Waste Aggregate Mass Density Separator

Abstract

Abstract Apparatus and method are disclosed for separating and recovering the solid particle components of a waste aggregate using screening and air separation mechanisms. Such an aggregate could be log yard waste comprising soil, wood and mineral particles. The aggregate is first mechanically screened to produce a product of fine particles (the soil) and a plurality of sized streams, each comprised of similarly sized particles of different densities (the wood and mineral particles). The sized streams are then separately but simultaneously introduced into an air separation device which comprises an upstanding funnel-like member forming an upwardly converging passage through which air is flowing. The smallest sized stream of particles is fed into the passage at the lowest elevation, where a separation of light and heavier density particles occurs, light particles moving upwards with the air, heavier falling downwards. Medium and larger sized streams are fed at respectively higher elevations, where the air velocities are respectively higher, separation again occurring. The inlet point for each stream entering the converging passage is selected to match the air velocity at that point with the desired separation result: heavier density particles to drop, lighter density particles to rise. Two products are recovered from the funnel-like member, a high density product (the mineral particles) of varying particle size from the base of the passage and a low density product (the wood particles) of varying particle size from the top.

Inventors

• 👤 Bradley Keith Gemmer

Bibliographic Details