BR102018075348A2 - sieving method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

these are screening methods and devices. the embodiments include a sieve basket apparatus for sieving material, comprising a grid frame having a plurality of openings arranged on a lattice and a plurality of sieve cartridge assemblies affixed to the grid frame to cover the respective frame openings grid. the sieve cartridge assembly includes a housing and a sieve assembly fitted to the housing, and can be attached to a set of cross members of the grid frame. the casing may be formed of an integral injection molded part formed in an integrated manner by means of injection molding of one of a polyurethane or a thermoset polymer. the sieving elements together form a sieving surface, generally continuous through the outside of the grid frame, which reduces clogging, and which is resistant to wear and tear.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SCREENING

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [001] This application is a continuation in part of the currently pending Patent Application No. US 16 / 001.755, filed on June 6, 2018, which claims the benefit of Patent Application No. US 62 / 515,964, filed on June 6, 2017, and Patent Application No. US 62 / 615,302, filed on January 9, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in this document and the priority of each is claimed by this document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [002] Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are described in this document with reference to the drawings. Similar numbers refer to similar elements, but not necessarily the same or identical elements throughout the document.

[003] Figure 1 shows a side view of a sieve basket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[004] Figure 2 shows a top view of a sieve basket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[005] Figure 3 shows a top side perspective view of a sieve basket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[006] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a polyurethane sieve for use with a basket cage, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[007] Figure 5 shows a view of the polyurethane sieve of Figure 4, opposite the plane view of Figure 4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[008] Figure 6 shows a side view of a polyurethane sieve for use with a basket cage, according to an embodiment

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2/53 exemplary of the present disclosure.

[009] Figure 7 is a partial top view showing the attachment of sieve members to a basket frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 8 shows a portion of the polyurethane sieve shown in Figure 4.

[0011] Figure 8A shows an enlarged view of a portion of the polyurethane sieve shown in Figure 8.

[0012] Figure 9 shows a fragmentary lateral cross-sectional view of a polyurethane sieve, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 9A shows an enlarged view of a portion of the fragmented cross-sectional view shown in Figure 9.

[0014] Figure 10 shows an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view obtained substantially along line 10-10 of Figure 9, showing a cross-sectional configuration of a modified shape of the first members with reinforcement members, according to a exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 11 shows an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 10, but showing the first members without reinforcement members, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 12 shows an exploded isometric view of a portion of a polyurethane sieve, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which has reinforcement members integrated with the first and second members.

[0017] Figure 13 shows an exploded view of a use of a sieve basket, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in a form of a sieve separator apparatus.

[0018] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a

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3/53 exemplary modality of using a sieve basket, according to an exemplary modality of the present disclosure, in a modality of a sieve separator device.

[0019] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an example of a basket cage, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] Figure 16A shows a perspective view of an exemplary sieve basket that includes multiple sieve cartridge assemblies attached to a basket cage, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 16B shows a fragmentary perspective view of the sieve basket shown in Figure 16A, which has multiple sieving cartridge assemblies, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 16C shows a fragmentary perspective view of an internal portion of the sieve basket shown in Figure 16A, which shows the multiple sieving cartridge assemblies, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 17 shows a fragmentary cross-sectional view of exemplary sieve cartridge assemblies mounted on a grid frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 18A shows a perspective view of an example of a screening cartridge assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 18B shows side and cross-sectional views of the exemplary sieving cartridge assembly shown in Figure 18A. Exemplary dimensions, in units of centimeters (inches), are shown in the views. The revelation is not limited to such dimensions, and other dimensions can be contemplated.

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4/53 [0026] Figure 19A shows a perspective view of an example of a sieve cartridge assembly housing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 19B shows side and cross-sectional views of the exemplary housing shown in Figure 19A. Exemplary dimensions, in units of centimeters (inches), are shown in the views. The revelation is not limited to such dimensions, and other dimensions can be contemplated.

[0028] Figure 19C illustrates an example of multiple wrappers affixed to a basket cage grid frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 20A shows an example of a sieve element assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 20B shows side and cross-sectional views of the exemplary sieve element assembly shown in Figure 20A. Exemplary dimensions, in units of centimeters (inches), are shown in the views. The revelation is not limited to such dimensions, and other dimensions can be contemplated.

[0031] Figure 21A shows a perspective view of an example of a sieve assembly frame unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 21B shows top and side views of the example structure unit shown in Figure 21A.

[0033] Figure 22A shows an example of a sieve element of a sieve assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 22B shows top and side views of the exemplary sieve element shown in Figure 22A.

[0035] Figure 22C is an enlarged top view of a portion of

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5/53 a sieve element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 23A shows another example of a screen element assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 23B shows side views of the exemplary sieve element assembly shown in Figure 23A.

[0038] Figure 24 shows an example of a cartridge sieve element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 25 shows an example of a lower casing portion of the cartridge sieve element shown in Figure 25. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES [0040] The present disclosure relates to the apparatus and methods for filtering and, in particular, the use of improved sieve baskets to be used in methods and systems for sorption of metals from ore containing metal. The modalities of the present disclosure can be used with pulp carbon (CIP), leach carbon (CIL) and leach resin (RIL) systems, among others. The CIL and CIP systems are, for example, two countercurrent methods for adsorption of leached gold from a pulp stream on activated carbon. In such CIL and CIP processes, a plurality of adsorption tanks are placed in series. The pulp flows continuously from the first tank in this series to the last tank. At the same time, carbon is pumped backwards from the last tank in the series to the first tank. The CIL and CIP processes differ in the extent to which gold is leached before carbon adsorption. For example, in the CIL operation, carbon is added to the leach tanks, and the leach reaction and adsorption occurs simultaneously. In contrast, in the CIP process, most of the gold that can be leached is leached before the first adsorption stage.

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6/53 [0041] A description of a general gold recovery process from a gold-containing ore, which employs a combined cyanidation and adsorption treatment, can be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,188,208. Although the modalities of the present disclosure are generally discussed with reference to gold or carbon, the modalities of the present disclosure can also be applied to the processes for recovering silver, iron, nickel and other metals from the appropriate ore. The recovery of any metal from a mined ore is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] A description of existing metal sieve baskets and their methods of use in the CIP processes described above can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,238,117. The process described in US Patent No. 5,238,117 has generally become known in the art as vertically swept sieving processes between "NKM" stages, and the sieve baskets used in this document have generally become known in the art. like NKM sieve baskets. In general, such NKM sieve baskets include a metal support frame provided with a wedge wire sieve wrapped around a peripheral side wall thereof. The wedge wire sieve is used to filter materials from a metal-rich pulp. The sieve basket is attached to an NKM sieving device, and a lower portion of that NKM sieving device, which includes the fixed NKM sieve basket, is immersed in a tank containing carbon pulp material. Propellants in the NKM screening device cause the pulp in the tank to pass through the wedge wire sieve and into the NKM sieve. However, the wedge wire sieve has a very low open sieving area, which leads to inefficient sieving. The low open sieving area also leads to clogging. The obstruction, in turn, forces the increased pulp volumes to flow through the unobstructed areas of the wedge wire sieve, which increases the wear rate of the sieve. Additionally, the individual wires that form the

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7/53 wire sieves in wedges tend to deteriorate or break down over time, due to the forces encountered during the screening processes, such as sweeping of internal and external propelled blades.

[0043] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an improved sieve basket device for sieving material is provided. The device comprises a support frame having an open upper part and a substantially closed lower part, and a substantially cylindrical sidewall support portion extending between the lower part and the upper part of the support frame. The support frame can be metal, such as stainless steel. A polyurethane sieve side wall extends around and is supported by the side wall support portion. The side wall of the polyurethane sieve comprises a polyurethane sieve with a highly open area. In certain embodiments, the polyurethane sieve side wall substantially encloses the side wall support portion between the closed bottom and the open top to thereby provide a maximized sieving area. The side wall of the polyurethane sieve can be affixed to an external periphery of the side wall support portion.

[0044] The polyurethane sieve side wall can be formed from a plurality of individual polyurethane sieve members. These individual polyurethane sieve members can be aligned adjacent to each other to provide a generally continuous sieving area through the side sieve wall. In one example, the plurality of individual polyurethane sieve members can include eight individual polyurethane sieve members. In such embodiments, these eight individual polyurethane sieve members can be arranged so that four of the sieve members are on a lower half of the support frame and four of the sieve members are on an upper half of the support frame.

[0045] In certain modalities, the lower part substantially

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8/53 closed can be provided with a centralized hole that allows the reception of the transmission shaft of an NKM device.

[0046] The highly open area polyurethane sieve member, in certain embodiments, comprises a flexible molded polyurethane body; sieve openings in the body; a set of first members, substantially parallel and flexible that define the first opposite sides of the sieve openings; a set of second members, substantially parallel and flexible, which define the second opposite sides of the sieve openings, whereby the second members are substantially perpendicular to the second members; a set of third, substantially parallel members that have multiple first members between them; a set of fourth members, substantially parallel that have multiple second members between them; lateral edge portions substantially parallel on opposite sides of the body, among which the third members, in the present document, extend; and a first end portion and a second end portion substantially parallel at opposite ends of the body, among which the fourth members in this document extend where the end portions are substantially perpendicular to the edge portions. The sieve openings in the flexible molded polyurethane body of the polyurethane sieve member can be about 0.044 mm to about 4,000 mm between the inner surfaces of the first members, and about 0.044 mm to about 60,000 mm between the inner surfaces of the first members. second members.

[0047] The polyurethane sieve member can also include reinforcement members molded seamlessly within at least one of the first and third members and at least one of the second and fourth members. In some embodiments, the reinforcement members formed in an integrated manner within the first members may have a substantially uniform thickness that has a magnitude in the range of

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9/53 about 0.015 centimeters (0.006 inches) to about 0.038 centimeters (0.015 inches). The reinforcement members integrally molded to the second members can have a substantially uniform thickness that has a magnitude in the range of about 0.038 (0.015 inches) to about 0.102 centimeters (0.040 inches). Reinforcement members can be incorporated, for example, into rods that can be molded in an integrated manner with the members. The reinforcement members can also be incorporated, for example, into aramid fibers, which are at least one of multiple woven and twisted yarns, the fibers having a linear density of about 61.05 dtex (55 denier) to about 3152,400 dtex (2840 denier).

[0048] The side edge portions of the polyurethane sieve member can be configured for use in attaching the sieve member to the support frame. A plurality of enlarged polyurethane ribs can be formed integrally with an external surface of the polyurethane sieve body, with the ribs arranged substantially vertically with respect to the side wall supporting portion. Each of the plurality of ribs can extend substantially from an upper part to a lower part of the polyurethane sieve member.

[0049] In additional embodiments of the present disclosure, a basket cage may be provided which includes a tubular, or substantially cylindrical, frame with multiple openings. The multiple openings in the grid frame can be arranged on a square lattice, and each (or, in some embodiments, at least some) of the multiple openings can be square in shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple openings can include 264 square openings. A subset of the multiple openings can be defined by longitudinal members and cross members. A second subset of the multiple openings can be defined by longitudinal members and transverse segments of a first annular section of the grid frame, and similarly, a third

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10/53 subset of the multiple openings can be defined by longitudinal members and transverse segments of a second annular section of the grid frame.

[0050] The basket cage can have flanges at the top and bottom of the cage. The flange and the upper openings may allow or otherwise facilitate the mounting of a plate or other type of cover on the flange. In addition, or in other embodiments, the flange and openings may allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly of the basket cage on a sieve separating machine (for example, a device vertically swept between NKM stages).

[0051] The basket cage can be used in a separation process to separate specific particulate matter from slurry or another type of fluid source. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the sieve cartridge assemblies can be mounted in the basket cage, where the sieve cartridge assemblies can allow or otherwise facilitate the separation of specific particulate matter from the slurry. Each of the sieving cartridge assemblies can be assembled or, otherwise, affixed to a respective group of grid members that define, at least in part, a respective opening of the grid frame. For openings in a row around the longitudinal geometric axis of the grid frame, a group of grid members that supports a first assembly among the sieve cartridge assemblies can have a common grid member with another group of grid members that supports a second assembly among the sieve cartridge assemblies.

[0052] In some embodiments, each of the multiple screening cartridge assemblies mounted or affixed to the grid frame includes a screening assembly and an enclosure (or other type of container) configured to receive and retain the screening assembly. In some embodiments, the enclosure can be incorporated into a one-piece

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11/53 injection molded formed in an integrated way through injection molding of a polyurethane, a thermoset polymer or other types of polymer. The exemplary modalities of the injection molded part and the injection molded part forming process are discussed in more detail in the disclosures of Patent Application No. US 13 / 800,826, Patent No. US 9,409,209, Patent No. US 9,884 .344, of US Patent Application No. 15 / 851,009, US Patent Application No. 15 / 965,195, and in the cross references included in this document, which are hereby incorporated by reference in this document, for reference, in their totalities.

[0053] The sieve assembly has, in some modalities, three individual sieve units. The housing includes a first opening configured to receive and / or fit the sieve assembly inside the housing, and a second opening that allows exposing a sieving surface of the sieve assembly to an external part of the grid frame. The enclosure also includes projections extending from a first edge of the enclosure, close to the first opening, to a second opposite edge of the enclosure. The projections and the respective portions of the enclosure form the respective recesses which allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly (for example, adhesion or stapling) of the enclosure on the grid frame.

[0054] The whole or substantially the entire grid frame of the sieve basket can be covered with sieve cartridge assemblies in the operation of a separation process. As such, in an exemplary embodiment, the screening cartridge assemblies 264 can be mounted in the respective square openings 264 in the grid frame.

[0055] Additionally, the housing may include a securing frame section and a retaining frame section. The retainer frame section can receive and / or retain the sieve assembly formed by the sieve units. The securing frame section may include a set

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12/53 projections that form the respective recesses, which, in turn, allows, or otherwise, facilitates the fixation (for example, by stapling, coupling or otherwise engaging) of the cartridge assembly sieving on a grid frame.

[0056] The sieve cartridges, according to the present disclosure, can have any shape suitable for attachment to a rack frame of a basket cage. For example, and without limitation, the sieve cartridges can have a square, or rectangular, or oval shape, or any other shape. While the exemplary embodiments may provide sieve cartridges that are shaped to be substantially compatible with the grid openings of the grid frame (ie, a square sieve cartridge in a grid frame with square grid openings), the sieves of different shapes can be attached to the grid openings with a different shape. Similarly, the basket cage grid frame can have any shape suitable for screening.

[0057] The sieve elements and sieve cartridges, according to the modalities discussed in this document, resist wear, abrasion, bending and chemicals better than metal and, therefore, tend to last longer than wedge wire frames in CIL processes. The sieve elements, as discussed in this document, also allow for the formation of significantly smaller sieve openings than those of conventional wedge wire frames, which in turn improves the sieving efficiency. The use of sieve members, as described in this document, provides significantly larger sieving areas and significantly reduces clogging, as compared to conventional wedge wire sieve baskets. In practice, the sieve elements and sieve cartridges, as described in this document, also allow for a substantially consistent distance between the

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13/53 external propulsion of the sieving apparatus and the assembly of the sieving cartridge, thereby reducing clogging and prolonging the life of the sieve elements.

[0058] Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the sieve basket 1 of the present disclosure comprises a basket frame structure 510 that has a highly open area polyurethane sieve 600 attached to it.

[0059] As indicated in Figure 1, the basket frame 510, in general, has a cylindrical configuration, although other shapes can be used. The basket frame 510 may preferably be formed of stainless steel, although other materials may be used. The frame has an upper end 511 and a lower end 515 and includes a plurality of vertical support members 530 that form a vertical support portion that extends between the upper and lower ends 511, 515 of the frame 510. As shown in Figure 2 , the vertical support portion of the frame 510 has an inner side 521 and an outer side 522.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the support of the basket frame 510 can be formed from a plurality of vertical support members 530 and a plurality of horizontal support members 550. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 includes four members of primary supports 531 spaced along a periphery of frame 510, together with a plurality of secondary support members 542 spaced between primary support members 531. Together, primary and secondary support members 531, 542 join the upper and lower ends 511, 515 of frame 510 in a spaced arrangement. The horizontal support members 550 can be provided by a plurality of ring rings or curved sections that are joined from one end to the other to form a plurality of ring rings in a spaced relationship along the entire basket frame 510.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, each of the members of

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14/53 upright support 531 may include an inner rod portion 532. The inner rod portion 532 may, in turn, include holes 534 therethrough. The horizontal support members 550 pass through the holes 534, thereby maintaining the horizontal support members 550 in a stacked and spaced arrangement.

[0062] As shown in the top view of Figure 2, the upper end 511 of the frame 510 is provided with an opening to allow use in receiving and processing materials inside the sieve basket 1. The lower end 515 of the frame 510 is provided with a substantially solid closed bottom 516 for retaining materials in the sieve basket 1 during processing. The substantially closed bottom part 516 can be provided with a centralized hole 517 for use in operational arrangements with processing machine axes, as discussed in more detail below.

[0063] The disclosure modalities may include a highly open area polyurethane sieve 600 attached to a periphery of the frame 510, thereby forming a sieve basket 1 having an open top, a substantially solid closed bottom 516 and a side wall of 601 polyurethane sieve.

[0064] Polyurethane sieve 600 can be supplied in the form of separate sieve members, smaller than 10, due to the potential size restrictions in the molding process of the polyurethane sieve 600. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the polyurethane sieve 600 may have a plurality of separate sieve members 10. Each sieve member 10 is attached to the vertical support of the frame 510.

[0065] Figures 4 to 6 show the features of an exemplary embodiment of a sieve member 10 configured for use in forming the 601 polyurethane sieve side wall of a sieve basket 1. Figures 4 to 5 show the inner sides and external of a modality of the sieve member 10, respectively, while Figure 6

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15/53 shows a side view of an embodiment of the sieve member 10. The sieve member 10 may comprise polyurethane sieves described in more detail in the following patents and patent publications that share a transferee in common with the present disclosure and which are incorporated by reference in this document: US Patent No. 8,584,866; U.S. Patent No. 9,010,539; U.S. Patent No. 9,375,756; U.S. Patent 9,403,192; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015 / 0197827A1; and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2016 / 0303611A1.

[0066] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a sieve member 10 with a molded polyurethane body 12 having unperforated side edge portions 14,

16. The side edge portions 14, 16 can each have an integrated side protrusion portion 29 for use in sealing adjacent sieve members 10 to each other and for attaching sieve members 10 to the basket frame 510, as shown in Figure 7. Each side edge portion 14, 16 can include a structural member molded in place for use in reinforcing the side protrusion portion 29. Side edge portions 14, 16 can also be formed without structural members molded in place. or they may include other structural members. The side projection portions 29 can be of any shape suitable for attachment to a basket frame 510. In an exemplary embodiment, the side projection portions 29 can include a member formed, for example, by a metal member which is flexed up to a desired shape, for example, a U-shaped member, an L-shaped member, a C-shaped member or the like. The formed member can be attached to the polyurethane body by means of heating, pressure, mechanical, chemical molding and / or by any other suitable method or arrangement.

[0067] The sieve member body 12 also includes a lower edge portion 18 and an upper edge portion 20, which, in combination with side edge portions 14, 16, define an external boundary of the

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16/53 sieve member 10. In certain embodiments, the side protruding portion 29 may extend the entire length between the upper edge portion 20 and the lower edge portion 18.

[0068] The body 12 additionally includes an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24. Figure 4 represents an outer surface 22 of the body 12, when the sieve member 10 is attached to the basket frame 510, as shown, for example, in Figure 1, and Figure 5 represents an internal surface 24 of the body 12, when the sieve member is attached to the basket frame 510, as shown, for example, in Figure 1. The body 12 includes first members 101 and second members 102 forming sieve openings 26, as shown in detail in Figure 8 and Figure 8A. The first members 101 and the second members 102 can, in some embodiments, be configured to include reinforcement members 50, as discussed in more detail below. As shown in the side view of Figure 6, the sieve element 10 can additionally include vertical ribs 28 on the outer surface 22 of the sieve element

10. The sieve element 10 may, however, not include the vertical ribs 28 in certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] Body 12 may additionally include third members 203 and fourth members 204. Third members 203 and fourth members 204, and vertical ribs 28, if present, may also include reinforcement members 50, discussed in more detail below . Third members 203, fourth members 204 and vertical ribs 28 may, however, not include reinforcement members 50 in certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The third members 203 and the fourth members 204 are, in general, configured to provide support for the sieve openings 26 formed by the first and second members 101, 102.

[0070] Figure 8 shows a portion of a sieve element embodiment 10, with Figure 8A representing an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 8. As shown in the detailed view of Figure 8A, the

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17/53 first and second members 101, 102 form a first integrally shaped grid structure 100 that defines the sieve openings 26. The third and fourth member 203, 204 can form a second integrally shaped grid structure 200 , and the fifth and sixth members 305 and 306, respectively, can in turn form a third integrated molded grid structure 300.

[0071] The reinforcement members 50 can be incorporated into the desired members of the sieve element 10. The reinforcement members 50 provide stability for the sieve element 10 by preventing the side edges 14, 16 from deforming and / or narrow. In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement members 50 can be integrated (such as by means of integrated molding) with the appropriate members. Reinforcement members 50 can be made of plastic, metal, polymer or any other suitable material, with the necessary structural properties. For example, reinforcement members 50 can be incorporated into the rods which are integrally shaped with the sieve members. Reinforcement members 50 can also be incorporated into the aramid fibers, which are at least one of multiple woven yarns and multiple woven yarns, so that the fibers act as wicks to absorb the molded polyurethane around them, thereby providing , a strong link between them. Multi-stranded or woven fibers can have a linear density of about 61.05 dtex (55 denier) to about 3152,400 dtex (2840 denier), and can preferably have approximately 1665 dtex (1,500 denier) . When the aramid fiber is used in the embodiments of the present disclosure, it may be a set of commercially obtainable aramid fibers from the KEVLAR® brand from DuPont. The reinforcement members 50 can also be at least one of the commercially obtainable aramid fibers of the brands TWARON, SULFRON, TEIJINCONEX and TECHNORA from the company Teijin. The flexibility of aramid fibers provides a flexible reinforcement system for molded polyurethane, which has the ability to return to the

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18/53 its original shape molded after the necessary tilt and flexion that occur during handling and installation. In certain embodiments, the reinforcing members 50 can be tensioned before the polyurethane is molded around them.

[0072] In reference, again, to the exemplary modality shown in Figures 4 to 5, and to the detailed view shown in Figure 8, the grid structures 200 and 300 include members molded in a bidirectional and integrated way that form support grids within the members. Due to the properties of the reinforcement members 50 and the configuration of the bi-directional grid structure, the members can be relatively small in size and thereby provide an increased open sieving area. The grid structures provide strength and support for the openings 26 during the vibrating load and significantly increase the open sieving area.

[0073] As shown in the detail view in Figure 8A, the first members 101 can extend transversely between the lateral edge portions 14, 16, in a substantially parallel manner to each other. The second members 102 may extend transversely between the lower edge portion 18 and the upper edge portion 20, substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the first members 101. In certain embodiments, the second members 102 may have a thickness greater than that of the first members 101, to provide additional structural support to the sieve openings 26.

[0074] As mentioned above and as shown in the exploded isometric view of Figure 12, the first members 101 and / or the second members 102 may include reinforcement members 50 and may or may not be supported by additional support members or grid structures of support. For example, as shown in Figure 9, which represents a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the body 12 of the sieve element 10, the body 12 has the first and second members 101, 102 with members of

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19/53 bidirectional reinforcement 50 molded in an integrated way. Reinforcement members 50 integrally shaped with the first members 101 have a thickness in the range of about 0.015 centimeter (0.006 inch) to about 0.038 centimeter (0.015 inch). Reinforcement members 50 integrally molded to the second members 102 (not shown) have a thickness in the range of about 0.038 centimeter (0.015 inch) to 0.102 centimeter (0.040 inch). Such configurations can be beneficial for sieving applications that require sieves with larger sieve openings.

[0075] The modalities of the present disclosure can incorporate reinforcement members 50 to any one of the first, second, third and fourth members 101, 102, 203, 204, as well as to the ribs 28, and can be incorporated to all or just to a part of the first, second, third and fourth members 101, 102, 203, 204 and rib members 28.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8 and in the detail of Figure 8A, the sieve openings 26 can be elongated, with a dimension of greater length along the sides and between their ends than the dimensions of width. The sieve openings 26 can be approximately 0.044 mm to about 4.0 mm wide, the width being the dimension between the inner surfaces of the first adjacent members 101. The sieve openings 26 can be approximately 0.44 mm wide. about 60 mm in length, the length being the dimension between the internal surfaces of the second adjacent members 102. The sieve openings 26 can additionally have a variety of different shapes. For example, the sieve openings 26 can have a rectangular shape, or a square shape, or an oval shape, or any other shape that can be formed by the first and second members 101, 102. The general dimensions of the sieve element 10 can be about 1.2 meters by 1.6 meters, or you can have another desired size. It can be understood that all dimensions presented in this document

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20/53 are for example only, not limitation.

[0077] Briefly, with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11, the sieve openings 26 can diverge downwardly between the outer surface 22 and the inner surface 24 of the first members 101, which are substantially inverted trapezoidal shapes. This general trapezoidal shape of the first members 101 prevents clogging in the sieve element 10 and the entire polyurethane sieve 600. The first members 101 can include reinforcement members 50 integrally shaped with them, as shown in Figure 10, or can , optionally, do not include such reinforcement members 50 integrally molded to them, as shown in Figure 11.

[0078] As shown in the detailed view of Figure 8A, the third and fourth limbs 203, 204 may be thicker than the first and second members 101, 102. The increased thickness of the third and fourth members 203, 204 it can provide additional structural support to the first and second members 101, 102. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 8 and 8A, the third members 203 can extend transversely between the side edge portions 14, 16 in a substantially parallel manner with each other, and can have multiple first 101 members presented between them. The fourth limbs 204 may extend transversely between the lower edge portion 18 and the upper edge portion 20, substantially parallel to each other, and may have multiple second members 102 shown between them. Reinforcement members 50 can be molded seamlessly to third and fourth member 203 and 204. Third and fourth member 203, 204 can be configured to have a minimum thickness by including reinforcement members 50, while maintaining structural support necessary for the sieve openings 26, formed by the first and second members 101, 102 during vibratory sieving applications. The bidirectional support system provided by third and fourth members 203, 204, and the

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21/53 additional support of the reinforcement members 50 integrated into it, where included, greatly reduces the thickness of the support members and provides an increased open sieving area and overall sieve efficiency.

[0079] The body 12 can additionally include a plurality of vertical ribs 28. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, a series of nine ribs 28 can be provided. The ribs 28 may have a thickness greater than that of the third and fourth limbs 203, 204 and may have a portion extending outside the inner surface 24 of the body 12. As shown in Figure 2, the ribs 28 can also be provided if extending outside the outer surface 522 of the body 12 and thereby providing vertical support along the outer sieve side wall 601. The greater thickness and positioning of the ribs 28 provide additional structural support for the first and second members 101, 102 .

[0080] The ribs 28 can extend transversely between the lower edge portion 18 and the upper edge portion 20 substantially parallel to each other, and may have multiple fourth members 204 between them. The ribs 28 may additionally and alternatively extend transversely between the side edge portions 14, 16 substantially parallel to each other, and may have multiple third members 203 between them. The ribs 28 may have reinforcement members 50 integrally shaped therewith. The ribs 28 can be provided for additional support for the sieve openings 26 and can be configured to have a minimum thickness through the inclusion of reinforcement members 50, while providing the structural support necessary to maintain the sieve openings 26 during application. vibratory screening. Like the third and fourth member 203, 204, the provision of a rib support system 28 greatly reduces the thickness of the support members and provides an increased open sieving area and general sieving efficiencies.

[0081] Various configurations of 50 reinforcement members can be

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22/53 provided on the support rib members 28 to add stability to the sieve member 10. The reinforcement members 50 provided on the support rib members 28 can be an aramid fiber (or its individual filaments), a fiber naturally occurring, or other material with relatively large tensile strength with small cross-sectional areas.

[0082] Each element of the sieve element 10 capable of incorporating such reinforcement members 50 may include zero, one or multiple reinforcement members 50 and the reinforcement members 50 used therein may be of different sizes and materials. The reinforcement members 50 may be located in the lower halves of the members, so as not to be exposed relatively early during the life of the sieve element 10, since the upper surface of the sieve may wear out.

[0083] The inclusion of reinforcement members 50, as well as the support structure of bidirectional support members, allows the first members 101, as well as the second members 102, to be relatively thin, which creates larger sieve openings. The modalities as described in this document have relatively high tensile strengths with relatively small cross-sectional areas. The making of the support members and the first thin members 101 results in the sieve member 10 and the general sieve 600 which has a larger percentage of open area, which, in turn, increases the capacity of the system. The open sieve areas, according to the modalities described in this document, can vary, for example, from about 40% to about 46% of the sieve.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibrating screen 10 includes a flexible molded polyurethane body 12 having substantially parallel side edges 14, 16 at opposite ends of the body 12, as well as a lower edge portion 18 substantially perpendicular to the side edge portions 14, 16 and a

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23/53 upper edge portion 20 substantially perpendicular to the side edge portions 14, 16 and opposite the lower edge portion 18. The polyurethane body 12 additionally includes an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24. The first and second members 101, 102 are provided, forming the sieve openings 26. The first members 101 extend between the side edge portions 14, 16, and the second members 102 extend between the top and bottom edge portions 18, 20. The body 12 can also include third and fourth members 203, 204, with third and fourth members 203, 204 having a thickness greater than that of the first and second members 101, 102. Third members 203 extend substantially parallel to each other and extend transversely between the lateral edge portions 14, 16 and have multiple first members 101 shown between them. The fourth member 204 extend substantially parallel to each other and extend transversely between the upper and lower edge portions 18, 20 and have multiple seconds 102 shown between them. Reinforcement members 50 can be integrally molded to third and / or fourth members 203, 204, and in addition reinforcement members or rods can be integrally shaped to fourth members 204. Body 12 also includes ribs 28. The ribs 28 can be substantially parallel to each other and extend transversely between the side edge portions 14, 16. The ribs 28 can also be substantially parallel to each other and extend transversely between the top and bottom edge portions 18, 20. ribs 28 are thicker than third and fourth members 203, 204 and may include reinforcement members 50 integrally shaped therewith. The body 12 may additionally have the fifth and sixth members 305, 306. The fifth members 305 extend substantially parallel to each other and extend transversely between the lateral edge portions 14, 16 and have multiple third members 203 presented between them. The sixth members 306 are

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24/53 extend substantially parallel to each other and extend transversely between the upper and lower edge portions 18, 20 and have multiple fourth members 204 shown between them. Reinforcement members 50 can be molded seamlessly to the fifth and / or sixth members 305, 306, and in addition, the reinforcement members or rods can be seamlessly shaped to the sixth members 306.

[0085] Sieve members, according to this modality, can have open sieving areas greater than 40% and mesh sizes ranging from approximately 9.51 mm (0.375 mesh) to about 0.037 mm (400 mesh) . As an example, the tested sieves having the aforementioned configurations included a sieve of mesh size 43, a sieve of mesh size 140 and a sieve of mesh size 210. Each of these sieves had open sieving areas that vary from approximately 40 percent to about 46 percent. Such large screening areas for such relatively fine mesh sizes are achieved through the relatively thin and strong grid structure created by the third, fourth, fifth and sixth members 203, 204, 305, 306, and by the integrally shaped reinforcement members to her.

[0086] In the modalities and examples mentioned above, the size of each grid unit formed by the intersection of the third and fourth member 203, 204 is approximately 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) by 2.54 centimeters (1 inch). In general, the grid units can be larger for screens with larger sieve openings, and the grid units can be smaller for screens with smaller sieve openings. This principle can, in general, be applicable to each exemplary modality discussed in this document. The grid units can also have a generally rectangular shape or any other shape suitable for supporting the sieve openings.

[0087] The use of polyurethane sieve members 10, as

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25/53 described in the present document, to form a side sieve 601 on a basket frame has significant advantages over conventional wedge wire screens. The polyurethane sieve members 10, as described in this document, resist wear, abrasion, bending and chemicals better than metal, and therefore tend to last longer than wire frames in wedge in CIL processes. Polyurethane also allows for the formation of significantly smaller sieve openings than those of conventional wedge wire frames, which in turn improves the sieving efficiency. The use of polyurethane sieve members 10, as described in this document, provides significantly larger sieving areas and significantly reduces clogging, as compared to conventional wedge wire sieve baskets.

[0088] In operation, the sieve basket 1 described in this document can be used with known CIP and CIL devices and processes, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,238,117. For example, as shown in Figures 13 to 14, the sieve basket 1 is attached below a volute portion of a device vertically swept between NKM stages. A drive shaft of the NKM device passes from the top to the bottom of the sieve basket 1 and through the centralized opening in the closed bottom part of the sieve basket 1. A gearbox and motor are positioned above the volute to feed the transmission shaft. A washing interface is located above the polyurethane sieve and the volute interface to receive the pulp discharge flow.

[0089] With the sieve basket 1 attached to the NKM device, the lower portion of the NKM device, which includes the sieve basket 1, is inserted into a large adsorption tank containing slurry of pulp to be processed, and suspended over him. The level of the pulp in the tank is higher than the level of the fluid in the sieve basket 1. This arrangement causes the pulp to flow naturally through the sieve of the sieve basket 1, in a

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26/53 effort to balance fluid levels in the pulp tank and in the sieve basket 1. The paddles outside the NKM unit rotate inside the tank, around an outer periphery of the sieve side wall of the sieve basket

1. External blades also help to prevent particulate matter from clogging the outside of the polyurethane sieve, such as carbon and pulp. The pulse and sweeping action reduce the possibility that carbon and roughly sized materials will clog sieve openings. The propeller blades located inside the sieve, as in the transmission shaft, serve to keep the particulate matter in suspension and drive the pulp upwards, towards the volute and the washing.

[0090] During the process, the pulp flows upwards through the interior of the sieve basket 1. The carbon is retained in the sieve. The pulp exits through the washing interface, above the polyurethane sieve and the volute interface.

[0091] In these processes, it can be seen that the continuous rotation of the inner and outer blades, in the vicinity of the polyurethane sieve, together with the flow of large volumes of pulp through the polyurethane sieve openings, subject the sieve to wear and tear. substantial rupture. The polyurethane sieves and the sieve basket arrangement described in this document are designed to withstand significant wear and tear and substantially outperform wire sieve baskets existing in CIP and CIL processes.

[0092] Although the sieve basket 1 has been described for use in a CIP or CIL process, the relatively small openings and relatively large sieving areas of the polyurethane sieve members 10 described in this document allow the sieve basket 1 is used for other purposes, such as, for example, water filtration and desalination.

[0093] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a basket cage 1500, according to an additional embodiment of the disclosure. The 1500 sieve cage includes a 1510 grid frame which is

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27/53 tubular (or has substantially cylindrical symmetry) with respect to a longitudinal geometric axis and has multiple openings 1513. As such, the frame of the grid 1510 has a height and a diameter. As an illustration, the height can have a magnitude in a range from about 58 cm (23 in) to about 310 cm (122 in). As another illustration, the diameter can have a magnitude in a range of about 25.4 cm (10 in) to about 185.4 cm (73 in). In an exemplary modality, the height has a magnitude of about

203.2 cm (80 in) and the diameter has a magnitude of about 127 cm (50 in). Note that the disclosure is not limited to such illustrative magnitudes of height and / or diameter, and other frame sizes of grid 1510 can be contemplated. Additionally, the frame of grid 1510 is not limited to cylindrical or tubular symmetry, but can be shaped in any configuration suitable for sieving and, in particular, for sieving carbon retention, as discussed in this document. The frame of the grid 1510 can also be formed from any material that provides sufficient structure for the screening process and sufficient support for the screening cartridges that will be attached to the frame of the grid 1510. For example, the frame of the grid 1510 can be consisting of a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel, or it may be a thermoplastic material sufficient to support the screening cartridges. In embodiments featuring a thermoplastic grid frame 1510, the grid frame 1510 may comprise an injection-molded one piece. In other embodiments, the frame of the grid 1510 can be formed of separable pieces connected to form the frame of the grid 1510.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the frame of the grid 1510 can be formed in the desired shape, by flexing a perforated sheet itself, around the longitudinal geometric axis, and by joining opposite edges of the perforated sheet. The opposing edges joined together can form a 1515 longitudinal seam. In some embodiments, the perforated sheet can

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28/53 be formed from a metal or metal alloy (for example, stainless steel), and the opposite edges can be joined by welding. In other embodiments, the perforated sheet can be formed from a rigid plastic, and the opposite edges can be joined by means of laser welding and / or gluing with a suitable adhesive. The multiple openings 1513 in the frame of the grid 1510 can be arranged on a square lattice, and each (or, in some embodiments, at least some) of the multiple openings 1513 can be square in shape. The multiple openings 1513 can have different shapes than a square shape, such as a rectangular shape, an oval shape, a circular shape, and so on. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the multiple openings 1513 to have a consistent shape throughout the entire frame of the grid 1510. For example, some modalities may have alternating rectangular openings of varying sizes to form the frame of the general grid 1510. In one embodiment For example, the multiple openings 1513 can include 264 square openings. A subset of multiple openings can be defined by longitudinal 1511 and cross members 1512. The openings in such a subset can be called internal openings. A second subset of multiple openings can be defined by longitudinal members 1511 and cross segments of a first annular section 1512a of the grid frame 1510. Likewise, a third subset of multiple openings can be defined by longitudinal members 1511 and cross segments of a second annular section 1512b of the grid frame 1510. The second subset and the third subset of openings can be called external openings.

[0095] The first annular section, 1512a and second annular section 1512b may incorporate or otherwise constitute the respective opposite end portions of the grid frame 1510 along the longitudinal geometric axis. A flange 1520 can be affixed or otherwise attached to one end of the first annular section 1512a. The 1520 flange can include

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29/53 multiple first openings 1525. The flange 1520 and the first openings 1525 may allow or otherwise facilitate the mounting of a plate or other type of cover on the flange 1520. In addition, or in other embodiments, the flange 1520 and the first openings 1525 may allow or otherwise facilitate the attachment of the basket cage 1500 to a sieve separator (for example, an NKM device vertically swept between stages, as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14) . In addition, a second flange 1530 can be attached or otherwise attached to the second ring section 1512b. The second flange 1530 may include multiple second openings 1535. The flange 1530 and second openings 1535 may allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly of the basket cage 1500 on a screen separator (for example, a vertically swept NKM apparatus) between stages, as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14), and / or affix an external cleaner assembly to the sieve separator machine (not shown).

[0096] As shown in Figure 15, the basket cage 1500 can also include an opening in a proximity to the second end of the frame of the grid 1510, next to the second flange 1530. A pipe member 1540 can be mounted over the proximity of the opening . The opening and the tube member 1540 may form an outlet which may allow or otherwise facilitate the escape of a slurry from the interior of the basket cage 1500, when it needs to be drained during removal.

[0097] Similar to the other sieve baskets in this disclosure, the basket cage 1500, in combination with sieving elements, can be used in a separation process to separate specific particulate materials from slurry or other type of fluid source . For that purpose, in one embodiment, the sieve cartridge assemblies can be assembled in the basket cage 1500, where the sieve cartridge assemblies can allow or otherwise facilitate the separation of particulate matter from the slurry. Specifically, as an illustration, the

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30/53

Figure 16A shows a perspective view of an example of a sieve basket 1600 which includes multiple sieving cartridge assemblies 1610, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The multiple screen cartridge assemblies include a first screen cartridge assembly 1610a, a second screen cartridge assembly 1610b, and a third screen cartridge assembly 1610c. Each of the screening cartridge assemblies 1610a, 1610b, 1610c can be assembled or otherwise attached to a respective group of sieve members that define, at least in part, a respective opening of the grid frame 1510. The assemblies screening cartridge 1610 can be removable, so that the screening cartridge assemblies can be mounted on the basket cage 1500 and subsequently easily removed from the basket cage 1500 for maintenance or repair or can be permanently attached to the basket cage 1500. For openings in a row around the longitudinal geometric axis of the 1510 grid frame, a group of grid members supporting a first assembly from the 1610a and 1610b sieve cartridge assemblies can have a common grid member with another group of members grids that support a second assembly among the sieving cartridge assemblies 1610a and 1610b. More specifically, in one example, the first screening cartridge assembly 1610a may adhere or otherwise attach to a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member of the frame of the grid 1510. In addition, the second screening unit 1610b can adhere or otherwise attach to the second longitudinal member and a third longitudinal member.

[0098] In some embodiments, each of the multiple sieve cartridge assemblies mounted or affixed to the frame of the 1510 grid includes a sieving assembly and an enclosure (or other type of container) configured to receive and retain the sieve assembly. In

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31/53 some modalities, the wrapper can be incorporated in an integral piece molded in an integrated way, formed by means of injection molding of a polyurethane, a thermoset polymer or other types of polymers. The exemplary embodiments of the injection molded part and the injection molded part forming process are discussed in more detail in the disclosures of patent application No. US 13 / 800,826, Patent No. US 9,409,209, Patent No. US 9,884. 344, US Patent No. 15 / 851,009, US Patent No. 15 / 965,195, and in the cross references included therein, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The enclosure and the sieve assembly retained therein may have any shape and structure suitable for mounting on the grid frame. In some embodiments, the casing and the screening assembly can be substantially rectangular. In other embodiments, the casing and screening assembly may be square in shape, or may be oval in shape, or may be triangular in shape, or so on.

[0099] As shown in Figure 16B, the sieve cartridge assembly 1610a includes a housing 1630a and a sieve assembly that has three sieve units 1640a. It should be noted that the disclosure is not limited to the three sieve units and, in some embodiments, fewer or more sieve units can be implanted. For a defined size of a sieve unit, a larger number of sieve units results in a 1630a housing with larger dimensions, thus resulting in a larger sieve cartridge assembly. Larger sieve cartridge assemblies can be used in grid frames that have larger grid openings.

[00100] The housing 1630a includes a first opening configured to receive and / or fit into the sieve assembly within the housing 1630a. The housing 1630a also includes a second opening which allows a sieving surface of the sieve assembly to be exposed to an external part of the grid frame 1510. The sieving surface can be

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32/53 incorporated or may include, for example, a substantially seamless and flat surface that includes multiple sieving openings that are, for example, substantially uniform in size and / or substantially uniform in shape. The multiple sieving openings can be rectangular, square, circular, a combination of them or similar. In addition, as shown in Figure 16C, housing 1630 also includes projections 1650a that extend from the first edge of housing 1630a, near the first opening, to a second opposite edge of housing 1630a. The projections 1650a and the respective portions of the housing 1630a form the respective recesses which allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly (for example, adhesion or stapling) of the housing 1630a on the grid frame 1510. The housing 1630a can be permanently mounted on the structure of grid 1510 using projections 1650a and the respective portions of the housing 1630a, or can be removably mounted on the grid frame 1510, so that the housing 1630a can be removed as needed for maintenance or repair.

[00101] Similarly, the sieve cartridge assembly 1610b includes a housing 1630b and a sieve assembly that has three 1640b sieve units. As mentioned, the disclosure is not limited to the three sieve units and, in some embodiments, fewer or more sieve units can be implanted. The housing 1630b also includes a first opening configured to receive and / or fit into the sieve assembly within the housing 1630b. The housing 1630b also includes a second opening which allows a sieving surface of the sieve assembly to be exposed to an external part of the grid frame 1510. The sieving surface can be incorporated or can include, for example, a substantially seamless and flat surface which includes multiple screening apertures which are, for example, of substantially uniform size and / or of substantially uniform shape. In addition, as shown in Figure 16C, housing 1630b includes

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33/53 additionally projections 1650b extending from a first edge of the casing 1630b, close to the first openings, to a second opposite edge of the casing 1630b. The projections 1650b and respective portions of the housing 1630b can form respective recesses which allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly (for example, adhesion or stapling) of the housing 1630b on the grid frame 1510. Regarding the sieve assembly contained in the housing 1630b, as further illustrated in Figure 16C and Figure 17, each of the screen units 1640b includes a frame unit that has one or more screen elements affixed to a surface of the frame unit, and the screen units 1640b can be mechanically joined or otherwise attached to the assembly to form the sieve assembly. To that end, each of the 1640 screen units, as illustrated in reference to 1640b, may include one or more fasteners that may allow or otherwise facilitate the gripping of a first of the screen units (for example , screen unit 1640a) in a second screen unit (for example, 1640b). Regardless of the mechanism for joining the 1640b screen units, the respective screen elements of the 1640 screen units can form the screen surface which can be exposed to the slurry on the outside of the grid frame 1510.

[00102] In some embodiments, each (or, in other embodiments, at least one) of the sieve elements can be incorporated into an integral injection molded piece in an integrated manner by means of injection molding of a thermoplastic material. Exemplary thermoplastic materials and the processes for creating exemplary thermoplastic materials used as the sieve elements in the present disclosure are discussed in detail in the disclosures of Patent Application No. US 1 / 800,826, Patent Application No. US 9,409,209, Application Patent No. 9,884,344, Patent Application No. US 15 / 851,009, Patent Application No. US 15 / 965,195, and the cross references included therein, which

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34/53 are incorporated into this document as a reference, in their entirety.

[00103] The sieve cartridge assembly 1610c, like the sieve cartridge assemblies 1610a, 1610b, also includes a housing 1630c and a sieve assembly that has three sieve units (not shown in Figure 16B). As mentioned, the disclosure is not limited to the three sieve units and, in some embodiments, fewer or more sieve units can be implanted. The housing 1630c also includes a first opening configured to receive and / or fit into the sieve assembly within the housing 1630c. The housing 1630c also includes a second opening that allows or otherwise facilitates the exposure of a sieving surface of the sieve assembly to an external part of the grid frame 1510. The sieving surface may be incorporated or may include, for example, for example, a substantially seamless and flat surface that includes multiple sieving apertures that have, for example, a substantially uniform size and / or a substantially uniform shape. In addition, as shown in Figure 16C, housing 1630c additionally includes projections 1650c extending from a first edge of housing 1630c, near the first opening, to the second opposite edge of housing 1630c. The projections 1650c and the respective portions of the housing 1630c can form respective recesses which allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly (for example, adhesion or stapling) of the housing 1630c on the grid frame 1510. Figure 17 illustrates the mechanical coupling of the sieve cartridge assembly 1610a and sieve cartridge assembly 1610b on the transverse grid elements of the grid frame 1510. As mentioned, the projections 1650a allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly of the sieve cartridge assembly 1610a on the frame of grid 1510. Likewise, projections 1650b allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly of the 1610b sieve cartridge assembly

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35/53 on the grid frame 1510.

[00104] The sieve cartridge assembly 1610a and the sieve cartridge assembly 1610b include the respective sieve assemblies. The sieve assembly contained in the cartridge assembly 1610a includes three sieve units 1640a according to the modalities described in this document. The other sieve assembly contained in the 1610b cartridge assembly also includes three sieve units according to the modalities described in this document. As mentioned, the disclosure is not limited to sieve assemblies that have three sieve units and, in some embodiments, fewer or more sieve units can be implanted. Screen assemblies that have a different number of screen units can also be deployed.

[00105] In connection with the sieve assembly contained in housing 1630c, as further illustrated in Figure 16C, each of the sieve units that make up the sieve assembly includes a frame unit that has a sieve element affixed to a surface of the structure unit. The screen units can be mechanically joined or otherwise attached together to form the screen assembly. To that end, in one embodiment, each of the sieve units may include one or more fasteners that may allow or otherwise facilitate the gripping of the first of the sieve units in a second of the sieve units. Regardless of the mechanism for joining the screen units, the respective screen elements of the 1640 screen units can form the screen surface which can be exposed to the outside of the 1510 grid frame.

[00106] It should be noted that, while three sieving cartridge assemblies are illustrated in Figures 16A to 16C and Figure 17, all or substantially all of the grid frame 1510 of the sieve basket 1600 can be covered for operation in a separation process. As such, in an exemplary modality, the assemblies of

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36/53 screening cartridge 264 can be mounted in the respective 264 square openings 1513 in a grid frame mode 1510.

[00107] Figure 18A illustrates a perspective view of an example of a 1800 screening cartridge assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplified sieve cartridge assembly 1800 includes an 1810 housing and a sieve assembly that has three 1830 sieve units. As mentioned, the disclosure is not limited to the three sieve units and, in some embodiments, less or more sieve units can be deployed. The casing 1810 is generally arcuate in shape and includes a first opening configured to receive and / or fit into the sieve assembly within the casing 1810. The casing also includes the first protrusion 1820a and the second protrusion 1820b. Each of the projections 1820a and the projection 1820b extend from a proximity of a first upper edge of the casing 1810 to a proximity of a second opposite lower edge of the casing 1810. In practice, the arcuate shape of the casing 1810 allows a substantially consistent distance between the external propulsion blades of the screening apparatus and the assembly of the screening cartridge, thereby reducing clogging and extending the life of the screening elements.

[00108] Similar to other screening cartridge assemblies of this disclosure, as illustrated in the upper cross-sectional view 1850 of the screening cartridge assembly 1800 shown in Figure 18B, each of the 1830 screen units may include two units end frame 1855 and a single mid frame unit 1857, each of the two end frame units 1855 and the single mid frame unit 1857 has a screen element 1860 affixed to a respective surface of the frame units .

[00109] 1830 sieve units can be joined

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37/53 mechanically or clamped together, otherwise, to form the sieve assembly. For this purpose, in one embodiment, each of the 1830 sieve units may include one or more fasteners that may allow or otherwise facilitate the gripping of a first among the 1830 sieve units in a second among the 1830 sieve. Regardless of the mechanism for joining the sieve units, the respective sieve elements of the 1830 sieve units can form a sieving surface of the 1800 sieve cartridge assembly. The 1810 housing also includes an opening that allows exposing at least one portion of the sieving surface, as shown in side view 1890 of the sieve cartridge assembly 1800 in Figure 18B.

[00110] As shown in the cross-sectional views 1850 and 1870 shown in Figure 18B, the casing 1810 may include a securing frame section 1852 and a retaining frame section 1854. The securing frame section 1852 and the securing section retainer frame elements 1854 are also illustrated in perspective view of housing 1810 shown in Figure 19A. The retainer frame section 1854 can receive and / or retain the sieve assembly formed by 1830 sieve units. To that end, in some embodiments, the retainer frame section 1854 includes an opening 1910 and internal side walls that include the side wall 1920, side wall 1930 and side wall 1940. Other internal side walls are not visible in the perspective view of Figure 19A. For example, as shown in the 1950 cross-sectional view of housing 1810 shown in Figure 19B, a side wall 1960 opposite side wall 1920 and a side wall 1980 opposite side wall 1930 are also included in the inner side walls of the frame section retainer 1854. The side wall 1920, in connection with the side walls 1930 and 1980, can define a first opening, and the opposite side wall 1960, in connection with the side walls 1930 and 1980, can define a second opening. The second

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38/53 opening may have a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first opening in order to mitigate the unwanted reduction in the sieving area. The smaller cross-section can provide greater mechanical stability for a sieve assembly disposed within the 1810 housing. The first opening and the second opening can allow particulate matter to flow from the outside to the inside of a sieve cartridge assembly which includes casing 1810. The particulate matter can be sieved or otherwise separated by such a sieve assembly. Specifically, the particulate matter can be separated from the slurry external to a sieve basket apparatus that has a sieve cartridge assembly that includes the sieve assembly, and can flow into an inner region of the sieve basket apparatus as desired or required for the screening application (eg CIL process, CIP process, ore treatment, water desalination or the like).

[00111] As is further illustrated in cross-sectional views 1870 and 1970, in Figure 18B and Figure 19B, respectively, the retainer frame section 1854 may include a projection 1872 near the opening configured to receive a screen assembly, and an 1874 overhang near a base of the 1810 enclosure.

[00112] In addition, in further reference to Figure 19A, the fixing frame section 1852 includes internal side walls, which includes side wall 1946 and side wall 1948, as well as other side walls respectively opposite them. One of such opposite side walls can be understood in side view 1990 in Figure 19B. Specifically, the side wall 1992 is opposite to the side wall 1946. The securing frame section 1852 also includes the projection 1820a and the projection 1820b. In one embodiment, the projection 1820a and the projection 1820b and the respective portions of the fixing frame section 1852 form the respective recesses 1856. Such recesses, as mentioned, may allow or otherwise facilitate assembly (for example, stapling , coupling or otherwise

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39/53 mode, engagement) of the 1800 screening cartridge assembly on a grid frame of this disclosure, such as grid frame 1510 disclosed earlier in this document. As an illustration, Figure 19C shows four casings 1810 mounted adjacent to each other on a grid frame 1510. The respective four sieve assemblies can be inserted or otherwise fitted into the four casings 1810 to form four cartridges sieve and assemble a sieve basket for numerous separation processes, such as CIL process, CIP process, water filtration and desalination and the like.

[00113] Figure 20A illustrates an example of a 2000 sieve assembly in accordance with one or more disclosure modalities. The exemplary sieve assembly 2000 can be arranged or otherwise embedded within an 1810 housing or any other housing described herein, in order to form a sieve cartridge assembly in accordance with this disclosure. Consistent with other sieve assemblies disclosed herein, the sieve assembly 2000 includes three frame units, which may include two end frame units 1855 and a single mid frame unit 1857, each of which is one of the units of end frame 1855 and the medium frame unit 1857 includes sieve elements 1860 affixed to them. The disclosure is not limited to the three units of frame 1855, 1857 and / or a specific number of screen elements 1860 per unit of frame 1855, 1857. In some embodiments, two screen elements 1860 can be affixed to each of them. three units of structure 1855, 1857. In some embodiments, fewer or more units of structure 1855, 1857 and / or screen elements 1860 can be implanted. Each (or, in some embodiments, at least one) of the 1855, 1857 frame units can be incorporated into an integral injection molded part formed in an integrated manner by means of polymer injection molding. At

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40/53 frame units 1855, 1857 can be mechanically joined or otherwise attached together to form the 2000 screen assembly. For this purpose, in one embodiment, each of the frame units 1855, 1857 can include one or more fasteners that may allow or otherwise facilitate the gripping of a first of the 1855, 1857 structure units in a second of the 1855, 1857 structure units. Regardless of the mechanism that is used or, otherwise , taken into account to join the frame units, the joined frame units 1855, 1857 form a first segmented edge member and a second opposite segmented edge member (not visible in Figure 20A). The joined frame units 1855, 1857 also include a first monolithic edge member and a second monolithic edge member (not visible in Figure 20A) that correspond, respectively, to the edge members of the outer frame units 1855, 1857.

[00114] Sieve elements 1860 affixed to each of the frame units 1855, 1857 can form a sieving surface of the sieve assembly 2000 and a sieve cartridge assembly that includes the sieve assembly 2000. The sieving surface it can be essentially seamless, as shown in cross-sectional views 2050 and 2070 of the sieve assembly 2000 in Figure 20B. In some embodiments, as shown in side view 2090 of sieve assembly 2000 in Figure 20B, each (or, in other embodiments, at least one) among the sieve elements 1860 may include four adjacent sections that have respective groups of openings screening. Such sections can be separated by support members (represented with dotted lines in the 2090 plane view). The disclosure is not limited to sieve elements that have four sections and, in some embodiments, more or less sections that have sieve openings can be implanted.

[00115] Figure 21A illustrates a perspective view of the

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41/53 median structure 1857 in accordance with one or more modalities of disclosure. The medium-sized unit 1857 is elongated, and includes longitudinal side members 2138 opposite and substantially parallel to each other. The median frame unit 1857 also includes transverse lateral members 2136 which are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the transverse lateral members 2136 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal lateral members 2138. As mentioned, the medium structure unit 1857 may include gripping mechanisms that allow or otherwise facilitate mechanical joining or otherwise joint attachment of the 1857 median frame unit and the other frame unit (both an 1855 end frame unit and an 1857 median frame unit). Specifically, in some embodiments, the gripping mechanisms may be assembled or otherwise formed in the respective portions of the longitudinal side members 2138, with the transverse side members 2136 free from gripping mechanisms. As shown in Figure 21A, in at least one of such embodiments, the gripping mechanisms may be incorporated into or may include clamps 2142 and holes for clamp 2140. The mid-frame unit 1857 and the other frame unit (for example, end frame unit 1855) which also has clamps 2142 and holes for clamp 2140 can be mechanically joined or otherwise clamped together along their respective longitudinal side members 2138. For that purpose, in one embodiment, a clamp 2142 of the middle frame unit 1857 can pass through a hole for clamp 2140 of the other frame unit until the extended members of clamp 2142 extend beyond the hole for clamp 2140 and a longitudinal side member of the other frame unit. As the clamp 2142 is pushed into the hole for clamp 2140, the extended members of the clamp 2142 can be forced together until a portion of the clamp of each extended member is beyond the longitudinal side member

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42/53 of the other frame unit, which allows the clip portions to engage an interior portion of the longitudinal side member of the other frame unit. When the clamp portions are engaged in the clamp hole 2140, the longitudinal side members of two independent frame units can be side by side and secured together (for example, mechanically joined). The frame units can be separated by applying force to the extended members of the clamps, so that the extended members are moved towards each other, allowing the clamp portions to pass out of the clamp hole 2140. Although the fasteners described in this document and shown in the drawings are staples and staple holes, the disclosure is not limited to this aspect and alternative fasteners and alternative forms of staples and / or holes can be used, which includes other mechanical provisions, adhesives, etc. .

[00116] The median frame unit 1857 also includes longitudinal support members 2146 and transverse support members 2148. Each of the longitudinal support members 2146 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal side members 2138 and is substantially perpendicular to the lateral side members 2136. Each of the transverse support member 2148 is substantially parallel to the transverse side members 2136 and is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal support members 2146. The longitudinal support members 2146 and the transverse support members 2148 define, at least in part, multiple openings grid inside the 1857 mid-frame unit. In addition, longitudinal support members 2146 and transverse support members 2148 can provide mechanical stability to a sieve element that is attached to the 1857 mid-frame unit.

[00117] The 1857 median frame unit may also include substantially 2145 second transverse support members

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43/53 perpendicular to the longitudinal side members 2138. As shown in Figures 21A and in the side view 2170 in Figure 21B, the second transverse support members 2145 can be distributed through the grid openings in the 1857 medium frame unit. The second members transverse support brackets 2145 can provide additional mechanical stability to the sieve element that is attached to the 1857 medium frame unit.

[00118] In order to allow or otherwise facilitate the affixing of one or more sieve elements to the 1857 medium frame unit, fixing members 2144 and various adhesion provisions are included in the 1857 medium frame unit. is shown in side view 2190 of the mid-frame unit 1857 shown in Figure 21B, a first adhesion arrangement includes multiple melting bars 2172 mounted (for example, formed) on the surfaces of longitudinal side members 2138. As shown in top view 2150 of mid-frame unit 1857 of Figure 21B, a second adhesion arrangement includes multiple melting bars 2152 mounted (for example, formed) on the surfaces of the transverse side members 2136 and on the transverse support members 2148. As shown in side view 2170 of medium-sized 1857 unit of Figure 21B, a third adhesion arrangement includes multiple bars melting bars 2176. In some embodiments, melting bars 2176 may have a height that is less than a height of melting bars 2172, and also less than a height of melting bars 2152.

[00119] In some embodiments, the fixing members 2144 may allow or otherwise facilitate the alignment of a sieve element for laser welding to the medium frame unit 1857 or to another type of frame unit disclosed in this document . The fixing members 2144 and / or the various melting bars can be fused during laser welding.

[00120] 1855 end frame units may have a similar structure to that of an 1857 mid-frame unit.

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44/53 gripping mechanisms in an 1855 end frame unit can be included in a single longitudinal side member of the 1855 frame unit.

[00121] In some embodiments, a sieve element can be incorporated into or can include the sieve element 1860, as shown in Figure 22A. The screen element 1860 includes the first side portions 2220 and the second side portions 2222 which form a seamless periphery. The first side portions 2220 are substantially parallel to each other, and each of the first side portions 2220 is substantially perpendicular to the second side portions 2222. Similarly, the second side portions 2222 are substantially parallel to each other, and each one of the second side portions 2222 is substantially perpendicular to the first side portions 2220. Each of side portions 2220 is configured to rest on the transverse side members (e.g., members 2136) of a frame unit 1855, 1857 (e.g., mid-frame unit 1857), and be posted on them, in accordance with the terms of this disclosure. As such, each of the side portions 2220 may include cavities configured to receive or otherwise engage the melting bars on a surface of the transverse side members. Similarly, side portions 2222 are configured to rest on longitudinal side members of a frame unit 1855, 1857 (e.g., frame unit 1857) in accordance with this disclosure. In this way, each of the side portions 2222 includes cavities configured to receive or otherwise engage the melting bars on a respective surface of the longitudinal side members.

[00122] The 1860 sieve element also includes several support members. More specifically, the screen element 1860 includes support members 2230 and support members 2238. Support members 2230 are substantially collinear and substantially

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45/53 perpendicular to the support members 2238. The support members 2238 are also substantially collinear. The sieve element 1860 also includes support members 2240 that extend from a first of the side portions 2222 to a second of the second side portions 2222. Each of the support members 2230, 2238 and 2240 is configured to rest on the respective support members of a structure unit 1855, 1857, or be affixed to them, such as the medium structure unit 1857. In this way, each of the support members 2230, 2238 and 2240 includes cavities configured to receive or otherwise In this way, engaging the melting bars on a respective surface of the structural unit's support members.

[00123] The sieve element 1860 additionally includes fixation holes 2224. One of the fixation holes 2224 is positioned essentially in the center of the sieve element 1860. Other fixation holes 2224 are positioned on the respective edges of the seamless periphery of the sealing element. 1860 sieve. Regardless of the position on the 1860 sieve element, each (or, in some embodiments, at least one) of the 2224 fixing holes is configured to allow or otherwise facilitate the passage of an elongated fixing member 2144 (for example, see Figure 21A) to be able to pass through the fixing hole 2224. In one or more of these embodiments, the fixing holes 2224 can include a tapered hole that can be filled when a portion of the elongated fixing member 2144 above a sieving surface of the sieve element 1860 is melted, securing the sieve element 1860 to the structure unit median range 1857 or another type of structural unit disclosed in this document. In other embodiments, the fixing holes 2224 can be configured without a tapered bore, allowing the formation of a granule on a 2013 sieving surface of the sieve element 1860 when a portion of an elongated fixing member 2144 above such a sieving surface. is cast, holding

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46/53 the sieve element 1860 to the medium frame unit 1857 or to another type of frame unit disclosed in this document. The screen element 1860 can cover one half of the medium frame unit 1857 (or another type of frame unit disclosed herein), and each of the four sections included in the screen element 1860 can, respectively, cover four grid openings of the 1857 medium frame unit.

[00124] The screening surface 2213 has multiple screening openings. Each (or, in some embodiments, at least some) among the multiple sieving openings can be elongated and can have a defined length L and a defined width W (for example, see Figure 22C and the related description below) that have respective magnitudes based on the sieving application (eg CIL process, CIP process, ore treatment, water desalination or the like) in which the 1860 sieve element is used.

[00125] As shown in Figure 22A and Figure 22B (representing the top and side views 2250, 2270 and 2290 of screen element 1860), the multiple openings can be arranged in sections, with screen openings in a section arranged on a trellis. Each of the sections is defined, at least in part, by support members 2230, 2238 and 2240 of the screen element 1860. In one embodiment, the screen openings that are adjacent to a periphery of the screen element 1860 can be defined by longitudinal bars parallel to the first side portions of the screen element 1860, cross bars perpendicular to the longitudinal bars and edge segments of side portions of the screen element 1860. In addition, the screen openings that are in the inner portion of a section can be defined by longitudinal bars and cross bars. The longitudinal bars define a main side of the elongated openings, and the cross bars define a secondary side of the elongated openings.

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47/53 [00126] Figure 22C is an enlarged top view of a portion of a sieve element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 22C illustrates features common to various disclosure screens, such as screen 1860 shown in Figures 22A and 22B. As shown in Figure 22C, a sieve element includes surface elements 84 that extend parallel to the sieve element end portions 2220 and form sieve openings 86. The surface elements 84 have a thickness T, which can vary depending on sieving application and configuration of the sieve openings 86. In this example, the sieve openings 86 are elongated slits having a length L and a width W, which can vary for a chosen configuration. The thickness T of surface elements 84 can be from approximately 43 pm to approximately 1000 pm, that is, 0.0043 cm (0.0017 in) to 0.1000 cm (0.0394 in) depending on the desired open sieving area and the width W of sieving apertures 86.

[00127] In some embodiments, the multiple screening apertures may have a substantially uniform length L that has a magnitude in the range of about 300 pm to 4,000 pm, that is, 0.029 cm (0.0118 in) to 0.4000 cm (0.1575 in). In addition, the multiple screening apertures can have a substantially uniform width W that has a magnitude in the range of about 35 pm to about 4,000 pm (i.e., 35.56 cm (0.0014 in) to 0.4000 cm (0.1575 in.) As an illustration, in some modalities, the magnitude of width W can be approximately equal to one within 43 pm, that is, 0.0043 cm (0.0017 in), 74 pm, that is , 0.0073 cm (0.0029 inch), 90 pm, that is, 0.0088 cm (0.0035 inch), 104 pm, that is, 0.0104 cm (0.0041 inch), 125 pm, that is is, 0.0124 cm (0.0049 inch), 150 pm, that is, 0.0149 cm (0.0059 inch), 180 pm, that is, 0.0180 cm (0.0071 inch), 500 pm, that is, 0.0500 cm (0.0197 inch), 700 pm, that is, 0.0701 cm (0.0276 inch), or

1,000 pm, that is, 0.1000 cm (0.0394 in = 1 mm). In an exemplary modality, the multiple sieving openings can have a

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48/53 substantially uniform length L having a magnitude of about 500 pm, i.e., 0.0500 cm (0.0197 in).

[00128] Table 1 (below) illustrates several exemplary configurations of surface elements 84 and several sieve openings 86.

Table 1

Example No. L cm (in) W cm (in) T cm (in) 2.54 cm (1 in) 0.3289 (0.1295) 0.0462 (0.0182) 0.0718 (0.0283) 5.08 cm (2 in) 0.3289 (0.1295) 0.0543 (0.0214) 0.0640 (0.0252) 7.62 cm (3 in) 0.3289 (0.1295) 0.0665 (0.0262) 0.0612 (0.0241)

[00129] Table 2 (below) illustrates additional exemplary configurations of surface elements 84 and sieve openings 86. In this example, surface elements 84 have a fixed thickness T = 0.035 cm (0.014 inch). Screening openings 86 have a fixed length L = 0.193 cm (0.076 in) and variable width W. As can be expected, for a fixed number of screen openings 86, the percentage open area decreases with the width W of each screen opening. sieve 86. In this example, the percentage open area ranges from a minimum of 6.2% open area, to the smallest width W = 0.0043 cm (0.0017 inch), up to a maximum of 23.3% area open to the widest width W = 0.0180 cm (0.0071 in).

Table 2

mesh W cm (in) T cm (in) L cm (in) % of open area 203.2 cm (80 mesh) 0.0180 (0.0071) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 59.1 (23.3) 254 cm (100 mesh) 0.0149 (0.0059) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 51.5 (20.3) 304.8 cm (120 mesh) 0.0124 (0.0049) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 44.7 (17.6) 355 cm (140 mesh) 0.0104 (0.0041) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 34 (13.4) 431 cm (170 mesh) 0.0088 (0.0035) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 30.9 (12.2) 508 cm (200 mesh) 0.0073 (0.0029) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 26 (10.3)

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49/53

584 cm (230 mesh) 0.0063 (0.0025) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 23 (9.1) 685 cm (270 mesh) 0.0053 (0.0021) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 20.0 (7.9) 825 cm (325 mesh) 0.0043 (0.0017) 0.035 (0.014) 0.193 (0.076) 15.7 (6.2)

[00130] Table 3 (below) illustrates additional exemplary configurations of surface elements 84 and sieving openings 86. Table 3 illustrates the effect of reducing the length L of sieving openings 86 and reducing the T width of surface elements. 84 so that the sieve element 1860 can include more sieve elements. In this example, surface elements 84 have a fixed thickness T = 17.78 cm (0.007 in). The sieve openings 86 have a fixed length L = 116.8 cm (0.046 in) and variable width W. The resulting percentage open area varies from a minimum of 10.1% open area, to the smallest width W = 43, 18 cm (0.0017 in), to a maximum of 27.3% of open area for the largest width W = 180.34 cm (0.0071 in). In this way, the maximum percentage open area is increased from 23.3% to 27.3% by reducing T from 0.035 cm (0.014 inch) to 0.017 cm (0.007 inch), and reducing L from 0.193 cm (0.076 inch) ) to 0.116 cm (0.046 in), as seen by comparing the results in Table 3 with those in Table 2. As mentioned above, the increase in maximum percentage open area occurs since, when the sieving openings 86 and the surface is reduced in size, more sieve openings can be included in the 1860 sieve element.

Table 3

mesh W cm (in) T cm (in) L cm (in) % of open area 203.2 cm (80 mesh) 0.0180 (0.0071) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 69.3 (27.3) 254 cm (100 mesh) 0.0149 (0.0059) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 64.0 (25.2) 304.8 cm (120 mesh) 0.0124 (0.0049) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 58.6 (23.1)

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50/53

355.6 cm (140 mesh) 0.0104 (0.0041) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 52.07 (20.5) 431.8 cm (170 mesh) 0.0088 (0.0035) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 46.9 (18.5) 508 cm (200 mesh) 0.0073 (0.0029) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 41.91 (16.5) 584.2 cm (230 mesh) 0.0063 (0.0025) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 37.8 (14.9) 685.8 cm (270 mesh) 0.0053 (0.0021) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 32.5 (12.8) 825.5 cm (325 mesh) 0.0043 (0.0017) 0.017 (0.007) 0.116 (0.046) 25.6 (10.1)

[00131] Table 4 (below) illustrates additional exemplary configurations of surface elements 84 and sieve openings 86. Table 4 shows that the trend can be continued. In this example, the surface elements 84 have a fixed thickness T = 0.012 cm (0.005 in). The sieve openings 86 have a fixed length L = 0.081 cm (0.032 in) and a variable width W. The resulting percentage open area varies from a minimum of 12.1% open area, to the smallest width W = 0.0043 cm (0.0017 in), up to a maximum of 31.4% open area for the largest width W = 0.0180 cm (0.0071 in). Thus, by reducing T from 17.78 cm (0.007 in) to 12.7 cm (0.005 in), and by reducing L from 116.84 cm (0.046 in) to 0.081 cm (0.032 in), the area maximum open percentage is increased from 27.3% to 31.4%, as seen by comparing the results in Table 4 with those in Table 3.

Table 4

mesh W cm (in) T cm (in) L cm (in) % of open area 203.2 cm (80 mesh) 0.0180 (0.0071) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 79.7 (31.4) 254 cm (100 mesh) 0.0149 (0.0059) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 74.4 (29.3) 304.8 cm (120 mesh) 0.0124 (0.0049) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 68.5 (27.0) 355.6 cm 0.0104 (0.0041) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 61.2 (24.1)

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51/53

(140 mesh) 431.8 cm (170 mesh) 0.0088 (0.0035) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 55.8 (22.0) 508 cm (200 mesh) 0.0073 (0.0029) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 50.0 (19.7) 584.2 cm (230 mesh) 0.0063 (0.0025) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 41.6 (16.4) 685.8 cm (270 mesh) 0.0053 (0.0021) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 37.3 (14.7) 825.5 cm (325 mesh) 0.0043 (0.0017) 0.012 (0.005) 0.081 (0.032) 30.7 (12.1)

[00132] As shown in Figures 23A and 23B, some embodiments may include gripping mechanisms in frame units (both the middle frame units 2357 and the end frame units 2355) that may allow or otherwise facilitate the assembly of a sieve assembly 2300 that has a certain bending. In such an embodiment, the gripping mechanisms may include clamps and clamp holes so that the sieve assembly 2300 that is assembled is flexed, rather than being substantially flat, as shown in side views 2350, 2570 and 2390 of the assembly curved sieve 2300 shown in Figure 23B.

[00133] Figure 24 and Figure 25 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a 2400 cartridge assembly for use in a developing sieve basket. The cartridge assembly 2400 includes a removable housing with upper housing portion 2410 and a separate lower housing portion 2411. The upper housing portion 2410 and the lower housing portion 2411 each include engaging mechanisms 2440 that can be engaged removably to the holes 2445 found in the upper housing portion 2410 and the lower housing portion 2411. During use, the sieve assembly having 2430 sieve units can be attached to an upper or base housing portion 2410 , 2411, and the opposite housing portion can then be fitted around the sieve assembly with the 2430 sieve units.

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52/53 engage the holes 2445, securing the sieve assembly to the 2430 sieving units securely within the housing.

[00134] The removable housing with the upper housing portion 2410 and the lower housing portion 2411 includes substantially the same features as the housing 1810 discussed herein, which includes a securing frame section, retainer frame section and protrusions . As shown in the perspective view of the lower housing portion 2411 shown in Figure 25, the securing frame section 2452 includes internal side walls and securing protrusions 2420a and 2420b to allow or otherwise facilitate assembly (for example, stapling, coupling or otherwise engagement) of the 2410 screening cartridge assembly on a grid frame of this disclosure, such as 1510 grid frame. The retainer frame section 2454 can receive and / or retain the sieve assembly formed by sieve units, in a substantially similar manner to that of the 1854 retainer frame section of the casing 1800 discussed in more detail herein.

[00135] The upper housing portion 2410 and the lower housing portion 2411 may each be formed from an injection-molded one piece formed in an integrated manner by injection molding of a polyurethane, a heat-cured polymer or other types polymer. Due to the relative simplicity of the separate upper housing portion 2410 and the lower housing portion 2411, as related to a single housing (such as housing 1810), the upper housing portion 2410 and the lower housing portion 2411 can be created more easily. by an injection molding process. Exemplary embodiments of the injection molded process are discussed in more detail in the disclosures of Patent Application No. US 13 / 800,826, Patent No. US 9,409,209, Patent No. US 9,884,344, Patent Application No. US 15 / 851,009, Patent Application No. US 15 / 965,195 and the cross references included therein, which are incorporated by reference in this document in its entirety.

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53/53 [00136] Although the modalities of the present disclosure are described with reference to various deployments and explorations, it will be understood that these modalities are illustrative and that the scope of the modalities of the present disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as limiting, but simply as examples of particular modalities.

Claims (25)

1. Sieve basket apparatus, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a grid frame having a plurality of openings arranged on a lattice, the grid frame having a first end portion and a second opposite end portion, the grid frame including a plurality of cross members and a plurality longitudinal members that define the plurality of openings; and a plurality of sieve cartridge assemblies affixed to the grid frame to cover the respective openings, wherein a first sieve cartridge assembly of the plurality of sieve cartridge assemblies comprises a first housing and a first sieve assembly fitted to the first housing, and wherein a second sieve cartridge assembly of the plurality of sieve cartridge assemblies comprises a second housing and a second sieve assembly fitted to the second housing; wherein the first and second sieve assemblies each include a sieve element, the sieve elements having a plurality of sieve openings, wherein the first sieve cartridge assembly is affixed to a first cross member and a second cross member of the plurality of cross members; and wherein the second screening cartridge assembly is affixed to the second cross member and a third cross member of the plurality of cross members. 2. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sieving openings have at least one of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape or a combination thereof. 3. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 1, Petition 870180159681, of 12/06/2018, p. 61/275 2/7 characterized by the fact that the screening apertures have a length L that has a magnitude in the range of about 300 pm to about 4,000 pm, and a width W that has a magnitude in a range of about 35 pm at about 4,000 pm. 4. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first enclosure comprises an integral injection molded part formed in an integrated manner by one of the injection molding of a polyurethane or a thermoset polymer. 5. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the first sieve assembly includes a plurality of mechanically interlocked frame units, each of which among the plurality of frame units includes structural members that form grid openings; and a plurality of screen elements, wherein groups of the plurality of screen elements are respectively affixed to the plurality of structure units. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that a frame unit of the plurality of frame units is elongated and comprises: a first longitudinal side member and a second substantially parallel and longitudinal second side member the first longitudinal lateral member; and a first transverse side member and a second transverse side member substantially parallel to the first longitudinal side member; wherein the first transverse side member is perpendicular to each of the first longitudinal side member and the second longitudinal side member; and wherein the second transverse side member is substantially perpendicular to each of the first longitudinal side member and the second longitudinal side member. 7. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that a sieve element of the plurality of sieve elements comprises an injection-molded one piece Petition 870180159681, of 12/06/2018, p. 62/275 3/7 formed in an integrated way by means of injection molding of a thermoplastic material. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the sieve element comprises a substantially flat sieving surface that has multiple sieve openings which are elongated slits. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the sieve element includes surface elements that have a thickness T that has a magnitude in the range of approximately 43 pm to approximately 100 pm. 10. Sieve basket apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the width W is substantially uniform and has a magnitude of approximately 43 pm, 74 pm, 90 pm, 125 pm, 150 pm, 180 pm, 500 pm or 700 pm. 11. Sieve basket, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that: the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 0.3289 centimeter (0.1295 inch); the width W of the sieve openings is approximately 0.0462 cm (0.0182 inches); and the surface element thickness T is approximately 0.0719 centimeter (0.0283 inch). 12. Sieve basket, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that: the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 0.3289 centimeter (0.1295 inch); the width W of the sieving openings is approximately 0.0544 centimeter (0.0214 inch); and the surface element thickness T is approximately 0.0640 centimeter (0.0252 inch). Petition 870180159681, of 12/06/2018, p. 63/275 4/7 13. Sieve basket, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that: the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 0.3289 centimeter (0.1295 inch); the width W of the screening apertures is approximately 0.0667 cm (0.0262 inches); and the surface element thickness T is approximately 0.0867 centimeter (0.0341 inch). 14. Assembly of sieve cartridge characterized by the fact that it comprises: a housing, the housing comprising a retainer frame section and a fixation frame section, the retainer frame section and the fixation frame section seamlessly integrated into a single unit; and a sieve assembly configured to fit the housing; wherein the retainer frame section is configured to receive the sieve assembly; wherein the securing frame section comprises a first elongated projection that extends along one edge of the securing frame section, and a second elongated projection that extends along an opposite edge of the securing frame section; and wherein the securing frame section is configured to attach to a structure of a screening apparatus. wherein the sieve assembly includes sieve elements that have a plurality of openings that have a length L that has a magnitude in a range from about 300 pm to about 4,000 pm, and a width W that has a magnitude in a range from about 35 pm to about 4,000 pm 15. Screening cartridge assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the screen assembly comprises a plurality of mechanically structured units Petition 870180159681, of 12/06/2018, p. 64/275 5/7 interlocked, in which each of the plurality of structure units includes structural members that form grid openings, and a plurality of screen elements, in which groups of the plurality of screen elements are respectively affixed to the plurality of screen units. structure. 16. Screening element characterized by the fact that it comprises: screening apertures having a substantially uniform width W and a substantially uniform length L, where the width W of the screening apertures is approximately 35 pm <W <4,000 pm and the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 300 pm <L <4,000 pm; and surface elements that separate the screening openings, the surface elements having a thickness T which is approximately 70 pm <T <400 pm; wherein the sieve element has an open sieving area of approximately 5% to approximately 35% of a total area of the sieving surface. 17. Sieve element according to claim 16, characterized in that the sieve openings are elongated slits. 18. Screening element according to claim 16, characterized in that the screening apertures have a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape or a combination of them. 19. Sieve element, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that: the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 0.3289 centimeter (0.1295 inch); the width W of the sieve openings is approximately 0.0462 cm (0.0182 inches); and the surface element thickness T is approximately 0.0719 centimeter (0.0283 inch). Sieve element according to claim 16, characterized Petition 870180159681, of 12/06/2018, p. 65/275 6/7 due to the fact that: the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 0.3289 centimeter (0.1295 inch); the width W of the sieving openings is approximately 0.0544 centimeter (0.0214 inch); and the surface element thickness T is approximately 0.0640 centimeter (0.0252 inch). 21. Sieve element according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that: the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 0.3289 centimeter (0.1295 inch); the width W of the screening apertures is approximately 0.0667 cm (0.0262 inches); and the surface element thickness T is approximately 0.0867 centimeter (0.0341 inch). 22. Sieve assembly, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that: the thickness of surface element T is approximately 356 µm; the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 1.9 mm; and the open sieving area varies from approximately 6% to 24%, since the width W of the sieving openings varies from approximately 45 pm to 180 pm. 23. Sieve assembly, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that: the thickness of surface element T is approximately 178 µm; the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 1.2 mm; and the open sieving area varies from approximately 10% to 28%, since the width W of the sieving openings varies approximately Petition 870180159681, of 12/06/2018, p. 66/275 7/7 from 45 pm to 180 pm. 24. Sieve assembly, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that: the thickness of surface element T is approximately 127 pm; the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 0.8 mm; and the open sieving area varies from approximately 12% to 32%, since the width of the sieving openings varies from approximately 45 pm to 180 pm. 25. Sieve assembly, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that: the thickness of surface element T is approximately 76 pm; the length L of the sieving openings is approximately 0.7 mm; and the open sieving area varies from approximately 13% to 33%, since the width of the sieving openings varies from approximately 45 pm to 180 pm.