Apparatus and method for liquid separation of materials

An apparatus for separation of materials including raisins from a second group of materials comprising stems, cap stems, mold, waterberries, and other waste materials, said second group of materials being separable from said raisins, based upon their respective differences in specific gravities, comprising:

• a receptacle having a length and width and a receiving portion, said receptacle containing a homogeneous solution of predetermined density wherein said receptacle is filled with said solution to a predetermined level;
• manifold means in operative engagement with said receiving portion of said receptacle and located beneath said solution level for issuing a stream of solution toward said discharge portion of said receptacle and for varying the angle of inclination of said issuing stream of solution, said stream of solution issuing at a rate of flow which is substantially uniform throughout said width of said receptacle, and which impinges upon said materials further dispersing same and facilitating their separation into said first and second groups;
• suction means in fluid engagement with said receptacle and said manifold means, for removing said solution from said receptacle and distributing same to said manifold means;
• first conveyor means disposed in said discharge portion of said receptacle having a receiving portion and a discharge portion, said receiving portion of said first conveyor means being submerged in said solution at a point just below said solution level, for removing said second group of materials;
• adjustable plow means operably engaging said receiving portion of said first conveyor means for selectively removing said second group of materials by varying the inclination of said plow means while maintaining said first conveyor means at a point below said solution level;
• and
• second conveyor means disposed below said first conveyor means in said discharge portion of said receptacle for removal of said raisins;
• discharge collection means disposed beneath said first conveyor means for collection of said second group of materials from said first conveyor means;
• and
• recovery system means disposed beneath said second conveyor means for collection of said raisins, dewatering said raisins by removal of said solution from said raisins and separate collection of said dewatered raisins and said solution.

A method for a separation of raisins from a second group of materials comprising stems, cap stems, mold, waterberries, and other waste materials, said second group of materials being separable from said raisins, based upon their respective differences in specific gravities, wherein the method utilizes an apparatus having a receptacle containing a homogeneous solution, a rotatable manifold feed with a plurality of nozzles in fluid connection therewith, said rotatable manifold feed having means for varying the inclination of said issuing stream of solution, a first conveyor means for removing said second group of materials, adjustable plow means operatively engaging said first conveyor means for selectively removing said second group of materials by varying the inclination of said plow means, and second conveyor means disposed below said first conveyor means for removal of said raisins, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) dispersing said materials by thrusting same into said solution in said receptacle at a predetermined velocity whereupon they contact said solution and are thrust vertically into said solution, said solution having an effective specific gravity in the range between the specific gravity of said raisins and said second group of materials;
• (b) impinging an issuing stream of solution upon said materials, said issuing stream of solution issuing from said nozzles at a predetermined flow rate and at a predetermined angle of inclination;
• (c) removing said stems, cap stems, mold, waterberries, and other waste material from said receptacle by adjusting said plow means to an angle of inclination whereby said materials are carried up said first conveyor means and collected;
• and
• (d) removing said raisins from said receptacle by said second conveyor means.