Patent ID: 10226774

Abstract:
A multi-zoned paddle screen apparatus 100 is disclosed for separating fiber from a liquid medium during, for example, a grain wet mill or dry grind process. The apparatus includes a housing 106 having first and second zones 108a, 108b situated adjacent one another along a length (L) of the housing 106. First and second screen sections 102a, 102b having a plurality of openings 104 may be situated lengthwise within the housing 106 corresponding with the first and second zones 108a, 108b, respectively. The first and second screen sections 102a, 102b have a circular cross-section, and the second screen section 102b has a larger diameter than the first screen section 102a. An elongated shaft 130 situated lengthwise within the screen sections 102a, 102b includes first and second conveyors 128a, 128b, which correspond with the first and second zones 108a, 108b, respectively, having a plurality of paddles 132. Each conveyor 128a, 128b is configured to move material in a direction along a length of the screen 102a, 102b. There may be more than two zones 108a, 108b.