Abstract Described is a filter assembly, particularly adapted for use in a system for the removal of coal dust particles from air in a mine. In one embodiment of the invention, dust-laden air is passed through a filter assembly containing a filter bed comprised of slag particles, preferably blast furnace slag, that is continuously washed by means of a water spray. The water and dust particles washed from the filter bed form a slurry which flows from the filter bed onto a conveyor where it is conveyed out of the mine. The dust-laden air, after it passes through the filter bed, passes back into the atmosphere as filtered air substantially free of dust particles. In another embodiment of the invention, the dust-laden air is passed through a liquid bath, preferably a continuously circulating stream of water, whereby the coal dust will become trapped within the water while clean air bubbles upwardly out of the water and to a clean air duct.
A filter assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said filter bed is comprised of a plurality of expanded particles of blast furnace slag which consists of many nonconnecting cells surrounded by thin walls, thereby providing a large surface area for more effective filtering action.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
A filter assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said container has a plurality of spaced-apart curved peripheral baffle means integral with the sidewalls thereof which extend radially therefrom, said filter bed is comprised of a plurality of particles of expanded blast furnace slag and said dust-laden air introduced into said container passes through said blast furnace slag and exits through said apertures as filtered air and said filtered air passes through said plurality of baffle means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
A filter assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said filter assembly further includes additional baffle means surrounding said peripheral baffle means and each of said additional baffle means being radially spaced from said peripheral baffle means, said additional baffle means being radially spaced from each other and each of them comprising a plurality of spaced-apart curved plates extending upwardly and parallel to the sidewalls of said container from a disclike member rotatably mounted on said container.