Apparatus for separating agglomerated particulate matter

Abstract

Apparatus for breaking apart agglomerations of particulate matter flowing in a vessel (particularly useful ina pressurized moving-bed vertical-shaft reduction reactor for the production of sponge iron) is exemplified by an externally mounted hydraulic cylinder having access to the interior of said vessel through a probe port, the piston of said hydraulic cylinder being provided with a conical probe positioned so as to be normally retracted out from the interior of said vessel but extendable by said hydraulic cylinder into and across the interior of said vessel, preferably at the narrowed discharge portion thereof, whereby said probe is angled to extend downwardly in the direction of flow of said particulate matter as well as across said flow to engage and break up any agglomerations of particulate matter in its path. When used with a pressurized vessel, the probe may be uniquely adapted to function without reactor pressure loss by a housing for the probe, or alternatively for the entire probe and hydraulic cylinder, with said housing having open communication with said vessel, so as to minimize sealing problems with respect to the moving probe. In a reduction reactor, the probe is preferably mounted near the bottom of the cooling zone adjacent the narrowed discharge outlet so as normally to be retracted to avoid any obstruction of the uniform flow through the reactor, and yet be angled along and across the direction of flow to assist in the discharge and also intercept and break up agglomerations obstructing the narrowed discharge.