Abstract: Systems and methods for cryogenic separation of plant material are provided. A vessel is filled with cryogenic fluid having a temperature at or less than ?150 degrees Celsius. Plant material is placed into the vessel via a basket and agitation is provided to the plant material in the vessel for a predetermined time period. Upon completion of the time period, the basket having at least a portion of the plant material is removed from the vessel. Plant particulates separated from the plant material during the agitation settle to the bottom of the vessel. The vessel is drained of the cryogenic fluid, including plant particulates separated from the plant material.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for rapidly and simply detecting endotoxin without using an expensive reagent. The endotoxin detection device includes: a region containing an electrolyte solution; a partitioning member that partitions the region into two compartments such that the two compartments are in communication via a nanopore; a first electrode that is disposed in a first compartment; a second electrode that is disposed in a second compartment and is electrically connected to the first electrode; an electrolyte solution flow generating means that causes electrolyte solution in the first compartment to move to the second compartment via the nanopore; an application means that applies voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a monitoring means that monitors current.

Abstract: A sludge dehydration method includes a recovery process of recovering specific material as a dewatering aid from sludge generated in a sewage treatment process and a dewatering process of performing solid-liquid separation on sludge in which the dewatering aid recovered in the recovery process and dewatering target sludge are mixed.

Abstract: A method of grading and washing sand including the steps of removing oversize material from a feed material to which water is added on a first grading screen, whereby the oversize material passes over a downstream end of an apertured deck of the first grading screen, undersize material and water passing through the apertured deck being collected in a sump of the first grading screen before being passed onto an apertured deck of a second grading screen having apertures of a smaller size than those of the deck of the first grading screen, oversize material passing over a downstream end of the second grading screen, pumping water and undersize material from a sump of the second grading screen to a washing stage to remove fine contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying bags includes a cutting mechanism, wherein cut bags are separated from the contents therein on a bag support, a bag disposal mechanism including a vacuum unit to deliver the bags to a disposal unit. The cutting mechanism includes first and second cutting devices arranged to cut the bags along at least two cut directions, in relation to a longitudinal direction along which the bags are conveyed from the cutting mechanism, to cut a foldable flap in the material from which the bags are formed so that the flap can fold into openings of the bag support to empty the content through the openings. A related method for emptying bags is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus including a superstructure comprising: a vacuum collection pod comprising a vessel with a first opening near the base, a second opening near the top of the vessel for a vacuum system, and a third opening near the top of the cylindrical vessel for a hose delivering solid and liquid materials; a rotary airlock valve coupled to the first opening; a vacuum system attached to the superstructure, wherein the inlet of the vacuum system is in fluid communication with the second opening near the top of the vessel using a vacuum line; and a solids separator below the rotary airlock valve, the solids separator comprising a drill cuttings dryer, an effluent tank configured to collect effluent from the solids separator, and a centrifugal pump configured to remove the effluent from the effluent tank. Methods of treating drill cuttings include the use of the apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to facilitate recycling of at least one fraction of bitumen-containing materials. This can be accomplished by dissolving the at least one fraction, for example, maltenes or asphaltenes in roofing shingles, into at least one solvent. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a dissolution vessel, a tumbler positioned therein, and at least one solvent distributor. The tumbler is configured to facilitate wetting the bitumen-containing materials with solvent. In a second aspect, a system comprises the apparatus, a solid-liquid separator, for example, a vibratory screen, and at least one solvent-fraction separator, for example, a flash drum. The at least one solvent can comprise one or more solvents useful to extract the at least one fraction. In a third aspect, a first fraction is extracted from the bitumen-containing materials with a first solvent composition, then a second fraction is extracted from the remaining bitumen-containing materials with a second solvent composition.

Abstract: A magnetic density separator includes a process channel, a magnetization device, a laminator, and a feed including an entraining device. The process channel may permit magnetic process liquid and particles to be separated to flow through in a flow direction. The magnetization device may be arranged to extend in flow direction along at least one of the walls of the channel and to apply a magnetic field to the process liquid in a separation zone of the channel to establish a cut density of the magnetic process liquid to separate the particles in the process liquid based on their density. The laminator may be configured to introduce magnetic process liquid into the channel to flow laminarized in flow direction along the separation zone. The feed may introduce a mixture of process liquid and particles to be separated into the process channel to join the laminarized process liquid.

Abstract: A process to beneficiate oxidized iron ore can include the steps of: (1) adding a polysaccharide to the oxidized iron ore; (2) adding at least one amine; and (3) adding at least one salt; wherein the pH of the process is below 10 and greater than 5.

Abstract: A system for automated collection of cutting samples produced during the drilling of a well includes a venturi-effect extractor, which receives a flow of carrier fluid, input fluid containing cuttings in response to suction generated by the flow of the carrier fluid, and output the carrier fluid and the fluid containing the cuttings to a packaging system. The packaging system separates the cuttings from carrier fluid and the fluid containing the cuttings, deposits the cuttings at a corresponding point along a moving elongated strip of base material, covers the elongated strip of base material and the cuttings deposited on the base material with an elongated strip of cover material, and advances the covered elongated strip of base material and covered cuttings onto a reel.

Abstract: Shown is an apparatus and method for cracking stone fruit nuts. The apparatus includes a frame (2) supporting a set of spaced apart jaw including a first jaw (4) and a second jaw (5) defining between them a gap (6), which is tapered down from the inlet (7) to the outlet (8). The first jaw (4) is adjustably secured to the frame (2) for adjustment of the size of the gap (6). The second jaw (5) is movably supported by the frame (2) and secured to drive means configured to rotatably move the second jaw (5) relative to the first jaw (4) with a tangential motion resulting in the continuously change of the size of the gap (6). To crack the shell, the stone fruit nut is located between the jaws and repeatedly pressed and rolled between the jaws from the inlet (7) to the outlet (8).

Abstract: A separating fluid, method and use for separating multilayer systems, especially photovoltaic modules, for the purpose of recycling, which allow the separation of multilayer systems. Especially photovoltaic modules, in comparatively simple manner in terms of the processes used, in as environmentally friendly a manner as possible, at high recycling rates. For this purpose, the separating fluid is a nanoscale dispersion or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a droplet deflector configured to apply a deflection force to a flow stream at a plurality of different angles. Droplet deflectors according to certain embodiments include one or more sets of parallel metallic plates that are configured to apply a deflection force to droplets in a flow stream flowing therebetween. Systems and methods for sorting particles in a sample with the subject deflector plates are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for separating incinerator combined ash to recover desired materials are described. The devices, systems, and methods may include 2-stage screen(s), falling velocity separator(s)/jig(s), magnetic pulley(s), eddy current separator(s), sensor sorters, and optical sorter(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of asphaltenes from an oil-containing fuel, has a mixing element for intensive mixing of the oil-containing fuel with a solvent to form a solution supersaturated with asphaltenes, a vessel for reducing the oversaturation by depositing the asphaltenes out of the supersaturated solution, a growth zone formed within the vessel for growth of asphaltene particles present via the asphaltenes separated out of the supersaturated solution, and a classifying unit connected in terms of flow to the vessel for separation of the asphaltene particles grown in the growth zone in terms of their particle size, wherein the vessel is formed and set up such that a stream containing asphaltene particles circulates between the mixing element and the growth zone of the vessel. A corresponding process has a stream containing asphaltene particles that circulates between the mixing element and the growth zone of the vessel.

Abstract: Identification of a material composition. The material composition is configured with a color additive that is embedded or otherwise not visible. The color additive identifies the specific material composition. A discrete section or sub-section of the material is deformed such that the embedded color additive is made visible in the optical spectrum, after which the discrete section or sub-section may be sorted for recycling.

Abstract: A method and a waste handling system, wherein waste or recyclable material is transported in carrier bags, bags or sack to a disposal point, and from there onwards by a transport vehicle for further processing. An RFID identifier is used in connection with the carrier bag, bag, or sack, or used in waste transport. A closing member is provided with an RFID) identifier used in closing, or as verification of the closing of the carrier bag, bag, sack. A sensor is arranged in connection with, or in the proximity of, a disposal point, such as a waste room, of the waste system. Information read from the RFID identifier by the sensor is transmitted to a control unit, that is fitted to control the waste transport system based on the information given by the RFID identifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an installation for separating individual valuable materials from mixed, in particular milled, plastic waste, comprising film parts, laminated film parts and hard plastic parts, plus optionally impurities. Any impurities are separated from the plastic waste. Next the plastic waste is separated into hard plastics and films as well as laminates, and the hard plastics are separated from the films, and finally the hard plastics are separated into the different types of plastic. At least one separation step comprises a sink-or-float separation.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery that activated carbon can be used to sequester polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that may be present in asphalt and creosote compositions. The treatment of asphalt and creosote compositions with activated carbon accordingly reduces the level of free polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in such compositions by sequestering them therein or removing them from the composition. After being sequestered the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons remain trapped in the asphalt or creosote composition, and are not available to the environment during normal processing into useful industrial products. This sequestration reduces the risk of exposing humans and the environment to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which would otherwise be free to migrate from the asphalt or creosote product during manufacturing and the service life of the product.

Abstract: A substance mixing apparatus that is capable of uniformly mixing a certain amount of trace substances and also mixing minute particles. A substance mixing apparatus includes two or more flow paths (11, 12, 13) in which orifices (111, 121, 131), from which a fluid that flows therethrough is externally discharged, are formed, oscillation devices (112, 122, 132) that form droplets of the fluid discharged from each of the orifices (111, 121, 131) by oscillating at least the orifice (111, 121, 131) part of the flow paths at a predetermined oscillation frequency and discharge the droplets, and a device for causing the droplets (A, B, C) discharged from the orifices (111, 121, 131) of the flow paths (11, 12, 13) to collide with one another.

Abstract: A zig-zag classifier for separating material to be separated, for example, plastic flakes, including two zig-zag-shaped plates which are arranged oppositely vertical to each other such that a channel is formed between them, where a central vertically disposed zig-zag-shaped separation plate between the two zig-zag-shaped plates is arranged such that the channel is divided into two parallel classifier channels having substantially the same width. Also, a method for separating material to be separated, for example, plastic flakes, using the zig-zag classifier disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of transferring proppant materials, wherein the method includes providing a first pressurized container (102) containing proppant materials on a first vessel (106). The method also includes connecting the first pressurized container (102) on the first vessel (106) to a second container (102) on a second vessel (114) and transferring pneumatically, proppant materials from the first pressurized container (102) on the first vessel (106) to the second container (102) on the second vessel (114). Also, a method of transferring proppant materials, the method including removing a wellbore fluid comprising excess proppant materials from a well, and screening the excess proppant materials from the wellbore fluid. The method also includes transferring the excess proppant materials to a first pressurized container (102) and transferring pneumatically, the excess proppant materials from the first pressurized container to a second pressurized container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mineral fiber-containing composite and the novel mineral fiber-containing element produced by that method. The invention also relates to an apparatus suitable for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: A system for treating a fluid in a container. The system includes an included airlift tube and active air input into the tube. The air is supplied by a pump that is external to the tank and sized in accordance with the size of the tank. The system is arranged to promote the generation of suspended growth bacteria. The bacteria are provided by an air supply that is diffused in the tube wherein the air carries naturally occurring bacterial spores. The airlift tube includes one or more inlet ports located below an air diffuser. The tube may be located on the floor of the tank, suspended from the ceiling of the tank or arranged to float within the tank. A plurality of tubes may be used together to treat fluids in containers larger than standard septic tanks. A pH neutralizing device may form part of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved molding sand performance through use of recovered additives from the existing waste stream in a foundry. Sand, clay, and carbon-containing organic components are wet recovered from a green sand mold foundry dust recovery system. The sand and non-sand fractions may be further treated to reduce water content or adjust the levels of various components to generate a pre-mix additive for the generation of new green sand molds, that may display improved properties at ambient and high temperatures when compared to commonly employed traditional pre-mix. In some examples, pre-mixes having reduced sulfur content are obtained. In several embodiments, the non-sand fraction obtained from bag house dust or dust from mechanical reclamation includes increased levels of bentonite clay and carbon.

Abstract: A method to identify and manage recyclable materials provides a recyclable material with a quartz crystal identification element configured to oscillate at a predetermined frequency associated with the recyclable material. A mobile device detects the oscillation frequency of the quartz crystal, identifies the recyclable material based on the detected oscillation frequency, and sends that information to a controller. The controller creates handling instructions for the pickup of the identified recyclable material.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a nanoparticle, a precursor (e.g., transition metal complex) mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is thermally decomposed. A nanoparticle is formed from the thermal decomposition. PEG is cost effective and less toxic than chemicals that are conventionally used for nanoparticle production, so that costs for manufacturing the nanoparticle may be decreased. Further, PEG may be reused to produce more nanoparticles.

Abstract: Processing excavated ASR from an ASR landfill. The processing includes excavating the ASR and co-mingled material, sizing the excavated material, separating the excavated, sized material into a heavy and light fraction, and further processing the heavy fraction to recover ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Abstract: Processing shredder residue fines to recover valuable metals, such as copper, from waste materials. The disclosed systems and methods employ processes that further refine the waste materials to concentrate the metallic material after the waste materials are initially processed. Processes include employing a destoner, and optionally multiple destoners and screens, to concentrate metal constituents in the shredder residue fines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing waste incineration ashes (A), in particular domestic waste incineration ashes (HMVA), in which the ashes are classified into a plurality of fractions of different grain size distributions in a processing plant (11) separated from the actual waste incineration process. The ashes (A) are classified exclusively using a wet classification process in the processing plant (11), only wet classification processes that are gentle to the grains being used, and the wet classification process is performed in such a way that all of the ashes (A) are classified into at least one fine fraction (I) loaded with harmful substances and at least one coarse fraction (II, III) that contains only a small amount of harmful substances or no harmful substances at all.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

Abstract: A method obtains non-magnetic ores from a suspension containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates. The method involves dividing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates precipitated from the suspension into a mixture of separately present ore particles and magnet particles, separating the magnetic particles from the mixture, forming a first mass flow containing magnetic particles and a second mass flow containing ore particles. At least one information describing a measure of the content of ore particles in the first mass flow and being associated with the first mass flow and/or at least one information describing a measure of the portion of magnetic particles in the second mass flow and being associated with the second mass flow are determined in order to determine the efficiency of at least one of the separation processes described above.

Abstract: A method obtains non-magnetic ores from a suspension-like mass flow containing non-magnetic ore particles. The method involves mixing the mass flow with magnetic particles in a mixing device and forming ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates, feeding the mass flow as a separator feed flow to a magnetic separator for separating the ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates from the mass flow, forming a separator concentrate flow containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates and a separator residual flow containing the remaining constituents of the mass flow, and separating the ore particles from the ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates contained in the separator concentrate flow.

Abstract: A mobile screening apparatus includes a support chassis. The support chassis is configured for carrying at least one screening assembly having a top screen deck and at least one further screen deck below the top screen deck. At least at least one primary feed mechanism is configured for arrangement in communication with any one or more of the top and further screen decks to feed material to be screened onto said any one or more of the top and further screen decks.

Abstract: A method for removing metal pieces contained in gypsum board wastes from the gypsum board wastes by means of a drum magnetic separator, wherein the method comprises the step of dropping cut pieces obtained by cutting the gypsum board wastes at fixed intervals “D” on the drum magnetic separator at a drop height “h”; and the drop height “h” is 0.8 to 3 times the interval “D”.

Abstract: A method to significantly reduce the need for treating bottom ash with a bonding agent, such as lime or concrete, as is typically done by Waste-to-Energy facilities within the United States of America. Furthermore it is a method that will greatly reduce the costs associated with freight, and disposal typically associated with WTE bottom ash by extracting excess water, metallic, and eliminating the need for supplemental additives such as lime or concrete.

Abstract: A process and a device for dry separation of a conglomerate of metal scrap of non-magnetic particles from magnetic ones. Dry separation equipment for metal scrap which have a sequence of magnets placed in line, the poles of which are north-pole to south-pole are unable to meet this requirement. This insufficiency is due to the fact that the conglomerate of metal scrap is not sufficiently shook. This procedure does mean that at the end of transportation there is still non-magnetic material and other stuff fixed to the magnetic material. Intensive motion necessary is achieved by this invention by locating magnets adjacent to one another with equal poles, north-pole to north-pole and south-pole to south-pole and so on.

Abstract: A motor driven crusher for agitating and crushing material is provided. The crusher includes a frame removably coupled to a mechanical bucket and a plurality of shafts rotatably coupled within the frame and operationally coupled to the motor. The crusher further includes a plurality of crushing agitators coupled to each shaft of the plurality of shafts; and a plurality of screening spaces each having a predetermined spacing, wherein material placed on a top side of the crusher is agitated and crushed by the plurality of crushing agitators while the plurality of shafts rotate, screening small material through the plurality of screening spaces while crushing the larger material on the top side of the crusher to fit within the plurality of screening spaces.

Abstract: A method of sorting mined material for subsequent processing to recover valuable material, such as valuable metals, from the mined material is disclosed. The method includes a combination of selective breakage of mined material, for example, by using microwaves and/or high pressure grinding rolls, subsequent size separation, and then particle sorting of a coarse fraction of the separated material based on differential heating and thermal imaging.

Abstract: A method to significantly reduce the need for treating bottom ash with a bonding agent, such as lime or concrete, as is typically done by Waste-to-Energy facilities within the United States of America. Furthermore it is a method that will greatly reduce the costs associated with freight, and disposal typically associated with WTE bottom ash by extracting excess water, metallic, and eliminating the need for supplemental additives such as lime or concrete.

Abstract: Amine-aldehyde resins are disclosed for removing a wide variety of solids and/or ionic species from the liquids in which they are suspended and/or dissolved. These resins are especially useful as froth flotation depressants, for example in the beneficiation of value materials (e.g., bitumen, coal, or kaolin clay) to remove impurities such as sand. The resins are also useful for treating aqueous liquid suspensions to remove solid particulates, as well as for removing metallic ions in the purification of water.

Abstract: A deposit module is described. The deposit module comprises: a port for receiving a bunch of media items; a bunch characterization device operable to characterize the bunch prior to individual media items being removed from the bunch of media items; and a media separator for removing individual media items from the bunch and for transporting the removed individual media items to a media item validator subsequent to characterization of the bunch of media items.

Abstract: An integrated drying and dry-separating apparatus for upgrading raw coal includes a coal supply system, a hot air system, a drying system, a dedusting and exhausting system, and a dry-separating system. The coal supply system conveys raw coal to the hot air system and the drying system by a raw coal conveyer respectively. The hot air system is a heat source of the drying system. The drying system is used for drying and dewatering the raw coal. The dedusting and exhausting system is consisted of a deduster and an exhaust fan, and establishes a connection between the drying system and the dry-separating system. The dry-separating system includes a dry separator, a circulating fan, and a cyclone deduster, which is used for separating dried raw coal into fancy coal, middling coal and coal gangue. A method for dry-separating and drying raw coal using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a calcium carbonate containing material having increased bulk density at equal or improved flowability, and a method of producing such a material. The inventive process comprises the step of contacting a calcium carbonate containing mineral powder with a solution or emulsion or dispersion of a binder.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

Abstract: Methods for purifying one or more value materials are provided. The method can include contacting an aqueous mixture comprising a value material and a contaminant with a dispersant and a depressant to produce a treated mixture. A weight ratio of the dispersant to the depressant can be from about 1:1 to about 30:1. The method can also include recovering a purified product comprising the value material from the treated mixture. The purified product can have a reduced concentration of the contaminant relative to the aqueous slurry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a particulate extraction material for the extraction of lithium from a geothermal brine or lithium containing solution. The particulate material includes an inorganic or polymer based substrate that includes a lithium aluminum intercalate layer applied to the exterior of the substrate, wherein the lithium aluminum intercalate layer is operable to capture lithium ions from solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for recycling coal ash comprising an unburned coal ash recovery unit and a lightweight aggregate manufacturing unit and is provided in an existing thermoelectric power plant and in which coal ash generated in the thermoelectric power plant is completely recycled for specific purposes using the coal ash recycling apparatus. According to the invention, the surrounding environment can be prevented from being contaminated during the transportation of waste to a recycling factory and transportation expenses can be reduced. Moreover, coal ash is completely recycled for specific uses, such that unburned carbon contained in the coal ash can be used. Also, coal ash can be recycled even as concrete admixtures having strict standards. In addition, the present invention can prevent environmental contamination caused by the landfilling of waste and recycle waste, thereby reducing the loss of land and the waste of resources.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the concentration of platinum group metals in urban waste material. The method comprises obtaining particles of urban waste material; screening the particles of urban waste material by size,—selecting particles of urban waste material that lie within a defined size range; and processing the selected particles using at least one physical or chemical technique whereby to increase the concentration of platinum group metals to at least 5 ppm. The invention also relates to an apparatus for increasing the concentration of platinum group metals in particulate urban waste material. The apparatus comprises: a drying unit (4), a particle size screening unit (5); and one or more processing units for effecting platinum group metal concentration of the particulate urban waste material by physical and/or chemical techniques, in particular a magnetic separation unit (7) and a froth flotation cell (9).