Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus (10) for separating a mixture of materials having different sizes and densities is described. The apparatus includes a trough (12), a dispersing and conveying screw (40) and fluid distribution manifolds (26 and 28). The screw has a dispersing portion (50) with paddles (52) which disperse the mixture and a conveying portion (46) with flights (48) which move the first and second materials (152 and 154) up the trough. The fluid distribution manifolds supply both water and air to the trough through fluid orifices (30 and 32). A spray bar (56) is located adjacent the conveying portion of the screw. The mixture is fed into the trough over the fluid orifices and the dispersing portion of the screw. The mixture is dispersed and forms an aqueous suspension (158) with the water. The first and second materials settle out of the aqueous suspension and are conveyed up the trough. The third material (156) remains suspended in the aqueous suspension and flows over the overflow weir (20) and out the lower discharge spout (24). The second material is washed out of the first material by the spray bar and flows back down the trough to be discharged with the third material.

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First Claim