Separation Apparatus

A method of separating of a moist particle-stream into at least a first fraction with particles of a first group of dimensions, and a second fraction with particles of a second group of dimensions, wherein the particles in the first group generally are of a smaller diameter than the particles of the second group, the method comprising:

• providing a moist particle stream in a substantially vertical free-flow;
• striking the moist particle stream with a substantially vertically oriented plate to impart a sudden change in the particle stream from a substantially vertical to a substantially horizontal flow, thereby separating a first quantity of the first fraction of particles from a first remainder comprising the second fraction of particles and particles of the first fraction of particles bound the second fraction of particles;
• colliding the first remainder off a collision plate distant from the vertically oriented plate, the collision plate being downwardly inclined in a direction pointing away from the vertically oriented plate thereby separating a second quantity of the first fraction of particles from a second remainder comprising the second fraction of particles and particles of the first fraction of particles bound the second fraction of particles, the collision plate extending at least in part above a receiving area for the second remainder;
• accelerating the second remainder of particles received in said receiving area to a speed of at least 2 m/s on an upward inclined conveyer;
• and
• discharging the particles at a conveyor outlet, thereby separating a third quantity of the first fraction of particles from a third remainder comprising substantially only the second fraction of particles.