CA2229667A1 - Particle conditioning method and apparatus - Google Patents
Particle conditioning method and apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2229667A1 CA2229667A1 CA002229667A CA2229667A CA2229667A1 CA 2229667 A1 CA2229667 A1 CA 2229667A1 CA 002229667 A CA002229667 A CA 002229667A CA 2229667 A CA2229667 A CA 2229667A CA 2229667 A1 CA2229667 A1 CA 2229667A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- particle
- particles
- housing
- chutes
- conditioning
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Abstract
The invention concerns a particle conditioning apparatus (10) and method.
The apparatus includes a housing (12) with an inlet (16, 17) to the housing for particles which are to be conditioned. In the housing there is a series of inclined, vertically spaced chutes (20) which are arranged one above the other beneath the particle inlet and which are laterally staggered with respect to one another. Particles introduced into the housing through the inlet cascade over the chutes under gravity. A conditioning gas is passed laterally through the particle cascade (36) to condition the particles, for instance by removing dust therefrom. There is an outlet (28 from the housing for the gas and another outlet (34) from the housing for the conditioned particles.
The apparatus includes a housing (12) with an inlet (16, 17) to the housing for particles which are to be conditioned. In the housing there is a series of inclined, vertically spaced chutes (20) which are arranged one above the other beneath the particle inlet and which are laterally staggered with respect to one another. Particles introduced into the housing through the inlet cascade over the chutes under gravity. A conditioning gas is passed laterally through the particle cascade (36) to condition the particles, for instance by removing dust therefrom. There is an outlet (28 from the housing for the gas and another outlet (34) from the housing for the conditioned particles.
Description
.
"PARTICLE CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS"
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
THIS invention relates to a particle conditioning method and apparatus. In one application of the invention, the method and apparatus may be used to condition particulate material by removing and separating dust from the individual particles of the material. In other applications of the invention, individual particles of a particulate mass may be conditioned in other ways.
As an example, in the mining industry the presence of dust is a constant problem. Dust which is stuck to and carried by particulate material has the tendency to clog various items of equipment which may be used to process the particulate material during mineral recovery operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a particle conditioning apparatus comprising a housing, an inlet to the housing for particles which are to be conditioned, a series of inclined, vertically spaced chutes which are arranged one above the other beneath the particle inlet and which are laterally staggered with respect to one another, whereby particles introduced into the housing through the particle inlet cascade over the chutes under gravity, means for passing a conditioning gas laterally through the particle cascade thereby to condition the particles, an outlet from the housing for the gas, and an outlet from the housing for conditioned particles.
In one application of the apparatus, it can be used to remove adhering dust from the particles. In this application, the jarring motion undergone by the particles as they cascade over the chutes tends to dislodge adhering dust which is then entrained in a flow of air which is caused to flow through the housing from the conditioning inlets to the gas outlet.
To improve the efficiency of the dust extraction process, it is also proposed that the apparatus include elastic mountings on which the housing is mounted and means for vibrating the housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of conditioning particles, the method comprising the steps of causing the particles to cascade under gravity over a series of inclined, laterally staggered chutes, and passing a flow of conditioning gas through the cascading particles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of a particle conditioning apparatus according to this invention;
Figure 2 shows an end view of the apparatus, looking in the direction of the arrow 2 in Figure l; and Figure 3 shows a cross-section at the line 3-3 in Figure 2.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The particle conditioning apparatus 10 seen in the drawings includes a housing 12 having an upper, rectangular portion 14 formed with three particle inlets 16 in vertical side walls thereof and a further inlet 17 in the horizontal top wall thereof. Each of the inlets can be closed by means of a circular plate 18. Depending on the application, any or all of the particle inlets can be opened, by removing the relevant plate(s), for the purposes of introducing particles which are to be conditioned into the housing 12.
Inside the housing, beneath the inlets 16 and 17, is a series of inclined chutes 20 having laterally staggered inner edges. As illustrated, the lateral staggering of inner edges of the chutes results in a configuration in which the inner edge of each chute is laterally displaced, to the right in Figure 3, relative to the inner edge of the chute immediately above it. The side edges of the chutes are supported in slots in the side plates 22 of the housing 12 and each chute carries a wear resistant lining, typically of SOLIDUR (trade mark), on its upper surface. The assembly of side plates and chutes is held together by means of tie rods 21.
Inclined, generally laterally extending gaps 22 are defined between thesuccessive chutes. A perforated screen 24 extends in each gap between the upper surface of the lower chute and the lower surface of the upper chute defining that gap. As viewed in Figure 3, the left hand end of each gap is open. The open ends of the gaps serve as conditioning air inlets. A
perforated security screen 26 extends over the open ends of the gaps and forms an end wall of the housing 12.
The housing 12 also includes an air outlet 28 composed of a frusto-conical portion 30 and a cylindrical pipe 32. A particle outlet 34 is provided at the lower end of the housing as illustrated.
In use of the illustrated apparatus, particulate material which is to conditioned, in this case by removal of adhering dust therefrom, is introduced into a selected inlet 16 or 17, or through two or more of these inlets simultaneously. The particles of the material fall onto the chutes 20 and thereafter cascade under gravity over the chutes, as indicated by the numeral 36. As the particles cascade over the chutes 20, they traverse the gaps 22 between the chutes. The cascading of the particles over the chutes subjects them to repeated jarring. The jarring of the particles in this way tends to break up any particle agglomerations which may be present and also to shake free any dust which initially adhered to the particles.
While the particles cascade over the chutes, conditioning air is continuously passed through the housing 12, from the left to the right as viewed in Figure 3. In this case, this is achieved by means of a suction fan or pump (not shown) connected to the pipe 32. The fan or pump draws a flow of air along flow paths extending through the open ends of the gaps 22, through the gaps themselves, through the particle c~c~de, through the remainder of the housing 12 and finally through the air outlet 28. As the air flow passes through the cascading particles, it entrains loose dust particles and hence removes them from the housing. Thereafter the dust particles may be removed from the air flow by any suitable means.
It will be appreciated that the velocity of the air flow through the cascading particles will determine the size of dust particles which can be entrained in the air flow. The air velocity can be varied to suit the specific requirements by varying the positions of adjustable orifice plates 40 mounted in the gaps 22.
After conditioning, i.e. after the particles have cascaded over the chutes and the dust has been removed therefrom, the particles leave the housing under gravity through the outlet 34.
In the application described above, the particles are conditioned by dust removal. The invention is not however limited to such applications. For instance, the air flow may be heated for the purposes of conditioning initially wet particles by drying them. In such an application, the wear resistant linings of the chutes could be heat resistant in nature. In other examples, the air flow could be replaced by a flow of steam intended to condition the particles by heating and wetting them, or by any other gaseous flow intended to condition the particles in a predetermined manner.
The security screen 26 prevents manual access to the interior of the housing during the conditioning process. This may be important in situations where the particles are of a valuable nature, such as in the removal of dust from diamond-bearing aggregate. The screens 24 prevent the particles from backing up into the gaps 22, thereby preventing particle hang-ups and ensuring a smooth and continuous cascading flow of particles over the chutes.
It will also be appreciated that the inclination of the chutes is carefully selected to suit the nature of the particles which are to be conditioned. For instance, with particularly "sticky" particles the chutes may be inclined more steeply than with more fluent particles. Also, in situations where the particlesare particularly sticky and prone to agglomeration, or where the dust has a high level of adherence, the housing 12 may be mounted on elastic mountings and have a vibration unit attached to it to vibrate it during particle conditioning and thereby improve disagglomeration and dust separation.
The housing and appropriate components therein may be made of a suitable grade of stainless steel to avoid corrosion.
"PARTICLE CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS"
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
THIS invention relates to a particle conditioning method and apparatus. In one application of the invention, the method and apparatus may be used to condition particulate material by removing and separating dust from the individual particles of the material. In other applications of the invention, individual particles of a particulate mass may be conditioned in other ways.
As an example, in the mining industry the presence of dust is a constant problem. Dust which is stuck to and carried by particulate material has the tendency to clog various items of equipment which may be used to process the particulate material during mineral recovery operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a particle conditioning apparatus comprising a housing, an inlet to the housing for particles which are to be conditioned, a series of inclined, vertically spaced chutes which are arranged one above the other beneath the particle inlet and which are laterally staggered with respect to one another, whereby particles introduced into the housing through the particle inlet cascade over the chutes under gravity, means for passing a conditioning gas laterally through the particle cascade thereby to condition the particles, an outlet from the housing for the gas, and an outlet from the housing for conditioned particles.
In one application of the apparatus, it can be used to remove adhering dust from the particles. In this application, the jarring motion undergone by the particles as they cascade over the chutes tends to dislodge adhering dust which is then entrained in a flow of air which is caused to flow through the housing from the conditioning inlets to the gas outlet.
To improve the efficiency of the dust extraction process, it is also proposed that the apparatus include elastic mountings on which the housing is mounted and means for vibrating the housing.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of conditioning particles, the method comprising the steps of causing the particles to cascade under gravity over a series of inclined, laterally staggered chutes, and passing a flow of conditioning gas through the cascading particles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of a particle conditioning apparatus according to this invention;
Figure 2 shows an end view of the apparatus, looking in the direction of the arrow 2 in Figure l; and Figure 3 shows a cross-section at the line 3-3 in Figure 2.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The particle conditioning apparatus 10 seen in the drawings includes a housing 12 having an upper, rectangular portion 14 formed with three particle inlets 16 in vertical side walls thereof and a further inlet 17 in the horizontal top wall thereof. Each of the inlets can be closed by means of a circular plate 18. Depending on the application, any or all of the particle inlets can be opened, by removing the relevant plate(s), for the purposes of introducing particles which are to be conditioned into the housing 12.
Inside the housing, beneath the inlets 16 and 17, is a series of inclined chutes 20 having laterally staggered inner edges. As illustrated, the lateral staggering of inner edges of the chutes results in a configuration in which the inner edge of each chute is laterally displaced, to the right in Figure 3, relative to the inner edge of the chute immediately above it. The side edges of the chutes are supported in slots in the side plates 22 of the housing 12 and each chute carries a wear resistant lining, typically of SOLIDUR (trade mark), on its upper surface. The assembly of side plates and chutes is held together by means of tie rods 21.
Inclined, generally laterally extending gaps 22 are defined between thesuccessive chutes. A perforated screen 24 extends in each gap between the upper surface of the lower chute and the lower surface of the upper chute defining that gap. As viewed in Figure 3, the left hand end of each gap is open. The open ends of the gaps serve as conditioning air inlets. A
perforated security screen 26 extends over the open ends of the gaps and forms an end wall of the housing 12.
The housing 12 also includes an air outlet 28 composed of a frusto-conical portion 30 and a cylindrical pipe 32. A particle outlet 34 is provided at the lower end of the housing as illustrated.
In use of the illustrated apparatus, particulate material which is to conditioned, in this case by removal of adhering dust therefrom, is introduced into a selected inlet 16 or 17, or through two or more of these inlets simultaneously. The particles of the material fall onto the chutes 20 and thereafter cascade under gravity over the chutes, as indicated by the numeral 36. As the particles cascade over the chutes 20, they traverse the gaps 22 between the chutes. The cascading of the particles over the chutes subjects them to repeated jarring. The jarring of the particles in this way tends to break up any particle agglomerations which may be present and also to shake free any dust which initially adhered to the particles.
While the particles cascade over the chutes, conditioning air is continuously passed through the housing 12, from the left to the right as viewed in Figure 3. In this case, this is achieved by means of a suction fan or pump (not shown) connected to the pipe 32. The fan or pump draws a flow of air along flow paths extending through the open ends of the gaps 22, through the gaps themselves, through the particle c~c~de, through the remainder of the housing 12 and finally through the air outlet 28. As the air flow passes through the cascading particles, it entrains loose dust particles and hence removes them from the housing. Thereafter the dust particles may be removed from the air flow by any suitable means.
It will be appreciated that the velocity of the air flow through the cascading particles will determine the size of dust particles which can be entrained in the air flow. The air velocity can be varied to suit the specific requirements by varying the positions of adjustable orifice plates 40 mounted in the gaps 22.
After conditioning, i.e. after the particles have cascaded over the chutes and the dust has been removed therefrom, the particles leave the housing under gravity through the outlet 34.
In the application described above, the particles are conditioned by dust removal. The invention is not however limited to such applications. For instance, the air flow may be heated for the purposes of conditioning initially wet particles by drying them. In such an application, the wear resistant linings of the chutes could be heat resistant in nature. In other examples, the air flow could be replaced by a flow of steam intended to condition the particles by heating and wetting them, or by any other gaseous flow intended to condition the particles in a predetermined manner.
The security screen 26 prevents manual access to the interior of the housing during the conditioning process. This may be important in situations where the particles are of a valuable nature, such as in the removal of dust from diamond-bearing aggregate. The screens 24 prevent the particles from backing up into the gaps 22, thereby preventing particle hang-ups and ensuring a smooth and continuous cascading flow of particles over the chutes.
It will also be appreciated that the inclination of the chutes is carefully selected to suit the nature of the particles which are to be conditioned. For instance, with particularly "sticky" particles the chutes may be inclined more steeply than with more fluent particles. Also, in situations where the particlesare particularly sticky and prone to agglomeration, or where the dust has a high level of adherence, the housing 12 may be mounted on elastic mountings and have a vibration unit attached to it to vibrate it during particle conditioning and thereby improve disagglomeration and dust separation.
The housing and appropriate components therein may be made of a suitable grade of stainless steel to avoid corrosion.
Claims (10)
1.
A particle conditioning apparatus comprising a housing, an inlet to the housing for particles which are to be conditioned, a series of inclined, vertically spaced chutes which are arranged one above the other beneath the particle inlet and which are laterally staggered with respect to one another, whereby particles introduced into the housing through the particle inlet cascade over the chutes under gravity, means for passing a conditioning gas laterally through the particle cascade thereby to condition the particles, an outlet from the housing for the gas, and an outlet from the housing for conditioned particles.
A particle conditioning apparatus comprising a housing, an inlet to the housing for particles which are to be conditioned, a series of inclined, vertically spaced chutes which are arranged one above the other beneath the particle inlet and which are laterally staggered with respect to one another, whereby particles introduced into the housing through the particle inlet cascade over the chutes under gravity, means for passing a conditioning gas laterally through the particle cascade thereby to condition the particles, an outlet from the housing for the gas, and an outlet from the housing for conditioned particles.
2.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein inclined, generally laterally extending gaps are defined between the chutes and a suction pump or fan is connected to the gas outlet to draw a flow of conditioning gas through the gaps and through the particle cascade.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein inclined, generally laterally extending gaps are defined between the chutes and a suction pump or fan is connected to the gas outlet to draw a flow of conditioning gas through the gaps and through the particle cascade.
3.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the upper ends of the gaps are exposed to ambient air and serve as conditioning air inlets, and the suction pump or fan draws a flow of conditioning air through the gaps and through the particle cascade.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the upper ends of the gaps are exposed to ambient air and serve as conditioning air inlets, and the suction pump or fan draws a flow of conditioning air through the gaps and through the particle cascade.
4.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the upper ends of the gaps are covered by a screen.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the upper ends of the gaps are covered by a screen.
5.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 4 wherein a perforated screen extends in each gap between the chutes defining that gap.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 4 wherein a perforated screen extends in each gap between the chutes defining that gap.
6.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 5 wherein adjustable orifice plates are provided in each gap for controlling the flow of gas through the gaps.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 5 wherein adjustable orifice plates are provided in each gap for controlling the flow of gas through the gaps.
7.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the housing is mounted on elastic mountings and a vibrating means is provided to vibrate the housing.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the housing is mounted on elastic mountings and a vibrating means is provided to vibrate the housing.
8.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the gas outlet is arranged laterally with respect to the chutes and the conditioned particle outlet is arranged below the chutes.
A particle conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the gas outlet is arranged laterally with respect to the chutes and the conditioned particle outlet is arranged below the chutes.
9.
An apparatus according to claim 3 when used to remove dust from the particles.
An apparatus according to claim 3 when used to remove dust from the particles.
10.
A method of conditioning particles comprising the steps of causing the particles to cascade under gravity over a series of inclined, laterally staggered chutes, and passing a flow of conditioning gas through the particle cascade.
A method of conditioning particles comprising the steps of causing the particles to cascade under gravity over a series of inclined, laterally staggered chutes, and passing a flow of conditioning gas through the particle cascade.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA97/1362 | 1997-02-18 | ||
| ZA971362 | 1997-02-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2229667A1 true CA2229667A1 (en) | 1998-08-18 |
Family
ID=25586239
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002229667A Abandoned CA2229667A1 (en) | 1997-02-18 | 1998-02-16 | Particle conditioning method and apparatus |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU733609B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2229667A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA981332B (en) |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3209049C2 (en) * | 1982-03-12 | 1984-04-12 | Adolf Steinbach, Steinindustrie-Schotterwerke GmbH & Co KG, 8741 Salz | Device for separating light particles from solid bulk material |
| WO1990001377A1 (en) * | 1988-08-15 | 1990-02-22 | Dean Frahn | Rotary air cleaner and separator |
-
1998
- 1998-02-16 CA CA002229667A patent/CA2229667A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-02-17 AU AU54666/98A patent/AU733609B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1998-02-18 ZA ZA981332A patent/ZA981332B/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ZA981332B (en) | 1998-08-27 |
| AU733609B2 (en) | 2001-05-17 |
| AU5466698A (en) | 1998-08-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |