Classifying – separating – and assorting solids – Fluid suspension – Gaseous
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-03
2001-09-04
Walsh, Donald P. (Department: 3653)
Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
Fluid suspension
Gaseous
C209S138000, C209S142000, C209S143000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283301
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a device and method for using it in the separation of particulate matter having physical characteristics enabling fractional components of the particulate matter to be separated by subjecting them to various fluid velocities. The device includes a feed port and channel having a specific geometry for optimizing the separation of fractional components therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of fluid flow under positive pressure or vacuum as an expedient for the separation of particulate matter into various fractional components is well known. Devices of this nature generally known as air classification have taken advantage of differences in density, particle size and particle surface smoothness to fractionate a mass of particulate matter in a wide variety of fields.
In the field of air classification, a critical aspect of achieving sufficient particle separation to achieve effective separation is a minor limiting factor. For example, oftentimes the physical characteristics of a particular mass of feed material to be separated has a composition where the attractive force between particles results in clumps of such particles being subject to the separation process. Separating feed of this nature requires different considerations than the separation of dry highly mobile particles. This is particularly the case when animal matter such as dried fish meal is to be separated into its meat component and scale and bone components. Also, harvested seeds which could include stems, leaves, soil and other foreign debris requiring separation can have a high moisture content depending upon the climactic conditions existing at the time of harvesting. None of the separators employing fluid flow traveling through a column accounts for clumping and other physical characteristics which may characterize the particulate feed matter made subject to the separation process.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a device for separating particulate matter into fractional components which is uniquely adapted to maximize particulate separation regardless of the moisture content and other physical characteristics of such matter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a device for separating particulate matter into fractional components. The fractional components are characterized as having distinguishable physical characteristics enabling them to be separated by subjecting them to varying fluid velocities.
The device of the present invention comprises a substantially vertical column, a feed port for feeding particulate matter thereto, a top for removing a light fraction of the particulate matter and a bottom for collecting a heavy fraction of the particulate matter. The column has a longitudinal axis between the top and bottom together with means for drawing a current of fluid through the column. A channel is configured within the column, the channel being characterized as having a series of angular bends with respect to the longitudinal axis. The bends contained within the channel are more acute to the longitudinal axis as the distance increases from the feed port.
REFERENCES:
patent: 32679 (1861-07-01), Brock
patent: 147797 (1874-02-01), Schwab
patent: 251883 (1882-01-01), Holmes
patent: 1355270 (1920-10-01), Roberts
patent: 1446253 (1923-02-01), Hall
patent: 1465884 (1923-08-01), Vandervoort
patent: 1512323 (1924-10-01), Wallace
patent: 1637648 (1927-08-01), Kopf
patent: 2140827 (1938-12-01), Boag
patent: 2200472 (1940-05-01), Erdmann
patent: 2328568 (1943-09-01), Maxwell
patent: 2351351 (1944-06-01), Maxwell et al.
patent: 3441131 (1969-04-01), Gebauer
patent: 3695165 (1972-10-01), Sienkiewicz et al.
patent: 3809438 (1974-05-01), Hubbard
patent: 3941687 (1976-03-01), Peterson
patent: 4122208 (1978-10-01), Tronstad
patent: 4568453 (1986-02-01), Lowe, Jr.
patent: 4678560 (1987-07-01), Stole et al.
patent: 4737269 (1988-04-01), Bischoff
patent: 4789476 (1988-12-01), Schulz
patent: 4800810 (1989-01-01), Masumoto
patent: 4865721 (1989-09-01), Smith et al.
patent: 5019242 (1991-05-01), Donelson
patent: 5174455 (1992-12-01), Zelazny et al.
patent: 5403235 (1995-04-01), Baumgarten et al.
patent: 5409118 (1995-04-01), Bielagus et al.
patent: 5411142 (1995-05-01), Abbott et al.
Dantec Engineering, Inc.
Rodriguez Joseph C
Walsh Donald P.
Wittenberg Malcolm B.
LandOfFree
Separation device and method of use does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Separation device and method of use, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Separation device and method of use will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2447899