Abstract: A separating device that separates particulate superabsorbent polymers and liquid absorbent fibers included in a material of an absorbent article. The device includes: a belt member that moves along a predetermined moving direction while receiving the falling material on an upper surface; and an airflow supply mechanism that supplies an airflow in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the belt member, along the upper surface from a downstream side of the moving direction relative to a position where the material falls. In a case the superabsorbent polymers are sent to the downstream side of the moving direction by movement of the belt member, the airflow rolls the liquid absorbent fibers on the upper surface of the belt member and forms fiber balls while regulating movement of the liquid absorbent fibers to the downstream side of the moving direction, to separate the liquid absorbent fibers and the superabsorbent polymers.

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: An apparatus for separating grain material and for sorting out heavy inclusions from a product flow, particularly stones from gain material, in which the product flow is fed to an inclined layering table and guided so as to be substantially layered thereon. The layering table being acted upon by air flow and oscillated in such a way that the heavy inclusions lying directly thereon are conveyed up the table and guided away separately at the higher end. The feeding of the product flow is effected by way of a feed duct which opens to into the area of the higher end of the table and feeds the product into the separating zone of the product layers as a flow across the widest possible surface area, the separating zone being located in the area of the higher end of the table. The table has air guides for circulating. On an upper side, a closed hood is arranged and on an end side, a product feed portion is arranged. In the middle thereof, an outlet suction portion coupled to the closed hood is arranged.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting lightweight from heavy material in mixtures of solid materials containing lumpy, granular, and pulverous constituents substantially comprises an upright slim container having a lower portion into which material for sorting is introduced. Pulsating air flows are introduced from the exterior into the container, resulting in an upward flow of pulsating air which loosens the material for sorting and produces a fluidized bed. Simultaneously, the apparatus is vibrated up and down in a linear manner by vibrators to assist in loosening the material. The lightweight material floating in the air stream is conveyed to a discharge channel at the top end of the container, whereas heavy material rapidly sinks down to a tubular member into which a second pulsating air flow is introduced in order additionally to sort the heavy material in a last treatment stage inside the tubular member.

Abstract: A mixture of botanical fines and sand is separated by a porous separating medium horizontally disposed within an enclosed chamber in which an upflowing stream of gas carries out the separation. The porous separating medium is comprised of a pair of opposed rotatively movable juxtaposed porous members with means for rotatively adjusting the porous members so as to change the flow through area in the porous separating medium. As a gas flows up through the porous separating medium, only the sand passes down through the porous medium and the gas entrains the botanical fines portion of the mixture above the porous members removing the botanical fines with the gas stream. Control of the velocity of gas up through the porous medium as well as the prevention of botanical fines from flowing with the sand down through the porous medium is determined by the adjustments of the rotatively mounted porous members.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of heavy particulate material and light particulate material into separate fractions of heavy and light material is disclosed. The mixture is introduced to a first separating means, particularly an air jig, with a vibratory carrier for separating the mixture into a clean light fraction and a heavy fraction, which heavy fraction contains some light material. The heavy fraction is passed to a second separating means, this second separating means being a pneumatic table associated with the vibratory carrier for separating the said heavy fraction into a clean fraction of heavier particles and a mixture of lighter particles with some small heavier particles, which mixture is directed to a conveyor for recycling through the air jig. The apparatus provides for a very clean separation of heavy particulate material and light particulate material at a high throughput rate.

Abstract: A mixture of botanical fines and sand is separated by a porous separating medium horizontally disposed within an enclosed chamber in which an upflowing stream of gas carries out the separation. The porous separating medium is comprised of a plurality of particles constrained in a close-packed array between two opposed retaining members. While the gas flows up through the array of particles they are subjected to vibration, the separation being primarily determined by the flow of gas through the array and mobility of the particles. The separation is primarily controlled by altering the volume constraining the particles in the array which affects both the velocity of gas flow and the mobility of the particles.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the separation of sand and botanical materials, particularly tobacco, the apparatus including a fluidized bed and a porous support for the mixture of sand and botanical materials. The method incorporates the apparatus and aids in the separation, the method potentially including a pulsed fluid flow superimposed on a steady fluid flow in the system.