GB2110959A - Separation of mixtures in a wind tunnel - Google Patents
Separation of mixtures in a wind tunnel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2110959A GB2110959A GB08138050A GB8138050A GB2110959A GB 2110959 A GB2110959 A GB 2110959A GB 08138050 A GB08138050 A GB 08138050A GB 8138050 A GB8138050 A GB 8138050A GB 2110959 A GB2110959 A GB 2110959A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- tunnel
- wind tunnel
- air
- chamber
- end chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 title description 6
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07B—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS BY SIEVING, SCREENING, SIFTING OR BY USING GAS CURRENTS; SEPARATING BY OTHER DRY METHODS APPLICABLE TO BULK MATERIAL, e.g. LOOSE ARTICLES FIT TO BE HANDLED LIKE BULK MATERIAL
- B07B4/00—Separating solids from solids by subjecting their mixture to gas currents
- B07B4/02—Separating solids from solids by subjecting their mixture to gas currents while the mixtures fall
Landscapes
- Aerodynamic Tests, Hydrodynamic Tests, Wind Tunnels, And Water Tanks (AREA)
Abstract
A wind tunnel (1) for separating constituents of a material mixture is provided with one or more centrifugal fans (2) which may be located respectively on the top and bottom of the wind tunnel at one end. Each of the fans (2) blows air into a plenum chamber (3) to divert the air to flow in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the wind tunnel in a uniform airflow across the tunnel cross-section. Material fed to the tunnel through a feeder (10) is separated into constituent components of lesser and higher specific gravity and collected in collecting chambers (11, 12, 13). <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Separation of mixtures in a wind tunnel
The present invention relates to apparatus for separating mixtures in a wind tunnel.
It has previously been proposed to separate constituents of a mixture having different specific gravities by feeding the mixture into the top of a wind tunnel into a substantially streamtine airstream through the tunnel and collecting different fractions of the material in collectors arranged along the bottom of the tunnel, the constituents of lesser specific gravity being carried further along the wind tunnel than those of higher specific gravity.
In order to improve the separation technique, the constituents of a mixture can be pre-graded according to size and then fed independently into a wind tunnel.
Separation by this method has been carried out in a wind tunnel having an axial flow fan providing airflow through'the tunnel. However, it has been found necessary to incorporate a relatively long transition section between the fan and the part of the wind tunnel in which the separation occurs in order to smooth out turbulence from the fan. Whilst such apparatus works perfectly satisfactorily in practice the apparatus is relatively long and this is a particular disadvantage if space is at a premium or if the equipment is intended to be portable.
According to the present invention therefore apparatus for separating constituents of a material mixture comprises a wind tunnel, a centrifugal fan for blowing air into an end chamber of the wind tunnel, the chamber being constructed so as to produce a uniform airflow across the tunnel, means for introducing a material mixture to be separated into the tunnel through an inlet at the top of the tunnel, and, at longitudinally spaced positions along the bottom of the tunnel down stream of the material inlet, a number of collectors for different fractions of the material mixture, the arrangement being such that in use, material to be separated can fall freely through the airstream in the tunnel from the inlet to the collectors.
Preferably, the centrifugal fan is mounted on the top or bottom of the wind tunnel and is arranged to blow air into the chamber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wind tunnel, the chamber including means to deflect the air parallel to the axis of the wind tunnel. To achieve this the chamber is advantageously constructed as a plenum chamber having an angled deflector wall and baffles to ensure that the airflow is uniform across the tunnel cross -section.
Preferably, a pair of centrifugal fans is provided, one on each side of the longitudinal axis of the tunnel, either at the top and bottom or at both sides therefore, and a pair of plenum chambers are provided, each having a deflector wall to deflect the air in a direction parallel with the axis of the tunnel.
Alternatively, the chamber may be provided with deflector guide vanes to deflect the air into a patn parallel with the longitudinal axis of the wind tunnel.
Instead of mounting the fan or fans to blow air into the end chamber transversely, the centrifugal fan or fans can be positioned to blow air into the chamber parallel to the axis of the wind tunnel, the chamber including deflector vanes or the like to make the flow uniform across the wind tunnel cross-section.
By means of such construction the overall axial length of the tunnel can be reduced significantly by virtue of the lower turbulence associated with a centrifugal fan thus avoiding the need for long transition sections between the fans and the tunnel proper. Additionally, when the fan or fans are positioned on transverse walls of the tunnel a further reduction in length is possible.
Preferably, in order to help smooth the air flow from the end chamber into the wind tunnel proper a square-sectioned honeycomb grid is provided between the end chamber or chambers and the tunnel proper, additional baffles also being provided if required to smooth turbulence to a minimum.
One example of apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a wind tunnel in longitudinal section;
Figure 2 is a cross-section on A-A;
Figure 3 a cross-section on B-B; and,
Figures 4 and 5 sections through a modification.
A wind tunnel 1 of generally rectangular cross-section has a pair of centrifugal fans 2 located respectively on the top and bottom of the wind tunnel at one end. Each of the fans is preferably fitted with an air inlet damper arrangement (not shown) comprising a set of adjustable louvres or similar. Each of the fans blows air into a plenum chamber 3 which diverts the air to flow in a direction susbtantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the wind tunnel.
Each of the plenum chambers has an angled rear wall 4, sloping from the top or bottom respectively towards the far end of the tunnel, and baffles 5 constructed to provide a uniform airflow across the tunnel, i.e. the airflow has a substantially constant
Flow rate from the top ofthe bottom of the tunnel.
Wire mesh baffles 6 are positioned at various locations between the plenum chambers 3 and the separator section 7 of the tunnel. A honeycomb grid
B having cells 9 of substantially square cross-section is positioned between two of the baffles and substantially smooths the airstream from the plenum chambers. Further down the tunnel a feeder 10 is provided which discharges the mixture, the components of which are to be separated, from a substantially vertical stream in a plane normal to the tunnel axis, into the top part of the airflow, the feeder being fed from a hopper (not shown).By virtue of differences in the specific gravity of the components of the mixture separation of the constituent components occurs into collecting chambers 11, 12 and 13, the first collection chamber 11 collecting a primary concentrate, the second chamber 12 collecting a second concentrate and the third chamber 13 collecting the tailings of the mixture. The selection positions of the various concentrates and tailing are variable by flaps 14whose angular position is steplessly variable, the flaps being positioned in dependence upon the relative specific gravities of the constituents to be separated. The number of collecting chambers can be varied as desired.
The apparatus shown is particularly useful in separating alluvial gold particles from alluvial deposits, but it will be appreciated that the apparatus may be used to separate mixtures of other components in which there is a significant difference in specific gravity between the various components.
On the right side of the drawing is shown a modification in which a single centrifugal fan 2' is shown blowing air into a single plenum chamber 3', the plenum chamber having a similar construction to the double plenum chambers of the main example, but only a single rear wall 4' and tapering side walls 5'.
It will be appreciated that if the height of the wind tunnel is approximately 1 metre and the width approximately 0.3 m the length of the apparatus as shown can be reduced overall to some 2.5 metres.
Preferably, with a wind tunnel of these dimensions the grid 8 has a gauge of 75mm. Suitable centrifugal fans of variable output between 600 and 10,000 m3 hr output have been found to be appropriate in providing the required flow air through through the wind tunnel, dependent upon the particular use and operating conditions. At the right hand end of the wind tunnel as shown an outlet grid extends across the opening through which air is allowed to ventto atmosphere, but if the wind tunnel apparatus is to be used outside, in the open, then means may be provided to prevent external wind conditions affecting the flow in the tunnel by changes in back-pressure or the like.
Claims (12)
1. Apparatus for separating constituents of a material mixture, the apparatus comprising a wind tunnel, a centrifugal fan for blowing air into an end chamber of the wind tunnel, the chamber being constructed so asto produce a uniform air flow across the tunnel, means for introducing a material mixture to be separated into the tunnel through an inlet at the top of the tunnel, and, at longitudinally spaced positions along the bottom of the tunnel downstream of the material inlet, a number of collectors for different fractions of the material mixture, the arrangement being such that in use, material to be separated can fall freely through the air stream in the tunnel from the inlet to the collectors.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the centrifugal fan is mounted on the top or bottom of the wind tunnel and is arranged to blow air into the end chamber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wind tunnel, the chamber including means to deflect the air parallel to the axis of the wind tunnel.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a pair
of centrifugal fans is provided, the fans being mounted on the top and bottom of the wind tunnel.
4. Apparatus according to any of claim 1 to 3, wherein the end chamber comprises a plenum chamber having an angled deflector wali to deflect the air parallel to the axis of the wind tunnel and baffles to ensure that the air flow is uniform across the tunnel cross-section.
5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chamber includes a set of deflector guide vanes to deflect the air into a path parallel with the longitudinal axis of the wind tunnel.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fan is arranged to blow air into the end chamber parallel to longitudinal axis of the wind tunnel, the end chamber including deflector vanes to ensure that the airflow is uniform across the tunnel cross-section.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, which includes a pair of centrifugal fans blowing air into the end chamber parallel to the axis of the wind tunnel.
8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a square-sectioned honeycomb grid is positioned between the end chamber and the meansforintroducing a material mixture into the tunnel, to reduce turbulence.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, including one or more mesh baffles disposed on one or both sides of the honeycomb grid to further reduce turbulence.
10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each centrifugal fan includes an inlet damper.
11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, between adjacent collectors, there is mounted a flap pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wind tunnel and adjustable in position to vary selectively the constituents of the material mix separated into the respective collectors.
12. Apparatus according to claim 1, substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 or
Figures 1 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08138050A GB2110959B (en) | 1981-12-17 | 1981-12-17 | Separation of mixtures in a wind tunnel |
| ZA82272A ZA82272B (en) | 1981-12-17 | 1982-01-15 | Separation of mixtures in a wind tunnel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08138050A GB2110959B (en) | 1981-12-17 | 1981-12-17 | Separation of mixtures in a wind tunnel |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB2110959A true GB2110959A (en) | 1983-06-29 |
| GB2110959B GB2110959B (en) | 1985-09-04 |
Family
ID=10526670
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08138050A Expired GB2110959B (en) | 1981-12-17 | 1981-12-17 | Separation of mixtures in a wind tunnel |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2110959B (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA82272B (en) |
Cited By (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0339478A3 (en) * | 1988-04-29 | 1991-04-10 | Norton Company | Process and apparatus for rapid solidification of melted ceramic composition |
| RU2130816C1 (en) * | 1997-12-10 | 1999-05-27 | Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт механизации сельского хозяйства (ВИМ) | Method and apparatus for separating loose materials |
| RU2132755C1 (en) * | 1998-07-28 | 1999-07-10 | Восточно-Сибирский государственный технологический университет | Method and apparatus for separating bulk materials |
| RU2134168C1 (en) * | 1998-04-03 | 1999-08-10 | Открытое акционерное общество "Северсталь" | Pneumatic separator for bulk material |
| DE19835419A1 (en) * | 1998-08-05 | 2000-02-10 | Kvaerner Panel Sys Gmbh | Diffuser for layering prepared particles prior to bonding has several perforated screens over a sloping wall to evenly spread the particles and to prevent clogging |
| WO2003013743A1 (en) * | 2001-08-07 | 2003-02-20 | Particle And Coating Technologies, Inc. | An air classifier system for the separation of particles |
| RU2270061C2 (en) * | 2003-12-04 | 2006-02-20 | Владимир Митрофанович Косилов | Device for separation of loose mixture in fluid medium |
| RU2309804C1 (en) * | 2006-03-02 | 2007-11-10 | Борис Андреевич Адамович | Method of dry concentration of lean auriferous gravel |
| WO2008111868A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-18 | Vladimir Mitrofanovich Kosilov | Device for separating a bulk mixture in a fluid medium |
| RU2340411C1 (en) * | 2007-05-28 | 2008-12-10 | Владимир Митрофанович Косилов | High-frequency jet generator to separate loose mix in fluid medium |
| RU2362634C1 (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2009-07-27 | Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования Восточно-Сибирский государственный технологический университет | Pneumatic separator for fractional separation and cleaning of grain |
| RU2472593C1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-20 | Андрей Валерьевич Шеленин | Device for dry concentration of mineral stock |
| US20140353219A1 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2014-12-04 | Volodymyr Mytrofanovych Kosilov | Separating machine for separating loose mixtures in a fluid |
| RU175472U1 (en) * | 2017-09-22 | 2017-12-06 | Федеральное государственное автономное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Национальный исследовательский технологический университет "МИСиС" | Mesh air classifier |
| RU187063U1 (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2019-02-18 | Федеральное государственное автономное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Крымский федеральный университет имени В.И. Вернадского" | AEROSEPARATOR |
| RU189534U1 (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2019-05-27 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Волгоградский государственный технический университет" (ВолгГТУ) | NET Pneumatic Classifier |
| RU2749701C1 (en) * | 2020-12-21 | 2021-06-16 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное научное учреждение "Федеральный научный агроинженерный центр ВИМ" (ФГБНУ ФНАЦ ВИМ) | Pneumatic classifier of grain-and-straw mixtures |
| RU223675U1 (en) * | 2023-11-30 | 2024-02-28 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Омский государственный аграрный университет имени П.А. Столыпина" (ФГБОУ ВО Омский ГАУ) | PNEUMATIC SEPARATOR FOR FRACTIONAL SEPARATION AND CLEANING OF GRAIN |
-
1981
- 1981-12-17 GB GB08138050A patent/GB2110959B/en not_active Expired
-
1982
- 1982-01-15 ZA ZA82272A patent/ZA82272B/en unknown
Cited By (21)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0339478A3 (en) * | 1988-04-29 | 1991-04-10 | Norton Company | Process and apparatus for rapid solidification of melted ceramic composition |
| RU2130816C1 (en) * | 1997-12-10 | 1999-05-27 | Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт механизации сельского хозяйства (ВИМ) | Method and apparatus for separating loose materials |
| RU2134168C1 (en) * | 1998-04-03 | 1999-08-10 | Открытое акционерное общество "Северсталь" | Pneumatic separator for bulk material |
| RU2132755C1 (en) * | 1998-07-28 | 1999-07-10 | Восточно-Сибирский государственный технологический университет | Method and apparatus for separating bulk materials |
| DE19835419A1 (en) * | 1998-08-05 | 2000-02-10 | Kvaerner Panel Sys Gmbh | Diffuser for layering prepared particles prior to bonding has several perforated screens over a sloping wall to evenly spread the particles and to prevent clogging |
| WO2003013743A1 (en) * | 2001-08-07 | 2003-02-20 | Particle And Coating Technologies, Inc. | An air classifier system for the separation of particles |
| US6631808B2 (en) | 2001-08-07 | 2003-10-14 | Particle And Coating Technologies, Inc. | Air classifier system for the separation of particles |
| RU2270061C2 (en) * | 2003-12-04 | 2006-02-20 | Владимир Митрофанович Косилов | Device for separation of loose mixture in fluid medium |
| RU2309804C1 (en) * | 2006-03-02 | 2007-11-10 | Борис Андреевич Адамович | Method of dry concentration of lean auriferous gravel |
| RU2336131C1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-10-20 | Владимир Митрофанович Косилов | Device for separation of loose mixture in fluid medium |
| WO2008111868A1 (en) * | 2007-03-09 | 2008-09-18 | Vladimir Mitrofanovich Kosilov | Device for separating a bulk mixture in a fluid medium |
| RU2340411C1 (en) * | 2007-05-28 | 2008-12-10 | Владимир Митрофанович Косилов | High-frequency jet generator to separate loose mix in fluid medium |
| RU2362634C1 (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2009-07-27 | Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования Восточно-Сибирский государственный технологический университет | Pneumatic separator for fractional separation and cleaning of grain |
| RU2472593C1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-20 | Андрей Валерьевич Шеленин | Device for dry concentration of mineral stock |
| US20140353219A1 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2014-12-04 | Volodymyr Mytrofanovych Kosilov | Separating machine for separating loose mixtures in a fluid |
| US9061321B2 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2015-06-23 | Volodymyr Mytrofanovych Kosilov | Separating machine for separating loose mixtures in a fluid |
| RU175472U1 (en) * | 2017-09-22 | 2017-12-06 | Федеральное государственное автономное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Национальный исследовательский технологический университет "МИСиС" | Mesh air classifier |
| RU187063U1 (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2019-02-18 | Федеральное государственное автономное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Крымский федеральный университет имени В.И. Вернадского" | AEROSEPARATOR |
| RU189534U1 (en) * | 2019-02-27 | 2019-05-27 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Волгоградский государственный технический университет" (ВолгГТУ) | NET Pneumatic Classifier |
| RU2749701C1 (en) * | 2020-12-21 | 2021-06-16 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное научное учреждение "Федеральный научный агроинженерный центр ВИМ" (ФГБНУ ФНАЦ ВИМ) | Pneumatic classifier of grain-and-straw mixtures |
| RU223675U1 (en) * | 2023-11-30 | 2024-02-28 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Омский государственный аграрный университет имени П.А. Столыпина" (ФГБОУ ВО Омский ГАУ) | PNEUMATIC SEPARATOR FOR FRACTIONAL SEPARATION AND CLEANING OF GRAIN |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2110959B (en) | 1985-09-04 |
| ZA82272B (en) | 1983-02-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |