Outokumpu Oyj

Eric S Yan

Thomas J Grey

Kevin R McHenry

Timo U Niitti

A D.C. voltage altering device includes at least one spark induction power conditioner including a first electrode connectable to a high voltage D.C. power source and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode and forming a discharging gap therebetween. The second electrode is connectable to a predetermined section of a physical separator and at least one of the electrodes is selectively positionable for altering spatial distance between same. The power conditioner induces a predetermined large amplitude, high frequency current ripple to the second electrode for creating a fluctuating voltage and fluctuating electrostatic field and maintaining continuous current flow through the gap without reversal of polarity. The spark induction power conditioner further includes a dielectric base for housing the electrodes and a plurality of fastening members threadably positionable through the base and engageable with the electrodes so that the discharging gap between the electrodes can be selectively adjusted.

Spark induction power conditioner for high tension physical separators

A corona and static electrode assembly is attachable to a frame of an existing electrostatic separator and includes a pair of oppositely spaced end panels and an elongate corona support member disposed inwardly of and supported by the respective end panels. The corona support member is preferably formed from a single piece of rigid material and has a substantially L-shape for directing an electrostatic field intensity towards the outer surface of a rotating drum. A pair of spaced spacers are connected to and laterally extend from the corona support member and an elongate conductive wire extends between the pair of spacers. The wire is preferably supported between the spacers and threaded bolts passing therethrough, respectively, can adjust its tension. A plurality of elongate static electrodes are spaced from the wire and are connected between the pair of end panels. The assembly may further include a pair of end shields, a pair of support members and an elongate support member for assisting to maintain the corona support member and static electrodes in a fixed position and for attaching the assembly to a frame of an existing electrostatic separator.

Corona and static electrode assembly

The electrostatic classifier and separator is supported by a housing and includes a corona classifier section for classifying particulate materials according to size. Corona element supplies mobile ions for bombarding particulate materials dropping down a passageway from a reservoir. A splitter and screen may be included in the passageway to direct particulate materials into respective fractions. First separator section receives fine to middle size fractions and second separator section receives middle to coarse size fractions. A support frame having adjustable slots supports a plurality of static electrodes. Corona element for emitting a corona charge is spaced generally in a first quadrant of first separator section. A rotatable brush and an alternating current wiper may be included for removing fine to middle size nonconductive fractions from first separator section. Additional splitter and/or a baffle may be included to help guide particulate material fractions into respective containers, onto a conveyor belt or the like. In an alternate embodiment, the corona classifier section may be housed and powered separately and independently from first and second separator sections.

High-tension electrostatic classifier and separator, and associated method

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for electrostatically separating particles having different electrostatic properties. The apparatus involves two thin box-shaped electrodes facing each other as mirror-images and charged with a voltage field causing the opposing electrodes to assume opposite charges, and then passing a mixture of particles through the field so as to make the particles travel toward the respective electrodes through a perforated plate or screen and to a solid back plate and then to fall by gravity through a splitter adjusted to separate particles attracted by one charge from particles attracted by another charge. A vibrator is attached to each electrode, which is isolated for movement by spaced vibration isolators to shake off any particles stuck to the electrodes.

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Orange Park, FL, United States of America

Eric S Yan