Abstract: An impeller apparatus for dispersing a gas into a liquid in a vessel includes a centrifugal flow turbine, the blades (621) of which are formed with a substantially stream-lined trailing surface terminated by a sharply pronounced spine (63). The blade is formed by a plate-like initial blank being cut to a shape having a central line of symmetry, the blank then being folded along the straight line of symmetry.

Abstract: An aerator (10) is disclosed which includes a hollow outer tube (12) and a hollow inner tube (14) rotatably supported therein. The inner tube is drivingly connected to a drive shaft (28) of the motor (18). A mounting flange (34) extends from a first end (36) of the outer tube and a mounting bracket (30) is interposed between the mounting flange and the motor. The mounting bracket and mounting flange are removably attached to the motor. A bearing mechanism which includes a bearing (44) and a ceramic wear sleeve (46) rotatably support a second end (40) of the inner tube adjacent the second end (42) of the outer tube. A propeller (20) is attached to the second end of the inner tube and has a pitch which is sufficiently high to move liquid past it at a velocity wherein cavitation of the liquid above the propeller is prevented at a preselected operating rotational speed.

Abstract: In a rotation granulator, the injection nozzles for the powder are provided along the jacket surface of the granulator container over the rotary table, so that the powder will arrive directly in the range of the stronger flow. In order to prevent any interruptions of the operation due to the filter part, a two-chamber system is proposed in which the first and second chambers may be alternately cut off. This makes it possible to operate the installation without any interruption. In order to control the air supply, the rotary table is mounted so that it may be moved up and down, in order that the width of the air gap between the rotary table and the inner wall of the conical casing may be adjusted. Lastly, a device for taking of samples provides a system of sluices or channels by which the low-pressure space of the granulator is actively prevented from being in direct contact with the free atmosphere.

Abstract: A machine for producing frozen confection products. A frozen confection product may be a dairy based product or a non-dairy based product, or a synthetic type of product, or the like. It may be fruit flavored, carbonated, non-carbonated, or alcholic in nature. It may be of the type referred to as soft serve ice cream. The machine includes a freeze unit provided with a freeze chamber into which a gas and a food material flow. The gas and the food material are mixed within the freeze chamber. The freeze chamber has an inner wall and an outer wall. A refrigerant flows between the inner wall and the outer wall. A coil, snugly positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall, controls flow of refrigerant and limits the volume of refrigerant necessary to obtain maximum effectiveness of the refrigerant. Within the freeze chamber are rotatable mixer elements which mix the gas and the food material and enhance volumetric expansion of the mixture to produce a food product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for introducing gases into liquids, a stirred kettle being used which has the form of a cylindrical vessel in which the length/diameter ratio should be at least 1. The stirred kettle is filled to a level of more than 70% with the liquid into which gas is to be introduced, the gas feed rate is adapted to the absorption capacity of the liquid, and the stirrer speed is adjusted such that the largest coherent gas space amounts, as a maximum, to 10% of the volume of the stirred kettle.

Abstract: A single unit beverage dispenser which is to be connected to a source of pressurized water and one or more sources of pressurized syrups. Activation of the beverage dispenser will cause dispensing of a syrup in the right proportion with water into a mixing chamber or a conduit which is in communication with a whipping chamber. A whipping device is contained within the whipping chamber causing whipping of the combined water and syrup prior to being dispensed into a cup or glass located exteriorly of the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: An agitator device for charging gas into PUR-components and for the homogenization of the PUR-components and the gas for the production of a foam material includes a pressure vessel for containing the mixture of components and gas with a stirring device extending into the body of the mixture. The stirring device includes a shaft which can be driven in opposite directions. First and second stirring elements are located on the shaft. In one direction of rotation only the first stirring elements operate to charge gas into the PUR-components and when the shaft is driven in the other direction both the first and second stirring elements operate to homogenize the mixture. In one arrangement, due to the direction of rotation, the second stirring elements can be pivotally displaced between a stirring position and an inactive position.

Abstract: A food processor wherein a shaft which extends into the interior of a bowl is driven by an electric motor employs a whipping tool having a hub which receives torque from the shaft, either directly or through the medium of an adapter, and a disc-shaped portion. The underside of the disc-shaped portion is immediately adjacent to the upper side of the bottom wall of the bowl and has ribs separating radially extending channels each having an inlet in the region of the hub and one or more outlets at the periphery of the tool. When the tool rotates, the inlets draw air or receive air from a system of passages, and the channels discharge the thus admitted air into the material (such as cream, egg whites or mayonnaise) which gathers at the periphery of the tool so that the material is thoroughly mixed and is also whipped by admission of finely atomized air. The tool can process large or very small quantities of foodstuffs without changing its RPM.

Abstract: A baffle for protecting a bottom bearing assembly used as a stabilizer for an agitator shaft operating in a tank-like vessel containing a liquid hostile to bearing components. The baffle defines a pressurized gaseous chamber for isolating the bearing from the liquid in the vessel. Gas under pressure delivered to and maintained in the chamber prevents invasive entry of liquid from the vessel. The apparatus includes an open top bearing-encircling casing which is sealed at its lower end to a bottom wall of the vessel. A pipe in the form of an inverted bucket coaxial with and sleeved over to overlap and encircle an open top of the casing is open at its lower end and is sealed at its upper end to the agitator shaft for rotation therewith. Spaced radially outwardly of an outer wall of the casing, the pipe defines with the casing a restricted annular channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new wetting chamber for a metering and wetting system typically for polyelectrolyte polymer. Atmospheric air is used to disperse the polymer fed into the chamber by a suitable feeder and to generate air/water turbulence in the wetting chamber in which the polymer is wetted. Suction draws the metered polymer into the wetting chamber and increases the downward velocity of the polymer as it enters the turbulent section of the wetting chamber. When wetted, the polymer is transferred to a mixing tank for aging. It is then ready for use in various industries.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for generating gas bubbles in a liquid. The bubbles, which are uniform in size and on the order of approximately 100 micrometers in diameter or less, enhance the efficiency of gas transfer to the liquid. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable member, in the shape of a disc or ring, which is wettable by the liquid and rotatable therein at an edge velocity of at least 70 feet per second. The upper surface of the rotatable member is parallel to, and spaced from, a stationary plate to form a shear zone. Gas, or some other fluid, is supplied proximate the upper surface of the rotatable circular member to form the bubbles. Optimized relationships between the radius of the disc or ring and its speed of rotation are disclosed to enhance the efficiency of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An ice-cream making machine, comprises a receptacle for receiving the liquid ingredients to be used for making the ice-cream, a cooling duct conveying the ingredients from the receptacle to an ice-cream outlet of the machine, an air inlet into the cooling duct, a rotor including a plurality of blades rotatably driven within the cooling duct and effective to atomize the liquid ingredients as particles mixed in air and to direct freezing, and a valve controlling the rate of flow of the air from the air inlet to the cooling duct thereby enabling the machine to vary the density of the ice-cream produced. The machine includes a further valve for controlling the rate of flow of the liquid ingredients from the receptacle to the cooling duct to selectively effect a first rate of flow for producing ice-cream, a lower rate of flow for producing ices, or a higher rate of flow for producing cooled beverages.

Abstract: A machine for use in granulation, coating, mixing, drying etc. of powdery or granular raw materials such as medicine or foods etc. The machine is comprised of a casing for containing raw materials, a rotator for tumbling and giving centrifugal force to the material in the casing rotatable horizontally in the casing and at least one disintegrator provided above the rotator for subdividing undesirously large particles. At least one agitator is provided above the rotator for agitating and kneading materials to be granulated or coated. The rotator is movable or fixed in vertical position, and an annular slit is formed between an annular slit forming ring or inner wall of the casing and outer periphery of the rotator. The slit forming ring is movable or fixed in vertical position. At least one ventilating portion is formed on at least one portion of the rotator, and a gas flow rate adjusting mechanism is provided for controlling flow rate of gas passed through the ventilating portion.

Abstract: In a rotation granulator, the injection nozzles for the powder are provided along the jacket surface of the granulator container over the rotary table, so that the powder will arrive directly in the range of the stronger flow. In order to prevent any interruptions of the operation due to the filter part, a two-chamber system is proposed in which the first and second chambers may be alternately cut off. This makes it possible to operate the installation without any interruption. In order to control the air supply, the rotary table is mounted so that it may be moved up and down, in order that the width of the air gap between the rotary table and the inner wall of the conical casing may be adjusted. Lastly, a device for taking of samples provides a system of sluices or channels by which the low-pressure space of the granulator is actively prevented from being in direct contact with the free atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for directing a desired amount of gas below the liquid surface in a solution reactor, to mix the bubbles as effectively as possible with a suspension of a pulverous solid and a liquid, and to produce in the mixed gas-liquid-solid suspension a strong, suspension-maintaining flow field which is downward in the center of the reactor and upward along its sides, is disclosed. A so-called gls-mixer according to the invention consists of a circular plate fitted at the lower end of a rotating shaft suspended by its upper end, vertical dispersion blades situated radially at the edges of the circular plate, and baffles attached to the dispersion blades by means of arms. An upwardly directed gas-feeding conduit is fitted at the bottom of the reactor, and from this conduit the gas jet discharges to the center point of the circular plate.

Abstract: A fluid diffuser for dispersing a gas or liquid into a body of receiving liquid in which it is immersed. The diffuser includes a rotatable shaft, a thin disk-like member mounted for rotation on the shaft, and an annular ring positioned adjacent the outer perimeter of the disk-like member. At least one of the top and bottom walls of the annular ring is porous. These top and bottom walls define a fluid plenum, into which gas or liquid under pressure is introduced to be emitted from the plenum as small, nascent fluid spheroids on the surface of the annular ring. The boundary layer flow from rotation of the disk-like member within the body of receiving liquid shears fine gas bubbles or liquid particles from the foraminous surface or surfaces of the annular ring. The annular ring may be fixed, or rotatable in the opposite annular direction from the rotation of the disk. Impeller blades may be mounted on the top and/or bottom surfaces of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus is constituted by an upright vessel, at least one perforated gas distributor for supplying a gaseous medium into a liquid medium within the vessel, a plate-like rotary disintegrator positioned within the vessel and above the gas distributor for disintegrating bubbles of the gaseous medium into fine bubbles, and a drive shaft concentrically extending through the vessel for the support of the rotary disintegrator.

Abstract: Aeration apparatus for aerating a liquid to be treated in an aeration tank. The aeration apparatus has an impeller by means of which the liquid is displaced through an annular discharge passage defined between an outer casing and an inner casing disposed coaxially in the outer casing at a predetermined distance from the latter. The outlet end of the annular discharge passage opens in a substantially horizontal direction and radially outwardly. A gas supplying device provided in the annular discharge passage is adapted to supply an oxygen-containing gas to the liquid flowing in the annular passage.

Abstract: To convert a conventional nonpulsating air/water mixer for a therapy tub, swimming pool, spa or the like to a pulsating mixer, an inexpensive pulsator fitting is used to replace the central eyeball portion of the mixer's outlet and mounting fitting. The pulsator fitting has at least one cross bar positioned to block the mixer's aerated water jet, and a small cylindrical rotor journaled on the cross bar. The rotor extends from the cross bar coaxially into the mixer body's outlet passage in the path of the aerated jet. The jet strikes a central portion of the upstream rotor end, travels through an angulated rotor passage, and exits the downstream rotor end at an angle relative to the rotor axis and at a point spaced apart from it, causing the rotor to spin. As the rotor spins, the exiting aerated jet rotates and is repetitively and intermittently blocked by the cross bar, thereby pulsing the jet.

Abstract: To stir up and mix the substances held inside a retort, a blade is used, of a shape corresponding to that of the retort itself. Inside the blade there is a conduit, connected to outer devices for the admission of gas, and provided with a series of apertures, directed towards the inner part of the retort, for the discharge of the gas.

Abstract: A motor rotated agitator is adapted to be inserted within a container of liquid wherein the agitator has a plurality of curved blades secure at their top edges to a disc adapted to be rotated by a motor. The lower edges of the blades have a circular plate secure thereto, having a central circular opening for input of fluid to inner ends of the blades. A sparge ring is disposed about the periphery of the agitator for ejecting a gas into output of fluid at the periphery of the agitator in an area spaced from the input area of the agitator, which is limited by use of the circular plate.

Abstract: Truck-transportable manually positionable apparatus for blending and dispensing a mixture of liquid asphalt emulsion and sand to fill cracks in pavement includes a support on which a sand hopper and blending/dispensing device are mounted. The device includes a housing having a rotatable sand impeller therein driven by a pneumatic motor and having a valved sand inlet port above the impeller, a pressurized air inlet port between the sand port and impeller (supplied from the same source as the motor), a mixture outlet port below the impeller, and a valved emulsion inlet port between the impeller and mixture outlet port. Gravity fed sand from the hopper is forcably propelled through the housing of the device toward the mixture outlet by the impeller and compressed air, and is mixed with emulsion just prior to exiting the mixture outlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerating a body of stagnant water to neutralize the pollutants therein. The apparatus draws fresh ambient air above the surface of the water and forcibly disburses the air under the surface into the body of water for oxidation purposes. The apparatus comprises a hollow rotatable cylindrical casing provided with a helical vane mounted on one end of the casing. A series of holes in the casing wall adjacent the vane creates regions of sub-atmospheric pressure in the vicinity of the holes when the cylinder is rotating; thus drawing air from the interior of the casing and, by a scooping action, forcing the air generally radially outwardly and below the surface of and into the body of water. The cylinder is driven by a motor. The helical vanes may be formed of torroidal disc or washer that is cut and spread apart axially and secured to cylindrical casing.

Abstract: An improved food processor kitchen appliance is disclosed which possesses the capability of whipping cream, egg whites, and the like under relatively mild conditions that do not degrade the food product being processed. The invention resides in a modified food processor which includes: a special bowl, sometimes referred to as an air bowl, which may be readily substituted for the conventional bowl and into which low pressure air may be admitted; means to supply a source of air to be fed into the bowl through the bottom of the bowl; means for controlling the stirring whisk attachment mixing speed; and means for monitoring the admittance of air into the food product to be whipped. The act of placement of the air bowl on the base functions to control suitable electrical switches which in turn control devices which alter gear ratios between the drive motor and the drive shaft to a lower than conventional gear ratio, thereby reducing the rotational speed for the food whipping cycle.

Abstract: A horizontal mixing aerator rides on an upright beam member for submersion in a body of water such as an equalization basin, oxidation ditch, or sludge holding tank. The aerator employs a submersible mixer motor driving a propeller which in one embodiment is mounted on the beam member by a slidable bracket for height adjustment. The bracket is also swingably mounted to the beam member for adjustment of the vertical plane angle. Because the beam member is also mounted for rotation, substantially any attitude or position of the mixer can be selected for creating an efficient flow pattern within the body of water. Air or fluid injection can also be provided by the use of alternate embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a fluid, such as chlorine or oxygen gas, into a suspension, such as comminuted cellulosic material. A circular cross-section conduit defines a flow path for a suspension, and a circular smooth-faced disc is mounted in the conduit for rotation, covering substantially the entire interior of the conduit. A relatively small opening extends through the disc, and that disc is rotated in the conduit with small portions of suspension flowing in the conduit progressively passing through the opening and being fluidized when passing through the opening. The fluid is introduced into the suspension as the suspension flows through the opening, and in this way an even distribution of fluid in the suspension, with minimum power consumption, is provided.

Abstract: For automatically creating intermittent disturbances in slurry digesters, natural waters and the like, there is provide a device (c) to be immersed below the surface of fluid in the digester, below water level and adjusted to collect generated or supplied gas, the device being pivoted to swing about axis (P) from the collecting position to a gas discharge position and the collecting space being shaped adjacent its mouth so that, as it fills with collected gas, the line of action of the buoyant upthrust on the device moves relatively to the swinging axis until the upthrust causes swinging of the device to allow the gas to discharge as a massive bubble, and after discharge to return to a collecting attitude.

Abstract: An aerator for aerating a body of water such as a catfish pond, or the like, operates by stirring the water in the body of water. A paddlewheel having movable paddles stirs the water near the surface to mix oxygen-rich surface water with oxygen-deficient deep water.

Abstract: This case is drawn towards an apparatus which mixes dry building materials. The building materials are mixed with air and water in a continuously flowing manner. The apparatus has a mixing tube with a rotating shaft. The materials are fed into the tube in its upward portion, moves downward passing a series of supporting plates which are attached to the sides of the tube in the conical shaft alternatively in a conically sloping manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dispersions comprising a closed casing in the form of a bottomed hollow cylinder, a rotor disposed within the casing coaxially therewith and having a multiplicity of hard wire projections on the peripheral wall of the rotor, at least one liquid inlet pipe connected to one end of the casing, a dispersion outlet pipe connected to the other end of the casing and drive means disposed outside the casing at one side thereof for rotating the rotor at a high speed.

Abstract: A system for mixing of wood chips or the like with glue which involves an intensive movement of the chips during the addition of the glue and a subsequent thorough mixing of the glue and the chips in a ring of material to be mixed, is characterized by steadily accelerating the chips out of an axial motion via a centrifugal and helical motion and by the addition of the glue during this acceleration, the acceleration to the velocity of the ring of material to be mixed taking place only following the addition of the liquid.

Abstract: In centrifugal apparatus for gas-liquid contacting, liquid discharged from the rotor into a surrounding chamber is led from the chamber by guide means on the chamber wall.

Abstract: Fluidized bed apparatus, comprising a fluidized bed vessel in which a substantially horizontal rotor disc is arranged above a perforated bottom or above an air chamber for rotary movement about an at least approximately vertical axis and for adjustment along said axis. The fluidized bed vessel is tapered upwardly, one portion inwardly and one outwardly to enhance the flow therein and the rotor disc forms a flat cone and the disc may have a central cone with the rotor disc covering at least the central part of the perforated bottom.

Abstract: A radial injector having a rotational disk through which gases are aspirated from the atmosphere and mixed with a fluid contacting the disk at the other side thereof. The disk is defining a ring slot by cooperating with a flange portion of the housing. Upon rotation of the disk, the fluid is accelerated towards the periphery of the disk thereby developing an undertow in the ring slot. Consequently gases are aspirated and injected into the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a gas and a liquid is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a hollow outer tube and a hollow inner tube received coaxially within the outer tube. The inner tube is mounted for rotary motion within the hollow interior of the outer tube. A motor is attached to the outer tube adjacent a first end thereof and is drivingly coupled to a first end of the inner tube. The inner tube has a section which extends beyond the second end of the outer tube. A propeller is attached to this section of the inner tube for rotation therewith. The propeller is adapted to be placed in a liquid and to propel the liquid in which the propeller rotates. An inlet is formed in the inner tube for admitting a gas to the hollow interior of the inner tube. A diffusion tube forms a portion of the inner tube and extends beyond the propeller. The diffusion tube has a hollow interior which forms a portion of the hollow interior of the inner tube.

Abstract: Fluid bed processing of products not having suitable properties for fluidization, where gas expansion is not successful. The combined influence of gas expansion and mechanical mixing in the geometry of a horizontally located cylindrical grate enables more economical treating and use of lower gas velocity. The close control of particle residence time gives high quality of final products and extremely homogeneous results. The concentration of more processes into one apparatus is the further advantage of the invention.

Abstract: A rotor for the distribution of air in the form of finely divided bubbles in the slurry in a flotation tank comprises a boss with an inner hollow air passageway, spaced-apart wings extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of the boss, and multiple air conduits communicating between the inner hollow air passageway and the surface of the boss between each adjacent pair of wings. The air conduits have outer mouths located immediately behind a wing (behind in the sense of rotational direction of the rotor) and linearly extend to the inner hollow air passageway such that lines through their central axes will intercept with imaginary radial lines passing through the centers of the wings behind which the outer mouths of the respective air conduits are located.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining solids in suspension in a liquid mass contained in a vat. Liquid under pressure and compressed gas are injected simultaneously into the liquid by the stirrer arm at the bottom of the vat.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00224 Sec. 371 Date April 10, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date April 10, 1979, PCT Filed April 10, 1979. An apparatus (10, 212) for mixing a gas and a liquid is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a hollow outer housing (22) and a hollow inner tube (24) received for rotary motion within the outer housing (22). A motor (61) is attached to the outer housing (22) adjacent a first end thereof and is drivingly coupled to a first end of the inner tube (24). The inner tube (24) has a support tube (214) which extends beyond the second end of the outer housing (22). Propeller blades (216) are attached to the support tube (214) for rotation therewith. An inlet (82) is formed in the inner tube (24) for admitting a gas to the hollow interior of the inner tube (24). The support tube (214) has a diffusion section (222) that extends below the propeller blades (216).

Abstract: A rotor adapted to rotate about a rotary shaft and intended for displacing fluids characterized in that the rotor comprises at least two ridges arranged helically around a core part so that a sectional area at right angles to the axis of rotation comprises at least two lobes with intermediate pits, the depth of the pit measured between the core part and a tangential line to the two lobes one on each side of the pit concerned being at least equal to one third of the distance between the core part and the circle described by the point of a lobe furthest remote from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A synchronous motor is employed to orbit one end of a stirring rod the other end of which is suspended by a flexible diaphragm in a liquid filled container. The synchronous motor includes a stator connected to a source of regular alternating current and a cylindrical permanent magnet rotor. A drive plate is connected across one end of the rotor. The stirring rod is received in an eccentrically located aperture in the plate so that one end of the rod is driven in a circle. The motor is connected to a mounting plate on the cap of the container by a pair of threaded studs. Springs surround each of the studs so that the distance between the motor and the cap can be altered by screwing up or down on a pair of wing nuts received on the studs. The diaphragm acts as a fulcrum for the stirring rod so that the linear velocity of the orbiting free end of the rod can be controlled by altering the distance between the motor and the cap.

Abstract: Polyester granules are crystallized and dried by passing hot gases of 120.degree. to 190.degree. C. in upward direction through the stationary layer of loose polyester granules resting in a cylindrical container on a plane or conical perforated tray slowly rotating about its vertical axis. The hot gas is passed through the material in an amount such that no fluidization is brought about. Under the action of the hot gas the granules agglomerate and the agglomerate is alternately slightly lifted and lowered again by stripping edges on the perforated tray whereby the agglomerate portion resting on the tray is disintegrated and the crystallized granules are discharged through slots behind the stripping edges in the tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste material comprises a closed substantially vertical cylindrical tank containing a mixing assembly which comprises an annular gas-holding member connected to a gas distribution arm extending substantially radially outwardly from the annular gas-holding member towards the periphery of the tank. Both the annular gas-holding member and the gas distribution arm have open lower surfaces, and the gas distribution arm has exhaust apertures spaced along the length of the arm for delivering gas from the gas-holding member at different radial distances along the arm. The mixing assembly is rotatable about the central axis of the tank, with which axis the annular gas-holding member is concentrically located, and gas is supplied to the gas-holding member by a gas delivery duct having an outlet disposed beneath a part of the annulus defined by the annular gas-holding member.

Abstract: Plastics recovery, compounding and fabricating apparatus is disclosed utilizing a gear pump specially designed to include a media free space between the gear face and side walls with minimum sealing to improve volumetric pump efficiencies and provide pumping capacity insensitivity to viscosity over a wide range.

Abstract: A mixer is disclosed of the type including a downwardly tapering conical wall and a rotating worm or screw which rotates both about its own axis and which rotates about a conical path along the inside wall of the vessel to effect mixing. At the bottom of the vessel is a flanged opening, and a bearing housing sealingly engages the flanged opening of the mixing vessel from below. The bearing housing includes a product outlet tube extending straight vertically downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for homogeneously mixing relative dry particulate material with liquid material comprising a spinning disc for receiving and forming by centrifugal action a continuous annular free falling curtain layer of particulate material and a lower spinning disc within the curtain layer for forming and centrifugally directing a continuous annular film or spray of liquid material into intersecting relation with the curtain layer.

Abstract: In a system for flocking a substrate, such as a garment, the improvement comprising a method, apparatus and article for adjustably controlling the moisture content of the flock in the flock tray to any desired moisture level, whereby the flocking machine is not limited to use only in a plant having a humidity controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A storage tank for liquid suspensions is shown, requiring sparging or agitation to prevent settling or salting out of somewhat insoluble suspended solids wherein the agitation is provided by movable high energy jets produced by nozzles that direct streams of compressed gas toward and under the precipitated agglomerations of solid particles. The apparatus includes means for distributing the energy of the compressed gas evenly over the surface area upon which the precipitate is deposited whereby to apply the needed agitation to all areas covered by deposits. The invention includes structural aspects for mounting the sparging apparatus on the top of the tank and suspending the moving agitators to extend downwardly into the tank to a position over the floor of the tank upon which the salting out takes place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for maintaining the uniformity of a mixed dust slurry stored in a basin, the mixture comprising blast furnace dust slurry, steel furnace dust slurry (defined in the specification) and, if necessary, dry dust or filtrated cake and having a relatively high concentration -- 32% by weight or more -- of solids. The mixture in the storage basin is stirred or agitated by injecting gas or the liquid to be used in the mixture itself into the basin. The method and apparatus are utilized as a part of a system for manufacturing reduced pellets from the dust discharged in an iron foundry or steel mill.

Abstract: Fluidized bed apparatus, comprising a fluidized bed vessel in which a substantially horizontal rotor disc is arranged above a perforated bottom or above an air chamber for rotary movement about an at least approximately vertical axis and for adjustment along said axis. The fluidized bed vessel is tapered upwardly, one portion inwardly and one outwardly to enhance the flow therein and the rotor disc forms a flat cone and the disc may have a central cone with the rotor disc covering at least the central part of the perforated bottom.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/000,329, filed 02/15/83, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).