Apparatus for handling heat-softenable batch material
US4212613A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P40/50
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus is provided for handling heat-softenable batch material prior to melting it. The batch components are mixed together and then mixed with liquid and formed into balls or pellets of substantially uniform size and shape. The pellets are then collected into a heat-exchange chamber through which hot gases are passed from a melting unit in which the pellets are to be heated to a heat-softened state. The pellets thereby are preheated prior to entering the melting unit to save considerably on energy requirements. A physical characteristic and specifically the depth of a portion of the batch being formed into the pellets is sensed, the depth being related to moisture content. The ratio of the batch material and liquid is accordingly regulated to achieve uniformity in pellet size, which is influenced by the moisture content. Size uniformity is important in maintaining relatively free flow of the hot gases through the pellets in the heat-exchange chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.