Separation apparatus and method for granular material
US5967333A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/925
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus for separating a mixed granular material into granules of different specific gravities or ranges of specific gravity using a powered air flow is described. A divider plate is located below the air flow path within the apparatus to separate the two material flows from each other. The divider plate can be rotated about an axis and can also be translated or displaced within the apparatus in order to precisely define the separation point between the material flows. Hoppers are used to collect and discharge the separated granular materials, and a conveyor belt is provided within the apparatus to transport one of the separated granular materials to the corresponding hopper. The conveyor belt reduces clogging of the separated granular material and also allows a greater degree of separation to be maintained between the hoppers, thereby allowing standard conveyors to be placed beneath the hopper discharge openings. The disclosed separation apparatus finds particular utility in the environmental remediation of outdoor firearm training facilities which have been contaminated with lead from used bullets, by allowing the lead bullets to be separated from rocks, soil and other debri…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.