Abstract: A waste collection and separation apparatus having a plurality of reusable primary containers for receiving waste materials at the location of an individual user, a plurality of reusable secondary containers for aggregating a plurality of filled primary containers and a plurality reusable tertiary containers. The primary containers are flexible, sealable, substantially puncture resistant and have a volume of not more than 10 cubic feet. The secondary containers are flexible, sealable, and have an opening, lifting device and volume of between 10 and 750 cubic feet. The tertiary containers are flexible, substantially puncture resistant and have a lifting device and a volume of at least about 700 cubic feet.

Abstract: A method is described for processing waste materials in the form of filter rods, filter cigarettes and the like comprising filter material with inner hollow volumes accessible from the outside and at least one other material component, in particular paper and tobacco, wherein the following process steps are carried out: the waste material is distributed in a liquid in a pressure vessel. By increasing the pressure or decreasing the temperature an inert gas is dissolved in the liquid. Subsequently the temperature is increased or the pressure decreased so that fine gas bubbles develop within the filter material which permits the latter to float whereby a separation from the further material components to be separated is possible. With this method a separation of the waste material into its individual component parts is possible so that for example valuable filter material in the form of cellulose acetate is obtained in highly pure form and can be used again for the production of filter materials.

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: A method for removing contaminated resin particles from soils. The method entrains the resin particles and fines from the soil, which, due to the difference in specific gravity between resin and soil particles, results in a significant disparity between particle size of the entrained resin and the entrained fines. This, in turn permits the fines to be screened from the resin and the larger soil particles, which have not been entrained, to settle out from the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing the carbon content of fly ash are disclosed. The fly ash is subjected to an inclined surface having first and second vibratory sources for respectively moving the fly ash from the elevated end of the incline to the lower end and to disaggregate and stratify a high carbon fraction from an enhanced fly ash fraction. The second vibratory source, in combination with the inclined surface, separates the lighter, high carbon fraction while the heavier enhanced fly ash fraction travels toward the lower end of the incline. An air jet and associated vacuum draft pull the high carbon fraction from the incline, leaving the enhanced fly ash portion for use, after removal from the surface, as an example, as acceptable mineral admixture for use in Portland Cement concrete.

Abstract: A process for thermically recovering old sand obtained in casting plants and for treating dust containing combustible organic components and incombustible inorganic components is disclosed. Dust obtained by mechanical preparation of the old sand is separated from the sand. The sand is used to form a fluid bed in a fluid-bed kiln having a post-combustion space and an outlet for releasing combustion gases. Dust containing combustible organic components and incombustible inorganic components is introduced into the fluid bed, the combustion of the organic components being used to maintain reaction temperature in the fluid bed. The heat of the fluid bed and the post-combustion space deactivates inorganic components of the dust, which are transported by released combustion gases to effectively separate the inorganic components of the dust from the thermically recovered old sand. These deactivated inorganic components of the dust can be separated from the released combustion gases for easy disposal.

Abstract: A thin film membrane filtration system recovers particulate from the waste water stream of a wood panel fabrication process to a desired concentration of approximately 30-50% solid by weight. The high concentration level enables improved transport or disposal. Rather than discard the concentrate, however, the concentrate is added into subsequent wood panel "particle board" batches at a rate of approximately 0.5 to 0.65 gallons per 1000 pounds of wood product. The concentrate reduces press time, serves as a scavenger for tying up formaldehyde and serves as a resin extender for strengthening internal bonds of fabricated panels. The membranes capture the particulate into an accumulated concentrate, while passing permeate output to a recycle water stream.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separation and recovery of used abrasive blasting material having intrained contaminate recovered from a work site. The intrained contaminates are removed by a self-contained multi-step separation process using magnetic vibratory and airwash separating apparatus including static neutralization interconnected by transfer apparatus and storage bins.

Abstract: An oxide superconductor having good current-carrying characteristics can be manufactured by a method including the steps of mixing and baking a plurality of different kinds of ingredient material at a predetermined proportion and obtaining a mixed powder having oxide superconducting powder as a main ingredient, and the step of placing a magnet close to the mixed powder to separate the oxide superconducting powder through the utilization of the magnetic repulsive force due to the Meissner effect of the superconductor. In preferred embodiments, the separating step is carried out in a buoyancy medium and a filter is employed for unifying the particle size of the oxide superconductive powder within a predetermined range.

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: The present invention comprises a method for measuring the amount, i.e., mass, of a volatile liquid which comprises passing the mass over a heat loss measuring device, calculating the amount of heat loss accompanying the vaporization of the mass and correlating the heat loss to measurement of heat loss of known liquid aerosol mass made with the same device.

Abstract: A process is taught for separating heterogeneous plastic material into homogeneous fractions, which comprises:a. feeding the plastic material in a triturated form to a first water-containing separation tank to separate the high specific weight products from the low specific weight products;b. recovering the mixture of high specific weight products from the bottom of said first separation tank and drying them in a first drier;c. treating the resulting mixture with a chemical agent capable of swelling/modifying the plastic materials which are sensible to said chemical agent; andd. drying the products so treated and feeding them to a second separation tank, in which the nonswollen/nonmodified plastic material precipitates while the remaining material, maintained on the surface, is discharged.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems for plastic recycling. In a first embodiment for recycling HDPE milk jugs, a cold water wash step is used to remove bacteria-generated odor from milk jugs. In a second embodiment, a system for recovering PET and HDPE from soda bottles is disclosed. The separation stage utilizes a three-compartment sump to separate HDPE using water as the medium, and two further stages using heavier media for separation of PVC cap liners and aluminum from the PET.

Abstract: Spent hydrotreating catalyst having carbonaceous and metallic deposits and of regular geometric shape after being stripped of process oil is fluidized by flowing air upwardly through the catalyst at a velocity sufficient to expand the bed thereby segregating the catalyst particles into a high activity, upper, less-contaminated fraction and a lower, more-contaminated fraction and recycling the high activity fraction to a hydrotreating process. Optionally, the high activity fraction can be regenerated with carbon burnoff or rejuvenated by acid leaching followed by regeneration with carbon burnoff to further improve catalyst activity.

Abstract: A screening system incorporated into the system of sawdust collection for paper producing pulp. An upper and lower range of the sawdust particles is designated as between smaller, strength-inhibiting size particles and larger strength-enhancing size particles. A screen is provided to screen out the smaller size particles. The screen is made out of stainless steel to avoid rusting and corroding and also to more readily pass the moistened smaller size particles. The screen is sloped and agitated to induce shuffling of the sawdust mixture, the process of which results in a separation of about 50% of the particles as rejected smaller size particles and 50% as acceptable larger size particles desirable for paper producing pulp.

Abstract: A novel process has been found in which the two types of plastic particles having similar specific gravities in a mixture are safely, efficiently, effectively and economically separated after being soaked in a plasticizer for a predetermined amount of time. The recovered and reclaimed particles can be reprocessed without any additional steps other than washing and drying. This novel process is useful in recycling waste plastic materials especially those materials containing polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering and cleaning contaminated abrasive blast media. The blast media is transported in a vacuum airstream to a rotatable drum. Within the rotatable drum is a blocking assembly which selectively channels high-velosity air through an upper region of the rotatable drum and restricts the flow of air through a lower region of the drum. The blast media is repeatedly scooped up and dropped to the high-velocity airstream, thus subjecting it to repeated air-washing. The blocking member includes a flexible member which provides both the open channel region and the restriction to the airflow under the force of gravity as the drum rotates. The abrasive blast media is thus assured of being adequately washed even if the air velocity varies randomly during the cleaning of the blast media.

Abstract: A purification apparatus for superconductor fine particles is provided which comprises a device for forming a flow of powder containing the superconductor fine particles, and device for applying a magnetic field to the flow of the powder.

Abstract: Already ripened compost is subjected to a sifting process directly following a drum sieve. The duct conveying the flowing air is connected to the outside of the drum sieve and is thus fed with the material falling through the sieve. The duct is constructed as a sifter which separates a light fraction from a heavy fraction. At least one lock is arranged in the path along which the heavy fraction moves.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for separating semiconductor grade silicon pieces into desired size ranges, while minimizing contact contamination of the separated pieces. The device employs a rotatable cylindrical screen, with contact surfaces of semiconductor grade silicon. In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical screen consists of parallel rods of semiconductor grade silicon separated by semiconductor grade silicon, internal, spacers. In addition, external spacers of semiconductor grade silicon are arranged along the length of the parallel rods to further define the exclusion characteristics of the cylindrical screen.

Abstract: A process for separating bentonite and carbon carrier particles from an air-dust mixture generated from a mechanical used-sand reclamation unit and, more particularly, a process as aforesaid wherein the bentonite and carbon carrier particles are recycled to a foundry sand preparation unit.

Abstract: Non-magnetic, conductive particles are separated from one another on the basis of their respective electrical conductivities. This is achieved by irradiating the particles with microwave or radio frequency electromagnetic radiation and simultaneously subjecting the particles to a magnetic field. The eddy currents induced in the particles by the electromagnetic irradiation interact with the magnetic field to cause movements of the particles which are dependent on their conductivities.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing impurities from plant fibrous material which constitutes residual products in the refining of tuber or root vegetables, fruits etc. The plant fibrous material is, for forming a first substance, adjusted to a TS content of at least approx. 25% whereafter the first substance is fractionated in a first screening device to form a first fraction. The TS content of the first fraction is reduced, for the formation of a first mass, whereafter the mass is dried, for the formation of a second substance. This is fractionated in a second screening device to form a second fraction which substantially exclusively consists of plant fibres.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically beneficiating a raw sample, such as coal or lunar soil is disclosed. The beneficiation is achieved using a novel of fractionating the sample into components of different magnetic susceptibilities. The results of the fractionation may be used to determine the type of magnet to be employed for large scale operations, as well as the appropriate fraction or fractions to be recovered for further processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selectively separating co-mingled materials of different densities by selective density flotation of the materials in a fluid in the vicinity of its critical point. The extermely high compressibility of a fluid in the vicinity of its critical point allows continuous variations over the maximum density range to be accomplished using minimal changes in temperature and pressure. Materials exhibiting similar densities can thus be separated by adjusting the fluid density to a point between the two materials.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating out the economic components of scrap rubber tires, wherein the rubber tires are passed through a first shredder, a rotary screen, and a magnetic separator. The non-magnetic fraction is then passed through successive second and third rotary screens for separating out fine sand and debris and then for separating out fine particles of rubber and fabric fiber. The fine charge and the coarse charge are directed to respective defibrators which include a rotor in the form of a blade cage through which an airstream is passed carrying rubber particles and fabric fibers. The gate deflects the rubber particles which are then discharged in the the bottom of the defibrator while the lighter fabric fibers pass through the gate in the airstream and are separated out in a cyclone. The coarse rubber particles when discharged from its respective defibrator are recirculated through a second shredder and back to the third rotary screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method of separating mixed fragments of different plastic materials, in which the materials to be separated are capable of carrying electrostatic charges of opposite polarities. The mixed charged fragments are given an induced electrostatic charge and are then exposed to electrostatic field of opposite polarities where they are separated by being allowed to migrate toward their respectively oppositely charged fields. The separated material fragments are then collected.

Abstract: A method for separation of beverage bottle components including high density polyethylene (HDPE) basecup; poly ethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle body; aluminum cap; paper/plastic labels and adhesives, including disjoining, isolating and separating the various bottle components. The method essentially involves steps of: bisecting the bottles into two halves to disengage the cap from the bottle body; heating the bisected bottle halves so as to cause thermal softening of the adhesives; mechanically isolating the thermally loosened assemblage; subjecting the isolated components to a flotation tank; collecting the light (floating fraction) and heavy (sunk fraction) fractions separately; air classifying the light HDPE fraction to remove labels; separating the components of the heavy fraction (aluminum and PET) due to their size differential.

Abstract: A waste collecting and recycling system where a portable waste sorting apparatus is located at a first collecting location. Waste from a nearby locality is brought to the collecting location where the recyclable material is sorted out and carried to another location for recycling or possibly further shipment. Then the portable separating apparatus is moved to a second collecting location and the process is repeated. The waste material brought to these locations can in some instances be presorted, with further sorting or separation being accomplished at the collecting locations. Thus, efficiencies are realized in transportation costs and also in effective use of the sorting apparatus.

Abstract: A conveying and separation assembly for the impact material of a ballistic projectile arrester for indoor firing grounds, of the type that comprises a heap of granulated material as the impact material, and a pneumatic conveyor for sending the granulated material once it has been separated from the exploded projectiles up to the top of said heap. The assembly comprises a variable-diameter worm screw or helical screw, that rotates about a horizontal axis and is arranged within a half cylinder which is open at its upper portion, the worm screw lying in a direction substantially parallel to that from which the projectiles come; a motor for the worm screw; and gravity separation of the exploded projectiles from the granulated material; the half cylinder being connected, at its rear terminal part, with the worm screw or pneumatic conveyor which are employed for sending the material to the top of the heap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal of light material from a fiber suspension particularly suitable for removing light compressible plastic material such as expanded polystyrene and similar material from the short circulation of a paper machine. The plastic particles containing fiber suspension is divided in a degassing tank into reject and accept flows by the assistance of vacuum. The light reject containing flow is separated from the main flow by an overflow device and recirculated to the wire pit or corresponding device. A separation device such as a vibrating screen, vibrating drum, curved screen or inverted cyclone is provided within the light reject flow return duct for removing the detrimental plastic or other light material from the short circulation and for preventing the accumulation thereof in the wire pit.

Abstract: A continuous process for the separation of small particles from larger particles in a biological preparation passes a liquid stream of the preparation through a first filter or screen, which retains larger particles, passing smaller particles in the liquid. The large particles have retained on their surfaces wetting water, in which are entrained some of the small particles. The large particles are directed to a liquid having a concentration of smaller particles lower than the concentration of smaller particles in the wetting water, and mixed therein. The smaller particles separate from the larger particles in the mixed suspension, which is then directed to a second filter or screen, for further separation. The smaller particle/liquid stream may be recycled to the biological preparation stage, the liquid suspension for the large particles, or to a separator means where the smaller particles are separated off from the liquid stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting a mixture of particles containing a first group of particles of substantially uniform size and density and a second group of particles of substantially the same size as the particles of the first group and of different density than the particles of the first group. The noted mixture is supplied to a reservoir in which it is fluidized so that the particles gather into different levels in accordance with their density. The particles are then removed from the reservoir at their different levels.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating predetermined non-magnetic electrically conductive items from a flow of non-magnetic electrically conductive materials containing such items and other non-magnetic electrically conductive materials comprising the steps of passing the flow of materials adjacent to electromagnetic field generating apparatus; controlling the flux field generated by the apparatus such as to create electrical currents within the predetermined electrically conductive items which react with the generated electromagnetic flux field causing the creation of a directional force upon the predetermined items such as to move only the predetermined electrically conductive items out of and away from the flow of material.

Abstract: A media particle size separating apparatus and method are disclosed for use with a slurry blast cabinet. The system is capable of continuous operation so that under sized blast media particles and fines can be separated out of the slurry along with debris from the blasting operation on a continuous basis. An upwardly open partition divided hopper receives spent slurry from the blasting cabinet to flow through at least two chambers in the hopper to a pump returning the slurry and sized media to the blasting cabinet and nozzles therein. Unusable fines collected in one chamber of the hopper are drawn off through a drain valve.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe a series of devices and methods for classifying and separating superconductive particles. The superconductive particles may be separated from non-superconductive particles, and the superconductive particles may be separated by degrees of susceptibility to the Meissner effect force. The particles may also be simultaneously separated by size or volume and mass to obtain substantially homogeneous groups of particles. The separation techniques include levitation, preferential sedimentation and preferential concentration. Multiple separation vector forces are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an invention for beneficiation of powered material having superconducting characteristics and processes for carrying it out. The invention involves introducing powdered superconducting material into the vertical field of a magnet wherein particles thereof are levitated according to the Meissner Effect. Particles which are more superconducting levitate at higher elevations or states above the magnet than do particles containing phases that are non-superconducting. Particles that are non-superconducting do not react at all in the magnetic field. Levitated particles are selectively harvested from whatever states desired.

Abstract: A process for conditioning and compacting vegetable fodder prior to storage and shipment which comprises breaking standard-sized bales and adjusting the moisture level of the fodder to reduce pulverization during subsequent compacting and handling; while at the same time injecting mold inhibitors and nutritional additive before repackaging the fodder into more compact bales, cubes or pellets for shipment.

Abstract: A process and a device are used to process granulated materials such as abrasives for centrifugal wheel cleaning systems or welding powder for welding machines. Operation is based on the suction principle; an adjustable amount of ambient air is drawn in to be used as the conveying air for the granulated material and takes the latter to the processing device. A part of this conveying air is also used to separate foreign bodies from the granulated material. Granulated material and conveying air flow in a stream of material which gradually grows wider and thinner, to an accumulation point from which they trickle in the form of a screen to a hopper. In the process the other portion of conveying air flows through them. The ambient air that is drawn in may also be used to remove dust from an operating compartment before it is used as conveying air. Negative pressure prevails throughout the system to prevent particulate escape into the environment.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses are provided for hygienically returning for reuse in subsequent manufacturing processes, the original liquid absorbing materials and moisture sealing materials of used single use collecting and/or absorbing products, previously worn by infants or adults to absorb urine and/or to collect feces. These human wastes are washed out from single use diapers, one use adult diapers, and other like purpose products, and directed into municipal sewer systems, or other systems ending in the treatment of sewage. These used single use collecting and/or absorbing products are heated to reach temperatures high enough to liquidize adhesives originally used, where necessary, to hold together the original liquid absorbing materials and moisture sealing materials, and then the liquidized adhesives are drained clear of these materials. Preferably, this removal of adhesives is completed during the washing of these one use products.

Abstract: An electrostatic waste separation process for abrasive blasting residues containing an abrasive media and a hazardous material such as lead-based paint. A preconditioning stage as well as a postconditioning stage is used in addition to the electrostatic separation step. Preferably the preconditioning stage consists of the following steps: (a) a size classification step; (b) a ferromagnetic separation step; and (c) a gravity separation step. The concentrated hazardous material separated by this process can then be packaged in a container which can be safely transported, stored or disposed of. The nonhazardous blasting media may be recycled and reused or disposed of as a nonhazardous material.

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: A method for removing elongated contaminants of polymeric material from a contaminated stream containing pellets and the elongated contaminants, wherein the contaminated stream is passed through an enclosure containing a fixed support member having finger-like projections for snagging the elongated contaminants while allowing the pellets to pass through the enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating coarse grained and agglomerated pigment particles from a suspension containing coarse grained, agglomerated, and fine grained pigment particles by sedimentation by gravity, are described. The suspension, for example of titanium dioxide powder and water, is introduced through an inflow device (3) at the bottom (4) of a vessel (1) from below and flows upwardly through the vessel (1), in which stationary plates (2) are located arranged parallel to each other and at an angle of <90.degree., preferentially 40.degree. to 60.degree. to the horizontal line. In the upper part (6) of the vessel (1) the suspension which there contains primarily fine grained pigment particles is removed from the vessel (1) through a drain or overflow device (5). In the lower part (4) the suspension containing primarily coarse grained and agglomerated pigment particles is removed from the vessel (1) through an overflow device (7).

Abstract: An acoustic standing wave is established in a fluid medium with a varying energy density in its nodal planes. Particles in the fluid medium responsive to the acoustic energy accumulate at these nodal planes and by the action of the variations of energy density in conjunction with the fluid viscous forces and/or field forces acting in the direction of the nodal planes, the movement of the particles held at these planes can be controlled. The adverse effects of attenuation of the acoustic beams producing the standing wave are reduced in this system, because any streaming due to imbalance of the acoustic forces forming the standing wave does not act in the direction in which the movement of the particles can be controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating silicon seed particles from silicon dust and large, heavy silicon particles. A classifier apparatus is a vertically oriented column having an inert gas flowing upwardly therethrough. A mixture of various size particles is dispensed into the central portion of the tube such that small dust particles and product size particles are entrained in the flowing gas and heavier particles fall to a receiver at the bottom of the tube. The small dust particles are separated from the product size particles near the top of the tube by providing an enlarged cross-sectional area flow path which continues to entrain the small particles but not the product size particles. The product size particles are then captured in a receptacle near the top of the tube.

Abstract: A process for treating effluents contaiing cyanide from mining operations wherein magnetic separation is used prior to treatment with hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation of granulate materials, in extruded form of different lengths and of the same or different diameter. It is characterized by the use of a helicoidal vibrating elevator subjected to vibrations whose amplitude is chosen so as to cause on the threads of the spiral on the one hand the ascending flow of all the particles and on the other hand the recovery of the finest particles on the outer edge of the upper thread of the spiral and the largest particles on the inner edge of the upper thread of this spiral.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating at least one superconductive phase from a multiphase material which may contain multiple superconductive phases and a normal phase by the use of diamagnetic force. A material containing multiple phases is pulverized into granules approximately the grain size of a selected superconductive phase and is then subjected to a force to cause movement of the particles in a particular direction. The selected superconductive phase is made superconducting by cooling the material below its transition temperature. Diamagnetic force is then generated by an applied magnetic field which deflects and separates the superconducting granules but has substantially no effect on the nonsuperconducting granules. Conversely, the selected superconductive phase has a magnetic field applied to it and then is made superconducting to cause a separation.