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 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: Mechanically harvested chili-pepper plants are sized into chunks and introduced into a water flotation system. Water is added at the top of a flotation vat and, for the most part, is withdrawn at the bottom using a venturi unit. The balance of the water is recovered as spillover from the top of the vat carrying the floating material. If the rate of water withdrawal at the bottom of the vessel is controlled such that it is as high as possible but less than what produces turbulence in the vat, the pulp material will drop with heavy seeds to the bottom with the extracted water while all other materials are skimmed away at the top. The very small differential in density between the pepper pulp and the rest of the plant and debris is sufficient to separate them under these specific conditions.

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: A polymer bead recovery apparatus is provided comprising: a housing comprising a recovery tank having an internal cavity and an exterior surface, the recovery tank having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the recovery apparatus having a least one circulation system for creating a force within the internal cavity of the recovery tank, the housing further comprising a walkway situated on the exterior surface of said recovery tank, the recovery tank comprising a shaker deck having a plurality of interchangeable screens and the walkway providing access to said screens, and wherein a mixture of solid particulate material, drilling fluids, polymer beads and drilled solids are separated by a first screen of the shaker deck and the remaining mixture of small materials, fluids and beads enters the recovery tank and are separated by the force created by the circulation system, the undesired small particulate materials are removed from the recovery tank and then separated and isolated by a second screen of the

Abstract: A system for the continuous use and recapture of a catalyst in liquid, comprising: a generally vertical reactor having a reaction zone with generally downwardly flowing liquid, and a catalyst recovery chamber adjacent the reaction zone containing a catalyst consisting of buoyant particles. The liquid in the reaction zone flows downward at a rate which exceeds the speed of upward buoyant migration of catalyst particles in the liquid, whereby catalyst particles introduced into the liquid in the reaction zone are drawn downward with the liquid. A slow flow velocity flotation chamber disposed below the reaction zone is configured to recapture the catalyst particles and allow them to float back into the catalyst recovery chamber for recycling into the reaction zone, rather than being swept downstream. A novel 3-dimensionally adjustable solar reflector directs light into the reaction zone to induce desired photocatalytic reactions within the liquid in the reaction zone.

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: 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 process of waste treatment which includes the following steps: (a) passing waste material comprising an insoluble component through an anaerobic bioreactor system including a plurality of bioreactors in series and maintaining said insoluble component as a suspension in the waste material, whereby the pH of the waste material is maintained below 4.9 for a period of at least 24 hours; b) aerating the waste material after step (a); and (c) removing the insoluble component from the waste material before or after step (b). The process also provides for successful treatment of greasetrap waste.

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: 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, vibratory separators, centrifuges 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: An apparatus for separating blank pistachio shells and other debris from pistachio nuts includes a flotation tank, a weir and discharge channel, a conveyor within the flotation tank and a pair of counter-rotating rollers for squeezing floating items and for urging floating items towards the weir and discharge channel.

Abstract: A grit classifier of the type used in a variety of industrial applications to separate grit or particulate matter from a feed slurry is disclosed, the grit classifier being unitarily-formed in one or two pieces of moldable plastic or plastic-like material which renders the grit classifier more easily and cost-effectively manufactured. The grit classifier of the present invention is also advantageously easy to transport to a site, thereby further reducing the costs of use. Also disclosed is an auger beating assembly for use in the unitarily-formed grit classifier tank of the present invention which is simply structured and adaptable to any screw auger type or size.

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: A system and process for recycling shredder residue, in which separating any polyurethane foam materials are first separated. Then separate a fines fraction of less than about ¼ inch leaving a plastics-rich fraction. Thereafter, the plastics rich fraction is sequentially contacted with a series of solvents beginning with one or more of hexane or an alcohol to remove automotive fluids; acetone to remove ABS; one or more of EDC, THF or a ketone having a boiling point of not greater than about 125° C. to remove PVC; and one or more of xylene or toluene to remove polypropylene and polyethylene. The solvents are recovered and recycled.

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.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus for decontaminating aqueous paper pulp, the apparatus comprising a decontaminating cell (12). The decontaminating cell (12) has an upper light contaminate collection hood (30) and/or a lower heavy contaminate collection trough (40). Paper pulp is provided to the cell (12) under a pulp head sufficient to purge the contaminates therefrom.

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: The invention refers to a procedure and an installation for the pure, according to sort, processing of recoverable material refuse, with a selection of heavy disruptive materials, with a crushing process for the remaining raw refuse, with segregating processes for recoverable materials from the crushed raw refuse up to a mixture of plastic chips and with separating processes for the extraction of pure, according to sort, plastics.

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.

Abstract: An elutriation apparatus which combines pressurized liquid nozzles (16A) and the low energy air nozzles (20) producing bubbles for flotation and separation of trace materials in a heterogeneous mixture of materials is described. Quantitative separation of trace evidence is achieved by the apparatus by a closed system of mechanical separations using the water and the air to isolate and deposit trace evidence on a fine mesh screen filter (17) submerged in the water (24) in a container (23). The method provides a rapid, quantitative and inexpensive method for detection of the evidence in soil samples.

Abstract: A separator for separating curable material including liquid, especially residual concrete, residual mortar and the like, having a conveying screw which is disposed in a receiving trough. The rotary axle of the conveying screw extends transversely to the horizontal. The conveying screw increases in diameter, starting from its lower upstream end, and the section of the floor of the receiving trough, which is assigned to the enlarged region of the conveying screw, extends essentially horizontally. The screw has a second following section of decreasing diameter. The floor section at that the second screw section is inclined transversely to the horizontal. An additional screw conveyor may be attached beyond the second section. In an alternate embodiment, the screw has two cylindrical sections of different diameter. A transfer bucket wheel moves material between come of the screw sections.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for extracting resin from plant material. Conventionally, plant resins, which are useful in many products, are extracted using chemical solvents, which may alter the extract, and may produce a by-product or residue that may be unusable or problematic. The present invention overcomes these drawbacks by using cold water in a wash process to cause the resins to become brittle, while the remaining plant material becomes more flexible. Separation is accomplished using an extractor (10) having a washing chamber (12) with an open top (14) and a screen filter (16) disposed above a settling chamber (18). A collection bottle (24) is placed below a valve (22), and may include a filter (26) to separate resin particles from the solute. The washing chamber is first filled with cold water and then a quantity of plant material (P) is placed therein, followed by an ice layer (30). An agitator (32) is then actuated to mix the contents to separate the resins.

Abstract: In a process for controlling the product composition in an apparatus for sizing and sorting mineral raw materials, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one chamber, a sizing separation of the sand fraction into a sand product mass and into a micro particle sand fraction to be discharged via the overflow, is additionally performed in the chamber by means of the level of the fluidized bed in the chamber. For the adjustment of a pre-set concentration of micro particle sand in the sand product mass, the fluidized bed level is controlled such that the micro particle sand fraction in the supplied raw material mass is divided, by means of the fluidized bed, as a function of the pre-set admissible concentration into a micro particle sand fraction to be discharged into the sand product mass and a micro particle sand fraction to be discharged via the overflow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating a liquid suspension comprising a decontaminating cell. The decontaminating cell has an upper light contaminate collection hood and/or a lower heavy contaminate collection trough. A method and apparatus are provided for decontaminating a liquid suspension by infusing the suspension with a gas, mechanically agitating the suspension, or providing chemical additives thereto. The liquid suspension is then directed to the decontaminating cell under a pressure head sufficient to purge the contaminates therefrom.

Abstract: A recovering system includes at least one shale shaker having at least one screen and a hydrocyclone manifold system; a recovery tank having a cavity and a base, the tank having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the recovery tank having at least one agitation system for creating force within the cavity of the recovery tank; and at least one recovery shaker having at least one screen.

Abstract: The carbon and mineral components of fly ash are effectively separated by a continuous air agglomeration method, resulting in a substantially carboree mineral stream and a highly concentrated carbon product. The method involves mixing the fly ash comprised of carbon and inorganic mineral matter with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a slurry, contacting the slurry with an aqueous solution, dispersing the hydrocarbon slurry into small droplets within the aqueous solution by mechanical mixing and/or aeration, concentrating the inorganic mineral matter in the aqueous solution, agglomerating the carbon and hydrocarbon in the form of droplets, collecting the droplets, separating the hydrocarbon from the concentrated carbon product, and recycling the hydrocarbon.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating contaminated soil is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reactor vessel for holding a volume of water which is subdivided into a first chamber and a second chamber. The chambers are in fluid communication and are partially separated by a baffle. A soil conveyor is provided for conveying a supply of the contaminated soil to the first chamber. A gas supply directs a supply of pressurized gas into the first chamber, thereby creating a turbulent mixture of soil and water in the first chamber to effect segregation of the soil into a substantially small particle size first fraction and a substantially large particle size second fraction. The reactor vessel includes a first outlet located in a lower portion of the second chamber for withdrawing a slurry comprising the second soil fraction from the reactor vessel. The lower portion of the second chamber may be funnel-shaped to help direct the mixture of soil and water toward the first outlet.

Abstract: This process for enriching nickel-bearing oxide ore comprises pulping the ore, washing the pulped ore for at least 1 minute, sorting the washed ore in a damp environment so as to separate at least one fine fraction from a granular fraction, subjecting the fine fraction to densimetric separation at a dividing density of between 1.7 and 2.5 and recovering the light fraction separated off as enriched ore.

Abstract: A process for converting components of poultry production feather waste into value-added products involves a single counterflow or batch system wash in a polar organic solvent solution. The feather waste can contain loose, picked feathers, and non-feather avian parts. The feather-waste stream is exposed to a concentration gradient of solvent which sanitizes, denatures, dehydrates, and de-oils it. In one aspect, the counterflow contact between solvent solution and feather waste takes place in an inclined screw conveyor. The process produces avian oil and protein from a liquid intermediate stream and dry fiber and protein powder from the converted waste stream. Fiber from this process can be used in fabrics, composites, extrusions and laminates. Oil and protein can be used in biochemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, animal feed, and fertilizer products.

Abstract: A system and process for continuously separating and recovering materials from a heterogeneous mixture of particulate solids, from a solid waste or waste stream source, which uses a plurality of liquid media of different specific gravity to effect the separations, the solids having a plurality of different specific gravities and the recovered fractions each having a different specific gravity, wherein a first separation vessel receives the heterogeneous mixture, contacts the material with a first liquid medium having a first specific gravity of about 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for separating materials having different size densities is described. The apparatus includes a trough (12), a dispersing and conveying screw means (40) and a fluid distribution manifold (26). The trough has upper and lower portions (12F and 12G) with the lower portion forming a pool area. The dispersing and conveying screw means has a conveying portion (46) and a dispersing portion (50). The conveying portion has flights (48) which move the first material (152) up the trough. The dispersing portion has paddles (52) which disperse the mixture (150) and convey the first material to the conveying portion. The fluid distribution manifold supplies both water and air to the inside (12I) of the trough through fluid orifices (28). In operation, the mixture is fed into the trough directly over the fluid orifices and the dispersing portion of the dispersing and conveying screw means. As the mixture enters the trough, the mixture is dispersed and forms an aqueous suspension with the water.

Abstract: A method of recycling mixed post-consumer plastics waste includes the steps of providing mixed post-consumer plastics waste including polyolef in and non-polyolefin components, and melt-compounding the waste so as to form a continuous phase including a blend of the polyolefin components with the non-polyolefin components microdispersed therein. Preferably, the waste also includes one or more intrinsic compatibilizers, and the method includes the intrinsic compatibilizers at least partially compatibilizing the microdispersed components in the continuous phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for separating a mixture of materials having different sizes and densities is described. The apparatus includes a trough (12), a dispersing and conveying screw (40) and fluid distribution manifolds (26 and 28). The screw has a dispersing portion (50) with paddles (52) which disperse the mixture and a conveying portion (46) with flights (48) which move the first and second materials (152 and 154) up the trough. The fluid distribution manifolds supply both water and air to the trough through fluid orifices (30 and 32). A spray bar (56) is located adjacent the conveying portion of the screw. The mixture is fed into the trough over the fluid orifices and the dispersing portion of the screw. The mixture is dispersed and forms an aqueous suspension (158) with the water. The first and second materials settle out of the aqueous suspension and are conveyed up the trough.

Abstract: Flatware that can be quickly and easily sorted when placed in a liquid solution, the flatware encompasses three classes, spoons, forks and knives. The spoons have a generally uniform buoyancy so as to float at a first level in the liquid solution, the forks have a generally uniform buoyancy so as to float at a second level in the liquid solution, and the knives have a generally uniform buoyancy so as to float at a third level in the liquid solution. The flatware floats at different levels in the liquid solution which provides the separation of the spoons, forks and knives in the liquid solution and enables the retrieval of the separated flatware in a sorted fashion. An additional method of sorting and removing the flatware from the liquid solution includes mixing in a prescribed amount of salt solution to the liquid solution and/or raising the temperature of the liquid solution a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A fecal parasite concentrator which has a cylindrical body (20) with connections for a sample vial (24) on one end having a protective recess (27) for receiving the sample vial and a centrifuge tube (28) on the other. An integral filter (36) is disposed within the body at right angles coaxially covering the cross sectional area of the hollow body. The filter contains a series of closely spaced square openings for filtration of a liquid diluted fecal specimen. A hollow stem (40) with truncated end (44) extends upwardly from the filter having orifices (46) which permit air to pass therethrough when the diluent specimen flows through the filter.

Abstract: Methods for washing sawdust are disclosed which include providing a mixture of sawdust and water to a vessel, subjecting the mixture to a reduced pressure so that gases present in the sawdust cause expansion therein and the sawdust rises to the surface of the mixture while the contaminants descend within the vessel, and withdrawing the sawdust from the vessel, in which the sawdust is withdrawn from the vessel at a location above the point where the sawdust and water enter the vessel. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device comprising two coaxial drums (22, 24) is proposed in order to separate and then proportion objects of different sizes. The objects are introduced into one end of the inner drum consisted mainly of a coil (32) wound in a spiral. Large objects are retained in this inner drum and are routed when in rotation. Small objects drop into the outer drum (24) and are routed to its other end when it is driven in rotation. Small objects drop into the outer drum (24) and are routed to its other end through a spiral inner header (50) when it is driven in rotation. Thus objects such as hulls and end pieces obtained after cutting irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies can be separated and then proportioned.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbons from a soil, e.g. to separate bitumen from oil sands, involves mixing the soil thoroughly with water and a supply of buoyant beads having surfaces that are of oleophilic material and coated with a surface layer of hydrocarbon solvent. The beads, soil and water are agitated for a period during which hydrocarbons from the soil become adhered to the solvent coated beads. After the mixture has been allowed to settle the beads separate towards the top and are removed and treated with solvent to recover the adhered hydrocarbons therefrom. Suitable solvents are oil refinery products such as naphtha, kerosine, gasoline, varsol, toluene and diesel fuel.

Abstract: Improved control for the separation of waste materials, or materials having waste components, is provided by the injection of air, or other gas bubbles, into a water-filled tank while simultaneously depositing the waste containing material to be separated onto the top of the water. This method is especially useful where both portions of some or all of the materials to be separated from each other have specific gravities greater than that of pure water. The rapidly rising air bubbles provide turbulence and buoyancy to materials that are slightly heavier than water, such as water-soaked organic products, but do not prevent heavier materials, such as sand and metals from sinking. An apparatus is described which allows for the removal of both the floating and sinking fractions from the floatation tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reclaiming component plastics from a mixture of plastics wherein differentials in specific gravity serves as the segregation mechanism. The method includes the steps of: (1) fragmenting the plastic articles such that the resulting plastic fragments are generally of a preferred dimension and contain primarily one such component plastic; (2) sizing the fragmented plastic so as to remove plastic fragments which do not comport to the preferred dimensions; (3) adding a fluid medium to the plastic fragments to produce a slurry; (4) loosening contamination from the plastic fragments; (5) segregating the heavy and light components within the slurry based on specific gravity; (6) isolating the segregated plastic fragments; and (7) cleaning the heavy and light components to produce high purity plastic.

Abstract: In an apparatus for classifying objects by sedimentation having a straightening passage, capable of being prevented adhesion of bubbles to the straightening passage, and capable of being prevented a sample supplying error generated caused by a closed sample supplying portion on account of air locking, there is provided a bubble-removing passage for removing the bubbles within fluids at upper stream position of a straightening mesh within a classifying bath for classifying objects based on dropping position caused by a final sinking velocity of said objects falling within fluids after throwing said objects into flowing fluids, the bubble-removing passage which comprises a filter and a filter holder secured within the classifying bath through a protuberance.

Abstract: An apparatus for refining clay material having a horizontally oriented rotating drum into which clay material and water are fed. The clay material and water form a slurry which is agitated by lifters within the drum. A series of adjustable lifters within the drum refine the slurry by lifting aggregates and rocks out of the slurry and discharging them out of the refiner. The refined slurry exits the drum through an opening in the drum. The refined slurry is then taken away from the drum for further processing.

Abstract: An amalgam solids collecting apparatus of the type for collecting an accumulation of a generally separable mixture of liquids and solids, including amalgam solids, and separating the solids from the liquids. The apparatus is connectable to a source of the mixture and is connectable to a vacuum source. The container has an interior area defining a collection portion therein and has an inlet port that communicates with the interior area of the container. The inlet port is couplable to the source of the mixture and the inlet port receives the mixture therethrough. The accumulation of the mixture is contained within the interior area with the headspace above the accumulation. The container has an outlet port with a second aperture therein that communicates with the interior area and that is located above the accumulation. An outflow tube extends through the outflow port, and the outflow tube has a first opening within the container and a second opening exterior of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting plastic pieces by specific gravity sorting includes a vessel containing water and having an inlet for plastic pieces to be sorted, a device for introducing plastic pieces to be sorted into the vessel through the inlet, a device for removing air bubbles from the plastic pieces within the water, and a device for moving the plastic pieces within the water in the vessel to allow the various plastic pieces to be sorted within the water due to the different specific gravities of the plastic pieces. A method of sorting plastic pieces by specific gravity sorting with the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A recovering system includes at least one shale shaker having at least one screen and a hydrocyclone manifold system; a recovery tank having a cavity and a base, the tank having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the recovery tank having at least one agitation system for creating force within the cavity of the recovery tank; and at least one recovery shaker having at least one screen.