US3889890A

US3889890A - Refiner disc

Info

Publication number: US3889890A
Application number: US435233A
Authority: US
Inventors: Anton J Horstman
Original assignee: Bauer Brothers Co
Current assignee: Sprout Bauer Inc; Bauer Brothers Co
Priority date: 1974-01-21
Filing date: 1974-01-21
Publication date: 1975-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 1992-06-17
Also published as: CA1023587A

Abstract

A feed end disc for a double rotating disc refiner characterized by means which dictate that the materials fed to the refiner will pass to the eye of the refiner in a free moving flow, without building on the disc spokes and without by-pass of the refiner discs. The said means are constituted by lug-like devices which project from the infeed face of the disc to the refiner inlet. As the feed end disc is rotated, each lug-like device employed produces a turbulence and a directional influence on the flow of the material to be refined which draws the material to and through the disc feed passages to the eye of the refiner.

Description

United States Patent 1 Horstman REFINER DISC [75] Inventor: Anton J. Horstman, Springfield,

Ohio

[73] Assignee: The Bauer Bros. Co., Springfield,

Ohio

[22] Filed: Jan. 21, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 435,233

[ June 17, 1975 2,937,815 5/1960 Elrich 241/245 X 3,207,450 9/1965 Horstman 241/251 Primary ExaminerGranvi11e Y. Custer, Jr. Assistant Examiner-Howard N. Goldberg Attorney, Agent, or Firm.lerome P. Bloom [57] ABSTRACT A feed end disc for a double rotating disc refiner characterized by means which dictate that the materials fed to the refiner will pass to the eye of the refiner in a free moving flow, without building on the disc spokes and without by-pass of the refiner discs. The said means are constituted by lug-like devices which project from the infeed face of the disc to the refiner inlet. As the feed end disc is rotated, each lug-like device employed produces a turbulence and a directional influence on the flow of the material to be refined which draws the material to and through the disc feed passages to the eye of the refiner.

17 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures REFINER DISC BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to improvements in double revolving disc refiners, and more particularly to improvements in their feed end discs which render such refiners more economical to operate and more efficient and satisfactory in use, even on high consistency feeds. The use of this invention results in a significant and unexpected reduction in the normal incidence of wear in refiner components and associated feed structure.

Double revolving disc refiners have proven to be an important tool in pulp refining. They are particularly advantageous for use in the production of higher quality fiber products. However, as in the application of any tool, demands are frequently made which produce problems in their use. In recent years, with shortages of raw materials, energy problems, and a continuing need for more economical and efficient high quality pulp producing operations, the double revolving disc refiner has been asked to more efficiently act on materials which are fed to the eye of the refiner at ever higher consistencies. One objective has been to reduce the number of refining passes heretofore required in the refining procedures. In the process certain feed and bypass problems have evidenced themselves, particularly in the course of their operation on materials of a sticky or adherent character. It has been found in instances of high consistency refining of such materials that they tend to adhere and build up on the spokes on the infeed face of the feed end disc. The consequence of this is an increased load which may cause an imbalance of the refiner and inefficient use of power in the refining procedure. In some cases this development has caused shives to by-pass the feed end disc, and a resultant reduction in the quality of the end product. While not necessarily objectionable for certain end products, the need for more efficient operation and better quality end products has resulted in considerable effort to eliminate such problems. Failing a proper solution, these efforts have become increasingly urgent with increasing evidence of raw material and energy shortage.

The present invention not only provides a solution to the noted problems but its application renders all double revolving disc refiners more efficient and satisfactory in use and adaptable to a wider variety of applica tions, irrespective of feed consistency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a feed end disc for use in double revolving disc refiners characterized by means which, in operation thereof, unexpectedly function to inhibit buildup of material on the infeed face of the disc. Such means operate to produce an inherent turbulence which influences the materials fed to the refiner to pass freely to and through the feed passages of the feed end disc, without buildup of the material on the disc spokes or bypass of the material to the outlet of the refiner. The means by which this highly desirable influence has been effected include lug-like devices applied to the infeed faces of the spokes of the feed end disc. These devices may be separably attached to or formed integral with the feed end disc and are so located that at least portions thereof lie within the radial limits of the inlets of the disc feed passages. While the reasons are not fully understood, the results of the application of the lug-like devices have been totally unexpected, as to the degree of their effectiveness in overcoming the above noted problems evidenced in the prior art. Even more than this, the invention has generally improved the overall operating characteristics and function of double revolving disc refiners. Feed operations have been substantially improved and there has been a substantial reduction of equipment wear and improved energy utilization with use of the invention concept, even where applied to very high consistency refining procedures. Moreover, the application of the invention appears to have obviated the need for additional conventional control elements heretofore deemed necessary to limit by-pass of the feed end disc by incoming raw materials which are delivered to the disc refiner.

It has been found that a consequence of the invention is that a single pass of raw material through a double revolving disc refiner will result in a fiber product which is noticeably free of shives. The invention enables better and more uniform feed, a higher capacity for a given double revolving disc refiner, a reduction of refining passes required forachieving a desired end product, and a reduction of equipment wear with a facilitation of the production of high quality end products.

A primary object of the invention is to provide improvements in feed end discs for double revolving disc refiners which are economical to apply and which render such refiners more efficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and unlikely to malfunction.

A further object of the invention is to provide a feed end disc for use in a double revolving disc refiner which improves the refiner capacity while improving its power utilization.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved feed end disc for use in a double revolving disc refiner the operation of which inhibits buildup of incoming material on its infeed face and influences such material to pass through the disc feed passages to the eye of the refiner without by-pass of the refining discs by the incoming material.

A further object of the invention is to provide means in association with a feed end disc in a double revolving disc refiner which enables a better and more uniform feed to the refiner, a higher capacity for a given refiner, a reduction of the refining required to produce a quality product and a reduction of equipment wear in the process.

An additional object of the invention is to provide structure of the character here described possessing the advantageous features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the means and mode of operation herein set forth.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawing wherein is shown one but obviously not necessarily the only forms of embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a portion of a double revolving disc refiner illustrating an embodiment of the present invention, portions of the refiner being shown in generally diagrammatic form;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the feed end disc and portions of the refiner structure embodied in the showing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view which particularly illustrates the infeed face of a feed end disc in accordance with the invention, the view being taken generally on line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view taken on line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 4 wherein the lug-like devices applied to the spokes of the feed end disc are formed in a somewhat different manner;

FIG. 6 illustrates a further modification of the luglike devices which may be applied to a feed end disc in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 77 of the FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a further modification of the luglike devices which may be applied to the spokes of a feed end disc in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows yet another modification of a lug-like device and manner of its embodiment in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a view taken on line ll--l1 of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show yet further means whereby one might embody the invention concept; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a feed end disc wherein lug-like devices in accordance with the invention form part of a replaceable ring structure applied to the infeed face of the disc.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

It is to be noted that only so much of a double revolving disc refiner is here illustrated and described as may be necessary for the understanding of the present invention.

As illustrated the double revolving disc refiner conventionally includes a pair of refiner discs, including a feed end disc 10 and a closed disc 12. The

discs

10 and 12 respectively mount in a fixed relation to their

respective drive shafts

14 and 16 which position the disc operating faces in an adjacent, directly opposed, closely spaced relation. The outer peripheral portion of each of the disc operating faces mounts a circularly arranged series of relatively projected refining plates 18.

In the embodiment illustrated, immediately within the inner limit of its refiner plates 18, the operating face of the feed end disc 10 has a configuration which forms a conical projection 20 about the end 21 of the drive shaft 14 to which the disc mounts. The truncated apex of the projection 20 has a stepped recess accommodating a capped nut 22 which is threadedly engaged to the end 21 of the shaft 14. The nut 22 secures the inner peripheral edge of the disc 10 in a fixed abutment to one end of a sleeve 24 which is fixed, in turn, to the drive shaft 14.

Immediately within its refiner plates 18, the operating face of the closed disc 12 is recessed to fixedly seat therein a conically dished distributor plate 26, the conically dished surface 28 of which has a configuration complementary to the outer surface 30 of the conical projection 20 on the feed end disc 10. The

surfaces

28 and 30 lie in closely adjacent, relatively parallel spaced relation to define a space 32 forming the eye of the refiner. Feed passages 34 formed in the feed end disc l0 are arranged to diverge from their entrance ends which open immediately about the drive shaft 14 to their exit ends which open from the conical surface 30 to the space 32, immediately inward of the refiner plates 18.

The formation and shape of the feed passages 34 create radially directed spokes 36 in the inner portion of the disc 10, the radial limits of which spokes are determined by the radial limits of the feed passages.

About the drive shaft 14, the infeed face 38 of the disc 10 is provided with an annular recess 40. The outer radial limit of the recess 40 is spaced outward of the outer radial limit of the entrance ends of the feed passages 34 and the inner radial limit of this recess lies on a circle immediately adjacent and rimming the inner radial limit of the feed passages 34. Seated in and fixed to the infeed face of the disc 10, in the recess 40, is the base flange of a channeling ring 42. The ring 42 rims the outer peripheral limits of the feed passages 34.

In accordance with the present invention, each of the spokes 36 mounts a lug-like device 44 which is fixed to or formed integrally therewith at a location adjacent its inner radial limit. As seen in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, the lug devices 44 are radially oriented and triangular in cross section in a sense transverse to their radial direction. At its base, which merges in each case with the infeed face of a spoke 36, the lateral sides 46 of each lug-like projection are spread but they are located to be uniformly spaced inwardly of the lateral edges of the infeed face of the spoke of which it forms an integral part. The sides 46 converge in a sense outwardly of the disc 10 to join on an apex line which is centered within the lateral limits of the related spoke. The outer radial limits of the lug-like devices are spaced inwardly of the outer radial limits of the spokes 36 to enable an accommodation of the discharge end of a plug wiper 62 as the disc 10 is rotated through the medium of its drive shaft 14. It will be noted in this instance, from FIG. 2 of the drawings, that the lugs 44 project outwardly of the disc 10 beyond the projected limit of the channeling ring 42.

Referring to FIG. 1, the

discs

10 and 12 are housed in a refiner case 60. One side 11 of the refiner case, to the rear of the disc 10, includes an inlet opening 50 accommodating an annular projection 52 forming an extension of the discharge end of a vertically inclined feed chute 54. The projection 52 lies within and abuts a tubular projection rimming the opening 50 in the side wall 11. The inner wall surface of projection 52 is in an axial alignment with the inner wall surface of ring 42 and their adjacent ends are closely spaced and substantially bridged by a ring unit 55 fixed in an abutted relation to the projected end of the projection 52. As provided, the feed chute 54 forms a feed passage 56 which, in effect, is continued by its projection 52, the ring unit 55 and the channeling ring 42, the latter of which peripherally rims the feed passages 34 and rotates with the disc 10 in the operation of the refiner.

The wall of chute 54 has an opening, adjacent its lower end, accommodating a bearing seal through which projects the drive shaft 14 of the disc 10 and the sleeve 24 which is fixed about the shaft. The side 13 of the refiner case 60 which is directly opposite the side 1 1 similarly has an opening accommodating means providing a bearing for and a seal about the drive shaft 16, which projects therethrough. At its lowermost wall portion the feed chute 54 also mounts and has projected therethrough the plug wiper 62. As noted previously, the discharge end of the plug wiper projects through opening 50 to have its discharge end lie immediately within the inner wall of channeling member 42 whereby to provide for its discharge through each of the feed passages 34 as the disc rotates.

it will be seen, therefore, that any material fed through the feed passage 56 will discharge at its lower end about the shaft 14 and the sleeve 24 which mounts thereon to move to and through the inlet opening 50 and, by way of the channel defined by the inner surfaces of the projection 52, the ring unit 55 and the channeling member 42, to and through the feed passages 34. The entrance ends of the latter will be in continuous alignment with the inlet opening 50 as the disc 10 rotates.

The unique key to the invention is use of the lug-like devices 44 and particularly their location and function.

It has been found that on infeed of raw material through the chute 54 at a high consistency in the range of 25 to percent solids and drive of the

discs

10 and 12, one relative the other, the lug-like devices 44, which project inwardly to the inlet opening 50 and within the boundary of the discharge opening from the feed chute defined by the projection 52, create a turbulence and a flow controlled movement of the delivered material which enhances its fluidity and produces a channeled flow thereof to and through the feed passages 34 to the space 32. From this space the material is flung outwardly to pass between and be refined by the plates 18. One effect of the movement of the luglike devices 44 is an unexpected insuction influence which induces the material to move directly to and through the feed passages in the disc 10.

An important consequence of the use of the lug-like devices 44 is that the material will move in a fuller and faster flow to and from the eye of the refiner. The net result is a substantially complete elimination of material buildup on the infeed face of the disc 10 and in particular an absence of buildup on the spokes 36. A side effect of the controlled flow as enabled by the addition of the simple structure of the invention is the absence of the raw material tending to by-pass the refiner disc 10 and moving outwardly between the disc 10 and the adjacent side 11 of the refiner case by way of the limited but necessary clearance between the ring unit 55 and the adjacent end of the channeling ring 42. The precise reasons for the substantial improvements which result are not readily explainable but it has been proven a fact that the lug-like devices 44 do solve the problems of by-pass of raw material and the tendency in conventional double rotating disc refiners in many instances to have material buildup on the infeed face of the feed end disc and thereby create undue load on the motors which drive the shafts mounting the discs.

Accordingly, by placement of the lug-like devices 44 on the infeed face of the feed end disc of a double rotating disc refiner in accordance with the invention it has been found that one can insure a substantially shive free high quality pulp product, a product which may be achieved in a single pass between the refiner plates 18. It will of course be self-evident that the lugs 44 are required to be positioned in the path of material flow and within the radial limits of the spokes 36 which laterally bound the feed passages 34. The degree of projection of the lug-like devices 44 may vary depending upon the application but in tests to date it would appear that they should project at least to a location within the inlet opening 50 of the refiner case which is immediately adjacent the feed end disc.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, the lug-like devices 44 are shown to be formed integral with the disc 10 and to have outwardly convergent sides. FIG. 5 of the drawings shows a modification of the lug-like devices represented by cross section similar to that found in FIG. 4. In this case the projection is achieved by welding a section of angle iron to the infeed face of each spoke 36. The option as to whether to use angle iron rather than forming the lug 44 integral with a spoke will depend upon the economics of the situation. It has been proven that the same results are obtained as heretofore described.

FIGS. 6 through 13 show the same double revolving disc refiner structure as set forth in FIGS. 1 through 4 with the only changes being related to the configuration of the projections 44. In these drawings similar portions of the disc refiner before described are identified by like numerals and only the projections and the differences in structure are differently identified. It will be noted that in each case, to provide clearance for operation of the plug wiper 62, the invention lug-like devices which are provided in connection with the infeed faces of the spokes 36 are limited substantially to the inner halves of the length of the spokes.

In FIG. 6 of the drawings the lug-like devices, here identified by the numeral 64, are formed by projections from the infeed face of the spokes 36 which are laterally coextensive with the spokes and their end surfaces at their outermost radial limits have an arcuate form, the radius of which is substantially uniform. The only difference evidenced in the modification of FIGS. 8 and 9, as contrasted to the modification of FIGS. 6 and 7, is that the circularly following sides of the luglike projections, here identified by the numeral 74, are outwardly divergent. The latter is evidenced in FIG. 9 of the drawings.

In the case of the modification shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 the lug-like devices, here identified by the numeral 84, are made integral with a separable plate which may be applied to or separated from the infeed face of a spoke 36. The advantage of this is that in the case of damage or wear the lug-like devices may be readily replaced. In this last case it will be seen that the radially outermost end surface of the lug-like device 84 is sloped from its base to its apex to lie in a plane extending in a sense that it is inclined to the drive shaft 14.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show yet other forms of lug-like projections which have a triangular configuration in a sense radially of the spokes to which they mount. In each case they are positioned like the lug-like devices 44, adjacent the inner radial limit of the spokes 36.

In FIG. 12 it may be seen that the apex of the lug-like device, here identified as 94, is radially innermost of the related spoke. In FIG. 13 the apex defined by the lug-like device, here identified by the numeral 104, is radially outermost. Thus, differences lie in the modifications of FIGS. 12 and 13 in that their lateral sides are convergent. However, in either case the lug-like devices project substantially perpendicular to and are centered between the lateral edges of the spokes 36 to which they mount.

FIG. 14 of the drawings shows yet another modification of the refiner disc 10, here identified by the numeral 10'. In this case, instead of utilizing a channeling ring 42 of the type previously described, there is seated in the recess 40 provided at the infeed face of the disc 10' a modified channeling ring 42'. The latter is outwardly convergent and has its projected extremity extending to and through the inlet 50 of the refiner case, here identified by the numeral 60'. The projected extremity of the channeling ring 42' lies within the annular projection defining the discharge end of a feed chute 54' the construction of which is similar to that of the previously described feed chute 54. In this instance, a series of radial finger-like plates 105 are formed integral with and project inwardly from the inner periphery of the ring 42' to overlie the respective spokes 36'. Lug-like devices 114, of a nature similar to the

devices

44, 64, 74, 84, 94 and 104 are formed to project from the innermost limits of the plates 105, to the inlet 50. Parts 14', 24' and 62' correspond to

parts

14, 24 and 62 of the FIG. 1 embodiment.

Thus, in the modification of FIG. 14 of the drawings the lug-like devices are made part of a removable channeling ring which forms a passage for directing material from the feed chute 54' to the feed passages 34 in the disc 10'.

No particular discussion has been had of the details of the refiner case 60' or its associated structure shown in FIG. 14 since in and of themselves such details form no particular part of the present invention.

An essence of the invention, in its preferred embodiments, is the incorporation of the lug-like devices on the inner end portions of the spokes of the feed end disc to lie immediately about the drive shaft 14 or 14' and to project directly into the material fed to the feed end disc through the immediately adjacent inlet opening in the refiner case.

In each instance and in the case of each modification, unique and unexpected results obtain. Such results, as described, include inhibition of by-pass of raw material and an insuction effecting a control of the material fed to insure its rapid and fluid movement directly to and through the feed passages of the feed end disc to the refiner eye. Concentration and buildup of material on the infeed face of the feed end disc, as has been prevalent in many instances in the prior art, has been eliminated. Also, in prior double disc refiner installations of the nature described there have in many instances been severe wear on the barrel of the feed chute. A further effect of the invention is the elimination of this wear. It is believed that this results from the fluidity of movement of the raw material as enabled by the addition of the lug-like devices of the invention. As is self-evident, load on a refiner of the nature described is minimized, resulting in a significant savings in power.

Experience has shown that the invention results in a high throughput, even with high consistency feed, without blow-back or violent changes in load. Available power utilization has been increased by as high as 33 percent. It has been possible to increase the production capacity of a double revolving disc refiner by reason of the invention, as much as 50 percent while operating on material having a 25 percent consistency or higher.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A feed end refining disc for use in a disc refiner comprising a plate-like body having an infeed face, an operating face, and at least one feed passage having an exit end at said operating face and an entrance end opening from said infeed face, characterized by means providing an irregular surface contour on said infeed face at least a portion of which is projected from said infeed face and arranged thereon adjacent and generally clear of said entrance end of said feed passage to inhibit material fed to said infeed face for movement through said feed passage from building up on said infeed face.

2. A feed end disc as in claim 1 wherein said means providing said irregular surface contour on said infeed face includes a lug-like projection at least a portion of which lies to one side of said feed passage.

3. A feed end disc as in claim 2 wherein said lug-like projection is defined by means positioned adjacent the center of said body.

4. A feed end refining disc as in claim 1 characterized by a plurality of said feed passages and said means providing an irregular surface contour on said infeed face including a plurality of lug-like projections which are incorporated to project from said infeed face adjacent to and about the center of said body.

5. A double revolving disc refiner including said feed end disc as in claim 1, a second refining disc positioned in adjacent, opposed, closely spaced relation to said feed end disc to form therebetween a space for receiving material fed through said feed passage and directing such material between the refining faces of said discs, a refiner case housing said discs, said case having means defining an inlet opening for passing material to the infeed face of said disc and said projected portion extending from said infeed face of said body to the location of said inlet to lie directly in the path of materials fed to said feed passage in the course of rotation of said feed end disc.

6. A feed end refining disc for use in a disc refiner comprising a plate-like body having an infeed face, an operating face, and a plurality of feed passages opening at one end from said operating face and at the opposite end from said infeed face, lateral sides of said passages being defined by spoke-like formations in said body, and means providing an irregular surface contour on said infeed face including lug-like devices projecting from said spoke-like formations to move in the path of material fed to said feed passages on rotation of said plate-like body to influence such material to be channelled to and through said feed passages and to inhibit a build-up of such material on said infeed face.

7. A feed end disc for use in a disc refiner comprising a plate-like body having an infeed face, an operating face, and a plurality of feed passages opening at one end from said operating face and at the opposite end from said infeed face, the lateral extremities of said passages being defined by a plurality of spokes formed in said body adjacent its center, said spokes having a generally radial orientation and a limited radial extent, and means defining an irregular surface contour on said infeed face including means defining projections from said infeed face within the radial limits of said spokes.

8. A feed end disc as in claim 7 wherein said projections are constituted by lug-like formations which are positioned to project from the radially innermost portions of said spokes.

9. A feed end disc as in claim 8 characterized by the lateral sides of said projections having a non-parallel relation and intersecting at one radial limit thereof.

10. A feed end disc as in claim 7 wherein said projections have a radial extent less than that of the spokes from which they project.

11. A feed end disc as in claim 10 wherein said projections are laterally centered on said spokes.

12. A feed end disc as in claim 10 wherein said projections are characterized by generally radially oriented sides which converge in a sense outwardly from the infeed face of said body.

13. A feed end disc as in claim 10 characterized by said projections having generally radially oriented sides which are generally parallel and the lateral extent of said projections is substantially equal to that of the spokes from which they project.

14. A feed end disc as in claim 13 characterized by the generally radially oriented sides of said projections being sloped to slightly overlap adjacent lateral extremities of feed passages.

15. A feed end disc as in claim 7 characterized by said projections forming at least part of a separable structure which is releasably connected to the infeed face of said plate-like body.

16. A feed end disc as in claim 15 wherein said releasable structure embodies a channeling ring arranged to rim said feed passages and to function to direct material for movement through said feed passages.

17. A double revolving disc refiner including a feed end refining disc, comprising a plate-like body having an infeed face, an operating face and a plurality of feed passages opening at one end from said operating face and at the opposite end from said infeed face, a second refining disc positioned in adjacent, opposed, closely spaced relation to the operating face of said feed end disc to form therewith a space for receiving material fed through said feed passages and directing such material between refining faces of the discs, a refiner case housing said discs, said case having means defining an opening providing an inlet for passing material to the infeed face of said feed end disc, the lateral extremities of said feed passages being defined by spokes formed in said body of said feed end disc, each of which spokes includes means forming a projection from said infeed face of said body, a feed chute in connection with said refiner case the discharge end of which rims said inlet, further means in connection with the infeed face of said plate-like body extending to said inlet to form a continuation of the passage defined by said feed chute and to peripherally rim said feed passages at said infeed face whereby to confine and direct material fed through said feed chute to move to the infeed face of said feed end disc and said feed passages, and said projections from said spokes being directed toward said inlet and into the material fed to said infeed face of said plate-like body as the material is advanced for movement to and through said feed passages, to produce a controlled movement of said material obviating by-pass of said plate-like body by said material, influencing the channelling thereof directly through said feed passages and inhibiting the build-up of said material on said spokes. 1:

Claims

17. A double revolving disc refiner including a feed end refining disc, comprising a plate-like body having an infeed face, an operating face and a plurality of feed passages opening at one end from said operating face and at the opposite end from said infeed face, a second refining disc positioned in adjacent, opposed, closely spaced relation to the operating face of said feed end disc to form therewith a space for receiving material fed through said feed passages and directing such material between refining faces of the discs, a refiner case housing said discs, said case having means defining an opening providing an inlet for passing material to the infeed face of said feed end disc, the lateral extremities of said feed passages being defined by spokes formed in said body of said feed end disc, each of which spokes includes means forming a projection from said infeed face of said body, a feed chute in connection with said refiner case the discharge end of which rims said inlet, further means in connection with the infeed face of said plate-like body extending to said inlet to form a continuation of the passage defined by said feed chute and to peripherally rim said feed passages at said infeed face whereby to confine and direct material fed through said feed chute to move to the infeed face of said feed end disc and said feed passages, and said projections from said spokes being directed toward said inlet and into the material fed to said infeed face of said plate-like body as the material is advanced for movement to and through said feed passages, to produce a controlled movement of said material obviating by-pass of said plate-like body by said material, influencing the channelling thereof directly through said feed passages and inhibiting the build-up of said material on said spokes.