Patent ID: 6561359
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: B03B,B03D,B07B

Abstract:
A method of sorting a mixture of particles by size and weight, the method comprising the steps of:a. combining the mixture with a working fluid to form a slurry; b. introducing the slurry into the inlet of a classification tank having an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of settling stations located therebetween, with each settling station having at least one discharge valve; c. adjusting the flow rate of the slurry as it traverses from the inlet to the outlet of the classification tank to allow particles of similar weight to settle out of the working fluid in a continuum at the settling stations; d. identifying those settling stations of the classification tank at which particles that have settled have significant variation in particle size; e. discharging the particles at the identified settling stations through the discharge valves associated with the identified settling stations; f. directing the particles discharged through the at least one discharge valve to a screen; and, g. sorting the discharged particles with the screen causing particles having substantially different sizes to be effectively separated from each other.