Patent ID: 7086619

Claim:
An apparatus for comminuting particles, comprising: at least one tube including an exit aperture, the at least one tube for collecting a predetermined quantity of particles to form a plug in the tube; at least one pressure pulse unit for generating a pressure pulse of predetermined intensity and length; a baffle located downstream of the tube, the baffle including apertures; and a collection chamber following on to the baffle; wherein the plug, after being subjected to the pressure pulse, is propelled through the exit aperture of the at least one tube to impact the baffle in which particles forming the plug are comminuted by the impact against the baffle and pass through at least one of the apertures of the baffle to the collection chamber, and wherein the collection chamber and the comminution chamber at their open ends facing one another each comprises an annular flange, the baffle being fitted between the annular flanges.