Devices for and methods of forming segregated layers from mixtures of granular materials
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsPaul B. Umbanhowar, Richard M. Lueptow, Yi Fan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Layering of initially mixed granular dissimilar material components deposited by surface flow is realized by varying the relative angle of the flowing layer periodically with respect to the bulk of the pile formed. Layer thickness and extent can be controlled by varying the timing and extent of the surface variations. Variation in surface flow rates may be realized by varying the feed rate from an inlet to a collection base at a fixed feed location, varying the feed location relative to the collection base, tilting the collection base that is supporting the material, and reducing the pile repose angle using vibration or fluid flow through the base.
Claims12
A device for reducing segregation of mixtures of granular dissimilar material components having different physical properties, comprising:
- an inlet that provides flow of the granular dissimilar material components;
- a collection base, wherein the inlet is spaced a distance above the collection base;
- wherein the collection base is configured to allow blowing or sucking an interstitial fluid thorough the bed of collected deposited flow;
- and
- wherein orientations of the inlet and the collection base are configured to be adjusted relative to one another to vary an angle of a free surface of collected flow from the inlet to the collection base so as to provide controlled layering of the dissimilar material components.
A device for reducing segregation of mixtures of granular dissimilar material components having different physical properties, comprising:
- an inlet that provides flow of the granular dissimilar material components;
- and
- a collection base,
- wherein the collection base is configured to vibrate, and
- wherein orientations of the inlet and the collection base are configured to be adjusted relative to one another to vary an angle of a free surface of collected flow from the inlet to the collection base so as to provide controlled layering of the dissimilar material components.
A device for reducing segregation of mixtures of granular dissimilar material components having different physical properties, comprising:
- an inlet that provides flow of the granular dissimilar material components;
- and
- a collection base comprising a container,
- wherein the container comprises groves in the side wall of the container such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the collection base varies in the vertical direction periodically, and
- wherein orientations of the inlet and the collection base are configured to be adjusted relative to one another to vary an angle of a free surface of collected flow from the inlet to the collection base so as to provide controlled layering of the dissimilar material components.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.