Method and apparatus for triboelectric-centrifugal separation
AssigneeUniversity of Kentucky Research Foundation
InventorsJohn M. Stencel, John L. Schaefer, Heng Ban, Dennis Finseth
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Abstract
A method for separating two species of particles present in raw feedstock includes electrically charging at least one of the species of particles being separated. Next is the subjecting of the particles to both centrifugal and electrostatic forces. This is done in a manner so as to provide an additive effect and thereby achieve enhanced separation of the two particle species. An apparatus for processing the raw feedstock in accordance with the method is also disclosed.
Claims8
A method for separating two species of particles present in a raw feedstock, comprising:
- electrically charging at least one of said two species of particles being separated;
- and
- subjecting said two species of particles to both centrifugal and electrostatic forces by circulating said two species of particles to be separated along a spiral path at a velocity of between substantially 10-300 feet/second for purposes of achieving separation by means of centrifugal force and slowing the velocity of said particles to between substantially 1-25 feet/second for purposes of achieving separation by means of electrostatic force so as to provide an additive effect and achieve enhanced separation of said two species of particles.
A triboelectro-centrifugal separator for separating two species of particles present in a raw feedstock, comprising:
- a triboelectric section including a defined flow path for said two species of particles, a triboelectric element constructed from a material selected from a group consisting of metal, ceramic, plastic and mixtures thereof for electrically charging at least one of said two species of particles being separated, an inlet for directing the raw feedstock along the flow path and into direct physical contact with said triboelectric element and an outlet for discharging the electrically charged feedstock;
- a separation section including a chamber for said two species of particles, said chamber being in fluid communication with said outlet of said triboelectric section and including a first electrode adjacent an axial centerline of said chamber, a second electrode of opposite polarity defining an outermost periphery of said chamber, a first outlet for discharging a first of said two species of particles to be separated drawn by combined, cooperating centrifugal and electrostatic forces toward said axial centerline and a second outlet for discharging a second of said two species of particles drawn by combined, cooperating centrifugal and electrostatic forces toward said second electrode;
- and
- a variable voltage source for applying electrical potential to said first and second electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.