CA1116558A - Divergent stratifier for sand-botanical-fines separation - Google Patents
Divergent stratifier for sand-botanical-fines separationInfo
- Publication number
- CA1116558A CA1116558A CA000260614A CA260614A CA1116558A CA 1116558 A CA1116558 A CA 1116558A CA 000260614 A CA000260614 A CA 000260614A CA 260614 A CA260614 A CA 260614A CA 1116558 A CA1116558 A CA 1116558A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- array
- particles
- chamber
- retaining members
- sand
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07B—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS BY SIEVING, SCREENING, SIFTING OR BY USING GAS CURRENTS; SEPARATING BY OTHER DRY METHODS APPLICABLE TO BULK MATERIAL, e.g. LOOSE ARTICLES FIT TO BE HANDLED LIKE BULK MATERIAL
- B07B4/00—Separating solids from solids by subjecting their mixture to gas currents
- B07B4/08—Separating solids from solids by subjecting their mixture to gas currents while the mixtures are supported by sieves, screens, or like mechanical elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B03—SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS; MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS
- B03B—SEPARATING SOLID MATERIALS USING LIQUIDS OR USING PNEUMATIC TABLES OR JIGS
- B03B4/00—Separating by pneumatic tables or by pneumatic jigs
- B03B4/02—Separating by pneumatic tables or by pneumatic jigs using swinging or shaking tables
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Combined Means For Separation Of Solids (AREA)
- Separation Of Solids By Using Liquids Or Pneumatic Power (AREA)
Abstract
PATENT APPLICATION
of THOMAS WADE SUMMERS
and EARL EUGENE KOHNHORST
for A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
SEPARATING SAND FROM BOTANICAL FINES
Abstract of the Disclosure A mixture of botanical fines and sand is separated by a porous separating medium horizontally disposed within an enclosed chamber in which an upflowing stream of gas carries out the separation. The porous separating medium is comprised of a plurality of particles constrained in a close-packed array between two opposed retaining members. While the gas flows up through the array of particles they are subjected to vibration, the sep-aration being primarily determined by the flow of gas through the array and the mobility of the particles. The separation is primarily controlled by altering the volume constraining the particles in the array which affects both the velocity of gas flow and the mobility of the particles.
of THOMAS WADE SUMMERS
and EARL EUGENE KOHNHORST
for A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
SEPARATING SAND FROM BOTANICAL FINES
Abstract of the Disclosure A mixture of botanical fines and sand is separated by a porous separating medium horizontally disposed within an enclosed chamber in which an upflowing stream of gas carries out the separation. The porous separating medium is comprised of a plurality of particles constrained in a close-packed array between two opposed retaining members. While the gas flows up through the array of particles they are subjected to vibration, the sep-aration being primarily determined by the flow of gas through the array and the mobility of the particles. The separation is primarily controlled by altering the volume constraining the particles in the array which affects both the velocity of gas flow and the mobility of the particles.
Description
Specification Background of the Invention The present invention relates to separating particulate materials by placing such materials on a porous member while passing gas up through the porous member. One component of the mixture passes down through thè porous member, the other component is entrained in the gas flow through ~he device and transported therefrom.
The mass production techniques used to handle various botanical materials for the manufacture of products using such materials generates a substantial amount of-waste. In an industry such as the tobacco industry, where the botanical cornponent of the product is increasingly expensive, there has been a long standing search for a means to separate undesirable components that are unintentionally introduced to the botanical material during handling and manufacture. Due to the significant:Ly different ph~sical properties of botanical materials and such undesirable components such as sand, most separation processes are designed to utilize such differences in properties.
one method of separating the components of such a mixture is to utilize the different absorption characteristics of the two components in a heavy liquid medium. Techniques of this type are somewhat limited in that there must be a subsequent separation of the desired botanical material rrom the medium effecting the separation.
Where the medium carrying out the separation is a li~uid, a further consideration must be made as to the effect of the liquid medium on the botanical material. Furthermore, the separation of the botanical material from a liquid may be relatively complex.
~`
Another technique i5 disclosed in U.S.A. Patent ~3,842,978, issued 22 October 197~, under the title "PROCESS
A~D APPARATUS E'OR SEPARATING SAND FROM BOTANICAL MATERIALS"
by the inventor Thomas Wade SVMMERS (which has now re-issued as RE 29,625 of 9 May 197~). It teaches an apparatus where botanical materials are separated from sand by their different response to a flowing air stream passing through a vibrating array of particles. The separation of the botanical material from the sand in such devices is carried out on a porous array having a flowing stream o~ gas passing up through the array. Therefore, the separation is primarily controlled by the configuration and pacXing density of particles comprising the array and the velocity of gas passing therethrough The use of such prior art devices has resulted in experience whereby the packing density and hence the response of the particles within the array to the vibration changes over a period of time thereby changing the separation performance of the device. This change in response is to be avoided. Further there has been no practical means of changing the packing of the particles within the array other than by the physical insertion of particles to the array. When this is done the change in operation must be compensated by changes in the velocity of the gas passing through the array or by other relatively ineffective control variables. This in turn changes the response characteristics. Thus the physical insertion of particles in to the array is not disruptive of the separation process but requires the equipment to be partially disassembled.
It is an object of the invention to overcome these clifficl~lti~s.
Thus, the present inven-tion provides means of chanqing ~he densi-ty of packing o the particles within the array both to allow compensation for changes in the packing over a period of time and to allow changes in the array necessitated by the introduction of a mixture of botanical materials and undesirable particles of different si~e characteristics. The nature of the separation process in the specifically cited prior art and the present invention relies on the response of the materials to a flowing air stream. Such a response is dependent on the configuration and size of the particles comprising the mixture. (The prior art has no convenient means of altering the packing of the array and cannot, therefore, be readily adjusted in response to different configurations and sizes of material input flow. While the gas velocity through the apparatus may be used to make such adjustments, it is interrelated with other characteristics of the device; namely, the transport of the botanical materials to a subsequent separating means. Adjustment o~ the separating process by altering the gas flowing through the apparatus is undesirable and to be avoided.) Therefore, it is the main object of the present invention to separate botanical materials ~rom undesirable particles contained therein whereby changes in the characteristics of the mixtures introduced to the apparatus can be effectively accommodated by adjustments of the porous array carrying out the separation, all without dismembering the equipmen~; hence, adjustments may be made contlnuously and without the need to physically insert particles into the array.
~ j ~, .~d A further object of the present invention is to provide a means of adjustment of the separation characteristics of such an apparatus without direct adjustment of the gas flow.
Additional objects and advanta~es of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
Summary of the Invention To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprises a substantially enclosed chamber having an opposed pair of porous retaining members horizontally disposed within it. A plurality of particles are arranged in a close-packed array between the two retaining members and means are provided for changlng the density of packing of the particles. Means for vibrating the particles within the array are provided as well as means for introducing the mixture into the chamber above the array. A moving stream of gas is passed up through the chamber and the array toward the mixture of sand and botanical materials within the chamber and means are provided downstream from the array in flow communication with the chamber for collecting the botanical fines separated from the mixture.
Preferably, the particles comprising the array are ~ substantially spherical. It is also preferred that the chamber be substantla1ly cylindrical with the means for adjusting the retaining members each including a ra~ially disposed flange. ~ cylindrical support member comprising a portion of the chamber has an outside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the interior portion of the retaining members. 1~e support member has a depth sufficient to contain a number of rows of the particles in the array and includes a pair of opposite, radially disposed flanges affixed to the support member disposed to align with the radially disposed flange on the retaining members. The flanges on the retaining members and the support members align to form pairs of flanges with a deformable means disposed between the pairs of flanges. Means for drawing aligned pairs of flanges toward each other are provided and thereby provide means for altering the space between the retaining members resulting in a change in the volume confining the particles and thereby the packing density and mobility of the particles therein.
The method of separatiny the components of the
The mass production techniques used to handle various botanical materials for the manufacture of products using such materials generates a substantial amount of-waste. In an industry such as the tobacco industry, where the botanical cornponent of the product is increasingly expensive, there has been a long standing search for a means to separate undesirable components that are unintentionally introduced to the botanical material during handling and manufacture. Due to the significant:Ly different ph~sical properties of botanical materials and such undesirable components such as sand, most separation processes are designed to utilize such differences in properties.
one method of separating the components of such a mixture is to utilize the different absorption characteristics of the two components in a heavy liquid medium. Techniques of this type are somewhat limited in that there must be a subsequent separation of the desired botanical material rrom the medium effecting the separation.
Where the medium carrying out the separation is a li~uid, a further consideration must be made as to the effect of the liquid medium on the botanical material. Furthermore, the separation of the botanical material from a liquid may be relatively complex.
~`
Another technique i5 disclosed in U.S.A. Patent ~3,842,978, issued 22 October 197~, under the title "PROCESS
A~D APPARATUS E'OR SEPARATING SAND FROM BOTANICAL MATERIALS"
by the inventor Thomas Wade SVMMERS (which has now re-issued as RE 29,625 of 9 May 197~). It teaches an apparatus where botanical materials are separated from sand by their different response to a flowing air stream passing through a vibrating array of particles. The separation of the botanical material from the sand in such devices is carried out on a porous array having a flowing stream o~ gas passing up through the array. Therefore, the separation is primarily controlled by the configuration and pacXing density of particles comprising the array and the velocity of gas passing therethrough The use of such prior art devices has resulted in experience whereby the packing density and hence the response of the particles within the array to the vibration changes over a period of time thereby changing the separation performance of the device. This change in response is to be avoided. Further there has been no practical means of changing the packing of the particles within the array other than by the physical insertion of particles to the array. When this is done the change in operation must be compensated by changes in the velocity of the gas passing through the array or by other relatively ineffective control variables. This in turn changes the response characteristics. Thus the physical insertion of particles in to the array is not disruptive of the separation process but requires the equipment to be partially disassembled.
It is an object of the invention to overcome these clifficl~lti~s.
Thus, the present inven-tion provides means of chanqing ~he densi-ty of packing o the particles within the array both to allow compensation for changes in the packing over a period of time and to allow changes in the array necessitated by the introduction of a mixture of botanical materials and undesirable particles of different si~e characteristics. The nature of the separation process in the specifically cited prior art and the present invention relies on the response of the materials to a flowing air stream. Such a response is dependent on the configuration and size of the particles comprising the mixture. (The prior art has no convenient means of altering the packing of the array and cannot, therefore, be readily adjusted in response to different configurations and sizes of material input flow. While the gas velocity through the apparatus may be used to make such adjustments, it is interrelated with other characteristics of the device; namely, the transport of the botanical materials to a subsequent separating means. Adjustment o~ the separating process by altering the gas flowing through the apparatus is undesirable and to be avoided.) Therefore, it is the main object of the present invention to separate botanical materials ~rom undesirable particles contained therein whereby changes in the characteristics of the mixtures introduced to the apparatus can be effectively accommodated by adjustments of the porous array carrying out the separation, all without dismembering the equipmen~; hence, adjustments may be made contlnuously and without the need to physically insert particles into the array.
~ j ~, .~d A further object of the present invention is to provide a means of adjustment of the separation characteristics of such an apparatus without direct adjustment of the gas flow.
Additional objects and advanta~es of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
Summary of the Invention To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprises a substantially enclosed chamber having an opposed pair of porous retaining members horizontally disposed within it. A plurality of particles are arranged in a close-packed array between the two retaining members and means are provided for changlng the density of packing of the particles. Means for vibrating the particles within the array are provided as well as means for introducing the mixture into the chamber above the array. A moving stream of gas is passed up through the chamber and the array toward the mixture of sand and botanical materials within the chamber and means are provided downstream from the array in flow communication with the chamber for collecting the botanical fines separated from the mixture.
Preferably, the particles comprising the array are ~ substantially spherical. It is also preferred that the chamber be substantla1ly cylindrical with the means for adjusting the retaining members each including a ra~ially disposed flange. ~ cylindrical support member comprising a portion of the chamber has an outside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the interior portion of the retaining members. 1~e support member has a depth sufficient to contain a number of rows of the particles in the array and includes a pair of opposite, radially disposed flanges affixed to the support member disposed to align with the radially disposed flange on the retaining members. The flanges on the retaining members and the support members align to form pairs of flanges with a deformable means disposed between the pairs of flanges. Means for drawing aligned pairs of flanges toward each other are provided and thereby provide means for altering the space between the retaining members resulting in a change in the volume confining the particles and thereby the packing density and mobility of the particles therein.
The method of separatiny the components of the
2~ mixture containing sand and botanical fines comprises the constraining of the plurality of the particles as a close-packed array between a pair of horizontal porous retaining members within an enclosed chamber. The mixture is placed within the chamber on the upper porous retaining member of the pair. While the array is vibrated, a moving stream of gas passes up through the array toward the mixture on its upper surface. The space between the pair of porous retaining member is altered, altering the volume confining the particles and thereby the packiny of the pa-rticles within the array. The sand moves downward through the array while the botanical components move upward in the stream of . ~
~., ~S5~
gas. 'Fhe botanical fines are thereafter collected downstream from the array of particles.
Thus the invention achieves a method of separating the components of a mixture of sand and bo~anical fines cornprislng:
(a) constraining a plurality of particles as a close-packed array between a pair of spaced horizontal porous retaining members within an enclosed chamber;
(b) introducing said mixture into said chamber above the upper porous retaining member of said pair;
(c) vibrating said particles;
(d) passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(e) removing botanical fines ~rom said chamber above said array;
(f) removing sand from said chamber beneath said array; and Ig) adjusting the packing density o~ said particles by changing the spacing between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
The invention also achieves an apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising:
(a) a substantially enclosed chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said ,, chambe~;
(c) a plural.ity of particles in a close-packed a1-ray between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said arrày;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the packing density of said particles by changing the spacing between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
Brief Description of the Drawin~s The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements shown and described, the accompanying dxawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the spacification illustrate one embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
of the drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention to be employed in the separation of botanical mixtures from undesirable particulate materials.
Fiyure 2 is a par~ial cross-sect.ion of the chamber of Figure 1 ill.ustrating a prior art component of the chamber.
Figure 3 is a partial cross-section of an embodiment of the invention illustrating one means of altering the space between the two porous retaining members confining the array of particles through which the gas flows.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a partially assembled view of the components of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention illustrating another means of altering the volume constraining the particles.
Descr'ption of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Figure 1 where the complete apparatus for separating botanical materials from sand is disclosed. As here embodied, a chamber 10 is provided to enclose a separating medium 12 onto which the mixture of botanical materials and sand is placed. A screw conve~or 14 introduces such materials to the upper surface 16 of the separating medium 12. As indicated by the upper arrow, gas flow through the chamber enters the bottom of the separating medium 12 and exits at the top of chamber 10. Sand in the mixture exits the bottom of the separating medium 12 through spout 18.
The mixture of sand and botanical material is introduced to the screw conveyor 14 by means of the hopper 20. The botanical material entrained in the gas flow exiting the chamber 10 passes through the conduit 3~ into means for separating the botanical material froln the air stream here embodied as a cyclone separater 32. The botanicals are then retained in container 34 with the air strearn further passing throuyh conduit 36 to means for controlling the air flow through the device.
As here embodied, ~he means for controlling the air flow includes two valves 38 and 40 with an associated pump 42. Control means 44 interacting with the valves 38 and 40 control the air flow to the pump 42. The control means may be disposed to provide constant or variable air flow through the device with constant air flow being preferred.
The advantages of the particular configuration of botanical handling equipment downstream from the chambèr 10 is adequately described in the specifically cited prior art.
Figure 2 depicts a prior art embodiment that is also applicable to the present invention. As here embodied, the improvement comprises a flow de~lection means 46 downstream from the array of particles forming the separating means 12. The f]ow deflection means increases the gaseous flow rate in the apparatus downstream from the flow deflection means 46.
The present invention comprises a means for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising the systern depicted in Figure 1.
In accordance with the invention, a substantially enclosed chamber is provided. As here embodied and best depicted in Figure 1, the chamber 10 is cylindrical and is in flow communication with means for inducing gas flow therethrough. The chamber 10 is essentially gas-tight with the exception of the inlet 48 into which gas is drawn ..
through the chamber 10 lnto the conduit 30. In order to maintain the air tight feature of the chamber, the means for introducing the mixture to the chamber should be sealed. As here embodied, the screw feed 14 passing one sidewall of the chamber 10 would preferably have sealing means preventing significant gas flow around and through the screw feeder 14 into the chamber 10. Likewise, when operating, the level of sand and tobacco mixture should be maintained in hopper 20 to prevent shunting of air flow through screw conveyor 14.
In accordance with the invention, an opposed pair of porous retaining members are horizontally disposed within the chamber. As here embodied and best depicted in Figures
~., ~S5~
gas. 'Fhe botanical fines are thereafter collected downstream from the array of particles.
Thus the invention achieves a method of separating the components of a mixture of sand and bo~anical fines cornprislng:
(a) constraining a plurality of particles as a close-packed array between a pair of spaced horizontal porous retaining members within an enclosed chamber;
(b) introducing said mixture into said chamber above the upper porous retaining member of said pair;
(c) vibrating said particles;
(d) passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(e) removing botanical fines ~rom said chamber above said array;
(f) removing sand from said chamber beneath said array; and Ig) adjusting the packing density o~ said particles by changing the spacing between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
The invention also achieves an apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising:
(a) a substantially enclosed chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said ,, chambe~;
(c) a plural.ity of particles in a close-packed a1-ray between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said arrày;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the packing density of said particles by changing the spacing between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
Brief Description of the Drawin~s The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements shown and described, the accompanying dxawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the spacification illustrate one embodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
of the drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention to be employed in the separation of botanical mixtures from undesirable particulate materials.
Fiyure 2 is a par~ial cross-sect.ion of the chamber of Figure 1 ill.ustrating a prior art component of the chamber.
Figure 3 is a partial cross-section of an embodiment of the invention illustrating one means of altering the space between the two porous retaining members confining the array of particles through which the gas flows.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a partially assembled view of the components of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention illustrating another means of altering the volume constraining the particles.
Descr'ption of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Figure 1 where the complete apparatus for separating botanical materials from sand is disclosed. As here embodied, a chamber 10 is provided to enclose a separating medium 12 onto which the mixture of botanical materials and sand is placed. A screw conve~or 14 introduces such materials to the upper surface 16 of the separating medium 12. As indicated by the upper arrow, gas flow through the chamber enters the bottom of the separating medium 12 and exits at the top of chamber 10. Sand in the mixture exits the bottom of the separating medium 12 through spout 18.
The mixture of sand and botanical material is introduced to the screw conveyor 14 by means of the hopper 20. The botanical material entrained in the gas flow exiting the chamber 10 passes through the conduit 3~ into means for separating the botanical material froln the air stream here embodied as a cyclone separater 32. The botanicals are then retained in container 34 with the air strearn further passing throuyh conduit 36 to means for controlling the air flow through the device.
As here embodied, ~he means for controlling the air flow includes two valves 38 and 40 with an associated pump 42. Control means 44 interacting with the valves 38 and 40 control the air flow to the pump 42. The control means may be disposed to provide constant or variable air flow through the device with constant air flow being preferred.
The advantages of the particular configuration of botanical handling equipment downstream from the chambèr 10 is adequately described in the specifically cited prior art.
Figure 2 depicts a prior art embodiment that is also applicable to the present invention. As here embodied, the improvement comprises a flow de~lection means 46 downstream from the array of particles forming the separating means 12. The f]ow deflection means increases the gaseous flow rate in the apparatus downstream from the flow deflection means 46.
The present invention comprises a means for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising the systern depicted in Figure 1.
In accordance with the invention, a substantially enclosed chamber is provided. As here embodied and best depicted in Figure 1, the chamber 10 is cylindrical and is in flow communication with means for inducing gas flow therethrough. The chamber 10 is essentially gas-tight with the exception of the inlet 48 into which gas is drawn ..
through the chamber 10 lnto the conduit 30. In order to maintain the air tight feature of the chamber, the means for introducing the mixture to the chamber should be sealed. As here embodied, the screw feed 14 passing one sidewall of the chamber 10 would preferably have sealing means preventing significant gas flow around and through the screw feeder 14 into the chamber 10. Likewise, when operating, the level of sand and tobacco mixture should be maintained in hopper 20 to prevent shunting of air flow through screw conveyor 14.
In accordance with the invention, an opposed pair of porous retaining members are horizontally disposed within the chamber. As here embodied and best depicted in Figures
3 and 4, the porous retaining members 50 are comprised of a screen 52 affi~ed to a peripheral ring 54. I'he screen 52 is affixed to the ring 54 in such a manner that force applied to the ring 54 will be effectively transmitted through particles 55 in contact with the scr.een 52 without buckling or bending the screen. ~s here embodied, circùmferential rings 56 are welded to the screen 52 and the peripheral ring 54.
It is the function of the screens 52 and 52' to constrain a plurality of particles 55 between the two retaining members and transmi-t forces applied to the retaining members to the particles therebetween. Since gas passes through the retaining members and the particles therebetween, the retaining members necessaril~ includes screens 52 and 52' that have a pore diameter less than that of the particles 55 contained therebetween. While the particles 55 are shown only partially filling the volume between screens 52 and 52', it should be noted that this volume is completely filled with particles in the actual , invention .
In accordance with the invention, a plurality of particles in a close-packed array are placed between the retaining members. As here embodied and best depicted in Figure 3, the particles 55 are constrained in a close-packed array between the two screens 52 and 52'. While the particles are depicted to be spherical and spherical particles are preferred, the invention is operable with non-spherical particles. It is further preferred that where the particles 55 are spherical, the particles have a diametric tolerance of + 20 percent. It is also preferred that the spherical particles have a diameter in the range of from .5 to 5 millimeters.
While -the particles are preferably spherical and spherical particles provide a more uniform pore structure, other shapes may be used within the invention. For purposes of the invention, substantially spherical particles are those particles that can be packed in a manner that the pores therebetween are of sufficient uniformity and size that an effective separation of the mi~ture can be accomplished. Specific examples of the operable but not preferable particle shapes would be granular particles, spherical particles with projections thereon, elliptical particles, etc..
The present embodiment has shown particular success in separating tobacco-sand mixtures having a particle size larger than would pass through a 100 mesh screen. In view of this characteristic of the invention.
the mixture introduced to the hopper 20 may be sub]ected to a preclassifying separation to remove particles having a diameter smaller than would be retained on a 100 mesh , .r~
screen.
Since -the sancl components of the rnixture are intended to pass throuyh the array of particles, where -the particles are spherical, it is desired that the largest sand particles in the mixture do not exceed approximately 18 percent of the diameter of the spherical particles. When the sand and spherical particles have such a relationship, it has been found that the sand particles move relatively freely through the particle array to be ultimately discharged at the bottom portion of the chamber.
Particular success has been experienced in the operation of the device when the array of spherical particles within the retaining members is seven rows deep.
The preferred depth of the array provides a compromise between the resistance of passage of the botanical materials through the array and the rate at which the appratus can effectively separate the botanical components of the mixture. Increasing the depth of the array of spherical particles, in general, increases the selectivity of the apparatus to make the separation. ~lowever, it simultaneously reduces the rate at which the separation can take place.
In accordance with the invention, means are provided for adjusting the volume constraining the particles in order to change the density of packing of the particles within the array. As embodied and depicted in Figures 3 and
It is the function of the screens 52 and 52' to constrain a plurality of particles 55 between the two retaining members and transmi-t forces applied to the retaining members to the particles therebetween. Since gas passes through the retaining members and the particles therebetween, the retaining members necessaril~ includes screens 52 and 52' that have a pore diameter less than that of the particles 55 contained therebetween. While the particles 55 are shown only partially filling the volume between screens 52 and 52', it should be noted that this volume is completely filled with particles in the actual , invention .
In accordance with the invention, a plurality of particles in a close-packed array are placed between the retaining members. As here embodied and best depicted in Figure 3, the particles 55 are constrained in a close-packed array between the two screens 52 and 52'. While the particles are depicted to be spherical and spherical particles are preferred, the invention is operable with non-spherical particles. It is further preferred that where the particles 55 are spherical, the particles have a diametric tolerance of + 20 percent. It is also preferred that the spherical particles have a diameter in the range of from .5 to 5 millimeters.
While -the particles are preferably spherical and spherical particles provide a more uniform pore structure, other shapes may be used within the invention. For purposes of the invention, substantially spherical particles are those particles that can be packed in a manner that the pores therebetween are of sufficient uniformity and size that an effective separation of the mi~ture can be accomplished. Specific examples of the operable but not preferable particle shapes would be granular particles, spherical particles with projections thereon, elliptical particles, etc..
The present embodiment has shown particular success in separating tobacco-sand mixtures having a particle size larger than would pass through a 100 mesh screen. In view of this characteristic of the invention.
the mixture introduced to the hopper 20 may be sub]ected to a preclassifying separation to remove particles having a diameter smaller than would be retained on a 100 mesh , .r~
screen.
Since -the sancl components of the rnixture are intended to pass throuyh the array of particles, where -the particles are spherical, it is desired that the largest sand particles in the mixture do not exceed approximately 18 percent of the diameter of the spherical particles. When the sand and spherical particles have such a relationship, it has been found that the sand particles move relatively freely through the particle array to be ultimately discharged at the bottom portion of the chamber.
Particular success has been experienced in the operation of the device when the array of spherical particles within the retaining members is seven rows deep.
The preferred depth of the array provides a compromise between the resistance of passage of the botanical materials through the array and the rate at which the appratus can effectively separate the botanical components of the mixture. Increasing the depth of the array of spherical particles, in general, increases the selectivity of the apparatus to make the separation. ~lowever, it simultaneously reduces the rate at which the separation can take place.
In accordance with the invention, means are provided for adjusting the volume constraining the particles in order to change the density of packing of the particles within the array. As embodied and depicted in Figures 3 and
4, the means for adjusting the space between the retaining member~ 50 comprises a pair of peripheral rings 54. The peripheral rings include radially disposed flanges 58 and 58'. The flanges 58 interact with flanges 60 and 60' on a cylindrical support member 62 comprising a portion of the . , , chal~lber 10. The sup~ort member 62 has a depth sufficient to contain a number of rows of the particles 55. I'he flanges 60 on the support member 62 are affixed to the support member and are dlsposed to align with the radially disposed flanges 58 and 58' on the retaining mernber 50 to form an aligned pair of flanges.
Preferably, deformable means 64 are disposed between the opposite aligned pairs of flanges with means provided for drawing the opposite aligned pairs of flanges toward each other. A cylindrical column member 68 is positioned above the uppermost porous retaining member 50.
Flanges 70 affixed to the column member 68 are disposed to align with radially disposed flanges 58 and 60 and deformable member G~. A cylindrical discharge member 74 i5 positioned below the lowermost porous retaining member 50.
Flanges 76 affixed to the column member 74 are disposed to align with radially disposed flanges 58' and 60' and deformable member 64'. As here embodied in Figures 3 and 4, the means for drawing the pairs of flanges toward each other are circumferential members 66 and 66' having a V-shaped internal surface 78 and 78' that encompasses the triple flanges 70, 58 and 60 and 60'~ 58' and 76, respectively.
Preferably, the members 66 and 66' includes means for adjusting he depth of engagement of the internal surface 78 in relation to the flanges 70 and 60 and 60' and 76, respectively.
As here embodied and most clearly depicted in Figure 5, the means of adjusting the depth of engagement of the internal surface 78 in relation to the flanges comprises a means for changing the length of the circumferential member 66. As here embodied, the means of changing the .~
length of the circumfe~ential rnember 66 is A threaded fastener 80 affixed to tlle mernber 66 with an associated threaded nut 82. The engagernent of the nut 82 on the fastener 80 changes the length of the circumferential member 66 and hence the depth of engagement of the flanges encompassed therein.
In accordance with the invention, the means for reducing the vol~ne constraining the particles need not be solely the vertical movement of the retaining members 50.
As here embodied and depicted in Figure 6, the volume constralning the particles is reduced by reducing the internal diameter of the constraints. In the embodiment of Figure ~, the vertical movement of the retaining members 50 and 50' deforms the circumferential member 84 to the configuration depicted by member 84' thereby reducing the diameter of the volume between the retaining members. While this embodiment reduces both the height and diameter of the volume constraining the particles simultaneously, one skilled i.n the art can devise means of adjusting the two dimensions independently.
As depicted in Figure l, the apparatus includes means for vibrating the chamber 10 and therein the array of particles. As here embodied, the vibrating means 86 is depicted schematically, being elastically attached -to the charnber lO by means of connections 88. The individual particles within the separating means 12, while in a close-packed array, are not always in static contact with the surrounding particles. The vibration of the array causes the particles to vibrate between the retaining members 50. The vibration of the array and the openings of the array due to vibration prevents the clogging of such an ..~
~ ~ ,, .:v array by mclterials passing there-through. Due to the vibration of the chaTnber, the means for introducing the mixture to the chamber should accommodate such vibration.
Preferably, the apparatus includes means for visually observing the discharge from lower retaining member 50' for the purpose of determining if the mixture is being effectively separated. The presence of botanical materials issuing from the lower retaining member would indicate that tlle packing density of the particles within the retaining members needs to be adjusted.
The Method of Operation The present invention operates to separate the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines in the embodiment depicted by constraining a plurality of particles 55 in a close-packed array between a pair o~ horizontal porous retaining members 50 and 50' within an enclosed chamber 10. The mixture of sand and botanical materials are placed within the chamber 10 above the upper porous retaining member of the pair. The array is vibrated by operation of the vibrating means 86 while passing a moving stream of gas up through the array toward the mixture on the array.
The space between the pair of porous retaining members 50 is adjusted to alter the packing of the particles within the array to separate the components, the sand moving downward through the array while the botanical components move upward in the stream of gas. The botanical fines are thereafter collected downstream from the array The preferred method of operating the present invention would have the particles be spherical and arranged in a 3-center close-packed configuration having the average I .
3~
~,,~
Preferably, deformable means 64 are disposed between the opposite aligned pairs of flanges with means provided for drawing the opposite aligned pairs of flanges toward each other. A cylindrical column member 68 is positioned above the uppermost porous retaining member 50.
Flanges 70 affixed to the column member 68 are disposed to align with radially disposed flanges 58 and 60 and deformable member G~. A cylindrical discharge member 74 i5 positioned below the lowermost porous retaining member 50.
Flanges 76 affixed to the column member 74 are disposed to align with radially disposed flanges 58' and 60' and deformable member 64'. As here embodied in Figures 3 and 4, the means for drawing the pairs of flanges toward each other are circumferential members 66 and 66' having a V-shaped internal surface 78 and 78' that encompasses the triple flanges 70, 58 and 60 and 60'~ 58' and 76, respectively.
Preferably, the members 66 and 66' includes means for adjusting he depth of engagement of the internal surface 78 in relation to the flanges 70 and 60 and 60' and 76, respectively.
As here embodied and most clearly depicted in Figure 5, the means of adjusting the depth of engagement of the internal surface 78 in relation to the flanges comprises a means for changing the length of the circumferential member 66. As here embodied, the means of changing the .~
length of the circumfe~ential rnember 66 is A threaded fastener 80 affixed to tlle mernber 66 with an associated threaded nut 82. The engagernent of the nut 82 on the fastener 80 changes the length of the circumferential member 66 and hence the depth of engagement of the flanges encompassed therein.
In accordance with the invention, the means for reducing the vol~ne constraining the particles need not be solely the vertical movement of the retaining members 50.
As here embodied and depicted in Figure 6, the volume constralning the particles is reduced by reducing the internal diameter of the constraints. In the embodiment of Figure ~, the vertical movement of the retaining members 50 and 50' deforms the circumferential member 84 to the configuration depicted by member 84' thereby reducing the diameter of the volume between the retaining members. While this embodiment reduces both the height and diameter of the volume constraining the particles simultaneously, one skilled i.n the art can devise means of adjusting the two dimensions independently.
As depicted in Figure l, the apparatus includes means for vibrating the chamber 10 and therein the array of particles. As here embodied, the vibrating means 86 is depicted schematically, being elastically attached -to the charnber lO by means of connections 88. The individual particles within the separating means 12, while in a close-packed array, are not always in static contact with the surrounding particles. The vibration of the array causes the particles to vibrate between the retaining members 50. The vibration of the array and the openings of the array due to vibration prevents the clogging of such an ..~
~ ~ ,, .:v array by mclterials passing there-through. Due to the vibration of the chaTnber, the means for introducing the mixture to the chamber should accommodate such vibration.
Preferably, the apparatus includes means for visually observing the discharge from lower retaining member 50' for the purpose of determining if the mixture is being effectively separated. The presence of botanical materials issuing from the lower retaining member would indicate that tlle packing density of the particles within the retaining members needs to be adjusted.
The Method of Operation The present invention operates to separate the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines in the embodiment depicted by constraining a plurality of particles 55 in a close-packed array between a pair o~ horizontal porous retaining members 50 and 50' within an enclosed chamber 10. The mixture of sand and botanical materials are placed within the chamber 10 above the upper porous retaining member of the pair. The array is vibrated by operation of the vibrating means 86 while passing a moving stream of gas up through the array toward the mixture on the array.
The space between the pair of porous retaining members 50 is adjusted to alter the packing of the particles within the array to separate the components, the sand moving downward through the array while the botanical components move upward in the stream of gas. The botanical fines are thereafter collected downstream from the array The preferred method of operating the present invention would have the particles be spherical and arranged in a 3-center close-packed configuration having the average I .
3~
~,,~
5~
diameter of the largest sand partlcle in the mixture less than l8 percent of the diameter of the spherical particles.
When the method if carried out in this manner, the array is not clogged with sand and thereafter reduced in effectiveness due to the inability of larger particles of sand to be transported through the array during vibration.
While the gas flows through the array and velocity of the gas can be measured downstream from the array~ the separation itself takes place within the array.
The basic phenomena causing the separation is the fact -that in a moving stream of gas, sand and botanical materials are transported at different rat~os~ Therefore, the bulk flow rate of the gas through the array affects the separation process by affecting the local flow rate of gas around the particles within the array that interact with the botanical material 8 and sand within the array.
Preferably, a substantial portion of the gas within the array has a velocity in excess of the settling velocity of the botanical components of the mixture. Since the particles within the array are constantly moving, thereby opening and closing passages within the array, an effective measurement of the velocity operating on the particles is impossible. A practical means of determining if a substantial portion of the gas within the array has a velocity in excess of the settling velocity of the botanical component of the mixture is to observe the lower retaining member of the array~ By adjusting the volume constraining the particles and observing the material issuing from the lower retaining member, the volume can be adjusted until substantially no botanical fines exit from the array at the lower retaining member.
.. ..
.~
. - 17 The present invention has shown particular success in separa-tinc3 tobacco from sand, especially when the mixture of sand ancl tobacco has a size in the range of from 0.15 to 0.6 millimeters with the spherical par-ti.cles having a diameter oE approxirnately 3 millimeters and the gas having an estimated velocity within the array of 3.5 ft/sec..
In such a embodiment, the present invention provides a means for separating a mixture of tobacco and sand whereby the apparatus making the separation can be effectively adjusted to compensate for differences in separation behavior of di.fferent mixtures introduced to the apparatus.
The invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment and one skilled in the art can make modifications and changes thereto while still remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
. .~ ~,
diameter of the largest sand partlcle in the mixture less than l8 percent of the diameter of the spherical particles.
When the method if carried out in this manner, the array is not clogged with sand and thereafter reduced in effectiveness due to the inability of larger particles of sand to be transported through the array during vibration.
While the gas flows through the array and velocity of the gas can be measured downstream from the array~ the separation itself takes place within the array.
The basic phenomena causing the separation is the fact -that in a moving stream of gas, sand and botanical materials are transported at different rat~os~ Therefore, the bulk flow rate of the gas through the array affects the separation process by affecting the local flow rate of gas around the particles within the array that interact with the botanical material 8 and sand within the array.
Preferably, a substantial portion of the gas within the array has a velocity in excess of the settling velocity of the botanical components of the mixture. Since the particles within the array are constantly moving, thereby opening and closing passages within the array, an effective measurement of the velocity operating on the particles is impossible. A practical means of determining if a substantial portion of the gas within the array has a velocity in excess of the settling velocity of the botanical component of the mixture is to observe the lower retaining member of the array~ By adjusting the volume constraining the particles and observing the material issuing from the lower retaining member, the volume can be adjusted until substantially no botanical fines exit from the array at the lower retaining member.
.. ..
.~
. - 17 The present invention has shown particular success in separa-tinc3 tobacco from sand, especially when the mixture of sand ancl tobacco has a size in the range of from 0.15 to 0.6 millimeters with the spherical par-ti.cles having a diameter oE approxirnately 3 millimeters and the gas having an estimated velocity within the array of 3.5 ft/sec..
In such a embodiment, the present invention provides a means for separating a mixture of tobacco and sand whereby the apparatus making the separation can be effectively adjusted to compensate for differences in separation behavior of di.fferent mixtures introduced to the apparatus.
The invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment and one skilled in the art can make modifications and changes thereto while still remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
. .~ ~,
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising:
(a) a substantially enclosed cylinder chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the volume and hence the packing density of said particles by changing the diameter of the cylindrical means constraining some of the said particles, during operation, to alter the gaseous flow passing through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
(a) a substantially enclosed cylinder chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the volume and hence the packing density of said particles by changing the diameter of the cylindrical means constraining some of the said particles, during operation, to alter the gaseous flow passing through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
2. An apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising:
(a) a substantially enclosed cylinder chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizon-tally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array: `
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the volume and hence the packing density of said particles by changing both the distance separating the retaining members and relatively changing the diameter of the cylindrical means constraining some of the particles, during operation, to alter the gaseous flow pass through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
(a) a substantially enclosed cylinder chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizon-tally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array: `
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the volume and hence the packing density of said particles by changing both the distance separating the retaining members and relatively changing the diameter of the cylindrical means constraining some of the particles, during operation, to alter the gaseous flow pass through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
3. An apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising:
(a) a substantially enclosed chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means including a deformable circumferential member in contact with said particles for reducing the internal diameter of constraint of said particles upon deformation of said circumferential member for hence adjusting the packing density of said particle between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
(a) a substantially enclosed chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means including a deformable circumferential member in contact with said particles for reducing the internal diameter of constraint of said particles upon deformation of said circumferential member for hence adjusting the packing density of said particle between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array.
4. An apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising:
(a) a substantially enclosed chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the packing density of said particles by changing the distance between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array; and wherein said means includes:
(i) a pair of circular, radially disposed flanges on said retaining members;
(ii) a cylindrical support member comprising a portion of said chamber, said support member having a depth sufficient to contain a number of rows of said particles a pair of opposite radially disposed flanges affixed to said support member and disposed to align with said radially disposed flange on said compression members to form aligned pairs of flanges;
(iii) deformable means disposed between opposite aligned pairs of said flanges; and (iv) means for drawing said opposite aligned pairs of flanges toward each other.
(a) a substantially enclosed chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the packing density of said particles by changing the distance between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array; and wherein said means includes:
(i) a pair of circular, radially disposed flanges on said retaining members;
(ii) a cylindrical support member comprising a portion of said chamber, said support member having a depth sufficient to contain a number of rows of said particles a pair of opposite radially disposed flanges affixed to said support member and disposed to align with said radially disposed flange on said compression members to form aligned pairs of flanges;
(iii) deformable means disposed between opposite aligned pairs of said flanges; and (iv) means for drawing said opposite aligned pairs of flanges toward each other.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the means of adjusting the depth of engagement of said internal surface in relation to said flanges comprises a circumferential member and means for changing the length of said circumferential member.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the means (i) of adjusting said packing density includes a pair of flanges and a circumferential member having a V-shaped internal surface encompassing said pairs and means of adjusting the depth of engagement of said internal surface in relation to said flanges.
7. An apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising:
(a) a substantially enclosed chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the packing density of said particles by changing the spacing between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array, said means for adjusting the packing density includes a deformable circumferential member in contact with said particles for reducing the internal diameter of constraint of said particles upon deformation of said circumferential member.
(a) a substantially enclosed chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the packing density of said particles by changing the spacing between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array, said means for adjusting the packing density includes a deformable circumferential member in contact with said particles for reducing the internal diameter of constraint of said particles upon deformation of said circumferential member.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said particles are spherical.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the said spherical particles have a diametric tolerance of ? 20 percent.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said spherical particles have a diameter in the range of from 0.5 to 5 millimeters.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the average diameter of the largest sand particle in sand mixture does not exceed 18% of the diameter of the spherical particles.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 whrein said array of spherical particles is seven rows deep.
13. The apparatus of claim 7 including flow deflection means downstream from said array, said flow deflection means increasing gaseous flow rate in said apparatus downstream from said array.
14. An apparatus for separating the components of a mixture of sand and botanical fines comprising:
(a) a substantially enclosed cylindrical chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the packing density of said particles by changing the spacing between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array, said means for adjusting said retaining member includes a pair of circular, radially disposed flange on said retaining member, a cylindrical support member comprising a portion of said chamber, said support member having depth sufficient to contain a number of rows of said particles, a pair of opposite radially disposed flanges affixed to said support member and disposed to align with said radically disposed flanges on said retaining members to form aligned pairs of flanges, deformable means disposed between opposite aligned pairs of said flanges, and means for drawing said opposite aligned pair of flanges toward each other.
(a) a substantially enclosed cylindrical chamber;
(b) an opposed pair of spaced porous retaining members horizontally disposed within said chamber;
(c) a plurality of particles in a close-packed array between said retaining members;
(d) means for vibrating said particles;
(e) means for introducing said mixture into said chamber above said array;
(f) means for passing a stream of gas upwardly through said array;
(g) means for removing botanical fines from said chamber above said array;
(h) means for collecting sand from said chamber beneath said array; and (i) means for adjusting the packing density of said particles by changing the spacing between said spaced horizontal porous retaining members during operation to alter the gaseous flow paths through said array and the movement of said particles within said array, said means for adjusting said retaining member includes a pair of circular, radially disposed flange on said retaining member, a cylindrical support member comprising a portion of said chamber, said support member having depth sufficient to contain a number of rows of said particles, a pair of opposite radially disposed flanges affixed to said support member and disposed to align with said radically disposed flanges on said retaining members to form aligned pairs of flanges, deformable means disposed between opposite aligned pairs of said flanges, and means for drawing said opposite aligned pair of flanges toward each other.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the means of drawing said pairs of flanges toward each other is a circumferential member having a V-shaped internal surface encompassing said pairs and means of adjusting the depth of engagement of said internal surface in relation to said flanges.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the means of adjusting the depth of engagement of said internal surface in relation to said flanges comprises means for changing the length of said circumferential member.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said particles are spherical.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said spherical particles have a diameteric tolerance of ? 20 percent.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said spherical particles have a diameter in the range of from 0.5 to 5 mm.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the average diameter of the largest sand particle in said mixture does not exceed 18 percent of the diameter of the spherical particles.
21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said array of spherical particles is seven rows deep.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US62388675A | 1975-10-20 | 1975-10-20 | |
| US623,886 | 1975-10-20 |
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|---|---|
| CA1116558A true CA1116558A (en) | 1982-01-19 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000260614A Expired CA1116558A (en) | 1975-10-20 | 1976-09-07 | Divergent stratifier for sand-botanical-fines separation |
Country Status (14)
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| JP (1) | JPS5929315B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | AT357123B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU502399B2 (en) |
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| ZA (1) | ZA765135B (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4280903A (en) * | 1980-08-06 | 1981-07-28 | Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation | Apparatus for separating sand from botanical fines |
| DE3410573C2 (en) * | 1984-03-22 | 1986-03-13 | Gebrüder Bühler AG, Uzwil | Device for cleaning semolina |
| JPH0320230Y2 (en) * | 1986-03-17 | 1991-04-30 | ||
| US4707931A (en) * | 1986-05-12 | 1987-11-24 | Ministry Of Agriculture & Fisheries | Apparatus and method for drying and separation of material |
| DE4239611A1 (en) * | 1992-11-25 | 1994-05-26 | Werner Dipl Ing Brosowski | Light bulk solids grains graded in fluid bed from heavy grains through raising-lowering extraction cone - reduces energy requirement for grading grains such as cement and ore |
| CN113210264B (en) * | 2021-05-19 | 2023-09-05 | 江苏鑫源烟草薄片有限公司 | Tobacco sundry removing method and device |
| CN115283254B (en) * | 2022-07-29 | 2023-08-25 | 中触媒新材料股份有限公司 | Rapid screening and activating system and method for air flow of oxygen-making adsorbent particles |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2014249A (en) * | 1930-11-21 | 1935-09-10 | Peale Davis Company | Method and apparatus for separating refuse from coal |
| US2678131A (en) * | 1950-07-17 | 1954-05-11 | Robert F Dore | Dry concentrator |
| FR1551033A (en) * | 1967-09-04 | 1968-12-27 | ||
| US3842978A (en) * | 1972-03-21 | 1974-10-22 | Brown & Williamson Tobacco | Process and apparatus for separating sand from botanical materials |
-
1976
- 1976-08-25 AU AU17157/76A patent/AU502399B2/en not_active Expired
- 1976-08-26 ZA ZA765135A patent/ZA765135B/en unknown
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- 1976-09-13 GB GB37842/76A patent/GB1510065A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-09-23 BR BR7606340A patent/BR7606340A/en unknown
- 1976-09-30 MX MX166513A patent/MX143200A/en unknown
- 1976-10-15 BE BE171538A patent/BE847328A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1976-10-18 NL NLAANVRAGE7611505,A patent/NL183127C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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- 1976-10-20 JP JP51125082A patent/JPS5929315B2/en not_active Expired
- 1976-10-20 AT AT781776A patent/AT357123B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1976-10-20 FR FR7631514A patent/FR2328515A1/en active Granted
- 1976-10-20 DE DE19762647363 patent/DE2647363A1/en active Granted
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| AU502399B2 (en) | 1979-07-26 |
| IT1068904B (en) | 1985-03-21 |
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| GB1510065A (en) | 1978-05-10 |
| MX143200A (en) | 1981-04-02 |
| AU1715776A (en) | 1978-03-02 |
| DE2647363A1 (en) | 1977-04-21 |
| AT357123B (en) | 1980-06-25 |
| BR7606340A (en) | 1977-05-31 |
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| BE847328A (en) | 1977-01-31 |
| NL183127C (en) | 1988-08-01 |
| DE2647363C2 (en) | 1987-04-09 |
| ZA765135B (en) | 1977-08-31 |
| FR2328515B1 (en) | 1982-06-11 |
| JPS5929315B2 (en) | 1984-07-19 |
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