Abstract: A mobile HEB and TEP mitigation device includes a mobile body capable of movement within or upon a body of water. Located within the mobile body is a hydrodynamic separation system which includes a water inlet, a hydrodynamic separation unit and a collection tank. The hydrodynamic separation unit includes two outputs, one for a clean stream output line containing clean water and arranged to re-circulate the clean water, and another for a concentrate stream output line, the concentrate stream output line configured to place concentrated water containing potentially harmful bio-organic materials into the collection tank. Also included on the mobile body is a power source and an engine/steering unit, wherein the steering portion of the engine/steering unit provides a capacity to move the mobile body in an intended direction. The mitigation device may also be used as an embedded part of an on-shore arrangement.

Abstract: This invention is based on size and mass separation of suspended particles, including biological matter, which are made to flow in a spiral channel. On the spiral sections, the inward directed transverse pressure field from fluid shear competes with the outward directed centrifugal force to allow for separation of particles. At high velocity, centrifugal force dominates and particles move outward. At low velocities, transverse pressure dominates and the particles move inward. The magnitudes of the two opposing forces depend on flow velocity, particle size, radius of curvature of the spiral section, channel dimensions, and viscosity of the fluid. At the end of the spiral channel, a parallel array of outlets collects separated particles. For any particle size, the required channel dimension is determined by estimating the transit time to reach the side-wall. This time is a function of flow velocity, channel width, viscosity, and radius of curvature.

Abstract: A method and system for splitting fluid flow in an outlet of a particle separation device is provided. The system may include static or passive mechanisms or subsystems. These mechanisms could also be modular and interchangeable to provide for preset fluid split divisions of 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, . . . etc. In other forms of the presently described embodiments, the system is adjustable and variable. In still another form of the presently described embodiments, the system allows for differential pressure control at the outlets to facilitate the flow of varying size particles or particle bands in the respective channels or paths.

Abstract: An improved technique for particle separation is provided. A serpentine structure is utilized in a continuous fluid flow environment to allow for suitable separation of particles to occur in a manner that does not require external application of forces to initiate the separation. The geometry of the serpentine structure and associated forces generated in connection with fluid flow therein suffice.

Abstract: The invention provides a spiral separator module 3.010 including at least one trough segment 4.012 having an up stream edge and a downstream edge, each trough segment 4.012 being adapted to interface with at least one other corresponding trough segment 4.012 of a second spiral separator module to form a continuous section of a spiral trough.

Abstract: A spiral concentrator has a spiral trough (2.001) has a concentrate gutter (2.010) and a pocket (2.008) located near the outer edge of the gutter. An inflatable bladder (2.012) is located in the pocket and can be deformed from a first state in which the bladder does not interfere with the flow of the slurry, to a second state, in which the bladder diverts the concentrate towards a concentrate gutter (2.101). Alternatively, a spiral trough has a deformable device that sits above and separate from the trough and acts as a flow diverter. As the device changes form, shape or state, it gradually contacts the trough or flow diverting more or less concentrate in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A method for concentrating a particulate matter, comprising at least two constituents of different densities, in which a slurry of particulate matter is subjected to centrifugation and to centripetal pulses in a centrifugation chamber. A dense fraction of the slurry and a light fraction of the slurry are drawn off separately from the centrifugation chamber. In order to produce the centripetal pulses, a fluid is injected into the slurry, in a direction oblique or tangential to the direction of centrifugation. The fluid is injected substantially continuously into the slurry.

Abstract: A spiral concentrator has a spiral trough (2.001) has a concentrate gutter (2.010) and a pocket (2.008) located near the outer edge of the gutter. An inflatable bladder (2.012) is located in the pocket and can be deformed from a first state in which the bladder does not interfere with the flow of the slurry, to a second state, in which the bladder diverts the concentrate towards a concentrate gutter (2.101). Alternatively, a spiral trough has a deformable device that sits above and separate from the trough and acts as a flow diverter. As the device changes form, shape or state, it gradually contacts the trough or flow diverting more or less concentrate in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A deflector (1) for attachment to a spiral separator (2), for capturing and redirecting a portion of a flowing stream of material (5). The deflector (1) includes an attachment means (3), to attach the deflector (1) to the spiral separator (2), a capturing portion (4) to capture a portion of the flowing stream (5), and, a redirecting portion (6) to emit a portion (7) of the stream. A method of separating particles of different densities using the deflector device (1) in conjunction with a spiral separator (2) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A washing liquid distribution system includes a spiral separator having a plurality of flights, each flight including at least one receiving cup for distributing liquid onto the flight. A directional outlet nozzle is mounted in cup for providing a horizontal outlet stream of a liquid. The nozzle is both rotatably and releasably mounted in a recess at the bottom of the cup. One or more outlet openings in a variety of geometric shapes to provide the desired outlet stream of wash liquid.

Abstract: A system for delivering the same or differing controllable amounts of washing liquid to several flights of a spiral separator including a housing, a plurality of spaced members having a respective generally vertical passage communicating with fluid in the housing and permitting fluid to flow therethrough. A plurality of fluid passageways respectively communicate with the members to provide the same or differing amounts of liquid to each of the flights. The distributor housing may include a central liquid receiving chamber, a plurality of spaced compartments located in proximity with the chamber, a plurality of passages throughwhich fluid flows into fluid passageways respectively coupled to the compartments, a single flow controller rotatable therein to expose different portions of said passages at every rotation thereby varying the liquid flow to each compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for continuously separating particles of interest from a heterogeneous particle population. The heterogeneity can be based on, for example, magnetic susceptibility, particle size, thermal diffusion, phase solubility, and combinations of the preceding. Based on the heterogeneity, a separation force capable of exploiting the separand (i.e., particles subject to the separation process) is provided. The various embodiments of the present invention preferably employ an annular separation channel, appropriate separation force and flow compartments. In a first embodiment, an annular separation channel having semi-permeable inner and outer cylindrical walls is used to generate lateral convection forces. In a second embodiment of the present invention, an annular separation channel having heat conductive inner and outer cylindrical walls is used to generate thermal diffusion forces.

Abstract: Replaceable inserts are provided in depressions of a spiral separator wherein the inserts have surface irregularities to optimize the spiral efficiencies in separating feed stock materials. These irregularities become worn by the materials and would require replacement of the spiral, ordinarily, whereas new inserts herein greatly extend the useful life of the spiral. Also, if the feed of the spiral changes appropriate new inserts may be used to separate the changed feed. The inserts may be any shape, circular being preferred when adjustability is needed.

Abstract: An adjustable splitter assembly at any position along the spiral trough and the splitter is angled to a fixed position pressed against the trough and locked against movement by a long arm selectively clamped in one hook of a retainer having spaced hook sockets, the retainer being attached to the outer rim of the trough either upstream or downstream from the splitter. The splitter may be angularly adjusted to position its leading edge at different locations along an arc with respect to the stream of particles flowing down the trough by moving the arm to another selected hook socket.

Abstract: A method for improving the pozzolanic character of fly ash includes the steps of first hydraulically classifying and then flotation separating the fly ash in order to reduce particle size distribution and remove carbon. The method also includes the steps of spiral concentrating separated coarse particles to recover iron, pyrite and marcasite and screening the fly ash to remove ultra-light carbon and plant debris.

Abstract: Coal spiral having a relatively short first stage helix for separating a slurry into clean coal, refuse and middlings splits, and a relatively short second stage helix for recleaning middlings split from the first stage. The first stage has only 3.25 turns, the second stage has only two turns, and a combination separator box and feed box delivers the middlings directly from the first stage to the second. The two helices are aligned coaxially, and are of opposite rotational sense to provide counter-rotation of the middlings in the two stages.

Abstract: A spiral concentrator (1) comprising a spiral trough (2) mounted on a central column (3) which is characterized therein that, in comparison with a conventional trough having a profile (11) which is generally concave and which slants downwardly from an outer edge of the trough towards a central column, the profile (8) of the trough is deepened in a section of the trough adjacent the central column of the concentrator.

Abstract: A spiral trough separator having a vertical axis and adapted to separate fine particles from a liquid slurry stream of those particles flowing down the spiral trough. The trough has spaced groups of parallel grooves, transverse to the flow of the slurry, a drain adjacent the lower ends of the grooves for collecting concentrates or fines of the particles and a wash liquid outlet to deliver liquid into the slurry stream to remove impurities from such fines prior to collection in the drain. The wash liquid outlet is adjustable with respect to the wash liquid flow in the wash liquid trough of the spiral to select the appropriate volume of wash liquid to be introduced into the liquid slurry stream.

Abstract: The separation of silica or siliceous gangue from one or more desired minerals in an aqueous slurry via mechanical apparatus is improved by the addition of a small amount of an alkanol amine to the slurry. Examples of separation techniques benefiting from this technology include cyclones, tables and spiral separators.

Abstract: A stream containing kerogen-rich and mineral-rich oil shale particles flow in a downward helical course such that the stream is confined in a manner to give the stream an outer and upper side having a first depth and comprising a substantial amount of said kerogen-rich particles, and an inner and lower side having a second depth and comprising a substantial amount of said mineral-rich particles, the first depth being greater than the second depth. The kerogen-rich and mineral-rich particles are subsequently separated in order to recover the kerogen-rich particles. The mineral-rich particles are further processed using froth flotation.

Abstract: A spiral trough separator for treating a slurry of ore particles in water to separate heavier fines from other particles includes a helical trough making a plurality of revolutions around a vertical axis and having the surface of the trough modified with protuberances to agitate the ore particles to allow entrapped impurities to be liberated and grooves to provide enhanced flow of the finer heavier ore fines closer to such axis to increase the efficiency of the recovery.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for separating powdery materials shaped as balls or pellets. It is characterized by the use of a vibrating screw elevator (4) subjected to vibrations of an amplitude so selected as to produce on the screw turns (5), an upward flow of the particles to be removed, while maintaining a downward flow of the particles to be recovered. The invention provides in particular for the separation of round balls from broken balls.

Abstract: A device for separating liquids from solids and solids from solids is provided by utilizing a tall column filled with liquid which is subjected to a siphon action that pulls the liquid/solids mixture vertically through the column clarifying the liquid and classifying the solids. This siphon method provides a most efficient method of classification of solids and clarification of liquids. Atmospheric pressure and gravity create forces within the device which simultaneously act on every particle. The interior of the tall column has no moving parts.

Abstract: A playground slide includes a hollow vertical column consisting of substantially identical hollow hubs which register with each other to define the column. The topmost and lowermost hubs are urged toward each other by a resilient device, anchored to a base. The device is typically a spring, running internally of the vertical column. This compresses the vertical column, ensures stiffness, and allows for expansion and contraction. A helical slideway encircles the column, consisting of slide segments that are fastened to each other and to the various hubs.

Abstract: A spiral separator 1 is provided with a first pivotally mounted splitter (6) having an upstream working edge for dividing a slurry descending the sluice into two streams (A,B). A second pivotably mounted splitter (8) is positioned downstream and radially outwardly of the first and divides stream B into two streams (C, D) the second splitter being moveable to a position adjacent the downstream end of the first.

Abstract: In a spiral separator of the kind used for the wet gravity separation of solids (Figs. 5 & 6) there are provided splitters (70,71,72) in vertically aligned troughs (20,21,22) which are operatively connected by a linkage (80) permitting adjustment of splitters in unison. Preferably the splitters are at corresponding locations of separate troughs and are in vertical register.

Abstract: A multi-start spiral separator for separating particles in a stream of such particles according to their respective densities and/or sizes comprises a plurality of substantially helical troughs arranged around a common axis which is substantially vertical, each trough including at an upper end an upwardly-facing open fluid-receiving portion and at a lower end an outlet, and a fluid delivery pipe which delivers fluid to the spiral separator so that fluid is distributed to the receiving portions of the helical troughs uniformly.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating metallic from nonmetallic components in a mixture are disclosed. The process and apparatus rely upon the combination of prefractionation by sedimentation, preferably centrifugal sedimentation, followed by final concentration in a laminar flow process, preferably employing a spiral separator and one or more vibrating tables, to recover substantially all metal components of the mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spiral separator (1) which is used for separating particulate material and which is able, when arranged in a linear array of such separators, to be adjusted in concert with the other separators in the array.Specifically the invention consists in a spiral separator (1) comprising a volute (2); a splitter blade (4) mounted below a discharge section (3) of the volute (2) for selected rotation about a substantially horizontal axis (5) parallel to the direction of flow in the volute (2), splitting being adjusted by the rotation of the splitter blade (2) about the axis (5).

Abstract: A laminated trough for a spiraled mineral concentrator; the trough composed of two or more laminates, chemically bonded, and the process for constructing the same.The trough includes a top laminate of highly abrasion-resistant soft elastomer, the elastomer applied as a liquid directly to a release treated mold; and a bottom laminate composed of a rigid material which is applied to the soft elastomer before final curing of the latter, the bottom laminate providing structural support for the soft elastomer.An intercoat, chemically bonded to both top and bottom laminates, may also be provided.

Abstract: An hydraulic spiral separator (10), for separating minerals, having at least one substantially helical trough (11) of a cross sectional shape comprising a base portion, an upwardly directed wall portion radially outwardly of the base portion and an upwardly directed lip radially inwardly of the base portion. The characterizing feature is that the wall portion is connected to a plurality of support members (12) positioned radially outwardly of the wall, and the lip is free and unconnected directly to any supporting means, which enables a number of spirals to be stacked coaxially thus saving floor space. Optionally the trough (11) is made of flexible material so that by varying the attachment to the support members (12) the trough may be flexed to change its pitch. Inlet pipes (16), and (18) are fitted as are conventional splitters (19) having moveable vanes (21).

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 splitter assembly for a spiral separator comprises a blade (1) having an upstream working edge (11) and has a rail (3) mounted above the sluice floor (2) to which blade (1) is slideably mounted by means of arm (10) which engages rail (3).The lower end of working edge (11) is in contact with floor (2) and the position of contact is adjustable along a path extending between a radially outer and radially inner part of floor (2). In preferred embodiments splitter arm (10) is flexible and working edge 11 moves in a path which is curvilinear with respect to a vertical and a horizontal plane.

Abstract: In wet gravity separation of solids according to specific gravity an outer depleted band partly overlies an inner concentrate band limiting yield and/or purity of separated concentrate. The overlying depletion layer is diverted outwardly from inner wall (15) relative to the concentrate band. Deflection means (20) cause a bow wave in descending slurry which fans out the concentrate aiding precise setting of downstream splitter blade (18) as well as diverting the overlying depletion band towards outer wall (13). The water which has become separated from the slurry due to centrifugal force can be rehomogenized with the remaining concentrate by restricted passage between deflector means (22,26).

Abstract: The invention relates to a spiral separator supported with its axis substantially vertically which is adapted to receive at an upper end thereof a pulp of water and minerals to be separated. The spiral separator includes a plurality of helical turns wherein each turn includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The outer portion is inclined upwardly relative to the inner portion. The invention is characterized in that the inner portion includes a first part and a second part wherein the second part is inclined upwardly relative to the first part at a steeper angle to horizontal than the first part throughout part of the length of the spiral separator. This feature provides a generally non-turbulent or laminar flow of pulp along the said part of the said spiral separator and thereby inhibits sand barring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a take-off assembly for mounting in a spiral separator. The take-off assembly includes an adjustment tongue and a mating member containing a transverse aperture for receiving the adjustment tongue. The mounting member has a surface surrounding the adjustment tongue which is substantially flush with the top surface of the adjustment tongue. There is also provided an undercut for obtaining an undercut of concentrates particles from pulp flowing in the spiral separator whereby tailings and/or middlings contained in an upper portion of the pulp above the concentrates particles may flow across the transverse aperture.There is also provided a spiral separator for gravity separation of minerals containing the take-off assembly and a method of taking undercuts including using the abovementioned take-off assembly in the spiral separator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spiral separator including an upright column which is supportable with its axis substantially vertically. The spiral separator is adapted to receive at an upper end thereof a plurality of helical turns surrounding the upright column wherein intermediate the height of the separator there is provided an increase in the transverse dimensions or diameter of the separator which provides an initial portion of relatively small transverse dimensions or diameter. By this feature debris or particles of high specific gravity tending to travel in an outer part of the separator adjacent an outer wall thereof entrained with the water in the pulp are caused to travel inwardly toward an inner part of the separator for ultimate separation from particles of low specific gravity.

Abstract: The invention provides a spiral separator of the type for use in separating a pulp of water and minerals into mineral fractions of differing densities and having a helical trough (30) supported with its axis upright. The shape of the trough working surface profile (30) varies (FIGS. 2A-2D) from place to place along the trough. The profile has a point of maximum displacement (32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) at which profile (30) is at a maximum spacing below a notional straight line (40) joining the inner end (31) and outer end (22) of the trough working surface profile (30). The distance of the point of maximum displacement (32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) from one end (31 or 22) of the profile varies along the trough. A method for manufacture of troughs according to the invention is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A precious metal recovery bowl includes a steep peripheral wall, a floor having an upward and inward shape at a relatively low angle, a centralized frusto-conical member having a moderately steep slope and a top central ring with a vertical outer wall terminating in a circular lip and encompassing a central, vertical, overflow channel. A tangential, horizontal nozzle extending through the peripheral wall is connected to a hose which supplies water to the bowl so as to separate a pre-screened mixture of tailings and precious metals located in the bowl.

Abstract: Ground ore is processed in a series of three spiral concentrators wherein the initial spiral is operated to reject a tailing of a predetermined low value, the second spiral is operated to maximize the removal of locked middlings, and the third spiral is operated to obtain a concentrate of a predetermined value.

Abstract: A spiral separator for the wet gravity separation of solids of different specific gravities has a number of helical sluices or spirals mounted about a vertical column, the bottom of each spiral being substantially straight in cross-section and inclining upwards from inside to outside of the spiral, the pitch of the outside of the spiral being substantially uniform, but the angle of the spiral bottom to horizontal, and therefore the pitch of the inside part of the spiral, varying, this angle and the inside pitch of the spiral being greater in the upper part of the spiral than in the lower part.

Abstract: A spiral separator for the wet gravity separation of solids of different specific gravities has a number of helical sluices or spirals mounted about a vertical column, the bottom of each spiral being substantially straight in cross-section and inclining upwards from inside to outside of the spiral, the pitch of the outside of the spiral being substantially uniform, but the angle of the spiral bottom to horizontal, and therefore the pitch of the inside part of the spiral, varying, this angle and the inside pitch of the spiral being greater in the upper part of the spiral than in the lower part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the wet gravity concentration of particulate ores in which a cascaded series of concentrators may be arranged in a matrix array from a basic triangular unit comprising a first concentrator for dividing a pulp stream into two sub-streams of differing concentration and a pair of subsidiary concentrators for respectively dividing the sub-streams, the subsidiary concentrator dividing the richer sub-stream being arranged to remove at least part of its enriched stratum without intruding substantially into its feed grade stratum while the subsidiary concentrator dividing the poorer sub-stream is arranged to remove at least part of its depleted stratum without intruding substantially into its feed grade stratum. The method and apparatus are described with reference to both tray and cone concentrators.

Abstract: The helical sluice, or spiral, of a mineral separator used for mineral separation, has a series of take-off openings to carry off strata of dense minerals which form when a pulp of water and minerals to be separated pass through the spiral. Each take-off opening is a slot in the spiral bottom, transverse to the flow, and its effective length, or throat gap, may be varied by a tongue slidably engaged in the slot and having a splitter blade extending up from its leading end to deflect dense strata into the throat gap. A second slot is formed in the tongue to take off middlings, and this is also adjustable, by a slide.

Abstract: Simple, flow regulating tap-off means are provided in the bottom of a helical eluent supply conduit which is co-axial with a helical separator sluice in a gravitational separator. The tap-off means is an insert in the floor opening of the eluent conduit having an aperture in the insert and an inner lip at the top of the insert that does not extend above the floor of the eluent conduit. A portion of the inner lip is broken away to facilitate directing the eluent to flow through the aperture. Rotating the insert varies the amount of the broken away portion in contact with the downward flowing eluent which in turn regulates the amount of eluent flow through the aperture.

Abstract: A wet gravity concentration apparatus with means to divide two streams into four streams of different concentration and means to combine the two streams of intermediate concentration. Two conical concentrators are arranged with a first richer stream flowing over one conical surface and a second poorer stream, flowing over the other conical surface. Each surface has a splitter to separate the stream into a concentrated substream rich in value particles and a less concentrated substream composed primarily of tailings. The richer substream of the second poorer stream is combined with the less concentrated substream of the first richer stream so there are three resulting streams. A deflector can be used to combine the two intermediate substreams.

Abstract: Ore tailings at the terminus of a spiral concentrator are first split by a novel splitter box into value-rich and value-poor streams determined by the distribution of values therein, and the value-rich stream is upgraded, preferably by passing it through a conical gravity separator.