for separating dense particles contained in blood or one or more proteins contained in blood plasma by utilizing a separating arrangement. The separation arrangement includes a feed duct, at least two discharge ducts, a pump for producing a pressure in order to introduce the blood or blood plasma into the separating device, a measuring device provided with the discharge ducts, and a control arrangement connected to the measuring device. The separation arrangement also includes a respective arrangement changing the cross section of at least one of the two discharge ducts and connected to the control arrangement.

Abstract: A process and a structure is described for separating particles in a fluid medium based on a difference in settling velocity. The feed is introduced tangential into the separation zone. The tangential feed system includes a transition box to reduce flow velocity and disperse the slurry across the separator eliminating the efficiency losses associated with other classifiers that introduce feed directly into the separation chamber. This approach offers an improvement in process capacity and efficiency. The fluidization water is introduced to the separation chamber below a baffle plate that disperses the water across the base of the separator. The feed system may include baffles in the upper separation chamber, and a stilling well with an impact plate adjustable side walls and adjustable baffle plates to reduce flow velocity and disperse the slurry across the separator.

Abstract: The present invention, therefore, provides stage crushing method for recovering precious metals from slag produced by a coal burning furnace or boiler comprising: a plurality of crushing steps, wherein each crushing step produces slag particles having successively smaller particle diameter sizes, said crushing steps continued until a final desired particle diameter sized is obtained; wherein each of said crushing steps is followed by suspending said crushed slag particles in a liquid medium to form a slurry of light-weight particles and heavy weight-particles and allowing the crushed slag particles within the slurry to separate, based on weight of the particles, thereby forming a light-weight particle population and a heavy-weight particle population; wherein each suspending step is followed by removing said light-weight particles from said slurry, such that said slurry consists of substantially heavy-weight particles; and collecting said heavy-weight particles.

Abstract: A item separating or debris eliminating system includes a tank and a pump for circulating water from one end of the tank around through a duct and back into the opposite end of the tank. A medium density object collector is located within the tank, and a light debris collector is located within the tank. A conveyor filter is included through which substantially all of the water in the tank is circulated. The debris eliminating system preferably also includes a high density object collector within the tank. The system can be used to separate a variety of objects having different densities and terminal velocities in a fluid. Most preferably, the system is utilized for separating debris from potatoes and the like produce.

Abstract: An invention provides a process for the selection from a particulate pharmaceutical product of particles of a preselected size, said process comprising (i) obtaining a substantially homogeneous suspension of said particulate pharmaceutical product in a fluid suspension medium which is immiscible with said product and is of different density to said product, (ii) carrying out a size selection procedure to set an effective lower or upper size limit on the articles in the final particulate product, wherein step (ii) comprises either allowing said suspension to settle for a predetermined period, separating said suspension into a first and second component in a predetermined volume ratio, said first component deriving from an upper layer of said suspension and said second component deriving from a lower layer of said suspension, adding further suspension medium to said first component where said medium is more dense than the pharmaceutical product or to said second component where said medium is less dense than th

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating the membrane portion of waste egg shells from the hard mineral portion thereof, so that each can be used or further processed as desired, thereby addressing the environmental and economic issues associated with disposing of waste egg shells. The membrane and shell are separated by first processing waste egg shells so as to yield small waste egg shell particles. During this processing, the waste egg shell particles are at least slightly abraded, whereby the linking structure between the membrane and shell is at least partially disrupted. Thereafter, the waste egg shell particles are conveyed to a tank containing, preferably, water, and allowed to settle therethrough. As the waste egg shell particles settle, the particles experience turbulent forces in the liquid which cause the membrane and shell portions to fully separate. Since the membrane particles are very light, they tend to remain entrained in the liquid, where they are, for example, siphoned off and dewatered.