Method for hydraulically separating carbon and classifying coal combustion ash

US7963398B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Kentucky Research Foundation · US

Inventors

• Thomas Robl · Cologne, DE
• John Groppo · Wilmore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 13, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 21, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 9, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B03B5/60
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for selective separation of particles from a particle-containing material includes preparing a slurry of the particle-containing material and a dispersant, passing the slurry through a hydraulic classifier in a first direction, establishing a particle flow in a direction that is different from the first direction, and recovering particles having a mean particle size of about 2-7 μm. The flow of particles defines a cross-current flow relative to the slurry feed direction. The method further includes providing the classifier with an interior divider assembly defining at least one inclined channel. The divider assembly typically includes a plurality of substantially parallel dividers separating the classifier into multiple channels having a substantially equal internal volume. A hydraulic classifier for separating particles having a mean particle size of from about 2-7 μm in accordance with the present method is provided also.