Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an automatic separator apparatus of a Materials Recovery Facility. A separator for separating a stream of recyclable paper and containers into a paper stream including primarily paper and a container stream including primarily containers is provided. The separator has at least one adjustable operating parameter. A first detector detects an amount of container contaminants in the paper stream. A second detector detects an amount of paper contaminants in the container stream. A control system operably connected to the separator and the first and second detectors adjust the adjustable operating parameter so as to reduce a combined measure of contaminants in the paper stream and in the container stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reblending sand whereby multiple reblending tanks with a plurality of reblending stations have thin respective outputs joined through a single control system.

Abstract: A method of reblending sand in a classification tank having multiples stations and discharge valves within each station includes the steps of delivering sand to the tank; calibrating the tank to analyze the raw feed material and develop discharge rates, flow multipliers, and a mathematical model of the tank; and inputting a specification or quantity and sieve size distribution for a reblended sand product into a computer for controlling the tank. Then the tank is operated in a production mode and the discharge valves at each station of the tank are adjusted by the computer for percent open time and discharge rate. With one algorithm, the computer identifies which station has the most of a sieve size that is out of specification and diverts material at that station by closing the appropriate discharge valve(s).

Abstract: An air sifting apparatus is provided for preparatory concentration of raw material including coal, and includes a material feed-in device, a material bed support device, an air jig plenum, and a discharge control device. The material bed support device receives material from the material feed-in device and has a surface having a plurality of openings for a gaseous medium introduced from underneath the material bed support device, which is operable to transport material in coordination with the flow of gaseous medium through the openings to effect loosening and stratification of the material into a layer of relatively heavier material, and a layer of relatively lighter material on the heavier material. The air jig plenum communicates with the underside of the apparatus for guiding gaseous medium thereto and produces constant air flow through the openings of the support device and a pulsating air flow, overlaid on the constant air flow, for pulse impacting material on the support device.

Abstract: A method of reblending sand in a classification tank having multiples stations and discharge valves within each station includes the steps of delivering sand to the tank; calibrating the tank to analyze the raw feed material and develop discharge rates, flow multipliers, and a mathematical model of the tank; and inputting a specification or quantity and sieve size distribution for a reblended sand product into a computer for controlling the tank. Then the tank is operated in a production mode and the discharge valves at each station of the tank are adjusted by the computer for percent open time and discharge rate. With one algorithm, the computer identifies which station has the most of a sieve size that is out of specification and diverts material at that station by closing the appropriate discharge valve(s).

Abstract: A computer controlled separator device is disclosed. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain optimal operation. An operator may input values representing desired operating parameters and/or desired product characteristics of the separator device. Alternatively, these values may be programmed into the computer control system in accordance with optimal product or system standards. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain operation in accordance with the selected or programmed values. Specifically, the computer control system may monitor incoming and outgoing product characteristics, i.e. particle weight, particle density, or particle size; and/or operating parameters, i.e. air flow, vibration speed, side tilt, end raise, feed rate, divider knife position and cutout gate position.

Abstract: A method of reblending aggregate includes delivering aggregate of various sizes to the classification tank having a plurality of stations with primary and secondary discharge valves. The tank is then calibrated to determine raw feed analysis, discharge rates and the flow multipliers needed to develop a mathematical model of the tank. Inputting the calibration information data and the desired production specification into a computer allows the tank to be operated and controlled with appropriate adjustments in discharge rates and valve percent settings at each station. This method provides more accurate control than the existing min-max control methods. The apparatus for this method includes the tank, a pumping device, and a computer interconnected with a PLC and electrohydraulic mechanisms for valves at each tank station such that both the discharge rate from each station and the valve percent settings of the individual valves at each station are variable and controllable.

Abstract: The monitoring and control of jig separators is effected by monitoring the time variation within a jig cycle of at least one operating parameter of the jig, and manipulating the operating parameter(s) to produce the sought after form of the time variation within the jig cycle. Operating parameters include bed voidage, water level, particle velocity in the bed and water or air pressure.

Abstract: computer controlled separator device is disclosed. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain optimal operation. An operator may input values representing desired operating parameters and/or desired product characteristics of the separator device. Alternatively, these values may be programmed into the computer control system in accordance with optimal product or system standards. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain operation in accordance with the selected or programmed values. Specifically, the computer control system may monitor incoming and outgoing product characteristics, i.e. particle weight, particle density, or particle size; and/or operating parameters, i.e. air flow, vibration speed, side tilt, end raise, feed rate, divider knife position and cutout gate position.

Abstract: A computer controlled separator device is disclosed. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain optimal operation. An operator may input values representing desired operating parameters and/or desired product characteristics of the separator device. Alternatively, these values may be programmed into the computer control system in accordance with optimal product or system standards. The computer control system monitors the operation of the separator device and makes any adjustments necessary to maintain operation in accordance with the selected or programmed values. Specifically, the computer control system may monitor incoming and outgoing product characteristics, i.e. particle weight, particle density, or particle size; and/or operating parameters, i.e. air flow, vibration speed, side tlit, end raise, feed rate, divider knife position and cutout gate position.

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: A nuclear jig control unit which is an electronically controlled system employing nuclear sensing devices and electro-hydraulic operators to proportionally control the opening and closing of a refuse gate of a jig. These components permit remote operator control and monitoring of the jig. The system provides for immediate adjustment of the specific gravity setting which triggers refuse discharge. This allows complete removal of the built-up refuse yet minimizes inadvertent coal losses with the refuse.

Abstract: A gravity separator for the separation of heavier particles from lighter waste material comprises a stack of decks (4) mounted for resonant oscillatory motion within a supporting frame (1). A motor (9) oscillates the decks at their resonant frequency while a distribution system (6) supplies a feed in the form of a slurry to the surface of the decks. As shaking continues, the heavier particles within the slurry are gradually separated from the lighter particles. Optimal separation is provided by a control system which, if necessary, automatically changes the amplitude of oscillation and/or the timing of the stages as separation proceeds, for example in response to outputs of detectors which measure the frequency of oscillation and the power being consumed.

Abstract: The density of the material in the jig bed is measured in consecutive short segments over the jig cycle, the time period of each segment being not greater than one-tenth the cycle time of the jig, to determine the density signature or profile of the jig. By controlling the operating parameters (e.g. inlet and outlet valve opening and closing, underbed flow rate, discharge gate position and jig working air pressure) of the jig, the density signature or profile is maintained within a control envelope for efficient stratification of the mineral.

Abstract: A system for gravity table separation including a gravity table for separating materials and a detector operatively associated with the gravity table for detecting the movement of control particles with respect to the gravity table during its operation. The control particles are of a known characteristic. By calibrating the desired movement of the control particles through the table, any misalignment or deviance of that movement during operation is detected, and adjustments can be made to the operation of the table to bring the control particles back to the desired movement. The separation process can then be controlled to bring about optimum efficiency. Also, the detector can be interfaced with a control component which can automatically adjust the operation of the table in response to whether the control particles are following the desired movement through the table.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed apparatus for separation of two mixed solid phases of which one is formed by a fluidizable powdery material and the other is formed by a material which is not fluidizable under the conditions of fluidization of the former, an enclosure is suspended by springs and formed by a lower casing portion (1) for a flow of gas and an upper casing portion (2) for a flow of fluidized powdery materials, between which there is disposed a porous fluidization wall (3), at least one conduit (4) for feeding gas to the lower casing portion (1) and at least one conduit (5) for discharging the fluidization gas from the upper casing portion (2). The upper casing (2) includes an inlet (6) for the regular introduction of the mixture of the two solid phases to be separated, an overflow (7) on a face of the enclosure for discharge of the fluidized solid phase, and an outlet for discharge of the settled solid phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a percussion jig in which the carrier for material to be separated is freely suspended in the region of its centroidal axis on the piston rod of a hydraulic drive cylinder. This results in a particularly simple construction subject to little wear.

Abstract: An automatic control apparatus of a grain separator for precisely separating a mixture of soil particles and grain having different hue and specific gravity, wherein the grain separator includes a soil discharge opening disposed at the front end of a separating plate which is inclined with a forward elevation in order to perform oscillations back and forth at a larger angle than said inclined angle, and a grain discharge opening disposed at the rear end thereof.The automatic control apparatus is equipped with a light source and a light receiving element at the front end of said separating plate to detect the intensity of the ray reflected from the mixture of soil and grain, at which said light receiving element produces a signal which actuates an electromagnetic driving means to allow or block the discharge of materials from the soil discharge opening, thus discharging only soil particles from the discharge opening.

Abstract: An oscillating grain separator comprised a grain separating plate provided with a rugged surface which oscillates in the angle direction of elevation for shaking up grain and mixed grain is separated at one at front side and/or rear side of the separating plate and flow out sideways from the plate, an oscillating grain separator having photoelectric means consisting of a light source and a light receiving element for detecting the flow conditions of the grain on the grain separating plate and automatically controlling the angle of elevation, mean oscillating angle, frequency or amplitude of the grain separating plate for normal control of the grain flow.

Abstract: A discharge-controlled method for a compressed air-controlled wet settling machine for the preparation of mineral mixtures, particularly for the washing of raw coal, is carried out such that the preparation takes place by means of pulsation of a separating liquid in a work chamber, whereby the pulsation is controlled by means of inlet and outlet valves and results in a stratification of the minerals on the settling machine carrier such that the heavier materials are stratified below the lighter materials. The layer level of the heavier material is measured by a scanner, in particular a float, and an actual-reference regulation controls a discharge apparatus for the heavier minerals. Measurement of the actual value of the heavier material layer level takes place by way of the scanner during a period of time which lies asymmetrically between the opening time of the outlet valve and the opening time of the inlet valve, and in particular shortly before the opening time of the inlet valve.

Abstract: A wash box for separating materials produced in, for example a mining operation, into fractions of different densities. The machine is divided vertically into compartments, including at least one stratification compartment and at least one reject compartment, the raw material being delivered onto the grid, the level of water in the compartments being higher than the grid. Vertical pulsations are applied to the water in the compartments, causing the water to travel through the perforations of the grid. The pulsations applied to the stratification compartment are effective to stratify the material on the grid, movement of the water through the wash-box tending to carry the lighter fraction from the wash-box while the pulsations applied to the reject compartment determine the rate at which the heavier fraction reject material falls from the grid plate into a reject extraction chamber adjacent to the reject compartment.

Abstract: A hopper device for delivering granular or powdery material to a conveyor system of a type having a circuitous tube and a continuous flexible member having disc members rigidly attached thereto has a material level monitor and control apparatus attached thereto. The continuous flexible member passes through the hopper and a material flow varying mechanism is disposed within the hopper for causing material to be delivered from the hopper into the conveyor system when such mechanism is in operation. A housing having a chamber therein is attached to the outlet side of the hopper and has a float assembly disposed in the chamber for sensing the amount of material being fed into the conveyor system.

Abstract: A device for circulating liquid by vacuum, that is carrying two or more particles of different densities. The particles are separated and then discharged through a discharge bowl to separate receptacles, and the liquid is returned for re-use.

Abstract: A Baum Jig for gravitational enrichment of minerals, particularly hard co in which a screen deck is transversely located to the axis of the jig. Air chambers are made of plates as cut-outs of a cylindrical surface. The axes of symmetry are deflected from the perpendicular by an angle of 5.degree. to 15.degree. in the direction of the mineral to be enriched. The chambers are provided with asymmetric guide vanes adjustable in the horizontal direction. The side walls of a water cistern possess at the height of the screen decks, horizontal off-sets outside the cistern. Spring-loaded protection plates are provided in the off-set supports. The lower edge of one wall of each chamber is shaped as a conduit of back water provided from the bottom with a deflectable arched diaphragm.

Abstract: A sphincter cone for water treatment and clarification, which cone involves no moving parts. At the top of the cone there is provided a surge tank with an open bottom surrounded by an annular well extending along the perimeter of a cylindrical extension of the cone. The bottom of the well is tapered downwardly toward an outlet pipe. Water entering the top of the surge tank is distributed downwardly through the surge tank and radially outwardly into the annular well, while the particulate flows downwardly through the apex of the cone where it is formed into small compacted slugs and discharged. A second cone, in series, of similar construction may be used to further clarify the water.