Abstract: The invention relates to macerator for processing a slurry, the macerator comprising an inlet configured to receive a flow of inlet slurry comprising particles having an average particle size of less than 20 mm, an outlet, two or more bodies that rotate relative to each other, each body comprising a plurality of apertures to define a flow path through each body, wherein the slurry traverses the flow path from the macerator inlet to the macerator outlet via the at least one aperture of each body to produce an outlet slurry.

Abstract: A waterless method of processing coal to remove impurities therefrom includes drying a batch of coal to remove moisture therefrom, pulverizing the coal into individual coal particles to liberate impurity particles from the coal and without substantially reducing the size of the impurity particles, and separating the impurity particles and pulverized coal particles into respective product streams via air classification. The dryer includes a plurality of rotating paddles, and an air stream forces the coal through the plurality of rotating paddles to pulverize the coal into individual particles and liberate the impurities.

Abstract: A static, flow-conditioner apparatus comprising a series of closely spaced shearing edges which contact and condition liquid flowing thereby. The edges are advantageously carried on propellor-shaped articles and mounted on an axial shaft in conduit forming a confined liquid flow space. It is advantageous to modify flow patterns by changes in edge configuration and flow patterns within spaces between closely packed group of the shearing edge-bearing members. Particularly, utility is found in reducing the asphaltene "particles" or "globules" in heavy fuel oil to extremely small size so they are readily burned in a boiler with reduced particulates in the stack effluent.

Abstract: A drier, especially for viscous materials, comprises a double-wall cylindrical vessel which is heated and to which the material to be dried is fed at one end with the dried material being removed at the opposite end. A drying gas inlet is connected to the drying chamber to pass the drying gas in counterflow or uniflow with the material and a shaft is rotatable along the axis of the chamber and carries adjustable disks with alternately inner and outer openings so that the material path through the vessel is deflected toward and away from the axis as the material passes successively through adjustable-length cells between these disks. All of the disks carry blades which scrape the material from the heated wall from the vessel and at least some of the disks carry rollers of predetermined spacing from this wall to adjust the particle size of the dried product.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating polyethylene film from paper fibre. The polyethylene film contaminated with paper fibres is subjected to treatment that converts the paper fibres into substantially uniform balls which are separated by gravity by being entrained in a stream of air with the polyethylene film pieces and impacted against a plurality of impact surfaces and the relatively light polyethylene film being separated from the relatively heavier damp paper fibres by means of a plurality of baffle separators relying upon gravity separation of the heavier components. Provision is made to remove the damp paper fibre balls and recover the polyethylene film from the apparatus.

Abstract: A homogenizing mechanism for a manure slurry in combination with a supply container and blades adapted to penetrate about fifteen centimeters under the soil surface for injecting manure into the soil by an injection pipe carried by the blade. The mechanism is disposed between container and the injection outlet so that the injected slurry must pass therethrough. An air displacement pump selectively places the container under pressure (up to about one atmosphere) or vacuum for moving the slurry out of or into the container, respectively. The homogenizing mechanism has a substantially cylindrical casing with an inlet from the container on one end and an outlet leading to the injector at the other end. The inlet may be a conduit or an open end of a casing mounted in part within the container.

Abstract: A machine for the continuous comminution and mixing of materials, especially animal and vegetable media, has a mixing chamber in which two conveying passages are arranged. Each passage has a conveyor and mixer element working oppositely to one another, with each conveying passage there is associated a comminuting device which at the same time acts as a conveying means to deliver materials in the same direction as the associated conveying and mixing elements into the relevant conveying passage or respectively draw therefrom. Reversing spaces or passages serve together with these passages for the circulation of the mixed material.

Abstract: A multi-chambered scrubber is employed to thoroughly wash gravels or materials bearing heavy precious metals. The apparatus includes a multi-chambered scrubber drum which is supported at an angle by a frame and adapted to be driven by a variable speed drive system. The scrubber drum includes at least two sections each of which has a polygonal shaped, water-tight interior chamber. Each of the sections is separated by a retainer ring having an opening therein smaller in area than the area of the next preceeding scrubber chamber. The scrubber sections are interchangeable and may be connected one to the other in any of a variety of combinations as may be dictated by the material being scrubbed. The polygonal shape of the scrubber chambers contributes to a greatly improved washing and disintegrating action on the material being treated. The scrubber apparatus also includes a plurality of removable wear plates which can be replaced as they become worn down and damaged.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of improved apparatus for continuously processing waste papers, contaminated with inks, adhesives, resins, groundwood, foreign objects, paper fasteners and the like, into usable grades of cellulosic fiber pulps. The disclosure is also of a method for the continuous processing of contaminated waste papers into nearly quantitative yields of usable cellulosic fiber pulps.