Abstract: A dam assembly is provided which is used to increase retention time on the shaker and therefore achieve maximum dryness of solids, such as cuttings, sand, dirt, and other particles. As solids are conveyed to the end of the shaker, the solids will begin to pile up behind the dam assembly. Once enough solids of sufficient weight pile up behind the dam assembly, the dam assembly will fold over and release the solids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drying device and a drying method using the same. The drying device comprises a drying portion and a carrying portion, the carrying portion is used for carrying a substrate formed with a film layer to be dried, and the drying portion is arranged to face the film layer to be dried so as to dry the film layer to be dried.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a melon juice concentrate, such as watermelon juice concentrate, includes a finisher with brushes for separating melon flesh from melon rind including leaving at least 1/16 inch flesh on the rind and screens for separating juice from flesh. The apparatus also includes a steamer to reduce bacteria count on whole melon, a chopper for chopping melons into pieces less than about 16 inches square, an extractor for extracting juice from the flesh, and an evaporator for concentrating melon juice to form melon juice concentrate. The steamer includes a cylinder frame, steam jets directing steam through apertures in the cylinder frame at whole melon therein, and a motivator to move the whole melon along the cylinder frame. The apparatus can also process cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and other melon.

Abstract: A portable system and method for processing waste to be solidified and placed in an active cell of a landfill. A portable pugmill is moveable adjacent an active cell of a landfill; and portable devices, which may be mounted on sleds or trailers, may be used for feeding the pugmill with waste to be solidified into a landfill-ready state. The waste may be fed to the pugmill without the need for long-term waste storage devices, and avoiding substantial delays between discharge of the waste from trucks to the pugmill-feeding steps.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating and removing aflatoxin-contaminated corn from batches of corn by a floating process, thus producing a distinguishable floating mat of contaminated corn and a separate submerged bed of uncontaminated and less contaminated corn. The methods of this disclosure include removing the floating contaminated corn mat by a vacuum mechanism or by liquid flow. The methods reduce the aflatoxin level in the submerged corn bed as much as 80% from the initial aflatoxin level, while removing no more than 15% from the batch of corn.

Abstract: A system for density-based particle separation includes a loading bin, a separating feeder, a mesh conveyor belt, a compressor for the mesh conveyor belt, transporting nozzles integrated with the separation bins and located over the mesh conveyor belt, discharge nozzles positioned under the mesh conveyor belt in the same plane with transporting nozzles and adjusted for separation of the primary material into particle products of specific density and an aspiration systems (cyclones), as well as fans for generation of ascending sucking air flows in the transporting nozzles and discharge flows in the discharge nozzles.

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: Disclosed is a method for separating differently additivated polymers based on polystyrene, the copolymers and/or blends thereof. This method is used in particular when recycling flame-retardant plastic materials, in particular from old electrical appliances. The method is characterised by a density separation with at least one liquid or gaseous separation medium.

Abstract: The invention describes a process and apparatus producing a dense coke fraction from a first particulate coke fraction having a first average density and a first average particle size distribution, stratifying the coke fraction in a density separator into at least two fractions, the at least two fractions comprising a light coke fraction and the dense coke fraction. The dense fraction having an average density greater than the first average density and a particle size distribution substantially equivalent to the first average particle size distribution. The apparatus includes an inclined oscillating table comprising a gas-pervious deck, and a gas mover.

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: The invention describes a process and apparatus producing a dense coke fraction from a first particulate coke fraction having a first average density and a first average particle size distribution, stratifying the coke fraction in a density separator into at least two fractions, the at least two fractions comprising a light coke fraction and the dense coke fraction. The dense fraction having an average density greater than the first average density and a particle size distribution substantially equivalent to the first average particle size distribution. The apparatus includes an inclined oscillating table comprising a gas-pervious deck, and a gas mover.

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 gravity separator with improved efficiency comprising a gravity table with pins at the feed area and a flow channeler. The pins create space in the bed of material to be separated which increases stratification of the weight fractions. The flow channeler creates flow paths of the fractions which do not cross and therefore the fractions do not slow each other from feed to discharge.

Abstract: A method of reducing the carbon content of a dry bi-modal fly ash includes subjecting the bi-modal fly ash to dry vibrating screen separation into a carbon rich component and a carbon depleted fly ash component with the carbon depleted fly ash component being created with a carbon content less than about 4 percent by weight and at least 50 weight percent of the fly ash component of the bi-modal fly ash. The dry vibrating screen separation is preferably a single step process with no prior substantial concentration of the carbon component of the bi-modal fly ash. It is preferred to employ bi-modal fly ash produced as a result of combustion of coal. A method of making a concrete mixture employing the carbon depleted component is also provided.

Abstract: An aeraulic separator for automatically separating materials into three batches of different weights or shapes having a chamber under a slight depression with an inlet opening, two perforated inclined planes with an inclination of angle .alpha. and .beta.,.beta. being greater than or equal to .alpha., supplied with air under pressure, three outlet openings for the three batches, and a deflector. The heavy materials drop through the first opening adjacent the second inclined plane. The materials of intermediate weight are projected above the deflector and drop in the second opening, while the light materials are sucked through the third opening connected to a suction system. The separator is preferably mounted on a system for vibrating at low frequency and high elongation.

Abstract: A door (20) for a separation table (10) is pivotably installed within discharge chute (12). The door is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The door has a distal planar section (24) that lies horizontally against the floor wall (38) of the discharge chute when in a closed position. The door when in the open position has a curved contour section (26) that defines the lowest extent (47) of the door and upper wall of opening (47). A stop limit mechanism (50) includes a bar 52 that is adjustably mounted within discharge chute (12) to limit the opening of the door (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a fluidized bed to effect the separation of a mixture of articles having at least a first density and a second density that is greater than the first density into separate groups. The apparatus includes an inclined trough which is supplied at an input end with either a fluidization medium, such as sand, or a mixture of articles from which a fluidized bed is formed by forcing gas upwardly through the bottom of the trough and through the fluidization medium or the mixture. In the case where a fluidization medium such as sand is used, the mixture of articles is introduced into the fluidized bed medium so as to be entrained therewith to effect separation as the articles travel in the direction of flow of the fluidized bed medium. Vertical oscillatory movement is imparted to the inclined trough to improve the separation and layering where the mixture of articles is fluidized, or to improve the density uniformity where a fluidization medium such as sand is fluidized as the bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the pneumatic separation of particulate material particularly but not solely for the separation of objectionable material such as stem from cut lamina or cut rolled stem tobacco (CRS). Apparatus for the pneumatic separation of particulate material comprises a substantially horizontal vibrating conveyor having a plurality of grooves having apertures (14) through which air passes to partially or wholly fluidize the material under treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a fluidized bed to effect the separation of a mixture of articles having at least a first density and a second density that is greater than the first density into separate groups. The apparatus includes an inclined trough which is supplied at an input end with either a fluidization medium, such as sand, or a mixture of articles from which a fluidized bed is formed by forcing gas upwardly through the bottom of the trough and through the fluidization medium or the mixture. In the case where a fluidization medium such as sand is used, the mixture of articles is introduced into the fluidized bed medium so as to be entrained therewith to effect separation as the articles travel in the direction of flow of the fluidized bed medium. Vertical oscillatory movement is imparted to the inclined trough to improve the separation and layering where the mixture of articles is fluidized, or to improve the density uniformity where a fluidization medium such as sand is fluidized as the bed.

Abstract: The device consists of two fluidized bed tables (2, 3) which can vibrate on their support, an can be inclined as desired, allowing a common airflow to pass through. Located over the top end of the upper fluidized bed (2) is an inlet (1) for the granular material, opposite which, at the bottom end, is an outlet (14) for the very light granular fraction. At the top end of the lower fluidized bed (3) are a stone outlet (13) and, at the lower end, an outlet (15) for the heavy granular fraction. In addition, a chute (19) is situated between the fluidized beds (2, 3). An intermediate floor (17), shorter in length than the fluidized bed (2, 3) allows the evacuation and if necessary the regulation of a mixed fraction.

Abstract: A foreign object removal system is disclosed including a removal chamber projecting laterally from the combustion chamber of a fluid bed reactor and connected via a downwardly directed pipe to a material flow control plenum chamber, which includes means for fluidizing the mixture of inert bed particles and foreign objects at the bottom of the pipe for lateral movement into an air classifier, wherein the foreign objects are dropped to a collection tank and the fluid bed particles are carried upwardly by a stream of classifying air to a deentrainment chamber where their velocity is reduced and they are returned to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Mixed scrap metal pieces 6 are sorted in a fluidised hindered settler containing sand, through which the pieces settle at a differential rate. The sand is fluidised by air from 20 and vibration-driven around a circular trough 2. A depthwise partition 14a sorts the pieces according to settling rate, whereafter they are removed up separate ramps 14 and 16. The sand is levelled preparatory to receiving the pieces 6, and only afterwards is it fluidised.

Abstract: The present invention is a gravity separator for classifying particulate matter as to weight. The invention herein uses a screened vibrating deck having a flow of air therethrough for separating the particulate matter placed thereon. The air flow is provided by a fan, located centrally of the housing below the deck and, which fan rotates about a vertical axis. Movement is imparted to the deck by a drive rod connected to an eccentric shaft. The eccentric shaft rotates about an axis transverse to the fan shaft. A single drive motor is used to operate both the eccentric shaft and the fan.

Abstract: An elutriator (1) for separating different grades of leaf vegetable material comprises an elutriation zone (17) disposed above a flow distributor, and gaseous supply means (13) for supplying a gaseous medium to the elutriation zone (17) through the flow distributor. The flow distributor is adapted to provide a substantially uniform flow of gaseous medium to the elutriation zone (17), and the velocity of air delivered to the zone is greater than the terminal velocity of at least one grade of the material to be separated.

Abstract: Separating elements (14) arranged about a central shaft (1a) rotate in common about the main axis (A) and individually about their longitudinal axes (B). A centrifugal distributor (6) distributes fine-grain mineral mixture mixed with fluid uniformly to the separating elements (14). In each separating element (14) the partial material flow (2a) is set in rotation about the longitudinal axis (B) by entrainment vanes (18) arranged in a first separating element section (15a) and the heavy fraction is centrifuged on to the separator wall (16a). In the second section (15b), formed as conical tubular worm conveyor, which contains no entrainment vanes, the heavy fraction is transported to the collecting chamber (21) and discharged through first discharge openings (22), the fine-grain mineral mixture being fluidized in pulsation on the separating wall (16b) by the combined rotating movements and the heavy fraction being concentrated.

Abstract: In an apparatus for separating heavy material, more particularly stones, from cereals and other bulk goods, two superposed inclined vibrating tables (1, 2) are provided which have the same air flowing through them and a common drive (30), a product inlet (6) being provided at the top table (2). The bottom table (1) is constructed as a stone separating table and the top vibrating table is constructed throughout as a layering table and only its bottom end has a short zone (11) for the layer concentrated in heavy material to drop through and a discharge (19) to the bottom vibrating table (1). The discharge (19) is directed towards a central zone (B) of the bottom table (1). The material charged to the top vibrating table (2) via the product inlet (6) is layered thereon over its entire length and 20% to 80% of the flow of material containing the heavy material are withdrawn at its lower end and then discarded on to the middle zone (B) of the bottom table (1) in the form of a curtain to act as a material supply.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for cleaning grits, which has a plurality of superimposed screen layers, which can be vibrated by means of at least one unbalance exciter and with an inlet or outlet for the product inlet or screen discharge arranged at one end, collecting means with adjustable setting flaps for the screenings, as well as an air circulation through the screen layers over an air distribution chamber in a suction collecting channel adjustable by means of adjusting flaps, it is provided that the apparatus is constructed as a stand with a stand head, a stand base and a vertical intermediate support connecting said two parts, the screen layers being constructed as a dust box and being vibratably supported in the vicinity of the stand base, the stand top being formed by the upper air distribution chamber.

Abstract: The electrostatic recovery of gold in the drywasher is improved by providing means to scavenge the waste heat from the internal combustion engine that powers the air blower. This preheats the intake air to the air blower, whereby the equilibrium temperature of the compressed air delivered to the partially fluidized bed of ore particles on the riffle table is raised about 50.degree. F. above ambient temperature. The layer of fabric underlying the bed of particles is maintained at bone dryness, the ore particles are dried, and the electrostatic forces operate under most favorable conditions at low relative humidity.

Abstract: A centrifugal jig to beneficiate ore by separating a heavier particulate fraction from a lighter particulate pulp. The jig provides a rotor with a vertical cylindrical jig screen rotating in a fluid filled hutch to support a vertical jigging bed. The jigging bed is pulsed sequentially as it is rotated past plural spaced pulsing elements positioned in the hutch externally of the jigging screen. Pulsing may be by pressurized air in the form of fine bubbles, by pressurized fluid or a combination of both. Pulp material is fed at the bottom of the jigging screen to move upwardly thereacross with the lighter gangue material exiting above the screen for exhaustion and the heavier mineral bearing fraction exiting through the screen for subsequent recovery from the bottom periphery of the hutch area. The jig may be used as a bedded centrifuge or in the fashion of a traditional jig especially as when provided with ragging.

Abstract: A pneumatic cleaning system for particulate bulk material such as raisins, seeds, nuts, and the like, the system having a reciprocating screen onto which the material is delivered in a layer for travel across the screen; a top hood and a bottom hood mounted in substantially air-tight relation on the screen; an air cleaner; a blower having an intake and an exhaust, and conduits connecting the exhaust, the bottom hood, the intake, and the cleaner in closed circuit, series relation to pass air upwardly through the layer at the screen.

Abstract: Virgin ore in granular form is enriched by air flotation classification separating at least a large part of the gangue. Suspension of the ore is effected immediately as supplied to the inlet section of the classification trough by copious upward flow of air from the air-diffusing floor plates after which separation is accomplished as the suspension flows through the trough. An adjustable gate in the partition which separates the inlet section of the plenum from the classifier section is adjusted to maintain a relatively very high pressure and consequent copious air flow as compared with the pressure of the plenum from which air is supplied in more moderate quantities to the diffuser floor of the classification trough downstream of the partition. The trough is free of any obstruction that would impede the flow of gangue to its discharge end. Flotation air is supplied to the plenum only at the inlet section and a bleeder valve regulates the total flow to the air-diffusing floor plates of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating light and heavy materials from one another. Materials to be separated are transported on a conveyer belt past a set of overhead rollers. Air is sucked through gaps between the rollers with covers surrounding groups of rollers which are coupled to a suction pump. Air is jetted through apertures in the conveyer belt to loosen adherence between lighter materials and larger articles. A high voltage is impressed upon the rollers to provide electrostatic attraction for light dry materials. The rollers may be provided with opposing protrusions which are used to pinch off certain materials.

Abstract: A method of reducing the temperature of sponge iron to a safe level for storage and shipment including the steps of transferring freshly prepared sponge iron in particulate form to a separator vessel, such sponge iron being at dangerously high temperatures rendering it susceptible to oxidation; passing a cooling gas stream through the sponge iron in order to initially cool and fluidize the sponge iron and transfer smaller particles and fines away from the larger, more solid sponge iron particulate; conveying by vibration the remaining sponge iron towards a storage area and applying the cooling gas to the remaining sponge iron as it is conveyed towards storage in order to reduce the average temperature of the sponge iron to a safe level.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating fly ash into its major constituents; namely, metal, carbon black, cenospheres and dust. The metal is separated by passing the fly ash through a magnetic field at least a part of which has an alternating polarity. The non-magnetic constituent is separated into conductive and dielectric constituents with a high tension separator and the conductive constituent, chiefly cenospheres, is then graded by size. The grading is effected by passing the non-magnetic, conductive fly ash constituent through a cross-flow of ionized air which suspends the cenospheres at different levels according to their weight and size. The apparatus and method has general utility, with obvious modifications, to the grading of particles other than cenospheres.

Abstract: A bed of fluidized material is used to separate seeds on the basis of specific gravity. The bed may be a rotating annulus and it may have one or more layers of micro-balls at the bottom. Means for rotating the annulus and various discharge means are disclosed.