Patent ID: 7081171
Filing Date: 2006-07-25
Classification: B03B,B30B

Abstract:
1. A method of processing screenings using a screenings washer having a hopper; a grinder coupled to the hopper downstream of the hopper; and a washer coupled to the grinder downstream of the grinder; wherein the washer includes an auger rotor that rotates about an auger rotor axis, a spray wash system, a perforated trough disposed at a bottom of said auger rotor, and a tubular casing directly coupled to a discharge end of said auger rotor, the tubular casing having a severe bend proximate to the discharge end of said auger rotor; said method comprising: (1) feeding the screenings into the hopper for conveyance directly to the grinder; (2) grinding the screenings in the grinder to produce ground screenings; (3) feeding the ground screenings directly to the auger rotor; (4) washing the ground screenings in the auger rotor by spraying a wash fluid under pressure directly onto a portion of the auger rotor and the ground screenings and operating the auger rotor in a forward sequence, in which the auger rotor rotates in a direction that transports the ground screenings towards the discharge end of the auger rotor; (5) transporting the ground screenings by the auger rotor directly to the severe bend; and (6) compacting and de-watering the ground screenings by forcing the ground screenings through the severe bend which partially obstructs transportation of the ground screenings therethrough.