Abstract: Apparatus (200) for sorting mixed waste materials, comprising: a housing (260) configured to be vibrated to assist sorting; a screen (210) supported by the housing (260) and having an inlet end (212) for receiving waste materials and an outlet end (214) for discharging at least some waste received at the inlet end (212), the screen (210) comprising at least one portion (220) pivotally coupled adjacent the inlet end (212) to a substantially horizontal axle (222) mounted in the housing (260); and drive means (224,228) configured to pivot the at least one portion (222) of the screen (210) about the axle (222) with a controlled reciprocating action.

Abstract: A separating apparatus for polysilicon has at least one screen plate, comprising a feed region for polysilicon, a profiled region having peaks and valleys, a region having screen apertures which adjoins the profiled region, and a takeoff region, wherein the screen apertures widen in the direction of the takeoff region, and a separating plate which is horizontally and vertically displaceable is arranged below the screen apertures.

Abstract: An automatically adjustable abrasive recycling system is provided. The abrasive recycling system includes one or more sensors configured to sense at least one characteristic of the abrasive recycling system, and slurry supply mechanism that operates, at least in part, based upon the sensed characteristic to control the operation of the abrasive recycling system. The abrasive recycling system further includes a substantially vertically arranged configuration of component parts. Methodology corresponding to the automatic operation of the abrasive recycling system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus/system for separating a mixture of solid materials has a screening bed, an expansion chamber in gaseous communication with the screening bed, a filter in gaseous communication with the expansion chamber, an air flow producer in fluid communication with the filter. The screening bed includes a star-shaped agitators and the air flow is a vacuum from the screening bed through pathway.

Abstract: A compartmentalized multiple container base apparatus for separation and recovery of used contaminated abrasive blasting material at a remote work site. A self-contained unitized storage and cleaning system including cyclonic separation, multiple stage dust filters and magnetic drum, air wash and vibratory separation in a flow through contaminate and blast media separation process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotary machine (1) for sorting a mixture of wastes (2), said sorting machine (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least: a first trammel section (3), provided with a first separation wall (5) extending over a first length (L1) allowing separating the mixture of wastes (2) into a first fraction of wastes (13) getting through said first separation wall (5) and into a residual second fraction of wastes (14), and a second trammel section (4), provided with a second separation wall (6) extending over a second length (L2) smaller than the first length (L1), and allowing separating the residual second fraction of wastes (14) into a subfraction of small-sized wastes (15) getting through said second separation wall (6) and into a residual subfraction of large-sized wastes (16). Wastes sorting.

Abstract: Polycrystalline silicon of the invention contains: (a) polycrystalline silicon fragments, wherein at least 90% of the fragments have a size from 10 to 40 mm, (b) <15 ppmw of silicon dust particles having particle sizes <400 ?m; (c) <14 ppmw of silicon dust particles having particle sizes <50 ?m; (d) <10 ppmw of silicon dust particles having particle sizes <10 ?m; (e) <3 ppmw of silicon dust particles having particle sizes <1 ?m; and (f) surface metal impurities in an amount ?0.1 ppbw and ?100 ppbw. A polycrystalline silicon production method of the invention includes fracturing polycrystalline silicon deposited on thin rods in a Siemens reactor into fragments; classifying the fragments by size; and treating the fragments with compressed air or dry ice to remove silicon dust from the fragments without wet chemical cleaning.

Abstract: Processing byproduct material from a direct reduction process of iron ore to reclaim iron and other materials from the byproduct. The systems and methods employ gravity separation tables to separate the iron from other byproduct material constituents. The byproduct material constituents may be size reduced, processed to remove dust, and sized prior to processing by the gravity separation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering materials from soil are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for recovering materials from soil comprises a size separation system, a first magnetic separator, a second magnetic separator, an air classifier/scrubber system, and a non-ferrous metal separator. The system for recovering materials from soil can be configured to separate soil from other recoverable materials, including, for example, rock and gravel aggregates, and/or metals.

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

Abstract: A method comprising; a step in which unburned carbon contained in coal ash is mechanically separated with a classifier; a step in which the coal ash from which part of the unburned carbon has been removed with the classifier is pulverized or disaggregated with a pulverizer; a step in which water is added to the coal ash pulverized or disaggregated with the pulverizer to obtain a slurry; a step in which a scavenger is added to the slurried coal ash; a step in which a shear force is applied to the slurry containing the scavenger to cause the scavenger to selectively adhere to the unburned carbon contained in the coal ash; a step in which a foaming agent is added to the slurry in which the scavenger has adhered to the unburned carbon; and a step in which the unburned carbon is floated on the slurry containing the foaming agent together with bubbles and is separated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering materials from soil are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for recovering materials from soil comprises a size separation system, a first magnetic separator, a second magnetic separator, an air classifier/scrubber system, and a non-ferrous metal separator. The system for recovering materials from soil can be configured to separate soil from other recoverable materials, including, for example, rock and gravel aggregates, and/or metals.

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

Abstract: The present invention refers to a separator for separating heavy material components, particularly stones, ceramic material and glass, from a flow of solid material comprising heavy and light material components, comprising a first conveying means for conveying the flow of solid material, a second conveying means provided for conveying the non-separated material components of the flow of solid material downstream of the first conveying means, a flexible means arranged between the downstream end of the first conveying means and the upstream end of the second conveying means and which is formed such that the light material components are conveying from the first conveying means past the flexible means to the second conveying means and the heavy material components leave the flow of solid material in front of the upstream end of the second conveying means (5). The invention further refers to a method of separating heavy material components by means of a flexible means.

Abstract: A method for the extraction, separation, fractionation and purification of biopolymers from plant materials using supercritical and/or subcritical solvent extractions is disclosed. Specifically, the process can be used for the separation of resins and rubber from guayule shrub (Parthenium argentatum), and other rubber and/or resin containing plant materials, using supercritical solvent extraction, for example supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. Additionally, polar and/or non-polar co-solvents can be used with supercritical carbon dioxide to enhance the selective extraction of resins and rubbers from the shrub.

Abstract: In order to make it possible for an inhomogeneous residue generated in a pyrolysis plant to be separated continuously and in as fully graded a way as possible, specially selected components are combined with one anther in an advantageous configuration. An essential element of the plant is the separation of a coarse residue in a coarse screen and the subsequent separation of the remaining residue in a zigzag separator into a light residue and a heavy residue. By use of the plant, in particular, the carbon-containing constituents are separated from the remaining residue. The individual components are mostly configured to be self-cleaning for fault-free operation.

Abstract: In order to separate a carbon-containing fraction as completely as possible from a residue, for example a pyrolysis residue, a combustible constituent is first separated from a non-combustible constituent. A carbon-containing light fraction is subsequently separated from a small-fragment fraction of the non-combustible constituent. For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, a combination of a facility for the separation of wire with a heavy-fragment separator following the latter is provided for a continuous separation operation. The carbon-containing fraction thus obtained is preferably supplied for further utilization to a combustion chamber of a pyrolysis plant.

Abstract: To improve a method for the treatment of waste or residual waste (1), the waste or residual waste (1) is sorted into a fraction (16) with specifically light material and a fraction (18) with specifically heavy material first by sieving and then followed by sorting by density, preferably by a dry-cleaning table (8).

Abstract: A system for processing wastewood. The system may be mounted on a towable chassis. The wastewood is received at one end of the system and metal contaminants are removed from the wastewood. The wastewood is then separated according to size wherein a first size of wastewood is further processed by the system and a second size is removed from the system for subsequent re-processing. Unwanted paper and plastic contaminants are removed from the wastewood, and the wastewood of the first size is subjected to a further separating step wherein it is again separated according to size into usable end products.

Abstract: A device for cleaning, shelling, and sizing nuts in a single step which includes a cleaning section, mounted in front of and in communication with a shelling section, which removes debris, small pods and loose shelled kernels using screens, separating air columns, and stepped rollers; a shelling section that shells nuts and separates the kernels from mixtures of pods, hulls, and kernels using separating air columns mounted behind and in communication with the sheller; a sizing section, mounted below and in communication with the separating air columns, which separates large and small kernels using roller sizers. A single step process performed by the device significantly reduces hand labor and time.

Abstract: A system for processing wastewood. The system may be mounted on a towable chassis. The wastewood is received at one end of the system and metal contaminants are removed from the wastewood. The wastewood is then separated according to size wherein a first size of wastewood is further processed by the system and a second size is removed from the system for subsequent re-processing. Unwanted paper and plastic contaminants are removed from the wastewood, and the wastewood of the first size is subjected to a further separating step wherein it is again separated according to size into usable end products.

Abstract: A blast media recovery system is provided that recycles reusable blasting media from spent blasting materials. The system includes several different separators which classify the recovered materials by either specific gravity or size. After the materials have been classified by size and the low density materials have been removed, the bulk recycled materials are directed towards a dense particle separator that is arranged to separate any high density materials from the usable blasting media. The dense particle separator includes a frame having a plenum coupled thereto. A porous stone is placed within the plenum and the recycled materials to be cleaned are delivered into the plenum over the top surface of the porous stone. Compressed air is then passed into the plenum through the porous stone to form a fluidized bed. As more material enters the plenum, the lower density materials (i.e. the reusable blasting media) pile over the higher density materials and spill from the plenum into a media chute.

Abstract: An air classifier for separating light reusable materials from a stream of non-shredded solid waste is provided. The air classifier employs two operating phases. The first operating phase, the desired light fraction is entrained in an air stream and is conveyed above the remainder of the solid waste. The waste material is then received by a second conveyor so that the lighter fraction is received on top of the heavier fraction. Thus, the first phase of the apparatus effects mass stratification. During the second operating phase, the light fraction is actually removed from the heavy fraction by a high velocity air stream which is preferably induced by a reducing cross-section portion of the apparatus. The air flow through the apparatus is captured and recycled and the light fraction being separated therefrom in, for example, a cyclone.

Abstract: A municipal solid waste material sorting system comprises a multi-stage trommel having a relatively short first stage section with relatively small holes for screening out grit, dirt, coins, small stones and the like, a second substantially longer second stage section for screening out beverage bottles, metal cans, and other waste materials of similar size and a third stage relatively short section for screening out large objects such as half gallon and gallon plastic, metal and glass containers. The respective screened municipal solid waste fractions from each of the three trommel sections are advantageously handled in respective handling streams. Materials screened in the first stage section of the trommel may be further classified as by a vibrative air table-specific gravity device to recover useful materials, such as glass cullet and coins. Materials screened in the second stage of the trommel may be further screened in a two-section disk screening and air classification arrangement.

Abstract: A fluidized, dry bed, ore concentrator in which a uniform air stream is utilized to fluidize ore particles within a region defined in part by two, moving, riffled surfaces. The particles are statically charged to enhance separation of particles within the fluidized mass. The less massive of the like-charged, fluidized particles are drawn off by a first riffled surface and denoted "tailings". The more massive, and valuable, of the particles are drawn off by the second of the two riffled surfaces and denoted as "fines".

Abstract: The present invention provides containers or storage bins for separate storage of the seeds of each size fraction in the course of their postharvest ripening, interposed between the primary and secondary seed cleaners and connected to the secondary cleaner through a conveyer, which effects a separate feed of the seeds of each size fraction for further treatment.

Abstract: A vibratory particle separation apparatus of the type having at least two plateau conveying surface interrupted by a drop-out opening. A composite mixture is conveyed by a vibrating action beyond the upper plateau and over a foraminous section in the upper plateau adjacent the drop-out opening. Air is directed upwardly through the foraminous section to break apart the composite mixture, and an air supply is also directed angularly in relationship to the plane of the upper plateau to further break apart the composite mixture and to propel particles of predetermined density and/or dimension to the landing area on the second level. In another aspect of the invention, the landing area is adjustable angularly with respect to the plane of the upper plateau of the conveying surface and is translatable to constrict or enlarge the dimensions of the drop-out opening. The particles passing through the drop-out opening and not intercepted by the landing area exit the system.

Abstract: A method for reclaiming aluminum cans from municipal refuse is disclosed. The method includes a first screening operation to remove materials substantially larger than the cans, a second screening operation to remove material substantially smaller than the cans, a magnetic separation to remove ferrous metals, a friction-gravity separation to remove lightweight materials, an air separation to remove heavy materials and a final reclamation of aluminum cans.

Abstract: An air classifier comprising a rotatable open-ended drum disposed with its axis horizontal or substantially so, for receiving material to be classified, means for creating a stream of air through the drum, means for introducing material to be classified into the drum at or near the upstream end thereof, means in the drum for conveying materially axially of the drum during rotation thereof, the conveying means being in the form of helical vanes of mutually opposite hand arranged in an upstream part of the drum to convey "heavies" in counter-current to the stream of air through the drum and in a downstream part of the drum being arranged to convey "lights" in the direction of the air stream, the two helical vanes being separated by an annular member which projects radially inwards from the inner periphery of the drum.

Abstract: A source of fluid and entrained particles including fines is connected to the entrance of a cyclone particle separator lying above a particle storage vessel that has an outlet near its bottom. The particle separator has a particle exit connected to the storage vessel and a fluid exit. The separator imparts angular motion to the fluid received at its entrance such that the fluid with a first percentage of the fines entrained therein flows out the fluid exit, and the particles minus such first percentage passes through the particle exit to the storage vessel. The particles in the storage vessel are fluidized to a particular level above the outlet. Fluidized particles with a second percentage of the fines entrained therein are removed from the process by withdrawal from the storage vessel at a point between the particular level and the outlet. Fluidized particles minus the first and second percentages of the fines flow from the outlet of the storage vessel to a receiver for processing.