US 6,367,959 B1 · Method and apparatus for blending water with sand

Abstract

A water blending apparatus for use in conditioning foundry sand. The apparatus creates a vertical sand stream flow path which increases the surface area of the sand stream and allows water to be applied to both sides of the sand stream rather than a single side, as known with conventional water mixing apparatus. In addition, the blending apparatus includes a housing inside which a pair of mixers thoroughly mix the wetted sand. Because the mixers are not positioned in-line with the main sand processing flow, as in conventional apparatus, the mixing time is not dependent upon the speed of the conveyor, and therefore mixing time may be increased. Furthermore, the agitators positioned inside the housing have a more efficient active area since a smaller clearance space is required than with over-the-conveyor style mixing devices, which must avoid contact with the conveyor belt. As a result, the sand may be cooled more quickly due to increased initial water coverage. Furthermore, the sand is cooled to a more uniform temperature since the blending apparatus more thoroughly mixes the sand and water, creating a more uniform moisture content in the sand. Still further, a post-cooling blending device may be used to introduce additional water to the sand stream, thereby activating bentonite or other materials added to the sand, which may require a higher moisture content.

Claims20

Dependent claims

Apparatus for mixing water and sand, the apparatus comprising:

a source of sand;
a conveyor having a loading end adapted to receive sand from the source and a discharge end, the discharge end dispensing the sand in a vertical flow path;
opposed first and second nozzle sets adapted for attachment to a water source, each nozzle set comprising at least one nozzle directed at the vertical flow path for spraying water toward the vertical flow path to create a wetted sand stream;
a receptacle having an inlet positioned below the conveyor discharge end and the first and second nozzle sets for receiving the wetted sand stream, the receptacle further having an outlet;
and
a first mixer having a rotatable shaft extending at least partially into the receptacle, and an agitator attached to and rotating with the shaft inside the receptacle thereby to mix the wetted sand stream, wherein the rotatable shaft and the agitator of the first mixer are positioned below the receptacle outlet and the first mixer advances the wetted sand stream out the receptacle outlet.

3 more elements

Apparatus for mixing water and sand, the apparatus comprising:

a source of sand;
a conveyor having a loading end adapted to receive sand from the source and a discharge end, the discharge end dispensing the sand in a vertical flow path;
opposed first and second nozzle sets adapted for attachment to a water source, each nozzle set comprising at least one nozzle directed at the vertical flow path for spraying water toward the vertical flow path to create a wetted sand stream;
a receptacle having an inlet positioned below the conveyor discharge end and the first and second nozzle sets for receiving the wetted sand stream, the receptacle further having an outlet;
a first mixer having a rotatable shaft extending at least partially into the receptacle, and an agitator attached to and rotating with the shaft inside the receptacle thereby to mix the wetted sand stream, wherein the rotatable shaft and the agitator of the first mixer are positioned below the receptacle outlet;
a second mixer having a rotatable shaft extending at least partially into the receptacle, and an agitator attached to and rotating with the shaft inside the receptacle thereby to mix the wetted sand stream, wherein the rotatable shaft and the agitator of the second mixer are positioned below the receptacle outlet, and the first and second mixers advance the wetted sand stream out the receptacle outlet;
and
a motor for driving the shafts of the first and second mixers in opposite directions.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for blending water with sand

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for blending water with sand

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20