Abstract: A process and apparatus for refining iron from high-phosphorus content iron ores. The process involves mixing a high-phosphorus iron oxide ore and an alkaline solution of pH between about 12.5 and 13.5, screening the mixture by gravity to separate an alkaline-high-phosphorus solution from a low-phosphorus iron ore; and treating the low-phosphorus iron ore with lime and a natural gas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.

Abstract: A folding sluice box assembly includes a plurality of generally U-sectioned trough segments having their end portions nested in size progression and hinged to each other to form an overlap of the received portion and the receiving portion. A deformation in the bottom surface of a received portion is aligned on full pivotal extension for mating receipt in a conforming bottom surface opening in the receiving portion, thus interlocking of the assembly into its working configuration. When thus extended the edge of a resilient mat positioned on the bottom surface of the receiving segment abuts the edge of the received segment to effect a substantial seal therewith.

Abstract: A method of harvesting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is provided. According to this method, CNT bundles, comprising CNTs associated with metallic catalysts and having amorphous carbon coatings are agitated in an aqueous liquid containing a dispersant with free-flowing grit particles to disassociate the CNTs from the metallic catalysts, remove the amorphous carbon of the amorphous carbon coatings and shorten the CNTs via shearing.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for carrying out continuous or batch centrifugation solid-liquid separation processes in which the solid-liquid mixture is subjected to magnetic field gradients and centrifugation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous or batch centrifugation solid-liquid separation process comprising simultaneously subjecting the solid-liquid mixture to localized magnetic field gradients and the centrifugation and to improved centrifugation solid-liquid separation processes wherein the improvement comprises simultaneously subjecting the solid-liquid mixture to a homogeneous magnetic field, a magnetic field gradient or both prior to and/or during the centrifugation.

Abstract: To provide a treatment method having excellent purification effect, in which impurities having high ionicity in a silica powder can be removed in a short time, a apparatus thereof, and a purified silica powder. A purification method of a silica powder comprises: making a silica powder into a fluid state; contacting a purified gas to the silica powder in the fluid state at high temperature; and thereby removing impurity components of the silica powder. In the method, the silica powder in the fluid state is positioned in a magnetic field region. Further, the silica powder is contacted with the purified gas, while applying voltage to the silica powder by an electric field generated by moving of the silica powder. Preferably, the silica powder in a fluid state is positioned in the magnetic region of 10 gausses or more, and contacted with the purification gas at a temperature of 1000° C. or more.

Abstract: Electromagnetic separator comprising two or more solenoids (6, 7) arranged inside a rotatable drum (1) and connected to a continuous current power supply (8) for generating a magnetic field suitable for separating ferromagnetic parts, wherein said power supply (8) supplies a current being substantially constant in time. The invention also relates to a separation method that can be carried out by means of said electromagnetic separator.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems are provided for mining alluvial gold deposits. The methods can comprise collecting feed from alluvium and washing the feed at high pressure. The feed can be separated into a plurality of separate fractions. At least one fraction is transferred to a metal sensor system using a conveyer, wherein when gold is detected in a piece of the fraction, an air blast can be targeted and delivered at the piece, with the air blast diverting the piece to a receiving container.

Abstract: A process for beneficiation of trona includes supplying a trona feedstream that is crushed and dried. The trona is then separated into a first size fraction and a second size fraction. Impurities are removed from the first size fraction using at least one magnetic separator. The magnetic separator includes a plurality of stages. Each stage includes a conveyer system including a first end, a second end, and a conveyer belt. Each stage also includes a magnetic roller disposed at the second end of the conveyer system and a splitter disposed adjacent the second end of the conveyer system for separating a fraction of magnetic impurities from the trona to create a beneficiated fraction. At least one conveyer belt is deionized. Airborne dust particles are removed from an area surrounding at least one conveyer system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating solid particles, using a magnetic fluid, wherein the magnetic fluid is passed through a magnetic field for the purpose of changing the effective density of the magnetic fluid, and the particles are separated into fractions of different density. The present invention further relates to device for separating solid particles, using a magnetic fluid.

Abstract: A material separator system and method for magnetically separating components of feedstock by directing the feedstock onto a thin rotating shell enclosing one or more rotating magnetic rolls capable of riding upon the interior of the shell. In one embodiment, a cam-and-bearing arrangement is used to permit the magnetic roll and shell each to rotate on its own independent axis. This provides the ability to adjust clearance, the line of contact, and the degree of contact between the magnetic roll and the shell. In another embodiment, a different arrangement provides the same capabilities. The system can be configured to drive a magnetic roll, which then drives the shell, or it can be configured to drive the shell, which then drives the magnetic roll. The system can also be configured as a retreater for retreating feedstock.

Abstract: A device for treating an analyte using magnetic beads is provided wherein the surfaces of the magnetic beads are effectively available as a whole. The device comprises a housing having a channel therein, through which channel the analyte is moved; a pair of electromagnets which are oppositely arranged in such a manner that the channel is interposed therebetween; a moving means for moving the pair of electromagnets along the channel while the electromagnets are facing the channel; and a controlling means for controlling magnetic forces generated by the electromagnets. The device is characterized in that the magnetic forces of the electromagnets are alternately generated with time. This will cause the magnetic beads to collide successively with the inner surface of the channel, which in turn gives a more efficient dispersion of the magnetic beads even if they are clustered or agglutinated to each other.

Abstract: The Water Garbage Recycler is a system to recycle waste by using water as a medium to classify and extract waste material. Water causes lightweight materials to float to the surface where they are collected for processing. These materials are shredded and compacted in bales to be recycled. Likewise, heavier objects such as metals sink to the bottom and are collected and transported to be processed appropriately. The source of water is a sewer plant where it can be redeposited for recycling. This method of processing waste is ecologically friendly because ninety nine percent of the waste material can be recycled efficiently.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method which turns construction wastes into building materials said method separating construction wastes into heavy materials, light materials and mineral materials by sorting, magnetic separating, primarily crushing and separating by gravity, said mineral materials to be used as raw materials of building material, said building materials comprising fibrous material of 5-10 portions, said mineral material of 40-60 portions, low-water cement of 20-30 portions and other materials of 0-30 portions. This method makes good use of mineral materials, the main part of construction waste to save material resource and to reduce final discharge amount of construction waste.

Abstract: A magnetic separation apparatus for separating metallic material from a granulated stream of mixed metallic and nonmetallic material comprises a vibratory conveyor having a trough assembly mounted on a suspension system and coupled to a motor for causing the suspension system to vibrate. The trough assembly includes an upper trough having at least two sections aligned in a predetermined direction of material flow and a lower trough extending in the same direction as and beneath the upper. The upper trough includes one or more gaps of a predetermined width so as to permit material to fall onto the lower trough. Each trough is arranged so as to feed a different output collection point. At least one of the gaps between a downstream section of the upper trough and an upstream section of the upper trough includes the downstream section positioned at a height lower than the upstream section thereby forming a vertical drop between the two sections with the gap positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A method and system are for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of body shells Shredder residues are separated into a shredder light fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction (shredder heavy fraction). During the sorting of the shredder light fraction and the shredder heavy fraction in preliminary processes and a main process, a crude-sand fraction is produced by separating out at least a ferromagnetic fraction, a fraction containing nonferrous metals, a fiber fraction, and a granulate fraction. In a refining process, the crude-sand fraction is separated into a residual fraction rich in organics, a dust fraction containing heavy metals, a sand fraction depleted in organics and metals, and a metallic fraction, using the sequential process steps of density separation and metal separation.

Abstract: A particulate feed comprising a first particle type and a second particle type is separated by providing a separation apparatus having a separation vessel having a top and a bottom, and wherein the separation vessel includes inwardly sloping side walls. A magnet structure has a first pole positioned exterior of and adjacent to each of the side walls of the separation vessel, and a second pole positioned above the separation vessel. A mixture of the particulate feed and a ferrofluid is introduced into the separation vessel, and the particulate feed is separated into a first particle fraction comprising a majority of the first particle type, which sinks in the separation vessel, and a second particle fraction comprising a majority of the second particle type which floats in the separation vessel.

Abstract: A separation apparatus and method for use in separating magnetic material from non-magnetic material that includes the use of a magnetic grid, e.g., a permanently magnetic grid, which defines a plurality of openings. The grid assists in preventing magnetic material from being transported to an overflow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for cleaning wood-containing material, comprising the following features: with a feeding zone; with a pre-sifter station with a magnetic separator comprising a magnetic roller; with a wind sifter as a separator of heavy materials which is situated underneath the magnetic roller; with an air system for sifting the flow of material with the following arrangement: an upper deflection conduit section for deflecting the material flow from the horizontal downwardly is guided about the magnetic roller; a drop section is connected to the upper deflection conduit section; a lower deflection conduit is connected to the lower end of the drop section; the lower zone of the drop section comprises a separator for heavy materials; an air conduit for holding back material opens into the lower part of the drop section; a movable baffle wall with swiveling flaps or air nozzles for ejecting NF materials is provided in the drop section.

Abstract: An improved air jig apparatus and method is disclosed in which a dry magnetic separator is used to separate paramagnetic and ferromagnetic minerals from the dust component of coal cleaned with the air jig. The cleaned product of the dry magnetic separator is combined with the cleaned product of the air jig thereby improving both the quality and the quantity of the unmodified air jig product. The dry magnetic separator may be of a variety of types including but not limited to separators made from permanent magnets, electromagnets, and superconducting magnets, each of which may also employ triboelectric and/or aerodynamic means to enhance the separation of the dust material.

Abstract: Recovery of gold fines from gold-bearing ores is achieved by flowing an aqueous slurry of particulate gold-bearing ore over a sluice supporting a mat of magnetically susceptible particulate material, which preferably includes the magnetite content of the ore or a quantity of magnetite added to the ore, the mat being disposed over a sheet of magnetic material in which magnetic poles extending across the sluice and alternate in polarity at spaced intervals along the length of the sluice.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering a saline mineral from an ore containing the saline mineral and impurities. The process generally comprises the steps of separating a first portion of impurities from the ore by density separation, electrostatically separating a second portion of impurities from the ore, and magnetically separating a third portion of impurities from the ore. The process can further include the steps of crushing the ore and dividing the crushed ore into a plurality of size fractions before the above-referenced separating steps. Furthermore, in order to increase the efficiency of the separating processes, the process of the present invention may further include the steps of drying the ore to remove surface moisture therefrom and de-dusting the ore to recover valuable fines.

Abstract: A gravity-magnetic separator (10) for concentrating magnetic materials (28), particularly iron, is disclosed. The preferred separator is a cast-iron Humphreys spiral retrofitted with powerful rare earth magnets (22) beneath its separating surface (14), the magnets being sufficiently strong to overcome the shielding effect of the cast-iron spiral and induce a magnetic field at the separating surface of about 60 gauss to about 120 gauss. The resulting gravity-magnetic separator enhances the recovery of iron in a commercially significant way.

Abstract: A material separator that magnetically separates the desired material from a slurry as the slurry travels along one or more passageways between a hopper and a discharge chute. Riffle lines can also be incorporated in such passageways to increase the separation capabilities of the material separator. Additionally, as the need arises, more or fewer passageways can be added or removed to adjust the collection efficiency of the material separator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating shredded particles, for instance particles of used beverage cans, into respective fractions that contain greater amounts of one of a plurality of alloys from which the cans have been made. The method includes screening the shredded material to provide particles having a desired particle size, and gravimetrically separating the screened particles into a plurality of groups based upon the mass of the particles. The heaviest bulk density group of particles is selected for further processing and is first preferably passed through a flattening device to flatten the particles, which are then conveyed through a varying magnetic field provided by a linear induction motor so that the particles containing higher concentrations of higher conductivity alloys can be further separated from particles of alloys having lower electrical conductivities.

Abstract: A process for continuous particle and polymer separation comprising injecting a stream of carrier fluid containing the material to be separated into the inlet end of a thin channel, adjusting the flow rate to a sufficiently high level that flow-dependent lift forces the different components to different transverse positions by the time they reach the end of the channel, splitting the outlet flow into at least two substreams by means of physical splitters, adjusting the flowrates of the multiple substreams such that the transverse position of the outlet splitting plane divides the particles into enriched fractions, collecting the enriched or separated components from the emerging outlet streams.

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 thin channel split flow process for particle fractionation which effects a rapid and efficient separation of the particles comprising continuously introducing two or more fluid substreams of different composition into separate inlet ports of a thin enclosed channel having a thickness which is very thin compared to the other two dimensions and bringing the substreams into contact with adjacent substreams so as to collectively form a series of thin laminae flowing parallel to one another in the channel and in contact with one another over a sufficient length of channel to allow a desired level of mass transport between and through laminae, continuously introducing a fluid medium containing the particles to be separated as one or more of the fluid substreams and independently of the particle concentration, varying the fluid composition of the different substreams as needed to realize separation, at the outlet end of the channel splitting the collective streams into another set of substreams so as to permit sep

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention mainly relates to the technical areas of foundry, manufacture of parts by casting metal in moulds.The process consists in that after moulding the parts and stripping them from the moulds which were broken, during a first cycle the mixture resulting from the knock-out is recovered. This mixture being stored. This mixture is directed from the storage place to an intermediate container; then the mixture from the intermediate container is fed up to a sieve grading separator unit allowing to separate the grains or particles in several different grading batches; each one of these batches is directed to a separating table designed for separating chromite from silica; the chromite on the one hand and the silica on the other hand are recovered in containers.This invention mainly applies to the recovery of components of different densities, especially chromite and silica.

Abstract: A gravity-magnetic ore separator for concentrating magnetic or weakly magnetic minerals having a relatively high specific gravity is disclosed. The ore separator utilizes codirectional magnetic and gravitational forces to achieve separation capabilities in excess of that which can be achieved using gravity forces alone. Typically, the gravity-magnetic ore separator is formed by retrofitting a conventional gravity separator such as a spiral, cone, pinched sluice, etc. with magnets so as to enhance the separation capability of the conventional gravitational ore separator. Means are provided to prevent build up of magnetic material on the surface over which the ore flows.

Abstract: A gravity-magnetic ore separator for concentrating magnetic or weakly magnetic minerals having a relatively high specific gravity is disclosed. The ore separator utilizes codirectional magnetic and gravitational forces to achieve separation capabilities in excess of that which can be achieved using gravity forces alone. Typically, the gravity-magnetic ore separator is formed by retrofitting a conventional gravity separator such as a spiral, cone, pinched sluice, etc. with magnets so as to enhance the separation capability of the conventional gravitational ore separator. Means are provided to prevent build up of magnetic material on the surface over which the ore flows.

Abstract: Solids comprising a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed are transported in a direction transverse to the flow of the fluidizing fluid exiting the bed by contacting at least a portion of said solids with fluidizing fluid which enters the bed with a velocity component in the direction of solids flow; i.e. the transverse flow direction. In a preferred embodiment, the fluidizing fluid entering the bed is passed through a distribution means containing propulsion passages slanted in the desired direction of solids flow which serve to orient the fluidizing fluid in the transverse flow direction. Use of this invention eliminates the need for the costly and inconvenient pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical transport devices employed in the prior art. Solids attrition and elutriation are also reduced.

Abstract: A concentrate containing precious metals is produced from a particulate feed material containing particles of various sizes by a size fractionation step, a gravity separation step performed on each size fraction separately, a magnetic separation step and a second gravity separation step. The process is especially intended for separating gold and other metals from so-called "black sand" placer deposits.

Abstract: Oil shale mineral solids are separated from a fluid in a process comprising heating the mineral solids to at least the magnetic transformation temperature of a portion of the solids and thereafter magnetically separating mineral solids from the feed. High gradient magnetic separation techniques are preferred.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in a dry magnetic separation system for increasing the recovery of magnetic ore from the feed material. The system includes a separator which has a magnetic head-pulley assembly mounted in one end of an endless belt conveyor loop. When the conveyor is run at high speeds some of the ore is thrown off the head-end of the belt instead of being retained on it by the magnetic pulley. Those ore particles that are retained are carried onto the lower flight of the belt from which they are dropped into an ore chute. To recover the magnetic portion of the "thrown" ore, an adjustable splitter is located outwardly of the pulley-head at a lower elevation than the belt. The splitter also directs these partially magnetic particles into the ore chute and the non-magnetics to a tailings chute.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for treating titanium machining scrap to remove both magnetic and non-magnetic high density inclusions, particularly bits or pieces of tungsten carbide broken from the cutting tool or tools associated with the scrap. In the process and apparatus a major portion of the undesired high density inclusions are removed by the novel use of an air separator, particularly one having an inclined, vibrating, air-conducting deck onto which the work product is fed and through which an upward current of air is blown. One or more magnetic separators are also used in advance of a final x-ray inspection station. The overall efficiency of the process and apparatus is such that a high percentage of initial input material is converted to high quality material passing the x-ray inspection and suitable for use in making rotating aircraft parts or other parts subjected to severe service demands.

Abstract: Oil shale mineral solids are separated from a fluid such as retorted shale oil by heating the mineral solids to a temperature above about 480.degree. C. and above the magnetic transformation temperature of at least a portion of the solids. The temperature of the solids is maintained above 480.degree. C. for no longer than about one minute, and the solids are magnetically separated. High gradient magnetic separation techniques are preferred.

Abstract: Uncured rubber scrap may be segregated from metal and fiber contaminants by the method of first embrittling the scrap by immersion in a liquid cryogen, then impacting the embrittled rubber and magnetically removing metal, and then milling the remainder. Gas flotation is used during milling so that particles of rubber and fiber are selectively removed from the mill and subsequently classified by size, whereby most of the fibrous component is segregated from a remainder. The remainder is then worked so as to increase the surface area of residual fiber prior to further segregation of fiber from rubber by gas flotation. The combined milling and flotation procedure may also be used for separating components of other mixtures. Apparatus for embrittling and milling is described.

Abstract: A method for reducing the sulfur content of coal which involves an integrated, continuous process including the steps of grinding the coal in a dry state, activating the ground coal to increase substantially the magnetic susceptibility of the pyrite contained therein, and separating the thus activated pyrite magnetically from the remainder of the coal.

Abstract: A method used in conjunction with prospecting or mineral exploration of sedimentary deposits containing a minute amount of an economic mineral is described. The method is applied to a bulk sample of a deposit and generally involves the steps of washing and wet sieving the sample to produce two or more size fractions, drying the size fraction, separating at least one size fraction into at least two specific gravity fractions and, usually, magnetically separating at least one specific gravity fraction for the purpose of obtaining economic mineral concentration in at least one fraction of such sample. For specific environments where unstable sulphide conditions exist, an acid leach step may be included following specific gravity separation either to a specific gravity fraction or to a fraction resulting from magnetic separation after specific gravity separation.

Abstract: A movably mounted receptacle having perforations therein with hollow spigots connected to the receptacle in registry with the perforations and projecting substantially downwardly therefrom, these spigots being moved through a bed of the particulate material in a receiver while particles of the material move through the spigots. The spigots discharge the particles moving therethrough into the bed and agitate the bed during movement therethrough. A fluid medium is directed in the materials in the receptacle, this medium going through the spigots with the material particles and overflowing from the receiver, carrying lighter particles with it while heavier particles concentrate towards the bottom of the bed. The separating method involving the use of this apparatus.