Patent ID: 7625413
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: B29C,C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for agglomerating alumina-containing dust into granules having a larger average particle size than the dust, said apparatus comprising: (a) a drum having a closed end, an open end, and a side wall extending between said closed end and said open end, said drum: (i) rotating about a principal axis deviating from horizontal by an angle of about 50° or less; and (ii) adapted for receiving a mixture comprising alumina-containing dust and a binder; (b) an auger including a screw extending through said closed end of the drum, said screw adapted for feeding the mixture into said drum from other than a top side of said drum; (c) at least one spray nozzle for spraying water onto said mixture inside the drum, said water promoting agglomeration of the mixture into a plurality of granules; (d) rotating means for rotating said drum about said principal axis, thereby to agitate said mixture inside the drum; and (e) a rotor inside said drum, said rotor including pins hastening agglomeration of the mixture into granules, said pins rotating about a shaft extending generally parallel to said principal axis and said pins extending substantially parallel with said shaft.