GB180658A - Method of and apparatus for separating mixed bodies of different specific gravity - Google Patents

Abstract

180,658. Warren Seed Cleaning Co., (Assignees of Warren, H. R.). May 27, 1921, [Convention date]. Wet-separating; washing. - Mixed materials such as mixed seeds are sorted according to specific gravity by immersion in liquids of graduated densities, the various layers so formed being removed from each other from time to time. The variation in densities of the waters used in the various vessels is obtained by adding different proportions of sugar, salt, honey, glucose, syrup, water glass, materials possessing insecticide properties such as blue stone, or chemicals which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. The mixture to be separated is placed in a basket 20, the, bottom and three sides of which are perforated, the fourth side being made of glass. This basket is brought by a travelling hoist 34 to the first tank 10 of a series, each of which has one side made of glass and is provided with a hinged bottom. The mixture is wetted by the pure water 12 contained in the tank 10, and then the basket is removed and lowered into another tank 13 containing a liquid 14 of suitable density, in which the mixture is separated into layers. The basket is again raised, and taken to another tank 130 containing an empty basket. The removable front wall of the loaded basket is lowered and the light chaff at the top of the mixture is raked off into the tank 130. The remaining mixture is then retreated in a liquid of greater density than was previously used, and the basket 20 taken to two other tanks 131, and 132 into which are discharged the light and heavy seeds respectively, and the residual gravel and dirt is discharged into an adjoining tank. The materials deposited in tanks 130, 131, and 132 is then retreated in a similar manner as before, and the baskets are taken separately to a tank 11 and lowered into the pure water contained therein to wash and rinse off, and so recover, the sugar or other material used in the liquids. The washed seeds &c. are then placed in the last tank containing an inclined perforated platform 37, and discharged by a shoot 40 into a centrifugal drier 41, and finally conveyed to a grading-machine 44 containing screens and a heating-coil 45. When treating potatoes, the baskets are also provided with horizontal perforated screens for sizing purposes.