Devices for and methods of forming segregated layers from mixtures of granular materials
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsPaul B. Umbanhowar, Richard M. Lueptow, Yi Fan
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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.
Claims16
A method of reducing segregation of mixtures of granular dissimilar material components having different physical properties, comprising:
- flowing a mixture of granular dissimilar material components through an inlet;
- depositing the granular dissimilar material components on a collection base wherein the inlet is spaced a distance above the collection base;
- and
- varying an angle of a free surface of collected deposited flow from the inlet to the collection base periodically so as to provide controlled layering of the granular dissimilar material components, wherein varying the angle of the free surface of the collected deposited flow from the inlet to the collection base comprises varying a static angle of repose of the granular dissimilar material components periodically, comprising:
- forming a first pile of the granular dissimilar material components at the collection base absence of vibration;
- applying vibration to the first pile of the granular dissimilar material components;
- and
- halting the vibration while forming a second pile of granular dissimilar material components on top of the first pile.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.