Abstract: A recycling system treats petrochemical types of hazardous waste for disposal. Such waste typically includes in large part, a mixture of hydrocarbons, water, solids (soil particulate), and metals. The recycling system separates the water, solids, hydrocarbons, and metals from one another.

Abstract: A slurry managing system for a wire saw is disclosed. The wire saw includes a wire that has a plurality of wire lines extending in parallel to one another. The wire is supplied with slurry containing abrasive grains in dispersing liquid to cut a workpiece so as to simultaneously produce a multiplicity of wafers. A mixer device mixes the slurry prior to supplying of the slurry to the wire saw. A first supplying device supplies the grains to the mixer device. A second supplying device supplies the dispersing liquid to the mixer device. A first adjusting device adjusts the amount of the grains supplied to the mixer device from the first supplying device. A second adjusting device adjusts the amount of the liquid supplied to the mixer device from the second supplying device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the separation of manure (104) and sand (102) in a sand and manure mixture (100) is described. The apparatus (10) of the first embodiment includes a tank (12) with an upper grate (22), a lower grate (20), an air supply tube (30) and a water supply tube (36). The apparatus (210) of the second embodiment includes a tank (212) having a screened grate (220), an air supply tube (230) and a water supply tube (236). The apparatus (310) of the third embodiment includes a tank (312) having an upper portion (312C) and a conical lower portion (312D) with a grate (320) between the two portions. In operation, all three embodiments essentially operate similarly. The chamber (12F, 212F and 312F) of the tank is filled with water. The mixture is then dumped into the chamber to form the aqueous suspension (106) with the water.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating crops and impurities are described, which exploit the different specific gravities of the materials to be separated. The separation is performed with the help of a liquid exploiting the different lifting forces, since the materials to be separated differ clearly in specific gravity. If the specific gravity of the separating liquid does not suffice to effect the necessary lift for the crop, one produces a flow acting against the sinking direction of the impurities to increase the lifting force for the crop and cause it to collect by floating on the surface of the separating liquid. Water is preferably utilized as a separating liquid, and the flow is produced with the help of a pump wheel or bucket wheel. The method has proven especially useful for separating potatoes and stones.

Abstract: Soil including sand and clays contaminated with nuclear waste materials and/or ions of hazardous non-radioactive metals or metalloids are decontaminated by treating with anhydrous liquid ammonia alone or in combination with solvated electrons. Methods include removing ions of hazardous metals or metalloids by mixing with ammoniacal solutions to provide an ammoniacal liquid-containing product with coordination complexes. Methods also comprise concentrating contaminants, such as plutonium, uranium and thorium, for example, in the fines of soil and clay to yield residual soil products which are sufficiently free of contaminants to allow reclamation. Economics are improved over aqueous systems since ammonia can be recovered and recycled. By concentrating nuclear and nonnuclear wastes in soil fines space requirements ordinarily needed for storage of untreated soil and handling costs can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the separation of particles from a particulate suspension. The apparatus comprises a rotating flotation drum (10) with a feed distribution chamber (13). Particulate suspension feed enters the chamber through a delivery pipe (20). The feed passes through holes (21) into the particle collection chamber (22). Air is passed into the particulate suspension through a porous inner wall (29) and a froth is generated. The froth and particulate suspension pass into a froth cleaning chamber (32). The froth is washed by being sprayed from a washwater distribution pipe (47). Froth is removed from the drum by a froth scraper (49) through a froth removal chute (50). Unfrothed particulate suspension passes through openings (40) into a weir chamber (41) and is removed through a launder (45).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating impurities from coal, includes a device for removing a predetermined amount of ash-forming substances from the coal and a device for removing a predetermined amount of high specific gravity (e.g., pyrite) from the coal having been processed by the ash-forming substance removing device. The ash-forming substance removing device and the high specific gravity material removing device each possess characteristics that allow them to more efficiently reject different types of mineral impurities from coal.

Abstract: Soil including sand and clays contaminated with elemental mercury are decontaminated by forming slurries with anhydrous liquid ammonia. An ammoniacal liquid, such as anhydrous liquid ammonia facilitates decontamination by breaking up soil into fine slurries for releasing droplets of mercury metal. The high density of the mercury metal permits precipitation with larger soil particles and for recovery from soil particulates. Contaminated soils having mixed wastes comprising metallic mercury with organic compounds like PCBs are decontaminated first by slurring with anhydrous liquid ammonia to release droplets of mercury for coalescing and recovery. Solvated electrons are formed in the slurry in-situ by treating the slurry with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal to reduce or degrade toxic organic compounds to more environmentally benign substances.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for continuously separating relatively coarse particles from a suspension of mixture of particles in a liquid by impinging the suspension upon the surface of a rotating screen so that liquid containing the relatively fine particles passes through the screen and the relatively coarse particles are flung radially outwardly to the periphery of the screen the preferred screen is a woven wire mesh with aperture sizes conveniently in the size range from about 0.020 mm to about 2.00 mm.

Abstract: Particulate material such as for example soil contaminated with heavy metals, radioactive species and organics, singly or in combination, is treated by first washing the contaminated material with a contaminant mobilizing solution comprising a leaching agent, a surfactant or a mixture thereof. Large particles, typically greater than 5 mm are mechanically separated, washed with water and returned to the site as recovered soil. Fines, along with contaminants dissolved or dispersed in the contaminant mobilizing solution are separated from intermediate sized particles by a countercurrent flow of the contaminant mobilizing solution, preferably in a mineral jig. The intermediate sized particles are then abraded in an attrition scrubber to dislodge attached mineral slimes or fines. These additional fines are separated from the intermediate sized particles with a countercurrent flow of wash water in a second mineral jig.

Abstract: A continuous cycle apparatus for separating particles of precious metals from concentrate having a funnel-shaped hopper. A pump circulates a portion of the water from a sump into the hopper to create a vortex of water and concentrate such that less dense material tends to overflow from the hopper into the sump. The pump also circulates a portion of the water from the sump through a tube connected to a bottom opening in the hopper to transport concentrate and water to a sluice box which collects particles of precious metals contained in the slurry. The rate at which water and concentrate are drawn from the hopper is adjustably controlled by a metering rod located in the tube immediately below the bottom opening in the hopper. The water and remaining particles drain from the sluice box back into the hopper to complete the cycle.

Abstract: Particulate material is treated by first washing the contaminated material with a contaminant mobilizing solution comprising a leaching agent, a surfactant or a mixture thereof. Large particles, typically greater than 5 mm are mechanically separated, washed with water and returned to the site as recovered soil. Fines, along with contaminants dissolved or dispersed in the contaminant mobilizing solution are separated from intermediate sized particles by a countercurrent flow of the contaminant mobilizing solution, preferably in a mineral jig. The intermediate sized particles are then abraded in an attrition scrubber to dislodge attached mineral slimes or fines. These additional fines are separated from the intermediate sized particles with a countercurrent flow of wash water in a second mineral jig. The preferred oxidizing agent is chlorine, and hydrogen is the preferred reducing agent.

Abstract: A separation and reclamation apparatus for separating a first discrete-phase solids material from a fluid mixture including, in addition, a second discrete-phase solids material and a continuous-phase carrier fluid, has a unitary vessel having a discharge tank connected to a receiving tank and in fluid communication therewith through an opening on the bottom side wall of the receiving tank. The receiving tank both mixes and transports the mixture. A controller actuates a door over the opening for transport of the first discrete-phase solids material out of the receiving tank into the discharge tank via a conveyor having an open discharge end higher than the top of the receiving tank. The apparatus includes a pump arranged to intake material from the discharge tank from contents remaining in the vessel after removal of the first discrete-phase solids.

Abstract: A continuous flow FFF process for the separation of samples of particles which uses a modified channel structure to reduce the relaxation effect, reduce sample adhesion to the wall, and where possible eliminate the stop-flow procedure and thus greatly increase the speed and stability of operation, said modified channel comprises a thin channel whose thickness is reduced at the inlet end for a substantial distance beyond the inlet, such as the conventional triangular or near triangular piece, and then broadened out at the outlet end of the channel.

Abstract: Particulate material such as for example soil contaminated with heavy metals, radioactive species and organics, singly or in combination, is treated by first washing the contaminated material with a contaminant mobilizing solution comprising a leaching agent, a surfactant or a mixture thereof. Large particles, typically greater than 5 mm are mechanically separated, washed with water and returned to the site as recovered soil. Fines, along with contaminants dissolved or dispersed in the contaminant mobilizing solution are separated from intermediate sized particles by a countercurrent flow of the contaminant mobilizing solution, preferably in a mineral jig. The intermediate sized particles are then abraded in an attrition scrubber to dislodge attached mineral slimes or fines. These additional fines are separated from the intermediate sized particles with a countercurrent flow of wash water in a second mineral jig.

Abstract: A product separator having a flotation tank through which a quantity of product is passed in a flow of water. A shaped duct having a horizontal capture leg and an upwardly inclined discharge leg is connected into the floor of the tank so that the entrance of the capture leg communicates with the flow and an upper exit in the discharge leg empties into a vibratory hopper. A raised gate passes upwardly into the flow and directs less buoyant product into the capture leg. An ejector is positioned in the bottom of the capture leg and is arranged to direct a continuous high velocity stream of water across the transition region between the two legs into the discharge chute into a segregation hopper.

Abstract: A process for recovery of combustionable coal from fine coal such as frequently considered waste coal from mining operations includes drying and classifying the raw coal into ultra-fine and fine size classes. The ultra-fine size class is directed to a collector and further separated in a strictly dry manner while the fine size class is separated in a flotation apparatus to divide out the coal and ash therein which are subsequently screened, with or without washing and drying at that time. The screened fine size coal, after being dried, is collected in a stock pile, as is also any dry ultra-fine size coal as discharged by the collector.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for hydraulically separating a mixture of small size mineral particles (42) according to different mineral densities (61 and 91) consists of an elongated inclined tubular conduit (11) which includes appurtenances and adjustments by which the innately higher midstream velocity and lower, conduit sidewall surface velocity forces of the adjusted upward fluid flow through the inclined conduit (11) are systematized for the processing. In combined operations the mixed feed particles (42), after introduction at intermediate longitudinal location (31) of the inclined conduit (11), drop rapidly out of fluid flow suspension and are processed while continuously maintained in a predominantly precipitated condition. During processing, the precipitated particles (42) are formed into a more or less continuous layer of two superincumbent strata which move or tend to move relatively in opposite longitudinal directions throughout the length of the inclined conduit (11).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating cut potato strips such as french fries having varying solids content. By the process the cut potato strips are introduced into a starch suspension having a specific gravity intermediate that of the potatoes so that the strips of low solids content rise to the top of the suspension and the high solids strips settle to the lower region of the suspension. The apparatus comprises a tank containing the suspension which tank has a sloping bottom and an upper and lower conveyor. The upper conveyor removes the low solids strips and the lower conveyor removes the heavy solids strips and is equipped with flights that scrape the sloping bottom end wall of the tank to prevent starch accumulation therein.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a method for removing crude oil sludge, which is convenient for removing sludge while the crude oil is transported. The method for removing crude oil sludge from crude oil includes the steps of:(a) classifying grains of sludge into coarse grains and small grains;(b) settling the sludge in the crude oil discharged from the classification step to separate the coarse grains from the crude oil;(c) sending the crude oil which is the supernatant constituent in the settling step to a filter in order to separate the remaining sludge in the crude oil; and(d) introducing a part of the above crude oil to a reverse washing liquid inlet of the filter, in order to wash reversely the filter medium of the above filter.

Abstract: A process of using an apparatus (10) hydraulically separating a mixture of small size mineral particles (42) according to different mineral densities (61 and 91) consists of an elongated inclined tubular conduit (11) which includes appurtenances and adjustments by which the innately higher midstream velocity and lower, conduit sidwall surface velocity forces of the adjusted upward fluid flow through the inclined conduit (11) are systematized for the processing. In combined operations the mixed feed particles (42), after introduction at intermediate longitudinal location (31) of the inclined conduit (11), drop rapidly out of fluid flow suspension and are processed while continuously maintained in a predominantly precipitated condition. During processing, the precipitated particles (42) are formed into a more or less continuous layer of two superincumbent strata which move or tend to move relatively in opposite longitudinal directions throughout the length of the inclined conduit (11).

Abstract: A lime slaking system for hydration of lime and removal of unwanted grit, particularly for formation of reactive slaked lime to be used in SO.sub.2 scrubbing of effluent gases, comprising a series of slaking vessels (10, 12) for reacting CaO and water while agitating the reactants, a dilution mix tank (14) receiving a viscous slaked lime slurry from the vessels, diluent for the dilution tank comprising an upstream classifier overflow stream (16), a cyclone (19) receiving pumped diluted slurry from tank (14), the overflow (21) of the cyclone providing usable slaked lime product and the underflow (22) exiting to the upstream classifier (24) where grit materials are separated and removed. Dilution for effective classification is provided by spent scrubbing process water containing appreciable sulfate ions.

Abstract: A chemical reagent is mixed with the mixture to form a resultant reaction mixture under substantially nonoxidizing or oxygen-free conditions. A continuous movement of the resultant reaction mixture is established through a flotation zone while maintaining substantially quiescent flow conditions during the continuous movement thereof. A first outlet is used to discharge a free or unimpeded flow of material collected at the upper surface of the liquid carrier medium within the flotation zone. A second outlet is used to discharge an impeded flow maintained at a lower flow rate than the free flow from said first discharging outlet. The chemical reagent is composed of a liquid hydrocarbon, a reducing material and an activator material. A trough shaped vessel has a discharge end with an upper outlet means and a lower outlet means. The vessel has a structural configuration effective to provide the continuous, substantially quiescent movement of the mixture through the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for separating materials of small size. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a separation tub which can be filled with a liquid up to a preselected level, means for introducing a conveying liquid with the materials to be separated into the tub below said preselected level under a pressure which is higher than that existing the area of introduction due to the effect of the weight of the liquid in the tub, and first and second material-ejection means arranged at said preselected level and, respectively, at the tub bottom to eject lighter and, respectively, heavier material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus 10 permits material immersed in a body of fluid to move under the influence of gravity across inclined surfaces 14 and 24 having an angle of incline below the horizontal approximately equivalent to that of the repose angles .alpha. and .beta. of the fluid-immersed material. Such materials are moved under the influence of gravity rather than fluid forces to winnowing channels 25 comprising closed regions of finite length through which an upwelling flow of fluid at relatively high velocity passes into the fluid body in which the material is immersed. Undesired materials pass upward, borne on the upwelling flow through the fluid body while desired materials 36 move through winnowing channels 25 counter to the upwelling flow, passing along surface 251 at the repose angle .beta. of such material within the region of relatively high fluid velocity in accord with the material's fluid settling characteristics.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collecting and handling partly fibrated material which is formed by a partial fibrating of a mineral bloom (1), whereby the partially fibrated material is collected and brought into suspension in a water bath (11) in which the un-fibrated material is separated and the fibrated material is collected and removed for the manufacture of mineral fibre products. In the water bath (11) the fibre fraction and the partially fibrated material is kept in water suspension (by 12) whereas un-fibrated and more heavy material is allowed to sink to the bottom from which such material is removed (by 13). The collecting of the fibre material just formed is preferably made by flows of water (6, 7) and while suspending the fibre material in air (by 38, 40). The separation of fibre material is made by dynamical separation in one or several stages.

Abstract: A device for separating and recovering solid particles or granulated matel from a stream of fluid in a state of high purity and with minimal fluid remaining in the recovered solids. The device also provides a calibration or sizing of the recovered solids. More particularly, the device is suitable for recovering sand and gravel from a liquid slurry in dredging operations or the like and comprises a chamber into which the slurry is discharged in the form of two diametrically disposed impinging jets to decrease the kinetic energy of the slurry. The chamber is provided with one or a plurality of outlets disposed in communication with a corresponding number of channels each having a discharge port in the base thereof and a deflector in the discharge port, preferably disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees, for directing the concentrated lower layer of slurry in each channel through the discharge port into a deposition tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for scrubbing crude oil (bitumen) from tar-sands, the apparatus being characterized by a heated vessel for maintaining the tar-sand/water slurry at between approximately 180.degree.-200.degree. F., a pair of counterrotating screw conveyors in the bottom of the vessel for agitating the sand and moving it to the discharge end, means for simultaneously diluting and aerating the incoming slurry that produces small bubbles effective to float the crude oil freed from the sand to the surface, an overflow wier running alongside the vessel for catching the oil skimmed off the surface of the water, transversely-extending endless chain-and-flight skimmers for skimming the oil into the wier, a bottom-opening discharge for the clean sand, and valves controlling the discharge of sand effective to remove the latter without lowering the fluid level in the vessel to a point where the oil previously released can reattach itself to the sand.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for pumping and conditioning a drilling fluid normally utilized in the drilling, completion or workover of a subterranean oil or gas well. The apparatus includes a rotor housing encasing a rotatably supported rotor assembly and means for driving the rotor assembly. The rotor assembly is divided into first and second chambers. The first chamber has a radial acceleration passage, connected between an inlet for the drilling fluid and a peripheral portion of the chamber, and means for collecting a first component of the drilling fluid, the drill chips, which are the heaviest, and are forced to the periphery of the first chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing a high grade molybdenum disulfide powder suitable for use in the formulation of chemicals and as an intermediate for synthesizing high purity molybdenum compounds by which an impure particulated molybdenite concentrate feed material is pulverized and thereafter is subjected to a plurality of purification treatments to effect a progressive extraction of the contaminating mineral constituents entrapped within the molybdenite particles. The purification treatments comprise a wash treatment of the molybdenite concentrate containing up to 10% by weight of hydrocarbon oil employing an aqueous solution forming a slurry which is subjected to successive steps of high shear agitation and low shear agitation to break up the agglomerated molybdenite particles and to effect a release of the mechanically entrapped very fine mineral particles which remain suspended in the aqueous liquid phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating solids of different relative weights by exposing the generally horizontally flowing solids to a fluid separating current flowing in a generally upward direction to buoy up the lighter solids while permitting the heavier solids to sink. The separating current is established by means of a hydrostatic pressure differential between two communicating fluid zones having different fluid levels.

Abstract: A pressurized screening apparatus removes both bouyant contaminants and denser contaminants from a liquid suspension containing desirable fibers and contaminants. Both the undesirable bouyant contaminants and the undesirable denser contaminants are accumulated in the same section of the pressurized screening apparatus. If desired, the accumulating bouyant contaminants and denser contaminants may be intermittently removed from the pressurized screening apparatus.

Abstract: A chemical reagent is mixed with the mixture to form a resultant reaction mixture under substantially nonoxidizing or oxygen-free conditions. A continuous movement of the resultant reaction mixture is established through a flotation zone while maintaining substantially quiescent flow conditions during the continuous movement thereof. A first outlet is used to discharge a free or unimpeded flow of material collected at the upper surface of the liquid carrier medium within the flotation zone. A second outlet is used to discharge an impeded flow maintained at a lower flow rate than the free flow from said first discharging outlet. The chemical reagent is composed of a liquid hydrocarbon, a reducing material and an activator material. A trough shaped vessel has a discharge end with an upper outlet means and a lower outlet means. The vessel has a structural configuration effective to provide the continuous, substantially quiescent movement of the mixture through the vessel.

Abstract: Severed metal bearing ore is placed in a vessel having a water inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top. A propeller causes water to flow upwardly through the vessel and to be discharged through the outlet carrying gangue with it. Concentrate, which is heavier because it contains the metal to be recovered, does not rise to the level of the outlet and therefore remains in the vessel. To achieve better vertical separation of the gangue and concentrate, a horizontal screen is positioned above the propeller to equalize pressure and inhibit rotational flow in the upper portion of the vessel.

Abstract: Solid lubricating particles such as spherical plastic beads which are useful in drilling operations are separated from drill cuttings by (1) depositing a mixture of the particles and cuttings on a reciprocating deck which operates in a manner such that the mixture moves in one direction across the deck and (2) passing a wash stream across the mixture in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the mixture flow. The wash stream causes the solid lubricating particles to move in the second direction at a rate significantly greater than the drill cuttings. The lubricating particles are readily recovered from the drill cuttings for reuse in the drilling operation.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a fluid-tight housing oscillated about a vertical axis, the housing containing a central deflector separating the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Baffles are provided in both chambers, above and below the deflector. The upper baffle directs the incoming slurry radially outwardly in a torical path, throwing the particulate material toward a periphery of the housing in the first separation zone, in a gravity induced flow, through the annular passageway into the lower hopper where the relatively lighter and heavier constituents are then separated and separately discharged from the housing. A ring dam formed in the second baffle provides a recess into which the lighter constituents overflow where they are reunited with the liquid flow path and thus discharged from the housing.

Abstract: Ore tailings at the terminus of a spiral concentrator are first split by a novel splitter box into value-rich and value-poor streams determined by the distribution of values therein, and the value-rich stream is upgraded, preferably by passing it through a conical gravity separator.

Abstract: Process for concentrating starch contained in very dilute, aqueous mixtures having, for example, a starch content of less than about 1 weight percent. The concentrated product is obtained as an aqueous mixture containing starch solids in the amount of at least about 30 weight percent, preferably about 35 to 50 weight percent. The concentrating operation involves the sequential use of a gravity settling technique, especially lamellar plate settling, to increase the starch content of the solid-liquid mixture to about 5 to 20 weight percent. This mixture can be readily removed from the settler, and further concentrated centrifugally, e.g., in a liquid cyclone, by a factor of at least about 2 to provide the desired aqueous mixture having a concentration of at least about 30 weight percent of starch solids. The latter stream can be readily and effectively handled and treated to recover relatively pure, essentially solid, food grade starch of low moisture content, e.g., less than about 10 weight percent.