Patent · US Expired

Electrostatic pyrite ash and toxic mineral separator

US5637122A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
3References
6Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 28, 1995
Grant dateJun 10, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 28, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC10L9/00
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to electrostatic separation of coal from toxic and pyritic elements and ash compounds. More particularly this invention relates to separation of coal from refuse material by imparting opposite electrostatic charges to coal and refuse particles, passing them between oppositely charged electrodes and mechanically separating the electrostatically attracted diverging coal and refuse particles. The electrostatic attraction and divergent separation process is maximized by performing the charging and separation functions within a continuously vacuum reduced atmosphere. The use of a vacuum exhaust to continuously remove water and water vapor can prevent charge dissipation of the coal particles through charge transfer to water and water vapor. Additionally, the vacuum reduced atmosphere can prevent impairment of electrostatic influence due to gas turbulence.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.