Method for forming expanded cellular volcanic ash
AssigneeUnited States Vacuumite Corporation
InventorHarold L. Phillips
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for expanding particulate volcanic ash to produce an expanded substantially monocellular product having a loose bulk density of about 0.5 to about 15 pounds per cubic foot. The apparatus includes an enclosed vessel containing a zone heated to about 930.degree. C. to about 1100.degree. C. by a substantially horizontally projecting flame. The flame may be deviated from horizontal to control the residence time of the ash particles in the heated zone. The pressure in the vessel is maintained at least 10 millimeters of mercury less than atmospheric.
Claims3
The method of forming expanded hollow substantially spherical bodies of volcanic ash comprising the steps of
- (a) dropping particulate bodies of volcanic ash through a substantially horizontally extending flame to thereby momentarily heat said particulate bodies to a temperature between about 930.degree. C. and about 1100.degree. C.;
- (b) thereafter immediately cooling said particulate bodies to a temperature below about 900.degree. C.;
- and
- (c) maintaining the environment surrounding said particulate bodies during said heating and cooling at a pressure less than atmospheric.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.