Process and apparatus for separating solid mixtures
US7954642B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB03B2011/008
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An elutriation column is installed in a separation tank. The elutriation column includes a vertical separation column having a first side feed arm and a second side overflow arm spaced above the first side feed arm. Water is forced upwardly through the vertical separation column at a controllable velocity. A solid feed mixture is fed through the first side feed arm to the vertical separation column. Water from the tank rising in the vertical separation column at the controlled velocity causes targeted floater materials to move upwardly in the vertical separation column and heavier sinker materials to continue to sink. The floater materials flow from an outlet in the side of the separation tank into the recovery tank. At a discharge, lower end of the vertical separation column, the heavier sinker materials are removed from the separation tank. A mechanism is provided for purging undesirable materials that can cause plugging from the feed arm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.