Tribocharging and electrostatic separation of mixed electrically insulating particles
US6927354B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for tribocharging particles of electrically insulating materials has a rotatable drum (1), made of a metallic material, for containing the particles. The drum has an inlet (11), for charging material, and an outlet (13), for discharging material. The drum further has means (7) for rotating the drum about an axis of rotation, the orientation of the axis of rotation being such that, in operation of the apparatus, the particles tumble against each other and against the walls of the vessel, thereby becoming tribocharged. A fines removal mesh screening means (10) is attached to an outer surface of the drum, allowing fines to escape from the drum. An electrostatic separation tower (20), having tapering walls and at least one pair of electrodes (24) arranged on opposite walls of the tower, is aligned to receive discharged material from the drum. The tower separates the particles, falling from the drum into the tower (20), in an electric field generated between the electrodes (24).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.