초록 ▼

This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming an aggregate product from particulate material, and in particular for making an aggregate coal product from coal particles. The method involves the steps of 1) loading the coal particles into a mold having an open end and an inner surf

This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming an aggregate product from particulate material, and in particular for making an aggregate coal product from coal particles. The method involves the steps of 1) loading the coal particles into a mold having an open end and an inner surface defining, in part, a pressurization chamber, the open end of the mold having an outwardly flaring inner peripheral end surface, 2) pressurizing the coal particles within the pressurization chamber such that the coal particles aggregate to form the coal log, and 3) pushing the coal log out of the mold past the flared end surface so that the coal log expands as it passes the end surface. The method may also include the step of maintaining back pressure on the coal log as it is pushed out of the mold. In addition to coal logs, the mold configuration of this invention may be used for making other aggregate products from particulate materials.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mold for use in making an aggregate product from particulate material, said mold having open ends, an inner surface between said open ends defining, in part, a pressurization chamber for receiving said particulate material so that it may be pressurized to form the aggre

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mold for use in making an aggregate product from particulate material, said mold having open ends, an inner surface between said open ends defining, in part, a pressurization chamber for receiving said particulate material so that it may be pressurized to form the aggregate product, said chamber having a central longitudinal axis, said inner surface of the mold being substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis, one of the open ends of the mold having a flared inner peripheral end surface flaring outwardly away from the pressurization chamber and the central longitudinal axis thereof for allowing expansion of said aggregate product as it is pushed out of said one end of the mold past said flared end surface.