Ultrasonic vibrator tray processes
US5087379A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB03C1/005
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Processes and apparatus for treatment of flowing slurries of particulate material mixed in liquid employ a wide, elongated downwardly-slanted, metal tray with upturned edge flanges, cable-suspended for unrestrained vibratory flexing and undulation. The tray is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers mounted on its underside, and the flowing slurry is delivered to the upper tray end, flowing lengthwise down the tray in a shallow flowing sheet. Ultrasonic vibratory energy coupled through the tray to the flowing slurry has a "microscopic scrubbing" action on all particles and agglomerates, breaking the surface tension on the particle, cleaning particle surfaces, and separating different constituent particles and coatings of gels, slimes, algae, clay or mud. Mixtures of fine particles of coal or other valuable minerals with ash, clay, rock or sand particles are separated with unexpected efficiency by these techniques. In a second embodiment, a second reflection tray is provided superimposed on the first tray.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.