초록 ▼

The present invention provide apparatus and method for removing agglomerates from a slurry comprising a transport fluid and particulate matter carried by the transport fluid. The present invention includes a fluid flow control unit and an agglomerate removal unit fluidly connected thereto. The fluid

The present invention provide apparatus and method for removing agglomerates from a slurry comprising a transport fluid and particulate matter carried by the transport fluid. The present invention includes a fluid flow control unit and an agglomerate removal unit fluidly connected thereto. The fluid flow control unit provides for a reduction in the flow velocity entering the agglomerate removal unit by increasing the output cross section relative to the input cross section and by providing a dewatering door that can be opened to varying degrees to allow variable outflow of transport fluid from the fluid flow control unit. The agglomerate removal unit has at least a first screen over which the slurry flows as it exits the fluid control unit. The screen includes a plurality of apertures appropriately sized to allow the transport fluid and the particulate matter to flow therethrough but not the agglomerates. The screen is a planar grid disposed at an angle to the horizontal and has a plurality of spaced apart elongate rods to allow the passage through of the transport fluid and the particles, but not the agglomerates which are moved downwardly along the rods by the flow of the transport fluid to the lowermost end thereof into a discharge chute and from there into an appropriate waste disposal collector.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] A method for removing agglomerates from a slurry comprising a transport fluid, particulates, and agglomerates formed from the particulates, wherein the slurry has a first velocity, said method comprising:passing the slurry through a flow control unit having a cross secti

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] A method for removing agglomerates from a slurry comprising a transport fluid, particulates, and agglomerates formed from the particulates, wherein the slurry has a first velocity, said method comprising:passing the slurry through a flow control unit having a cross section and having a slurry inlet and a slurry outlet, wherein the slurry inlet has an inlet cross section and the slurry outlet has an outlet cross section with the outlet cross section being larger than the inlet cross section, wherein:the flow control unit cross section increases in size from the slurry inlet to the slurry outlet and said increasing flow control unit cross section reduces the flow velocity of the transport fluid; andthe rate of increase of cross section from the slurry inlet to the slurry outlet being substantially uniform for reducing turbulence due to the change in the cross section from the slurry inlet to the slurry outlet and wherein the velocity of the slurry in a horizontal cross section through the flow passage is substantially uniform across the cross section;providing an agglomerate removal screen, said screen including a plurality of screening apertures, said screen apertures being sized to allow the passage of transport fluid and particulates but not agglomerates; andpassing the slurry over the agglomerate removal screen to separate the agglomerates from the transport fluid and particulates.