GB912647A - Apparatus for wet tumbling or wet burnishing - Google Patents

Abstract

912,647. Tumbling. CANNING & CO. Ltd., W. Sept. 25, 1961 [Oct. 5, 1960], No. 34098/60. Class 60. Apparatus for wet tumbling or wet burnishing metal articles comprises a drum adapted to contain the articles to be treated, the drum having a normally closed peripheral opening through which the articles can be loaded and unloaded, a hollow spindle extending axially through the drum, the spindle having at least one peripheral hole within the drum, means mounting the spindle for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, means for rotating the spindle and drum, a container for the treating liquid disposed at a lower level than the drum, a filter disposed above the normal liquid level in the container, a pump for supplying liquid from the container through the hollow spindle to the drum, a hollow extension surrounding the spindle in spaced relationship at one end of the drum, the extension being in communication with the interior of the drum and having outlets through which liquid can escape, and a duct for receiving liquid from the outlets and directing it through the filter to the container. A drum 8 of hexagonal cross-section has one peripheral side formed by a detachable cover which can be moved to uncover an opening through which articles to be treated can be loaded into and unloaded from the drum. A hollow spindle 10 extends axially through the drum and has holes 10a within the drum. Trunnions 11 fitted in the ends of the spindle engage anti-friction bearings 12. One trunnion 11 is driven through a chain 16 by an electric motor 18 which also drives, through belt 20, a pump 21. The pump inlet is connected to a pipe 22 extending into a tank 6 containing treating liquid, a filter 23 being provided at the end of the pipe 22. The pump outlet is connected by a pipe 24 and rotary sealing device 14 to a passage 13 extending through one of the trunnions 11. At one end of the drum is a hollow cylindrical extension 25 surrounding the spindle 10 in spaced relationship to provide an annular chamber communicating through holes 8a with the drum interior. The extension 25 has outlets 25a through which liquid from the drum can escape when a predetermined level has been reached therein. Beneath the extension 25 is a duct 26 communicating with a pipe 27 for directing liquid from the outlets 25a on to a filter tray 7 for return to the tank 6. A baffle 28 secured to the spindle 10 within the drum 8 ensures the required flow path. A filter extending over another container may be arranged beneath the drum so that the contents of the drum can be emptied into it and the liquid collected in the container, whence it is returned by the pumping system, or another pumping system, to the tank.