Manufacture of strong, lightweight carrier granules

US7846480B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Cycle Group · US

Inventors

• Yechiel Gilo · Greensboro, US
• Steven G. Myers · Mocksville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 20, 2006
• Grant date: Dec 7, 2010
• Expiry date: Oct 9, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A01N25/10
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Method for manufacturing carrier granules. The method forms a mixture comprising fibers, mineral filler, and binder. The mixture contains 32-48 weight-% wood fibers having a bulk density of less than 20 pounds per cubic foot, at least 35 weight-% of which fibers are retained on a 50-Mesh U.S. Sieve Series screen. The fibers have a moisture content of less than 15 weight-%. The mixture also contains 52-65 weight-% mineral filler having a moisture content of less than 12 weight-%. In addition, the mixture contains 3-7 weight-% binder. The mixture is agglomerated by conditioning and agglomerating it in a pin mixer to form small particles followed by agglomerating it in a disc or pan pelletizer to form substantially spherical granules. The method then dries the granules to a moisture content of less than about 5 weight-%, and screens the granules to select granules that pass through a 10-Mesh U.S. Sieve Series screen but are retained on a 40-Mesh U.S. Sieve Series screen. The carrier granules have a bulk density of less than 40 pounds per cubic foot and a Resistance to Attrition of at least 95%.