Distribution apparatus

A distribution apparatus for evenly and uniformly distributing discrete particles of lignocellulosic material over the inlet area of an electrostatic orientation cell as they are allowed to fall through the distribution apparatus by gravity, comprising:

• an electrostatic orientation cell having an inlet area;
• a plurality of chambers of greater width than length relative to the direction of in-flow of the discrete particles, each chamber having a material inlet area and a material discharge area and positioned with its discharge area over the inlet area of the electrostatic orientation cell;
• means for delivering substantially equal portions of a flow of lignocellulosic particles to each of the chambers and across the width dimension of each of the chambers;
• and
• a plurality of squirrel-cage distribution rolls mounted for rotation within each of the respective chambers with their longitudinal axes parallel to the width dimension of the chambers and extending the width of the chamber, each squirrel-cage distribution roll evenly distributing the discrete particles falling therethrough by gravity over the discharge area of that respective chamber.

A method of uniformly distributing particles of lignocellulosic material delivered to a distribution apparatus as a mat of discrete particles for distribution by gravity flow of the particles through the distribution apparatus to the inlet area of an electrostatic orientation cell, comprising:

• breaking up a mat of discrete lignocellulosic particles,
• allowing the particles to flow between a pair of spaced-apart, contrarotating rolls rotating in a direction opposite to the direction of flow of the discrete particles therethrough, a first portion passing between the spaced-apart, contrarotating rolls, and second and third portions deflected from the first portion by the contrarotating rolls into second and third portions which pass through the respective contrarotating rolls;
• allowing the three portions to pass into respective distribution chambers positioned beneath the contrarotating, squirrel-cage rolls, each of the distribution chambers including therein a squirrel-cage distribution roll;
• and
• evenly distributing the flow of particles passing through the respective distribution chambers with the respective squirrel-cage distribution rolls over the discharge area of the respective chamber.