Abstract: Method for producing a fibrous material for the manufacturing of preformed parts, in which a binder is added to the fibrous material and it is pressed into a preformed part upon application of heat, characterised in that a portion of particles of plastics and/or fibers from plastics is admixed to a particle or fiber mass of a first group of particles or fibers, the particle size of said particles from plastics and/or fibers from plastics approximately corresponding to the particle size of the particles or fibers of the first group, wherein the particles from plastics and/or fibers from plastics are obtained by crushing and/or defibrating agglomerates of pure or mixed plastics in a disc refiner, and that if necessary water is fed into the disc refiner during the crushing process.

Abstract: Thermal stability of cryomilled Al+1% diamantane was investigated in the temperature range of 423 to 773K. Diamantane is a nanosized hydrocarbon molecule with a 14 carbon atom diamond cubic framework that is terminated by hydrogen atoms. Following the cryomilling of the Al powders and diamantane cages, the average grain size characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The as-cryomilled grain sized was found to be of the order of 22 nm, essentially the same as that for Al cryomilled without diamantane. To determine thermal stability, the powders were sealed in glass tubes in an Ar atmosphere to avoid oxidation and contamination and annealed at different temperatures between 423 and 773K for different holding times. Following these treatments, the grain size of cryomilled Al+1% diamantane was consistently less than that for cryomilled Al by about a factor of two.

Abstract: A process to transform solid waste into fuel by adding water and heat to provide no more than 350 BTUs/lb of the weight of the solid waste for no more than 85 minutes. Such a process transforms the solid waste into fuel in a process time of not greater than 85 minutes. The system uses a pressure vessel; a condenser tank to permit selective addition of water to and evacuation of steam from the vessel; a heater to increase the temperature of the vessel; a vacuum pump to selectively reduce pressure within the vessel and to help evacuate steam from the vessel to the condenser tank; and a water pump to selectively add water from the condenser tank to the interior volume of the vessel. A method for converting solid waste into fuel includes loading the solid waste into a rotating pressure vessel and transforming the solid waste into fuel by adding water; reducing pressure; adding heat; and then evacuating steam. The contents are evacuated from the pressure vessel. At least some of the contents are fuel.

Abstract: A method and system are provided herein for forming microparticles from plastic and elastomeric materials that cannot be reduced in size by conventional methods. The system includes a high-pressure liquid nitrogen energy source, a feeder for providing a preferred constant and uninterrupted feed to a mill, a preferred integral injection device to meter the feed into a chamber for milling and/or classification, and a preferred exhaust system for collection of the milled product.

Abstract: Waste processing system including a shredder, a grinder and a steam explosion device such as a cooking extruder. The waste processing system is used to process raw waste, such as consumer waste, into an end product such as pellets. One potential use for these pellets is pyrolization to form biogas. Because of the uniformity composition of the processing waste (see DEFINITIONS section), imparted by the shredder and grinder, and because of the uniformity of distribution of plastic in the processing waster, imparted by the steam explosion processing, the end-product made by systems according to the present invention are superior with respect to several physical characteristics and especially well suited for pyrolization to make biogas.

Abstract: Membrane switches are manufactured by electrically conductive pastes consisting of 55 to 65% by weight of metal powder in the shape of flake (silver, aluminum, copper or the alloy thereof), 35 to 60% by weight of an organic solvent at high boiling point, 5 to 15% by weight of organic thermal plastic, including mainly saturation polyester polymer, and 0.5 to 5% by weight of additives, including trietheanolamine, adhesion promoter, defoamer, leveling agent, thixotropic agent etc. The silver paste is of excellent adhesion on ITO film or ITO glass, delivers conductivity high up to 20 m?/? with less than 65% by weight of silver, and passes test under the conditions (85?, 85% RH, 1000 hours).

Abstract: A process is described for treating waste organic material such as the by-products from a pulp and paper mill, manure and straw to reduce its moisture content to a level at which the treated material is suitable for use as a fuel. The process involves the steps of feeding the starting material into a chamber (10) having rotating chains (42) or blades which drive the material into the interior wall (18) of the chamber (10) with sufficient force to cause some of its moisture content to separate from it. The moisture is expelled from the chamber (10) while the remaining material is carried upwardly in a stream of air to a cyclone separator (22). The conditions within the separator (22) are adjusted to further reduce its moisture level to about 15 percent by weight at which level the material is suitable for use as a fuel.

Abstract: A method for the surface treatment of bead polymers is to be prepared, by means of which bead polymers are treated in a particularly simple and effective manner such that upon addition to unfinished ceramic pieces, in particular, their strength and dimensional stability increase. To this end, the bead polymers are conducted to a device which is used for comminution, in particular, to a mill, in which the surface of the bead polymers is purposefully scratched or roughened in a uniformly mechanical manner.

Abstract: A method of producing a range of diatomaceous earth filter aids having selectable permeabilities and less than about 1 percent by weight total crystalline silica. The method includes milling diatomaceous earth ore to a size range of between about 100 micrometers and about 1400 micrometers; calcining the milled diatomaceous earth in a calciner; and milling the calcined diatomaceous earth in an adjustable milling and classification system to produce diatomaceous earth filter aids. Systems to implement such methods and compositions produced by such methods are also described.

Abstract: A process for the beneficiation of trona includes supplying a trona feedstream that is crushed and dried. The trona is then separated into a first size fraction and a second size fraction. Impurities are removed from the first size fraction using at least one magnetic separator. The magnetic separator includes a plurality of stages. Each stage includes a conveyor system comprising a first end, a second end, and a conveyor belt. Each stage also includes a magnetic roller disposed at the second end of the conveyor system and a splitter disposed adjacent the second end of the system for separating a fraction of magnetic impurities from the trona to create a beneficiated fraction. At least one conveyor belt is deionized. Airborne dust particles are removed from an area surrounding at least one conveyor system.

Abstract: Described is a roller mill (1) for grinding particulate material such as cement raw materials, cement clinker and similar materials, said roller mill (1) comprising a housing (3) which surrounds a grinding table (7) which is rotatable about a vertical axis (5), said grinding table being supported via a support (9) by a machine foundation (11), at least one roller (13) rotatable about a substantially stationary axis (12), said roller being configured for interaction with the grinding table (7) and an electric motor (15), which comprises a rotor (16) which is firmly connected to the grinding table (7) and a stator (17). The roller mill is peculiar in that the stator (17) constitutes an integral part of the support (9) for the grinding table (7), so that at least some of the load imposed by the at least one roller (13) on the grinding table (7) is transmitted via the stator (17) to the machine foundation (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the wet-mechanical treatment of a substance mixture, particularly of refuse of all types, comprised of inert substances, water and of organic substances having a water-soluble and bioconvertible portion, whereby water is used as a solvent, washing agent and separating agent.

Abstract: A clean dry glass powder useful as a substitute for Portland cement in concrete, in paints, and for other known uses for glass powder produced conventionally can be produced from unsorted post-consumer waste glass, including a substantial fraction of non-glass items, by employing glass pulverizing equipment to reduce waste glass to small fragments, allowing removal of trash, employing a multistep washing process to clean the glass fragments, in the preferred embodiment using aggregate cleaning equipment, drying the fragments, preferably using fluidized bed techniques, and grinding the glass to a desired particle size, preferably using a ball mill, in combination with an air classification step to produce a glass powder of uniform particle size.

Abstract: Sewage sludge that has been de-watered to 25% solids is subjected to a combination of shearing and heating that liquefies the sludge, and drops its viscosity to below 12,000 cP. The fact of liquefaction prepares the sludge such that subsequent drying can be done more cost-effectively than hitherto. After drying, the dried sludge can be incinerated.

Abstract: The present invention springs from the discovery that mild acids could be utilized to shear undesired metals away from desired precious metals that have been plated onto circuit board runners or contacts. This shearing action occurs at a high rate when metal scrap segments are immersed in mild acid and excited by application of an electromagnetic field at specific frequencies and power levels. These frequencies and power levels are based on the end metal desired and the metals contained in the scrap and the acid utilized. When mild acid saturated with copper sulfate and loaded with scrap metals is subjected to an electromagnetic field at the appropriate frequency and power levels, copper and nickel molecules are sheared rapidly and absorbed into solution, leaving only the desired metal, such as gold, in a 99.5% pure flake which can be skimmed off the surface of the solution or filtered from the solution.

Abstract: A bonded abrasive tool, having a structure permeable to fluid flow, comprises sintered agglomerates of a plurality of abrasive grains and a binding material, the binding material being characterized by a melting temperature between 500 and 1400° C., and the sintered agglomerates having a loose packing density of ?1.6 g/cc and three-dimensional shape; a bond material; and about 35-80 volume % total porosity, including at least 30 volume % interconnected porosity. Methods for making the sintered agglomerates and abrasive tools containing the sintered agglomerates are described.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a liquid electrostatographic toner or liquid ink jet ink which includes the steps of heating a marking particle mix of particles of a resin and a colourant blend in a carrier liquid to a temperature between about the first softening point of the resin and about the second softening point of the resin, maintaining the temperature of the heated marking particle mix for a selected period of time, cooling the marking particle mix to room temperature, and mixing the marking particle mix with high shear. The particle mix can be produced by coarse grinding in a ball mill. The resultant toner or ink has an improved Newtonian like flow behaviour, improved electrical properties, reduced sedimentation and agglomeration and significantly improved optical density and reduced background. The invention also includes toners and inks produced by the method.

Abstract: With this invention, in a nanoparticle production method, wherein nanoparticles are produced by irradiating a laser light irradiation portion 2a of a to-be-treated liquid 8 with a laser light, in which suspended particles are suspended, to pulverize the suspended particles in laser light irradiation portion 2a, laser light irradiation portion 2a of to-be-treated liquid 8 is cooled. In this case, by the cooling of to-be-treated liquid 8, the respective suspended particles are cooled in their entireties. When the portion 2a of this to-be-treated liquid 8 is irradiated with the laser light, the laser light is absorbed at the surfaces of the suspended particles at portion 2a. Since to-be-treated liquid 8 is cooled during this process, significant temperature differences arise between the interiors and surfaces of the suspended particles and between the surfaces of the suspended particles and the to-be-treated liquid at laser light irradiation portion 2a, and highly efficient nanoparticulation is realized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating contaminated plastic material from various types of contaminants, including paper, includes a grinder for reducing the size of the contaminated plastic material to a reduced size of pieces and an eductor for receiving the pieces of contaminated plastic material from the grinder. The eductor has a nozzle portion at one end for producing a turbulent flow of compressed air and an intermediate portion with a mixing chamber for receiving the turbulent flow of air and the reduced size of pieces whereby the pieces are pulled into the eductor by the compressed air flow and the contaminants are separated from the plastic.

Abstract: A metal paste, in which a filler mainly composed of metal is mixed with good dispersibility, is manufactured with good productivity at a low cost without generating a foil of the metal. A paste-like material (referred to as a paste material hereafter) containing a metal filler is fed into a gap between a pair of rotating whetstones 11 and 12 which are relatively rotated while facing with each other having a specified gap therebetween, to pass and discharge therein. The paste material is thus kneaded and dispersed. In addition, the paste material is kneaded and dispersed by suppressing the generation of a metal foil, adjusting the gap to a specified interval dg and feeding the paste material into the interval while applying thereon a predetermined positive pressure and/or negative pressure.

Abstract: A process for preparing compacted pigment granules, a process for preparing encapsulated pigment granules, and a process for dyeing landscaping and/or construction materials using the same.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to make it possible, in order to form the fine powder of the water-absorbent resin into a water-absorbing material having particle diameters favorable for practical use, that a water-absorbing material which has high agglomeration strength and is excellent in the quality performances is obtained at a low cost with good efficiency without causing the problems of the adhesion to such as treatment apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of processing mica, compositions resulting from these methods, and paints comprising the mica. One method relates to a method of processing mica comprising dry attrition grinding a micaceous material to produce a micaceous product having a particle size distribution such that at least about 60% by weight of the micaceous product passes through a 325 mesh screen. The dry grinding can be performed with at least one non-mica grinding media, such as a ceramic ball mill. The methods described herein can use mica from the Spruce Pine Mining District of North Carolina. The methods can allow the use of micaceous materials having a wide range of grit content with minimal adverse effect on the brightness.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing tackifiers and adhesives is an improved energy efficient process for preparing tackifiers, adhesives and dispersions of low-molecular weight polymers and other materials in water. Fine grinding of a low molecular weight polymer is performed to provide the low molecular weight polymer reduced to a selected average particle size in a range between approximately 2.5 ?m and approximately 7.5 ?m with a maximum particle size of less than 10 ?m.

Abstract: The nature of the method of treating multicomponent, composite and combined materials, consisting of organic and inorganic, non-metallic and metallic components and especially of waste from electronic and electric devices and equipments, consists in that the treated materials are pretreated by removing contaminating components containing toxic heavy metals and poly-chlorinated biphenyls, by grinding the waste to particles having the size of 5 to 25 mm at most, and they are subjected, in an inert or reducing environment at a temperature of 350° C. to 600° C. and at a pressure of 100 kPa to 10 MPa, to the action of blades of a rotational mechanism for 10 seconds to 10 minutes, and to the action of a moving bed of solid particles of a substance, performing whirling motion.

Abstract: Described is a roller mill (1) for grinding particulate material such as cement raw materials, cement clinker and similar materials, said roller mill (1) comprising a housing (3) which surrounds a grinding table (7) which is rotatable about a vertical axis (5), said grinding table being supported via a support (9) by a machine foundation (11), at least one roller (13) rotatable about a substantially stationary axis (12), said roller being configured for interaction with the grinding table (7) and an electric motor (15), which comprises a rotor (16) which is firmly connected to the grinding table (7) and a stator (17). The roller mill is peculiar in that the stator (17) constitutes an integral part of the support (9) for the grinding table (7), so that at least some of the load imposed by the at least one roller (13) on the grinding table (7) is transmitted via the stator (17) to the machine foundation (11).

Abstract: A process for producing an oxygen-free, non-denaturable, cooled and dried crushed product of superior quality by effecting efficient crushing by a simple apparatus in an easy operation while preventing a decrease in qualities such as flavor, taste and masticating feel; an apparatus therefor; and a crushed product obtained thereby are provided. The apparatus for producing crushed product contains a pair of crusher discs arranged so as to define a crushing space in between confronting crushing faces thereof, a driver for rotating one of the pair of crusher discs, a cooling section adjoining the other crusher disc for cooling it, a raw material supply site for supplying one or more raw materials to the crushing space through the cooling section, a crushed product delivery site for bringing the resulting crushed product thereto from the crushing space and an inert gas supply for supplying a cooled inert gas to the crushing space via the raw material supply site.

Abstract: A process for preparing extremely small RPET particles comprises proving a quantity of RPET flakes, increasing the crystallinity of the RPET flakes, separating a portion of the RPET flakes having the lowest particle density from the remainder of the RPET flakes, and comminuting the remaining RPET flakes, to prepare RPET particles having an average mean particle size less than 500 microns.

Abstract: A substantially dry and dust free method of recovering ladle slag is allowing hot ladle slag to cool to powder form in a controlled environment and collecting the powder in a receiver therefor. A vessel having a chamber containing in an upper portion a screen through which ladle slag can pass into a receiver below and means for cooling the slag in the vessel are provided.

Abstract: Cotton waste is transferred to a heated reactor and mixed with a pigment in the presence of steam. Cotton waste is converted to mulch by a plurality of rotating mixing elements disposed in the reactor and which mix, cut and/or chop the cotton waste therein. In particular, the reactor includes a cylindrical wall section and a longitudinal drive shaft extending through the reactor. A series of radial arms extend from the drive shaft. Mounted on the terminal ends of the radial arms is a first set of mixing elements. As the drive shaft is driven, these mixing elements move adjacent the inner surface of the cylindrical wall section. Further, there is provided a second set of mixing elements disposed adjacent the inner face of the cylindrical wall section. These rotary mixing elements are secured to a shaft that extends through the cylindrical wall section at an angle to the longitudinal drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for processing solid waste products. The apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted cylindrical vessel having a first end, a second end and an interior surface, at least one end terminating in a hatch that may be opened to allow access to the interior of the vessel and sealably closed to allow pressurization of the vessel; a steam inlet for injecting stem disposed at one or both ends; a plurality of substantially straight blades protruding from the interior surface of the vessel, and each the blade extending substantially the entire length of the vessel, so as to be capable of transporting waste material from the bottom of the vessel toward the top of the vessel, and releasing the waste material to fall to the bottom of the vessel. The apparatus also includes one or more actuators for moving the vessel between a position wherein the first end is higher than the second end and a position wherein the second end is higher than the first end.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials using controlled, super-fine grinding and medium temperature pressure leaching. Processes embodying aspects of the present invention may be beneficial for recovering a variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, rhenium, zinc, uranium, and platinum group metals, from metal-bearing materials, and find particular utility in connection with the extraction of copper from copper sulfide ores and concentrates.

Abstract: A method of milling a powder comprising introducing a gas stream containing a cryogenic liquid and a drug carrier gas into a jet mill, and milling a powder with the jet mill in one or more milling passes. A product produced by the method. A milling apparatus comprising a cryogenic gas input system, a powder feeder, a main jet-mill, and at least one output port for collecting the powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of upgrading a composite material containing fibrous matter and non-fibrous plastic matter. The inventive method includes the following steps consisting in: cooling the composite material to a temperature of between ?40° C. and +10° C., grinding the cooled composite material in order to disconnect the fibrous matter from the non-fibrous plastic matter; and separating the fibrous matter from the non-fibrous plastic matter.

Abstract: Taught herein are methods of integrated material processing, especially integrated processing of waste materials. According to the methods, waste materials are exposed simultaneously to two or more unit operations, and the physical phenomena associated with each of the unit operations act in concert to achieve a desired processing objective.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the comminution of foodstuff, especially phytosterol, particles to a particle size suitable for inclusion in liquid or solid foods.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for producing thermomechanical fibers using less energy per ton that has previously been required for similar type of production. The invention is based in that at least two refiners are combined so that mixture of chips, water and steam is first fed into a first refiner wherein the chips are broken up and the mass flow from the first refiner is then fed into the second refiner for breaking the fibers to final freeness level. The mass flow of steam and fibers is fed forwards at least in the first refiner by the rotational energy of the refiner rotor so that essentially no flowback of the steam occurs. The mass flow exciting the first refiner is fed completely to the second refiner and no steam is extracted from the mass flow before the second refiner.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the separation, recovery and recycling of municipal solid waste (MSW) in which hot water 48 is added to shredded and homogenized MSW 2 as it enters a rotating feed preparation drum 34 equipped with internal lifter blades 36. The blades 36 and rotation of the drum 34 cause mixing and pulping of the MSW before discharge into a rotating thermal processor 56 also equipped with lifter blades 58 and cone section 64, and in which the moist MSW 2 is heated by heating the hot gases in the processor by a flame from burner 62 which converts the moisture in the MSW to steam. The steam permeates through the MSW as it is turned and lifted in the thermal processor 56, causing further pulping. The now cooked and treated MSW 2 is then fed to a conveyor 68 for transportation to a trommel screen for the separation of recyclable components.

Abstract: A method is described for the manufacture of hydrotalcites by using at least one compound of a bivalent metal (Component A) and at least one compound of a trivalent metal (Component B), wherein at least one of these components is not used in the form of a solution, characterized in that a) at least one of the Components A and/or B which is not used in the form of a solution, shortly before or during mixing of the components, and/or b) the mixture containing the Components A and B is subjected to intensive grinding until an average particle size (D50) in the range of approx. 0.1 to 5 ?m is obtained, and optionally, after aging treatment or hydrothermal treatment, the resulting hydrotalcite product is separated, dried, and optionally calcinated.

Abstract: In a method of crushing silicon blocks, a silicon block to be crushed is heated and is then forcedly cooled. Subsequently, a crushing member which contains no metal component at least on a surface thereof is made to strike the cooled silicon block to thereby crush the silicon block. Alternatively, two silicon blocks to be crushed are heated and are then forcedly cooled. Subsequently, the cooled silicon blocks are made to strike against each other, whereby the silicon blocks are crushed.

Abstract: A method for treating vulcanized rubber, the method including the steps of (i) providing an aqueous stream that includes vulcanized rubber particles suspended in water, (ii) feeding the aqueous stream to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column, (iii) conducting the aqueous stream to the bottom of the hydraulic downdraft column, (iv) conducting the aqueous stream into an ultrasonic treatment zone, (v) subjecting the aqueous stream to ultrasonic energy and, (vi) conducting the aqueous stream up a hydraulic updraft column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the granulation of sludge- and/or dust-form material, in which the material to be granulated is mixed with hydratable or hydraulically settable solids and water, which solids react exothermically with water and act as binder in the mixture, where the solids are allowed to hydrate or set fully or partly, and where the mixture containing the fully or partly hydrated or set solids is shaped into granules, where the solids and, if desired, dust-form materials to be granulated are wetted or moistened with water, and subsequently and/or at essentially the same time the solids are mixed with the material to be granulated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Methods for preparing high aspect ratio nanomaterials from spherical nanomaterials useful for oxides, nitrides, carbides, borides, metals, alloys, chalcogenides, and other compositions.

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: The invention relates to a method and an installation for cooling bulk products, especially pellets or feed cubes. In order to accelerate possible product replacement, the formed pellets are cooled in two steps, a precooler (3) directly following the forming device (2). A secondary cooling process is only carried out after sifting or breaking and sifting.

Abstract: Method and unit for recycling a bituminous membrane provided with at least one reinforcement, which membrane is reduced to pieces which are introduced into a recycling unit, provided with a first rotor, housed in a first stator, and where they are heated and ground, said pieces being conveyed into a chamber, delimited by an external wall of the first rotor and a recess arranged in a counter-element mounted on the stator, where they are subjected to a trituration, the pieces thus triturated then being discharged from the chamber by flowing along said external wall of the rotor.

Abstract: This invention discloses a high pressure media mill (HPMM) and processes for use thereof.

Abstract: A disc mill assembly for a pulverizing system includes: a flywheel, a water jacket, two disc blades, and two ring clamps. In alternate embodiments, the disc mill assembly also includes: an air inlet to provide input air from an external air supply and an improved blade height adjustment mechanism. A disc blade is also provided. The disc blade is a single member with a central aperture that is the only through hole in the blade. Users may cost-effectively adopt a disposal versus sharpening policy for replacement of the disc blade. A method for controlling a temperature of material in a disc mill assembly having first and second disc blades is provided. The method includes: directing an adjustable input air stream, directing material to be ground, monitoring the temperature of the material, and controlling the air stream directing and/or the material directing in response to the temperature monitoring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving used asphalt materials, heating the materials, dynamically tumbling the materials into a recycled granulized form, and selectively providing the recycled asphalt for use. An asphalt recycling system is used that is configured to receive used asphalt materials, including RAP and asphalt chunks. Inside the system, the asphalt materials are heated in a heating chamber, such as by natural gas, propane, or another heat source. The heating chamber warms the metal in the chute, and material in the chute can be exposed to exhaust gas, which preheats the asphalt material. The material is then delivered through the chute and onto a conveyer belt, which drops down into a rotating drum. The drum includes a material classifier ring and a plurality of paddles that are used to tumble the heated asphalt material until it becomes generally granularized. The drum can be manipulated (e.g., tilted, etc.

Abstract: A niobium hydride or niobium hydride alloy is ground at a temperature of ?200 to 30° C. in the presence of a dispersion medium to obtain a niobium powder for capacitors, having a low oxygen content, the niobium powder for capacitors is granulated to obtain a niobium granulated product for capacitors, having an average particle size of 10 to 500 ?m, the niobium powder or granulated powder for capacitors is sintered to obtain a sintered body, and a capacitor is fabricated by forming a dielectric material on the surface of the sintered body and providing another part electrode on the dielectric material, whereby a capacitor having good LC characteristics and less dispersed in the LC characteristics is obtained.