Abstract: A method of producing a low structure pyrogenic metal oxide filler is disclosed. The method involves subjecting pyrogenically produced metal oxide agglomerates and aggregates selected from silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, or titanium oxide to a dry milling process whereby the pyrogenically produced metal oxide is contacted in an agitating zone with an energy specific force.

Abstract: A dilute phase pneumatic materials conveyance apparatus is disclosed having a pneumatic accelerator which is capable of conveying materials through a gas stream which is selectively patterned. The conveyance apparatus also includes a source-gas manifold and control apparatus which enable selective control of the apparatus on a real time basis to achieve desired gas pattern flows through the apparatus to achieve selected particle dispersion, isolation, stratification, electrification, classification and entrainment of material and to convey it through a processing conduit. The configuration of the conveyance apparatus also enables further processing, including drying, sorting, pulverization and classification of the materials. The conveyance apparatus also enables classification of materials based on the aerodynamic diameter of the particles being conveyed because of the ability to achieve particle isolation.

Abstract: An improved fluid energy mill having a curved-shaped insert having a leading edge and a trailing edge with an azimuthal angle of between 10.degree. and 300.degree. and a positive or zero angle of attack is disclosed. This mill provides for lower energy consumption while improving or maintaining product specifications, and improved production rates.

Abstract: A cyclonic processing system accepts unprocessed fragmentary material of a predetermined aerodynamic buoyancy range, keeps it suspended in a vortex and discharges it when it reaches a finished material aerodynamic buoyancy range. The cyclonic processing apparatus and method dries, mills, separates and/or mixes fragmentary material. The waste air from the apparatus is reduced in particle content. The apparatus and method may be used to process post consumer waste for recycling. Additionally, it may be used to harness waste heat from industrial processes.

Abstract: A method for homogeneously mixing a uranium/plutonium mixed oxide which is used for the preparation of a uranium/plutonium mixed oxide fuel. The method comprises weighing a uranium oxide powder, a plutonium oxide powder, and a dry recovered powder prepared by grinding a uranium/plutonium mixed oxide sinter so as to give a predetermined plutonium enrichment; roughly mixing these powders together by means of a mixer; pulverizing and homogeneously mixing the roughly mixed powder by means of a jet mill; discharging the homogeneously mixed powder together with compressed air from the jet mill; and separating the mixed powder from the air by means of a first-stage cyclone to recover at least 90% of the discharged powder.

Abstract: In a process for granulating and comminuting molten material, the slag melt is acted upon by compressed water and discharged together with the vapour formed. The liquid slag is introduced into a granulation chamber in a free flowing jet while directing compressed water jets against the slag jet, whereupon the solidified and granulated slag is conducted through a pneumatic conveyor duct and a distributor along with the vapour formed. The partial streams leaving the distributor, via conically tapering nozzles are transferred into a grinding space exhibiting a lower pressure than the granulation space and from which the comminuted and solidified material is drawn off.

Abstract: A dry and crush treating apparatus using a jet burner, includes: a jet burner drying an oil-containing or/and water-containing raw material; a dry treating tank; and a recovering unit recovering a dried fine particles made of the raw material. In the construction, the recovering unit is installed within the dry treating tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating liquids or slurries includes first and second nozzles each having an inlet coupled to a liquid or slurry source and an outlet. A first vortex nozzle rotates a first liquid or slurry stream received from the first nozzle and delivers a first rotated liquid or slurry stream into a chamber. A second vortex nozzle rotates a second liquid or slurry stream received from the second nozzle and delivers a second rotated liquid or slurry stream into the chamber. The first and second vortex nozzles are positioned in an opposed relationship to collide the first rotated liquid or slurry stream with the second rotated liquid or slurry stream.

Abstract: A method of producing metal flakes by producing a highly porous sponge structure of the metal; comminuting the highly porous sponge structure into particles; and flattening the particles into flakes having a low porosity. The method is particularly useful for producing high-purity flakes of silver, including its alloys.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for impact pulverization by directing at least one high-velocity gas or vapor jet exiting from a nozzle into a fluidized bed of milling material, wherein the gas or vapor jet is jointly accelerated with a portion of the milling material and thereafter directed into the fluidized bed of milling material.

Abstract: An indium oxide-tin oxide (ITO) sintered body is prepared by mixing a tin oxide powder with an indium oxide powder, molding the resulting mixed powder to obtain a green body, and sintering the resulting green body. At least the tin oxide powder has beforehand been pulverized by colliding tin oxide particles with each other or against a collision substance in gas streams. At least 90 wt % of the pulverized tin oxide powder is preferably particles having a particle size of 0.2-10 .mu.m. A jet mill can be used for the pulverization. The ITO sintered body has a density as high as 7.08 g/cm.sup.3 or more and, during sputtering, is free from nodule formation and is inhibited from generating particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a pollutant harmless by treating a material to be treated containing the pollutant. The method comprises the steps of: heating the material in a pressure resistant vessel hermetically to obtain a heated material; supplying the heated material from the vessel to a nozzle; and jetting out the material from the nozzle to collide against a collecting member arranged opposite to the nozzle.

Abstract: For the metered feed of coarse granular material into an air jet mill an injector 3 operated by propellent air is used, the coarse material being fed continuously to a closed injector hopper 6 provided on the injector 3. In the injector hopper 6, the pressure is measured at a product-free point and, by resetting the propellent air mass flow at the injector 3 is held constant at a preselected setpoint partial vacuum value. Said setpoint value is preferably set so low that at said pressure there is only just no return flow from the injector 3 into the injector hopper 6. The apparatus for effecting said method comprises a control loop having a pressure sensor 16 for measuring the flow in the closed injector hopper 6, a motor-adjustable valve 4, 5 as an actuator for varying the supplied propellent air mass flow and a loop controller, which compares the actual pressure value with a preselected setpoint value and supplies a control signal for operating the actuator 4, 5.

Abstract: A pulverizing system for reducing the size of material including a body, a pair of rotating members at least partially disposed within said body, and at least one impeller arm attached to each of said rotating members. The impeller arm attached to one of the rotating member throws material into a substantially head-on collision with material thrown by the impeller arm attached to the other rotating member.

Abstract: A pneumatic impact pulverizer is disclosed which has a nozzle for feeding high-pressure gas, a tube for transporting and accelerating a pulverizing material, a pulverization chamber, and an impact member for pulverizing the material. The impact member is opposed to an outlet of the accelerating tube and has at least a first impact face projecting toward the accelerating tube side and a second impact face sloped toward the downstream side. The pulverization chamber has at least a first sidewall positioned on the side more upstream than the outermost edge of the second impact face and a second sidewall positioned on the downstream side of the first sidewall. The pulverization chamber is enlarged at its part on the side more upstream than the outermost edge of the second impact face so that the cross-sectional area of the inside of the chamber at that part is larger than that of the inside of the chamber corresponding to the outermost edge of the second impact face.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions is disclosed. The method includes the steps of passing a hydrodynamic liquid flow containing dispersed components through a flow-through channel having at least one nozzle and a buffer channel and directing a primary liquid jet from the nozzle into the buffer channel, thereby creating a secondary liquid jet in the buffer channel directed toward the nozzle. The primary liquid jet and the secondary liquid jet create a high intensity vortex contact layer that creates collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles in the high intensity vortex contact layer. Ultra-thin emulsions and dispersions are formed under the influence of the collapsing cavitation caverns and cavitation bubbles. The apparatus includes a flow-through channel having an inlet and an outlet and a nozzle located inside the flow-through channel between the inlet and the outlet and having an orifice.

Abstract: A dispersion method for uniformly dispersing solid or liquid fine particles in a solvent utilizes a supercritical fluid. A dispersoid of a solid, a liquid or the like is mixed with a solvent, and the resulting mixture is fed to a supercritical vessel. A supercritical solvent is then fed to the supercritical vessel and heated and compressed to a level higher than the critical temperature and critical pressure thereof to convert it to a supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid and mixture of dispersoid and solvent are mixed together to form a supercritical mixture, which is released to atmospheric pressure in an explosion-crashing tank and subjected to collision within the explosion-crashing tank to efficiently disperse the dispersoid in the solvent.

Abstract: Devices and corresponding mechanical non-fermentive methods for isolating seeds from fruits or vegetables and for releasing and separating the isolated seeds from their coats, according to one embodiment the device includes a first station including a first chamber and a second chamber at least partly separated therebetween by a perforation element, the first chamber engages a mixing mechanism for circulating a coated seeds including liquid mixture such that the coated seeds are scraped against the perforation element and passing through the element into the second chamber, the device further includes a second station including a third chamber engaging a vortexing mechanism for vortexing the liquid mixture, such that the seeds resulting from the first station are scraped against one another, thereby releasing the seeds from their coats, the device further includes drains for separating the released seed coats from the naked seeds.

Abstract: A system for reducing the particle size of particulate substances and classifying the resulting particles includes a compressor, a jet mill and a series of separators. The compressor is connected to the jet mill by a feed pipe, and a hopper for particulate substances discharges into the feed pipe. The compressor, jet mill and separators are arranged in series and a recirculating pipe runs from the last separator back to the compressor. The compressor is driven by a combustion engine having an outlet for exhaust gases. The outlet is connected to the recirculating pipe by way of a catalytic converter and a cooling unit. The catalytically converted exhaust gases provide an inert atmosphere for the jet mill and function as a carrier for particulate substances admitted into the feed pipe.

Abstract: A cyclonic processing system accepts unprocessed fragmentary material of a predetermined aerodynamic buoyancy range, keeps it suspended in a vortex and discharges it when it reaches a finished material aerodynamic buoyancy range. The cyclonic processing apparatus and method dries, mills, separates and/or mixes fragmentary material. The waste air from the apparatus is reduced in particle content. The apparatus and method may be used to process post consumer waste for recycling. Additionally, it may be used to harness waste heat from industrial processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for defibering paper and dry pulp in a substantially dry processing environment is disclosed. The apparatus and method for defibering paper and dry pulp uses a dry processing cell into which cellulose material is supplied. The dry processing cell includes a rotating element for creating a turbulent air flow within the cell. The turbulent air flow causes the cellulose material to be circulated within the dry processing cell and to collide with the rotating element, cell walls, and the cellulose matter, itself. This circulation causes disassociation of the cellulose material from the filler, inks and other materials into single cellulose fibers that are capable of being removed from the cell for further processing.

Abstract: The invention describes a process of controlled comminution of a particulate solid material in to a milling having particles of predetermined dimensions, and also a milling whirl chamber having two end faces and a cylindrical side wall with at least one nozzle for injection a working fluid into the chamber, means for introducing the particulate solid material into the chamber, a central axial passage for discharge of the comminuted material in a flow of the working fluid from the chamber, and one or more mechanical elements for control of the comminution process in the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of accelerated remediation or bioremediation of contaminated material using an apparatus comprising means for generating a treated contaminated material entraining air stream at a velocity sufficient for entraining the contaminated material therein. The contaminated material is entrained in the air stream and is then microenfractionated using the apparatus to form a microenfractionated contaminated material. Finally, the microenfractionated contaminated material is treated with at least one chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment by discharging the chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment from the apparatus thereby facilitating the accelerated remediation or bioremediation. The chemical amendment can comprise either a chemical oxidizing agent or a chelating agent.

Abstract: A pneumatic pulverizer comprises an accelerating tube for carrying and accelerating powder to be pulverized with high-pressure gas and a pulverizing chamber for pulverizing the powder to be pulverized. The back end of the accelerating tube is provided with a pulverization powder feed port for feeding powder to be pulverized to the accelerating tube, the pulverizing chamber has an impact member having an impact surface opposed to the opening plane of the outlet of the accelerating tube, the and a side wall against which the powder to be pulverized that has been pulverized by the impact member collides to further pulverize.

Abstract: Used foundry sand is divided into two falling streams and the grains of a first falling stream are accelerated and diverted into the second falling stream.

Abstract: Reducing apparatus includes a bottom rotor rotatable at a relatively high speed to provide relatively high centrifugal and G forces for reducing material disposed on the rotor. An upper conical element is disposed above the rotor and is free-wheeling relative to the bottom rotor, and thus rotates in response to rotation of the bottom rotor. Material to be reduced moves downwardly onto the bottom rotor through the conical element. High centrifugal and G forces resulting from the high rotational speed of the bottom rotor move the material outwardly to impinge upon the conical element for reduction. Vertical spacing between the two rotating members may be adjusted for varying the degree or extent of the reduction. The axes of rotation of the two members may be offset to provide additional G forces and a scrubbing action.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method, a suspension of fluid using a fluid under supercritical state as a dispersion medium is pulverized to obtain fine particles. Solid particles are suspended in the fluid under supercritical or subcritical state, which is in a gaseous state at normal temperature. Thus, pressure on the suspension fluid is increased, and the suspension fluid under high pressure thus obtained is injected through a nozzle and collided at high speed to disperse and pulverize. Then, pressure on the suspension fluid is reduced, and the fluid under supercritical or subcritical state is vaporized and solid particles are separated. As a result, efficient pulverizing can be performed, and it is possible to prevent agglomeration of particles in drying process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing finely divided dispersions of solids having an average particle size of 0.01 to 20 .mu.m by the comminution of coarse particulate dispersions in a hole- or slit-type nozzle 4 having a specific bore length to diameter ratio at a pressure difference greater than 5 bar between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet. The invention also relates to an apparatus for producing the finely divided dispersion.

Abstract: A toner producing system which can efficiently produce toner having a sharp particle size distribution by suppressing the occurrence of microscopic powders and improve energy efficiency in pulverization. The system is furnished with a second pulverizing apparatus having a second colliding plate inclined at an angle in a range between 45.degree. and 90.degree. inclusive with respect to a direction in which a raw material subject to pulverization is introduced into a second pulverizing chamber through a second nozzle, and a third pulverizing apparatus having a third colliding plate with a conical member being placed thereon, so that the raw material introduced into a third pulverizing chamber through a third nozzle collides with an inner surface thereof following the collision with the third colliding plate.

Abstract: A recycling method and apparatus that almost completely removes paints and pigments on the surfaces of empty aluminum cans to recover aluminum with very few impurities. Pressed blocks of aluminum cans are shredded into small aluminum pieces (a) by shredding means (1, 2, and 3), and foreign matter mixed in the aggregate of aluminum pieces obtained is removed. The aggregate of small aluminum pieces (a) free from foreign matter is agitated by a paint removing device (20) using a rotating body (36) that rotates at a high speed, in order to remove paints and pigments coated on the surfaces of the aluminum pieces (a) employing frictional force caused by the difference in speed as well as adhesion. The small aluminum pieces (a) free from paints and pigments are molded again into aluminum compacts (b) by a compression molding machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spouted bed wood chip debarker/cleaner. Such structures of this type, generally, cause wood chips and bark to undergo attrition by accelerating the wood chips and bark with a jet of air. In particular, the accelerated wood chips and bark are impinged on a screen. When the wood chips hit the screen, bark and wood chips experience attrition. Small pieces of bark and other debris (sand, for example) will be exhausted through the screen which is too fine of a mesh to let desirable size wood chips be exhausted.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fluidized-bed jet mill intended to overcome the problem whereby a fluid jet introduced into the fluidized bed at high velocity takes up solid particles from the fluidized bed mainly in the area of the jet near the circumference. To have solid particles in the core area of the fluid jet as well auxiliary jets with fluidized solid particles are caused to penetrate into the fluid jet to be introduced into the fluidized bed such that the solid particles reach the core area of the fluid jet to enrich the core area with solid particles and allow an area near the circumference to receive solid particles from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method of removing fractional components from earthen material, including processes for removing precious carbon jewels from soil, precious metals from low grade ores, lead pellets from contaminated soil, and free sulphur from coal, is initiated with a pulverizing of the earthen material bearing the fractional component to be removed therefrom. Subsequent process steps vary, but include the washing of the pulverized material and then removing the fractional component through electromagnetic extraction, chemical dissolution and sieving. Since no contaminate is added to the residue remaining after removal of the fractional component, the residue can be returned to the ground from which the original material was obtained without effecting any additional pollution to the ground or water.

Abstract: A process for preparing toner compositions comprising: coinjecting into a continuously operating fluid energy mill, feed toner particles, and a liquid component; and separating the resulting comminuted toner particles.

Abstract: A mill for grinding marking particles utilizing a source of a pressurized fluid is provided. The mill includes a grinding chamber having a peripheral wall, a base and a central axis. The mill also includes a nozzle associated with the peripheral wall of the grinding chamber. The nozzle defines an inlet of the nozzle. The inlet is connectable to the source of pressurized fluid. The pressurized fluid propels the marking particles about the periphery of the chamber. The mill further includes a plug cooperable with the nozzle. The plug is in engagement the nozzle when the pressure within the grinding chamber is substantially greater than the pressure at the inlet of the nozzle.

Abstract: A fluidized bed jet mill for grinding particulate material including a jetting nozzle comprising: a first hollow cylindrical body with a first diameter, wherein one end of the body is directed towards the center of the jet mill and the other end traverses the wall of the jet mill; and a hollow cylindrical curvilinear body with a diameter which is less than said first diameter, wherein the first end of the curvilinear body is collinear with the long axis of said first hollow cylindrical body, wherein the first end of the curvilinear body is at a point approximately equal to the end of the first hollow cylindrical body, wherein the second end of the curvilinear body passes through an opening in the side wall of said first hollow cylindrical body, and wherein said side wall opening is leak free and resides within the grinding chamber of the fluid bed mill; and wherein the nozzle communicates the gas stream from a high pressure source to the grinding chamber.

Abstract: A fluidized bed jet mill for grinding particulate material including a jetting nozzle comprising: a hollow cylindrical body; an integral face plate member attached to the end of the cylindrical body directed towards the center of the jet mill; and an articulated annular slotted aperture in the face plate for communicating a gas stream from the nozzle to the grinding chamber to form a particulate gas stream in the jet mill.

Abstract: An improved comminuting and dehydrating system is efficient, environmentally sound, and may be employed to process sticky materials. The system preferably includes a pair of intercoupled cyclone devices for comminuting and dehydrating, each equipped with a discharge containment unit. A blower is coupled with the primary cyclone to provide air flow, and a channel is included between the blower and the primary discharge containment unit to provide pressure equalization. An injection port is positioned remotely adjacent the discharge portion of the primary cyclone to permit injection of viscid substances such as eggs into the low pressure area of the cone. In preferred forms, the secondary cyclone device includes an exhaust filter and a meter for measuring the passage of material to be comminuted and dehydrated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using an apparatus is provided for the accelerated bioremediation of treated contaminated material. The material is treated with chemical and/or biological amendments for facilitating accelerated bioremediation thereof. The apparatus comprises a system for for generating a treated contaminated material entraining air stream at a predetermined velocity for entraining the treated contaminate material therein for microenfractionating the treated contaminated material. In this way, accelerated bioremediation is facilitated. In another form of the invention, a method of accelerated bioremediation of treated contaminated material is provided.

Abstract: Glass microfibers having diameters of less than one micron are useful in engineered plastics to achieve very smooth surfaces and thermal stability in composite parts. As made, glass microfibers are very bulky and intertwined making it impossible to meter and feed the material using conventional equipment. The processes used for chopping and milling coarser glass fibers to prepare them for engineered plastic composites are unsatisfactory for glass microfibers for various reasons. It has been discovered that flowable glass microfiber agglomerate products can be made by processing the microfiber in a muller mill or in a self impact mill.

Abstract: A pneumatic pulverizer comprises an accelerating tube for carrying and accelerating powder to be pulverized with high-pressure gas and a pulverizing chamber for pulverizing the powder to be pulverized. The back end of the accelerating tube is provided with a pulverization powder feed port for feeding powder to be pulverized to the accelerating tube, the pulverizing chamber has an impact member having an impact surface opposed to the opening plane of the outlet of the accelerating tube, and a side wall against which the powder to be pulverized that has been pulverized by the impact member collides to further pulverize. The closest distance from the side wall to a margin of the impact member is shorter than the closest distance from the front wall of the pulverizing chamber opposed to the impact surface to the margin of the impact member to prevent pulverized powder from fusing, coagulating, and getting coarser, and prevent localized abrasion of an impact surface the impact member and the accelerating tube.

Abstract: A fluidized bed jet mill for grinding particulate material comprising: a) a grinding chamber having a peripheral wall, a base, and a central axis; b) an impact target with a hollow cavity defined thereby, and with at least three apertures transversing the walls thereof, said target being mounted within said grinding chamber and centered on said central axis of said grinding chamber; and c) a plurality of sources of high velocity gas, said gas sources being mounted in said grinding chamber in said peripheral wall, arrayed symmetrically about said central axis, and oriented to direct high velocity gas along an axis substantially perpendicularly intersecting said central axis within said impact target, each of said sources of high velocity gas comprising a nozzle having an internal diameter; wherein said impact target has a cross section area in a plane parallel to said central axis, and said cross section area is greater than said cross section area of said internal diameter of said nozzle; and wherein the dist

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for crushing and fine grinding of solid particulate materials, e.g. clinkers used in cement, utilizing a conventional ball mill. More particularly, the invention involves use of such a ball mill in the primary crushing of the material (which use is advantageously limited to the preliminary crushing operation requiring minimum energy consumption), and of a jet mill in the final crushing (conventionally done in a ball mill also). The jet mill is incorporated in a secondary independent grinding circuit which grinds the material to the required fineness value.

Abstract: An apparatus for dehulling grass seed utilizing a vibrated housing having an elongated chamber. The interior of the chamber is accessible through openings or ports that provide a plurality of entries and exits for the processing of grass seed. Grass seed is dehulled by a housing mounted pneumatic accelerator that removes the hulls from the seeds. Hulls and seeds are then directed into the interior of the chamber wherein separation of seeds from hulls and hulls containing seeds occurs. Seeds are discharged from the chamber and the hulls containing seeds are returned to the pneumatic accelerator for repeating the dehulling process.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for facilitating the crushing of particles which have a low weight and are in suspension, wherein at least one portion of the suspension is accelerated to form a fluid jet with high energy content which reenters the stored suspension to cause impact between particles in the fluid jet and particles stored in the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for jet grinding inorganic pigments comprising the steps of compacting the inorganic pigments on a roller compactor at a predetermined linear force, and jet grinding the compacted inorganic pigments.

Abstract: A method of preparing particles of a drug substance or diagnostic imaging agent which comprises grinding the drug substance or imaging agent in the presence of grinding media comprising a polymeric resin. The method provides particles exhibiting reduced contamination.

Abstract: A method for producing a milled powder including imparting an electrostatic charge to the starting powder and milling the electrostatically charged starting powder is provided.

Abstract: A free-flowing powder of coated particles is produced by means of a spray dying plant using a hot drying gas or a spray cooling plant using cold drying gas. A coating composition in liquid form is supplied to the atomizing means of the plant, and the liquid coating composition is atomized into a flow of liquid droplets, which are allowed to collide with particles of a carrier material dispersed in a transport gas. The direction and rate of flow of the transport gas are adapted to prevent contact between the drying gas and the droplets, so that the liquid coating composition, before any substantial drying thereof, will form a continuous liquid coating layer on the particles. The thus applied continuous coating layer on the particles is then allowed to at least partially dry by contact with the drying gas before withdrawal of the coated particles from the spray-drying chamber of the plant to a moving bed in the form of loose agglomerates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fiberizing feed stock in the form of shreds or the like to form a low density cellulosic product. The shredded feed stock is fed to a material handling rotor that functions as a centrifugal blower. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a cylindrical rotor chamber formed about a horizontal axis and a volute-shaped internal passage having at least one convolution formed around the rotor chamber. Located within the housing is a cylindrical screen with perforations that open into the rotor chamber. The centrifugal blower rotor is mounted in the rotor chamber and has a plurality of radial vanes with rakes attached to the outer ends closely spaced from the inner surface of the screen so that they continuously wipe pass the perforations to prevent clogging or blinding.