Abstract: A device for sorting particulate material includes a main conveyor belt, a separation screen, a graded material conveyor, and an oversize material conveyor. The separation screen is configured to separate the material into a first portion and a second portion with a larger average particle diameter than the first portion. The graded material conveyor is positioned below the separation screen to receive the first portion of the material, and the oversize material conveyor is positioned at an end of the separation screen to receive the second portion of the material.

Abstract: A Cannabis trichome separator. At least one storage vessels are provided, each vessel having an open top and adapted to receive a plant material and chilled or ice water mixture. A mechanism for agitating the mixture is also provided. Another mechanism raises, lowers, and pivots the agitating mechanism, so the agitating mechanism can be placed over the open top of each of the at least one storage vessels. The mixture can be agitated in each of the storage vessels, seriatim. Also disclosed is a method for processing raw plant material. A plant material and chilled or ice water is introduced into each of at least one storage vessels. The agitating mechanism agitates the mixture in a first of the storage vessels, pivoting the agitating mechanism from a first position to a second position, and agitating the mixture in subsequent storage vessels, seriatim.

Abstract: The present application discloses an active sorting muck-collecting device for slurry balancing shield, aiming at solving a technical problem that an existing muck-collecting device cannot provide reliable sorting function for a shield slurry circulation system. The device includes a sorting stirring cylinder, a circulation pipeline and a muck-collecting box, the sorting stirring cylinder includes an outer cylinder and a rotatable grid cylinder coaxially-configured. The grid cylinder is configured with a rotating shaft, and a spiral conveying mechanism is fixedly configured inside. The rotating shaft is fixedly connected with the grid cylinder. A circulation pipeline communicated with the grid cylinder is correspondingly configured below the grid cylinder. A muck-collecting box is fixedly configured below the circulation pipeline, and the muck-collecting box is communicated with the grid cylinder at where an output end of a slurry discharging pipeline locates.

Abstract: A separation device includes a rotating member that has a mesh having a first surface and a second surface in a front and back relationship and a protruding member provided on the first surface side of the mesh, a supply unit that supplies a material containing a fiber onto the first surface of the mesh, a suction unit that is provided on the second surface side of the mesh and configured to suck a part of the material supplied onto the first surface, and a collection unit that collects the material deposited on the first surface.

Abstract: A device for sorting particulate material includes a main conveyor belt, a separation screen, a graded material conveyor, and an oversize material conveyor. The separation screen is configured to separate the material into a first portion and a second portion with a larger average particle diameter than the first portion. The graded material conveyor is positioned below the separation screen to receive the first portion of the material, and the oversize material conveyor is positioned at an end of the separation screen to receive the second portion of the material.

Abstract: A conveyance system includes a conveyance device including a first conveyance mechanism configured to convey freight supplied from a loader, and a second conveyance mechanism configured to convey the freight supplied from the first conveyance mechanism, a weight detection device configured to detect weight of the freight loaded on the second conveyance mechanism, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus includes a first conveyance control unit configured to control the first conveyance mechanism. The first conveyance control unit controls the first conveyance mechanism based on a detection value of the weight detection device.

Abstract: A system and method directed to the economical recovery of valuable iron constituents from iron blast furnace and steel-making slag fines wherein the slag is obtained and subjected to a series of classification steps which progressively sort the slag fines by various physical characteristics, including magnetism, size, and density, into relatively iron-rich and relatively iron-poor classifications, resulting in the isolation of iron-rich commercial byproduct at one or more of the classification steps.

Abstract: Venturi devices that create vacuum have a housing defining a motive passageway converging toward a suction chamber, a discharge passageway diverging away from the suction chamber, and a suction passageway in fluid communication with the suction chamber. Within the suction chamber, a motive exit of the motive passageway is generally aligned with and spaced apart from a discharge entrance of the discharge passageway to define a Venturi gap, and the suction passageway enters the suction chamber at a position that generates about a 180 degree change in the direction of suction flow from the suction passageway to the discharge passageway. The motive passageway may terminate in a spout protruding into the suction chamber disposed spaced apart from all one or more sidewalls of the suction chamber and may subdivide downstream of the single entrance into two or more subpassageways each leading to one of two or more motive exits.

Abstract: Devices for producing vacuum using the Venturi effect are disclosed that have a motive passageway converging toward a suction chamber, a discharge passageway diverging away from the suction chamber, and a suction passageway, all of which are in fluid communication with the suction chamber. The motive passageway has a single entrance, and subdivides downstream thereof into a plurality of subpassageways, one each leading to one of the plurality of motive exits, which are spaced apart from a discharge entrance of the discharge passageway to define a Venturi gap. The fletch having a plurality of ribs extending between an exterior surface of the generally conically-shaped main body thereof and an interior surface of the motive passageway is disposed in the motive passageway. The ribs divide the motive passageway into the plurality of sub-passageways, each converging fluid flow over the exterior surface thereof toward one of the plurality of motive exits.

Abstract: A sluice including an upper channel that includes a material deck and a tilted classification screen. Below the classification screen is a lower cavity located between two longitudinally aligned plenums located under the upper channel. Each plenum includes a front opening and a rear opening and an interior sidewall. Extending between the plenums is a floor plate. Fluidization holes are formed on each interior sidewall. During use, the sluice is positioned in a stream so water flows simultaneously over the upper channel and the through the front openings of the plenums. Water flowing over the upper channel separates mined material placed on the material deck so that small particles fall through the classification screen. The water entering the front openings of the two plenums flows through the plenums and partially exits through the fluidization holes and sprays over the small particles deposited in the lower cavity further separating the fine gold particles from the small particles.

Abstract: A classifying fluid bed granulation unit includes a perforated bed floor; a fluid bed section; a solid feed inlet or internal crushing device; a fluidization air inlet; a liquid solution or melt feed inlet and nozzles; an air outlet; and a product outlet; wherein the fluid bed section comprises at least one particle classification element comprising one or more vertically inclined channels having top and bottom end feed openings, and wherein the one or more vertically inclined channels have upper and lower side slots. In operation of the above fluid bed granulation unit, each channel of the element is separating particles into large particle and small particle fractions and transporting the large particle fraction upwards and the small particle fraction downwards in each channel, and the large particle and small particle fractions are transported out of the upper and lower side slots, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating components of wet cement. A reclaim gate includes a tumbler flange with a tumbler flange opening. A strainer having strainer openings passes sand, rinse water, and cement slurry while blocking cement aggregates. A fixed plate entraps the strainer in place. The fixed plate has a reclaim aperture aligned with the screen. A rotating turn plate having a matching reclaim aperture is adjacent the fixed plate. A gate actuator retains the turn plate adjacent the fixed plate such that the turn plate can turn to selectively align the turn plate aperture with the fixed plate aperture. In use the aggregates are blocked by the screen, the sand passes through and is filtered; the slurry passes through and is collected and settled. The aggregates, sand, and rinse water can be recovered.

Abstract: Methods and system for recovering metals from combustion ash containing ferrous and nonferrous metals, including the steps of providing a feedstock source of ash, comminuting the ash to substantially reduce the particle size and liberate metal particles therein, separating the metal particles from the comminuted ash by particle size to obtain ash with a reduced metal content, at least one ferrous product and at least one nonferrous product.

Abstract: A material sorter apparatus includes a drum mounted for rotation and a coaxial trommel mounted within the drum. Raw material is applied to the trommel. Rotational movement of the drum imparts expulsion of large material in the raw material from the trommel out of the device. The rotational movement of the drum imparts filtration of the raw material through the trommel into the drum as fine material. The drum is fluid impervious and is formed with an inwardly-directed lip. The trommel and drum are angled with respect to a horizontal. A wash is directed into the drum to wash the raw and fine material in the trommel and drum. The drum is mounted for pivotal movement to a stand.

Abstract: A portable device for the separation of gold from other materials commonly found in placer deposits of gravel, sand, etc. Including an upper tray (72) into which is located a water spray assembly and placer materials classifier. This upper tray to be hinged to middle sluice tray (98), which has located on its bottom panel an expanded metal section (38) on top of a final mat (40) consisting of ribbed rubber matting or other suitable material, which has a series of groves, to be used as washable riffling device. Lower sluice tray (96) to be attached by hinging device to middle sluice tray (98) and locked into place by lower tray locks (48). Lower sluice tray to have laying on its bottom panel a continuation of final mat (40). This mat to be held in place by a riffle cage (36) containing a series of rigid riffles. Riffle cage (36) to be secured by hold down clamps (64). Expanded metal to be held in place by tab (42). Upper tray to be supported by sliding brace (43) and locking handles (94).

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: Processing automobile shredder residue (ASR) zorba to separate aluminum and magnesium from the other non-ferrous metals. The system and method employs a destoner to separate the magnesium and aluminum from other non-ferrous metals in the ASR zorba. The resulting magnesium and aluminum product may be further processed by a destoner to separate the aluminum from the magnesium. The ASR zorba may be segregated by size prior to processing in the destoner.

Abstract: The method and systems efficiently extract recyclable materials from a mixed solid waste stream. The methods and systems use sizing, density and dimensional separation to produce intermediate waste streams that are enriched in particular recyclable materials. The recyclable materials can then be efficiently sorted from the individual intermediate streams using mechanized sorting equipment.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively obtaining a measurement of pollen of a plant. A quantitative collection of a sample of pollen is counted. Total pollen of the plant can be calculated. One way of quantitative collection of pre-shed pollen involves blending a part of the plant with pollen in the presence of liquid (e.g. water) in a blender. The action of the blender tends to destroy the non-pollen parts of the plant and release the pollen into the liquid. Extraction of the pollen from the blender can be through a sidewall port that includes a filter or sieve having a mesh size that passes relevant pollen but blocks most non-pollen plant parts. The sample can be efficiently prepared for counting of pollen. One method of counting comprises imaging the sample with the pollen well distributed in the focal plane of the imager.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for separating minerals or other particulate matter, including a housing, a particulate inlet, a fluid inlet and an outlet. The separation apparatus separates the minerals or other particulate matter, based on density. This is achieved by ingressing a fluid into the fluid inlet to create appropriate fluidization of the particulate matter within the housing. Low density material may typically be extracted from an upper end of the housing, whilst higher density material may be typically extracted from a lower end of the housing. The invention is particularly useful for separating minerals such as coal from impurities such as silica and pyrites.

Abstract: A method for processing low grade iron ores includes a step of receiving iron ore tailings. The method further includes separating the iron ore tailings into two or more groups based on sizes of the iron ore tailings. Each group includes a respective portion of the iron ore tailings. The method also includes processing the portion of the iron ore tailings in at least one group using a density separation process to generate iron ore concentrate.

Abstract: A mineral separating gold cube concentrator presents at least two modular portable stacking trays defining alternating inclined surfaces over which a continuing supply of water flows. A first tray provides an inclined smooth surface with controlled water flow to the incline which imparts fluidity allowing the aggregate to move downward and form a slurry that separates the aggregates into lightest first, heaviest last. A second tray is a collection tray is below the first tray and defines a G force separator, forcing all materials under the gate into vertical column within the turbulent water, the column descending upon the vortex mat upon the second tray, forcing the lighter materials within the aggregate to advance ahead of the heavier material. Any material not captured by the vortex mat travels to the end of the matting and is either expelled or subsequently transferred into another collection tray through another G force separator.

Abstract: Marijuana and other raw plant material such as corn is processed via a water and ice agitation method. Small diameter mixtures of plant pollen and plant debris are filtered from eight various micron filters, the filters used are 220, 190, 160, 120, 90, 73, 45 and 25 micron. The agitator tub agitates screen bags holding raw plant material and ice, to break down various parts of the plant into a process water solution. This solution is pumped back and forth between two process reservoirs, each supports two strainer columns. Each strainer column has a pair of buckets. Each bucket has a different micron filter bag supported in it. An operator can recycle the solution any number of times to achieve a desired harvest of eight (or more or less) varying diameter pollen and debris product, using one agitator drain pump and three reservoir pumps.

Abstract: A portable device for use in the efficient extraction of gold from other materials commonly found in placer deposits of gravel, sand and etc. This is accomplished by utilizing two sub-assemblies easily attached to existing gold recovery equipment such as the common gold sluice and etc. This is accomplished by utilizing four sub-assemblies. Two on opposite sides and also two on opposite ends of the sluice tray. Each sub-assembly consists of a side bracket 14 and leg socket 18, which are conjoined by means of leg socket retaining fasteners 32. These are in turn are attached to cross brace 20 by means of side bracket positioning screws 28. Two sub-assemblies are attached to each other on opposite sides of the sluice tray and conjoined by means of shoulder bolt 22, washer 24 and retaining nut 26. After secure attachment of the two opposite sub-assemblies the legs are inserted into leg socket 18 and held in place by locking screw 16. These same actions are then performed on the opposite end of the gold sluice.

Abstract: A system includes a vibratory apparatus with a housing having a floor with an opening and a chamber, a deck disposed in the chamber between the chamber inlet and the opening, a section of the deck having a plurality of apertures and a plenum defined beneath the deck section, and an air knife disposed between the deck section and the chamber outlet. The system includes an air handling system with a first path in communication with the plenum, a second path in communication with the air knife, a third path in communication with a space beneath the air knife, a fourth path in communication with the chamber above the deck between the inlet and the deck section, a return path from the outlet, and an air mover having an outlet in communication with the first, second, third, and fourth paths and an inlet in communication with the return path.

Abstract: A separator for separating a first component and a second component from within a mixed fluid includes a plurality of discs, a separator chamber, and a disc rotator. The discs are spaced apart along a disc axis The separator chamber encircles the plurality of discs. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis relative to the separator chamber. The separator chamber includes a chamber inlet that receives the mixed fluid, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis so that the mixed fluid is spun around the separator chamber about the disc axis to separate the heavier second component from the first component. The first component is directed out of the separator through the first outlet and the second component is directed out of separator through the second outlet.

Abstract: Processing waste materials to recover valuable metals, such as copper, from the 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 air separation and screening. Processes also include employing a dynamic sensor and a vacuum pressure separator to separate metals from other materials.

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: Classifying kits useful in separating gold, other precious metals, gems, collectable rocks, fossils, and archaeological artifacts from earth material. Classifying sieves and other parts of the classifying kits herein are configured to be used within a bucket and can readily be removable therefrom. Depending on the parts used and the goals of a user, the kits herein can be used with dry sifting methods or with water.

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: 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: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for removing heavy metals such as gold from sand. A mixture of sand and metals is placed in a hollow tube which has an open end, an opposite closed end at a relatively lower position, an exterior, and an interior formed into spiral grooves. The grooves are arranged in a helical fashion so that metal caught in the grooves is carried toward the open end of the tube as the tube is rotated. Water is supplied to the tube to mix with the sand and metal, so that rotation of the tube causes relatively heavy metal to be washed from the sand and water mixture into the grooves. The mechanism can be transported to a location where heavy metals naturally occur in sand or other materials.

Abstract: A portable sluice box for efficient processing and classification of alluvial sand, gravel, detritus, or classification of rock that has been mined and crushed. Sluice having three stages of material classification including, a movable primary screen, viewable secondary screen, distributor box with flow control baffle, laminar flow stratification trough, and cleanable bottom riffle system.

Abstract: A portable device for the separation of gold from other materials commonly found in placer deposits of gravel, sand, etc. Including an upper tray (72) into which is located a water spray assembly and placer materials classifier. This upper tray to be hinged to middle sluice tray (98), which has located on its bottom panel an expanded metal section (38) on top of a final mat (40) consisting of ribbed rubber matting or other suitable material, which has a series of groves, to be used as washable riffling device. Lower sluice tray (96) to be attached by hinging device to middle sluice tray (98) and locked into place by lower tray locks (48). Lower sluice tray to have laying on its bottom panel a continuation of final mat (40). This mat to be held in place by a riffle cage (36) containing a series of rigid riffles. Riffle cage (36) to be secured by hold down clamps (64). Expanded metal to be held in place by tab (42). Upper tray to be supported by sliding brace (43) and locking handles (94).

Abstract: A powder separation apparatus and method are provided so as to be able to accurately separate a raw powder material. This apparatus has a container into which a raw powder material containing a heavy powder and a light powder, and medium particles having a larger particle size than the raw powder material, are supplied; a container shaker for shaking the container; and a gas blower unit for blowing a gas into an interior of a medium particle layer in the container to discharge the light powder with the gas to the outside of the medium particle layer.

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

Abstract: A sluice assembly for separating heavy particles from slurry is provided. The sluice assembly includes one or more sluice boxes having decks made of plastic having a Shore D hardness between 50-75, a static coefficient of friction less than 0.3 and a kinetic coefficient of friction less than 0.2. In a preferred embodiment, the sluice assembly includes a pair of sluice boxes in which a top sluice box is positioned above the bottom sluice box so that slurry flowing from the downstream end of the first sluice box is received by the upstream end of the bottom sluice box. The bottom deck includes tapered riffles which are arranged to provide “V” shaped diverters for diverting heavier particles for collection. The sluice box upper deck may include laterally extending riffles for collection of heavier particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions, comprising rotating means, means for physically increasing the difference in mass density of the fractions for separating, a feed for medium and a first outlet for discharging one of the fractions of the separated medium mixture. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture.

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

Abstract: A vibratory material separating apparatus has at least two plateau conveying surfaces interrupted by a drop out opening. A composite mixture is conveyed by a vibrating action beyond the first conveying plateau and over a foraminous section in the first conveying plateau adjacent the drop out opening. Air is directed upwardly through the foraminous section to break apart the composite mixture, and an air supply formed by an air duct is also directed angularly in relationship to the plane of the first conveying plateau to further break apart the composite mixture and to propel particles of predetermined density and/or dimension to the landing area on the second conveying plateau. The air duct is adjustable between a first position and a second position to form an air stream having an adjustable and width. In another aspect, a separating tube is located between and spaced from the first and second conveying plateaus, within the drop out opening.

Abstract: A trommel cleaning apparatus is supported by at least one carrier guide, which allows for movement of the cleaning apparatus from a first position to a second position in order to adjust a cleaning contact force between at least one cleaning element of the cleaning apparatus and the trommel. A driver assembly may be provided to move the cleaning apparatus between the first and second positions.

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

Abstract: A method of beneficiating coal in a dry process includes separating raw coal from a coal mine into coal fines and larger pieces of coal using pressurized air, separating the larger pieces of coal according to size, removing ash from the larger pieces of coal on an air table, and further removing ash from the larger pieces of coal using a size-discriminating device to obtain a beneficiated coal product. The invention also includes an apparatus for the dry beneficiation of coal. The apparatus includes at least one air separating device, at least one air table, and at least one first and second shakers which separate the coal by size and remove ash from the coal. The air table effectively removes ash from infed coal without the need for a fluidizing media.

Abstract: A slurry of particulate ore material is concentrated to form a smeltable concentrate on a re-concentrator table arranged to separate concentrate ore at a concentrate discharge from middlings and tailings. The table is set such that the concentrate forms a smeltable concentrate and thus at least the middlings contain significant quantities of the concentrate to be collected. The ore to be concentrated is fed to a feeding system including a bin in batch form and carried from the bin by a screw through a screen to the table. The table is operated in processing of the batch for a first period of time during which both the middlings and tailings are returned to the feeding system for recirculation to the table. The period of time is such that the material is circulated over the table repeatedly to separate out the concentrate.

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

Abstract: A pyrolysis plant for refuse and a method for screening solid residues provide a sure and trouble-free sieving of a solid material using a sieving device having a configuration which is as simple as possible. A spiral formed by a rod which is wound in a helicoidal manner, or a plurality of such rods, are provided as the sieving device. The rod or rods can rotate around a longitudinal axis. The solid material is introduced into an interior formed by the rod for sieving, preferably with the assistance of an aligning device for longitudinally extended solid material parts. The spirals include, in particular, a bend so that the lodged solid materials can automatically detach themselves. The sieving device is especially suited for sieving pyrolysis residual material.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a screen apparatus having a function of dilute water which is suitable for a centripetal type screen which rotates inside the screen. A screen apparatus A comprises a tank 1 for receiving paper raw materials including an entrance 1c for the paper raw materials, a selection exit 1d and a foreign matter exit 1e, a cylindrical screen 2 fixed in the tank 1 and dividing the tank 1 into a primary chamber 1a and a secondary chamber 1b, and a stirring member 3 which is rotatably supported inside the screen 2 for stirring the paper raw materials.

Abstract: A method for recycling polymeric materials, including a mechanical separation step (B), a first density separation step (C), an intensive cleaning step (E), and a second density separation step (G, V) is described. Additional separation steps, such as a third density separation step (M, W), and optionally a fourth density separation step (Ga, Gb). Further less essential steps such as wetting (A), grinding (D), air flow separation (K), drying (I), electrostatic sorting (Z) and optional sorting (Za) steps may also be carried out to achieve optimized and refined separation. Polymeric materials from refuse or crushed motor vehicles may thus be separated, and polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins may be recycled.

Abstract: A centrifugal jig has a container mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis (22), separated into an axial region (32) and a peripheral region by ragging material (41) supported by a screen (30). The peripheral region is composed of a series of hutch chambers (34) with reciprocating wall portions (45) located radially outside the screen (30), for repetitively dilating the ragging. Also disclosed is a hutch chamber construction applicable to both rotary and non-rotary jigs, having a reciprocating wall portion (45) which includes convergent wall surfaces leading to the hutch chamber concentrate outlet (44).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing lightweight particulates during processing of a primary material. The apparatus includes a classification tank having an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of settling stations located therebetween. A slurry of fluid and particles is introduced into the inlet and directed towards the outlet. As the slurry traverses along the classification tank, particles come out of suspension at the settling stations according to weight and to a lesser degree, density. The composition as well as the quantity of particles at the settling stations is periodically inspected. If particles deposited at a particular settling station are more or less the same size, and if they have accumulated in sufficient quantity, they are discharged to a flume which directs them to preselected collection areas.