Abstract: A gas tight shale shaker for enhanced drilling fluid recovery and drilled solids washing. A process and apparatus for liquid phase-solid phase separation of oil base drilling mud-containing drill cuttings is described including flowing the drilling mud-containing drill cuttings over a vibrating screen bed to cause a least a portion of the drilling mud to pass through the screen bed and the drill cuttings to remain on the screen bed. A diluent is added to the oil base drilling mud containing drill cuttings prior to flowing the drilling mud containing drill cutting over the screen bed. The entire process is performed in a gas-tight environment preventing escape of diluent from the process into the external atmosphere and preventing introduction of gases into the process from the external atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for wet screening of oilwell proppant at the wellsite to provide a controlled and controllable amount of properly sized and screened proppant and fluid to a frac fluid blending system.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for analyzing aggregate are described. An exemplary device may include a housing with one or more grading screens. Aggregate and liquid may be received by a port within the housing. The liquid and any suspended fines, after passing through the one or more grading screens and aggregate, may be received into an observation container for observing the clarity of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus (25) for use in screening a liquid and solids mixture feed (2) comprises a conduit (18), including a screening portion (22) that is formed and arranged to divide a liquid and solids mixture feed flowing through the conduit. The feed (2) is divided into a first, cleaned stream (C1) comprising liquid and solid particles of below a selected size limit, and a second, concentrated, stream (24) comprising liquid, and particles above the selected size limit. The apparatus (25) may be a stand alone module, part of a system with other solids and liquids separating equipment or an integral part of a solids and liquid separator such as a shale shaker. Methods of using the apparatus (25) are also described.

Abstract: A three-stage separator system for separating the solids and liquids from a slurry includes a first stage having an inclined housing defining a liquid channel. A slot sieve is disposed over an open surface of the channel. A mechanical vibrator assembly imparts mechanical vibration to a vibration zone of the slot sieve. A slurry delivery apparatus delivers the slurry to the slot sieve. A second stage includes an inclined conveyer positioned to convey partially-separated solids and includes a drive mechanism driven at a speed to cause the partially-separated solids to tumble as they are transported up the conveyor. A third stage includes a press positioned to accept partially-separated solids passing out of the tunnel press restrictor.

Abstract: A tilt roller grader for grading solid objects, such as shrimp. The grader has grading rollers obliquely arranged across a tilted grading bed. Jacks in cross members supporting the bed are used to jack up the grading bed across its width to adjust the flatness of the bed for uniform grading gaps between the grading rollers and the bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibratory screening apparatus which comprises a vibratable screen element (2) mounted in a basket (4), which basket (4) is mounted over a reservoir (6) which contains and holds a pool of liquid slurry (8). A first end (10) of the screen element (2) is disposed within the reservoir (6) such that it is submerged in the body of liquid slurry (8). The reservoir has a deep end (12) in which the first end (10) of the screening element (12) is disposed and a second shallow end (14) above which a median portion (16) of the screening apparatus is disposed. The second end (18) of the screen element (2) is disposed above a portion (20) of the reservoir which extends above the surface of the body of liquid slurry held within the reservoir (6).

Abstract: A device, method, and system for analyzing aggregate are described. An exemplary device may include a housing with one or more grading screens. Aggregate and liquid may be received by a port within the housing. The liquid and any suspended fines, after passing through the one or more grading screens and aggregate, may be received into an observation container for observing the clarity of the liquid.

Abstract: A screening apparatus for separating components of a material by vibratory separation which, in certain aspects, includes a vibratable box connected via vibration isolators within a container, the box including screening apparatus thereon or the vibratory separator having replaceable screening cartridges within a container. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A device separating target particles in a fluid sample includes first through third multi-orifice flow fractionation (“MOFF”) channels, each including a multi-orifice segment with an inlet and an outlet at opposite ends, and an alternating series of contraction channels and expansion chambers interconnected in a lengthwise direction; a first separation unit including a first separation channel which is interconnected in fluid communication with a center region of the outlet of the first MOFF channel, and first branch channels which are interconnected in fluid communication with sidewall regions of the outlet of the first MOFF channel, and respectively with inlets of the second and third MOFF channels; and buffer inlets which are connected to the inlets of the second and third MOFF channels and through which a buffer flows into the second and third MOFF channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to mechanically destroy printer toner cartridges and reclaim their constituent materials under a water shielded environment while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly recycling system. The present invention is an economical system that provides greater protection from possible fire or explosion and releases less irritating or possibly harmful airborne contamination than the currently available systems.

Abstract: A device for the separation of waste materials in accordance with their densities is provided and includes a vat which is fillable with a fluid for the separation of detritus by means of floatation and decantation. Conveyer belts are provided for the removal of the supernatant and decanted materials. A vibrating sieve is provided for the pre-separation of debris prior to introduction into the vat. The vibrating sieve extracts large materials and small materials which tend to produce silt in the vat. Means are provided for the removal of the decanted sludge.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed employing a quad-tier shale shaker for processing a mixture of drilling fluid and solids which solids include, in one aspect, lost circulation material (and/or material of size similar to the size of the lost circulation material). This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A portable screening and washing assembly includes a frame, and in addition, a scrubbing mill, a vibratory screen assembly and a fine material washer, all of which are mounted on the frame. Both the scrubbing mill and the fine material washer are adapted to move between a transport configuration and an operational configuration.

Abstract: An aggregate material separating device includes a frame with a shaker mechanism. A trough is disposed on the frame and coupled to the shaker mechanism by a shaker spring. A hopper is disposed at an end of the trough and can receive a load of aggregate material. A hopper wash line is disposed adjacent the loading hopper to irrigate the aggregate material in the hopper forming a slurry. A brush and a backwash spigot form a standing wave in the trough to slow slurry movement from through the trough in order to provide additional settling time for the slurry. A mineral separation bed is disposed along a bottom and side of the trough. The mineral separation bed has a plurality of substantially longitudinal riffles that can be sized, shaped and oriented to capture minerals of a predetermined specific gravity from the slurry as the shaker shakes the trough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of beneficiating slag, including mixing the slag with water to form a slurry. The slurry is screened through a first screen to remove a first portion of material and then screened through a second screen to remove a second portion of material. In one embodiment, the second portion of material has a carbon content less than about 5% and, more preferably, a carbon content less than about 1%.

Abstract: An aggregate material separating device includes a frame with a shaker mechanism. A trough is disposed on the frame and coupled to the shaker mechanism by a shaker spring. A hopper is disposed at an end of the trough and can receive a load of aggregate material. A hopper wash line is disposed adjacent the loading hopper to irrigate the aggregate material in the hopper forming a slurry. A brush and a backwash spigot form a standing wave in the trough to slow slurry movement from through the trough in order to provide additional settling time for the slurry. A mineral separation bed is disposed along a bottom and side of the trough. The mineral separation bed has a plurality of substantially longitudinal riffles that can be sized, shaped and oriented to capture minerals of a predetermined specific gravity from the slurry as the shaker shakes the trough.

Abstract: A combination of prospecting equipment and apparatus, for the purpose of collecting precious minerals from mineral bearing sand and gravel, located in regions that are arid in nature, have little water or limited water usage, due to environmental concerns. The Wash Plant Unit comprising; A feed hopper for receiving and washing materials. A sluice box and apparatus for collecting precious minerals. A sluice box extension with a filter screen for separating gravel from sand and water. A filtration box with a sediment pan and screening devices for separating sand from water. A receptacle and implement holder for holding miscellaneous prospecting supplies. A water pump with a suction and discharge for drawing and dispensing water. All built upon and attached to its own water reservoir, which is attached to a frame with a hitch, built upon a set of axles with tires, suitable for being transported by an All Terrain Vehicle.

Abstract: A system for screening fluid-borne material from a fluid that carries particulate matter along with the material, e.g. for screening usable fibers in papermaking or tissue making white water that also contains waste material such as fines and ash. The system employs a flexible and pliable screen to which the fluid is applied. The screen is supported in a suspended manner from a frame. The fluid is directed onto an inside surface defined by the screen, and the location at which the fluid strikes the screen is varied so as to result in bending and flexing of the screen due to the flexibility and pliability of the screen material. In this manner, the configuration of the screen drainage passages is continuously altered, to provide a self-cleaning action that prevents the screen passages from plugging or blinding over. In one form, the screen is generally frustoconical, and the fluid is applied to the inside surface of the screen in a manner which results in rotation of the screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating small rubbish and organic matters from garbage for collection by means of water by considering specific weight, buoyancy, and flow rate of water is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of conveyor screens incorporating injection nozzles, a less inclined channel, a conveyor, and an organic matter screen for effectively separating floated rubbish, organic matters, and sunk rubbish from garbage for collection.

Abstract: A large percentage of solids are removed from a manure slurry when the slurry is run across a sloped screen separator. The sloped screen on the separator has very small openings. In addition, the separator has a water line with spray heads formed across the sloped screen. The spray heads direct water under pressure onto the sloped screen. Further, the separator controls the air flow through the sloped screen.

Abstract: An oil and gas drilling installation having a drill rig with a bell nipple having an outlet at a predetermined elevation, a screening machine having a feeder and an angularly adjustable vibratory frame, a weir positioned between the feeder and the vibratory frame, the weir having an elevation which is lower than the predetermined elevation of the outlet of the bell nipple but immediately above the portion of the screen frame adjacent to the weir, and a downwardly inclined conduit between the bell nipple conduit and the feeder. A vibratory screening machine and feeder combination including an angularly adjustable vibratory frame on the vibratory screening machine, and a weir and flexible seal between the feeder and the vibratory frame at an elevation which is immediately above the portion of the vibratory frame which is adjacent to the weir.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic classifier (10) for mining gold from stream beds wherein the hydraulic classifier (10) includes a lower sluice unit (11) hingedly connected to an upper sluice unit (12) equipped with a water supply unit (14) and a support unit (13) adapted to allow angular adjustment of the upper sluice unit (12) relative to the lower sluice unit (11) wherein the support unit (13) further includes a pair of support leg assemblies (40) (40′) wherein at least one of the support leg assemblies (40) is provided with a cross-piece element (43) that serves as a handle for transporting the hydraulic classifier (10).

Abstract: A shale shaker or vibratory separator for treating material, e.g. in one aspect, a shale shaker for treating drilling fluid having contaminants therein, the shale shaker having a base, a basket on the base, fluid introduction apparatus for introducing the drilling fluid into the basket, screen apparatus for selectively providing screening material in or under the basket, the screening material positioned so that the drilling fluid flows onto the screening material, a primary roll of screening material, a take-up roll for receiving screening material from the primary roll, the rolls rotatably mounted so that screening material is movable, through or under the basket, and onto the take-up roll, vibratory apparatus connected to the basket for vibrating the basket, and receptacle apparatus for receiving fluid flowing through the screening material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating a mixture of aluminosilicates, wherein said method consists in carrying out an ultrafiltration of a solution of colloidal aluminosilicate particles so as to obtain a permeate and a retentate, and an imogolite like fibrous aluminosilicate polymer of high purity with an Al:Si molar ratio between 1.8 and 2.5 is obtained in the retentate, and allophanes like spherical aluminosilicate particles are obtained in the permeate.

Abstract: A system for recovering and recirculating usable fibers contained in papermaking white water. The system employs a flexible and pliable screen to which the papermaking white water is applied. The screen is supported in a suspended manner from a frame. The white water is directed onto an inside surface defined by the screen, and the location at which the white water strikes the screen is varied so as to result in bending and flexing of the screen. In this manner, the screen openings are self-cleaned, to prevent the screen from plugging due to material contained in the white water. In one form, the screen is generally frustoconical, and the white water is applied to the inside surface of the screen in a manner which results in rotation of the screen. The usable fibers are directed toward a discharge opening defined by the lower end of the frustoconical screen, and the waste water passes through the screen and is collected in a waste water collection tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing debris from a fluidized sand bed. One or more troughs extend radially from a vertical shaft. Associated with each trough is a perforated chute. The apparatus is placed into the fluidized bed of sand, and rotated. As the apparatus rotates, the perforated chute sifts, or separates, debris from the fluidized sand. That is, the fluidized sand flows through the perforations, but the debris does not. When the apparatus is removed from the fluidized bed, the debris tumbles down the chute, into the troughs, if it has not already done so, and is captured.

Abstract: A vibrating dual deck dewatering unit which includes a lower screen deck and an upper screen deck. Material being processed by the unit is discharged from the upper screen deck onto the lower screen deck in such a manner that excess water is allowed to backflow beneath the upper screen deck, while solids are directed in an opposite direction. The upper screen deck is provided with a jagged discharge lip which creates interruptions or gaps in the flow of discharged solids. The excess water which is discharged from the upper screen deck is allowed to backflow through the interruptions or gaps in the discharged solids that are created by the jagged discharge lip of the upper screen deck.

Abstract: Process and pressure grader screen for wet screening stock suspensions. The process includes conducting the stock suspension along the screen, so that break-away eddies are formed on an inflow side of the screen, separating portions of the stock suspensions, so that a part of the stock suspension passes through the screen apertures as underflow and an other part is rejected as overflow, and moving the at least one clearer relative to the screen, so that one of pressure- and suction impulses are produced at the screen apertures to form pre- and back flows. In this way, a flow direction of the break-away eddy is reversed by the back flow to rinse a part of the screen lying between the screen aperture with the back flow and an adjacent downstream aperture. The pressure grader screen includes a plurality of bars arranged to form a plurality of essentially parallel grading slots through which an accepted part of the stock suspension passes during the wet screening.

Abstract: A method and centrifugal separator apparatus for separating more dense particles from less dense particles contained in a slurry. The separator apparatus receives slurry into a rotor assembly which includes a bowl open upwardly and a surrounding hutch chamber. The bowl has a lower impermeable portion coupled to a drive shaft for rotating the rotor assembly, an upper impermeable portion connected to the lower portion, and a frusto-conical screen. The frusto-conical screen forms the inner wall of the hutch chamber and discharge outlets are provided in the periphery of the hutch chamber. An annular fluid inlet connected to the hutch chamber supplies elutriation liquid continuously to the interior of the hutch chamber, and a plurality of pulse blocks supply intermittent pulses of liquid to the hutch chamber. A dam is formed at the top of the screen. In operation, slurry is supplied to the lower portion of the bowl and forms a bed on the screen.

Abstract: Pressure screening apparatus for screening a suspension of paper fiber stock employs a rotor in which a single impulse or foil member is carried or positioned to move along a discrete portion of the screen surface. This arrangement improves efficiency of operation of the pressure screen by reducing the rotational effect of the rotor on the stock suspension being screened and by providing a less disturbed screening region through which the single foil operates. Embodiments are shown in which multiple single impulse elements sweep over discrete portions of a screen and in which a single foil is combined, in screening apparatus, with multiple foils in accordance with the increase in consistency of the stock as it passes through the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a multi-step screening apparatus (1), the method comprising controlling other accept, reject and dilution flows in relation to the flow measured in the accept channel (7a) of the first screening step (3a). Thus a simpler control unit (9) can be used and accept of higher quality can be obtained than before. The invention further relates to an apparatus for controlling a multi-step screening apparatus (1), said apparatus comprising a control unit (9) arranged to measure the flows of all accept, reject and dilution water channels (7a-7c, 5a, 5b, 11a, 11b) and to adjust the flow of the other channels on the basis of the flow of the accept channel of the first step.

Abstract: A vibratory separator having a resiliently mounted housing with a vibratory drive. A screen extends across the housing and a cover is positionable over the screen. The screen includes a discharge port therethrough aligned with a discharge passage for removing material from the top of the screen from the system. Another discharge passage cooperates with a manifold plate extending across the separator beneath the screen. An access port is provided through the cover and arranged to receive a discharge plug which can selectively close the discharge hole through the screen. In operation, separating or dewatering is first accomplished, the energy level of the vibration is reduced and a vacuum is drawn above the screen. Bleed air is allowed into the separator below the screen with a restricted flow so that a vacuum can be drawn. Once the material has dried, the vibrational energy can be increased and the plug removed from the hole through the screen. The process material may then be discharged from the unit.

Abstract: A vibratory separator having a resiliently mounted housing with a vibratory drive. A screen extends across the housing and a cover is positionable over the screen. The screen includes a discharge port therethrough aligned with a discharge passage for removing material from the top of the screen from the system. Another discharge passage cooperates with a manifold plate extending across the separator beneath the screen. An access port is provided through the cover and arranged to receive a discharge plug which can selectively close the discharge hole through the screen. In operation, separating or dewatering is first accomplished, the energy level of the vibration is reduced and a vacuum is drawn above the screen. Bleed air is allowed into the separator below the screen with a restricted flow so that a vacuum can be drawn. Once the material has dried, the vibrational energy can be increased and the plug removed from the hole through the screen. The process material may then be discharged from the unit.

Abstract: A mining system and related methods are disclosed by which gold and/or other heavy metals are recovered at multiple sites along a continuously hydrated ore processing route. The gold-bearing ore and primary or carrier water are dynamically and circuitously displaced to segregate the gold, and precipitate the gold particles into predetermined recovery sites along the flow path of the mix. Boil box recovery sites are selectively provided for recovery of nuggets and smaller gold particles. Secondary water churns and disrupts the primary carrier flow of the mix through each boil box.Each trough includes a dynamic segregation box having successive compartments across which a top layer of turbulent flow continuously occurs. Within each compartment, during use, a bottom layer of laminar flow takes place not only within each compartment, but from compartment-to-compartment.

Abstract: A conveyor is provided for liquid media, such as cooling-lubricating liquids containing production residues, such as machinery chips. The conveyance takes place along a gutter via a driven scraper conveyor extending into it and extending along its linear direction and under the effects of a downslope of the bottom of the gutter. A separation of large-grained production residue from the liquid media containing fine-grained production residue is achieved already in the course of their conveyance in the gutter. This separation is made possible in that the gutter is divided into an upper and lower area via a perforated divider bottom extending along the length thereof and spaced apart from the gutter bottom. The lower area is a flushing channel to receive liquid media containing fine-grained production residue.

Abstract: Waste paper stock pulp slurry supplied through a stock inlet is separated at screening sections to a high quality stock and a reject containing contaminants and undefibered waste paper. The high quality stock is sent to a next stage as accept. The reject is sent to a defibering section and is diluted after defibration, part of the reject being circulated to the screening sections, the remainder being discharged out of the system through a reject outlet. Provision of screening and defibering sections in one and the same screen can satisfy contradictory requirements, i.e., to increase contaminant removing efficiency, to raise production yield and to attain space- and cost-saving.

Abstract: An improved strainer device has a screen which receives a solid/mixture from a feed container for separation. To insure that an uneven flow of the mixture over the screen does not occur due to, for example, a non-level mounting, inlet rushing or turbulence, a weir structure is provided which raises the water mixture level above the screen by a predetermined height.

Abstract: A vibratory screen separator system having a moving manifold, angled feed nozzles, and angled spray nozzles. The spray nozzles and the feed nozzles are attached to the bottom of the manifold, and the manifold moves back and forth over the screen. The feed nozzles evenly distribute the material to be separated across the screen. The spray nozzles clean the screen before each pass by the feed nozzles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening peat moss material. The method comprises the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of peat moss material and flowing the slurry on a screen to separate fines from coarser particles in the slurry. A spray of relatively large water drops is directed at the slurry to agitate the coarser particles blocked by the screen in order to dislodge fines adhering thereto, whereby the fines freed from the coarser particles are allowed to egress the slurry through the screen. The water spray also has the effect of clearing the screen of fines which clog the screen openings. The invention also comprehends a method and apparatus for screening peat moss material, comprising the steps of flowing an aqueous slurry of peat moss material on a sieve to extract from the slurry excessively large particles, and washing the rejects remaining on the sieve to dislodge therefrom smaller particles of acceptable size which are returned to the slurry.

Abstract: Contaminated particulate materials of varying particle sizes are washed and separated by size by a steam washing process which concentrates the contaminant in the small size fraction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for working up unused concrete mix and/or mortar whereby the unused concrete mix and/or mortar is gradually supplied to and distributed over a sieve during spraying of the unused concrete mix and/or mortar with water in such a way, that grit or the like which is in the unused concrete mix and/or mortar is cleaned by rinsing and remains on the sieve in order to be discharged therefrom. The material passing through the sieve and consisting of a mixture of sand, cement and water, is supplied to a separation device wherein the sand is separated from said mixture. The remaining mixture of water and cement is returned at least partly from the discharge of said separation device towards the supply side of the separation device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibratory sieve for separation of fibrous materials from materials containing them, the vibratory sieve comprising a sieve body and a mechanism for imparting vibration to the sieve, the sieve body including a screen to be vibrated by the mechanism, the sieve being adapted to convey a mixture of water and the materials containing the fibrous materials onto the screen through meshes of which finer particles and water are passed by the vibration of the screen, leaving the fibrous materials on the screen, the sieve being characterized in that the sieve is provided with an annular member which is movable on the screen surface by the vibration of the screen and whose movement is confined by an inlet member in such a way that the mixture of water and the materials containing the fibrous materials is placed inside the annular member.

Abstract: A screen aperture blinding prevention and liquid overflow prevention and level control apparatus for a knot drainer senses liquid level within the knot drainer and compares the sensed level to a setpoint level. Differences in the two levels generate control signals of appropriate magnitude and direction, and those control signals are transmitted to a valve whose degree of responsiveness and openness is adjusted to change the outflow rate of accepts liquor from the accepts chamber of the rejects separator. In addition, passive level control is provided in the discharge line for establishing accept flooded screen apertures regardless of variations of inflow and outflow rates during operation while active level control to create accept flow rate greater than, less than, or equal to inlet flow rate is provided by the combination of siphonic loop, barometric leg and control. Continuous flow of fiber and liquid through separating screen apertures is appropriately supervised by monitoring accepts chamber pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating undesired particles from a suspension flow of pulp and for dividing the suspension flow into fractions is described. The apparatus comprises a housing having a first chamber with an inlet for the suspension flow and a first outlet for the undesired particles, a second chamber with a second outlet and communicating with the first chamber through a first annular gap, and a third chamber with a third outlet and communicating with the second chamber through a second annular gap, the radial extension of the second gap being less than that of the first gap. First and second rotating discs are carried by a shaft for common rotation therewith. The first disc is disposed in the first chamber in front of the first gap to separate the undesired particles by means of teeth protruding from the first disc.

Abstract: A vibrating sieving unit for insertion into a housing to form a sieving filter. The sieving unit can be inserted into an installed casing of a filter unit by the use of a manifold plate. The vibrator directly vibrates the sieving cylinder reducing the buildup of filter cake for improved performance. A unique cleaning-in-place system is presented utilizing the fluid being filtered as the purging liquid.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for sorting fiber suspensions heavily laden with rubbish and other contaminants, which sorter has two successive sorting units each having a ring-shaped strainer space, which are likewise successive, and an accepts space with a rotationally symmetric strainer between the accepts space and strainer space. The first sorting unit is pressurized above atmospheric pressure; diluting water is fed to the second unit strainer space; and a rotating plate is mounted between the first and second sorting units to control the flow between the strainer spaces.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus has a first casing section (1) with a larger diameter and a second casing section (2) with a relatively smaller diameter, which casing sections are generally aligned in series. A rotor (6) has rotor parts which are coordinated with each casing section and appropriately adapted. An impeller rotates in a churning space (5) of the first casing section (1) and a drum type rotor section (9) in the second casing section (2) supports sorting elements (16), which rotate in a strainer space (12) formed by a cylindrical strainer basket (11). This provides both despeckling and sorting in the machine, and separates the rejects with a high solid content.

Abstract: Effective separation of unwanted particles, such as tramp material, is effected from a paper pulp suspension (typically a medium consistency suspension, e.g. having a consistency between 5-15 percent). A generally annular opening is defined by a disc connected to a rotating shaft, and a ring stationarily mounted to a housing. The housing includes a pulp inlet, a pulp outlet, an inlet chamber, and an outlet chamber, with a separated-out particles outlet communicating with the inlet chamber, preferably extending downwardly from it. A rotating element having a plurality of generally radially extending projections, is also mounted on the shaft, adjacent the disc, and the projections cover the annular opening (radially spanning it) at spaced locations along its circumference. The projections may be teeth-like structures, or pegs, and preferably have their leading edges, viewed in the direction of rotation, sloping with respect to the radial direction.

Abstract: In order to wash inert materials, even of a large size, with a limited amount of washing liquid and with a lesser consumption of energy and without moving metal parts, apparatus having a plurality of tubular rotors (1) which are in side-by-side relation but spaced a distance from each other and are rigidly locked with a common shaft (13) which is horizontal or at an angle with respect to the horizontal, in which each rotor (1) has a plurality of transverse annular baffle plates (2) adapted to delimit corresponding annular channels (3) and having in each channel (3) a plurality of peripheral boxes (15). As the rotors (1) revolve, the washing liquid overflows to the outside over the lower baffle plate (2) of each rotor (1) and the material being washed, which is introduced through the mouth of the rotor (1) located at one end of the apparatus, advances against the current through all the rotors (1) until it is discharged from the mouth of the rotor (1) located at the other end.