Slurry mixer outlet

An apparatus for mixing and depositing a gypsum slurry in a layer upon a moving web, comprising:

• mixing means for mixing the slurry, said means having an outlet;
• at least one conduit in fluid communication with said outlet for receiving slurry;
• an additive inlet in fluid communication with said conduit;
• conduit restrictor means associated with said conduit configured for creating backpressure between said conduit restrictor means and said outlet for keeping said mixer full;
• and
• pressure reducing means for reducing at least one of the pressure and the flow force of said slurry as said slurry is emitted from said at least one conduit.

A method for providing an evenly mixed additive enhanced gypsum slurry to a web, comprising:

• inserting calcined gypsum and water into a mixing chamber of a mixer through at least one inlet of the mixing chamber;
• agitating the contents of the mixing chamber to form an aqueous dispersion of the calcined gypsum;
• passing the agitated contents from an outlet of the mixer into a slurry dispensing apparatus including a conduit;
• introducing an additive into the mixture at a point along the conduit in the slurry dispensing apparatus and mixing the additive with the slurry;
• and
• maintaining a laminar flow in the slurry dispensing apparatus from a point of introduction of the additive to an outlet of the dispensing apparatus.

An apparatus configured for connection to a mixer having an outlet, and for depositing a gypsum slurry received from the mixer in a layer upon a moving web, comprising:

• at least one conduit in fluid communication with the outlet for receiving slurry;
• conduit restrictor means associated with said conduit configured for creating backpressure between said conduit restrictor means and said outlet for keeping said mixer full;
• and
• pressure reducing means for reducing at least one of the pressure and the flow force of said slurry as said slurry is emitted from said at least one conduit.