Patent ID: 6746636
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: B01D,B24C,C03B,C03C,C04B,Y02W,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for spherulizing irregularly shaped particles of coal fly ash or coal slag comprising the steps of:(a) delivering a feedstock of irregularly shaped particles of coal fly ash or coal slag to a drop tube having an upper portion, a central portion, and a lower portion; (b) dropping the irregularly shaped particles into said upper portion of said drop tube in a manner such that the irregularly shaped particles flow in a substantially vertical downward path through said drop tube as individualized particles; (c) heating the irregularly shaped particles to a sufficient temperature by providing heat to said central portion of said drop tube to cause at least the outer surface of the irregularly shaped particles to melt such that a majority of the irregularly shaped particles become spheroidal particles due to surface tension at the outer surface; and (d) allowing the spheroidal particles to cool within said lower portion of said drop tube; and (e) crushing said spheroidal particles.