Process and device for separation of absorbent/floating material from product mixes by means of float/sink separation

Abstract

Device and process for separation of absorbent/floating material from product mixes by means of float/sink separation with a float/sink separator which exhibits a separator tank filled with a liquid separating medium, in which context there are provided devices for generation of a surface flow in the separating medium, which propel the absorbent/floating material as a floating fraction from a pickup point of the product mix to an output point for the floating fraction, along the surface of the separating medium, at such a speed as to inhibit absorption of the separating medium.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A float/sink separation device for separation of absorbent/floating material from product mixes, the absorbent/floating material at least partially saturated with residual fluid, said separation device comprising: 
 a vibrating filter for extraction of the residual fluid from absorbent/floating material;    a separating tank positioned to receive the filtered product mix from the vibrating filter, the separating tank filled with a liquid separating medium and having a flow generating device creating a surface flow in the separating medium and propelling the absorbent/floating material as a floating fraction from the reception point of the product mix to an output point for the floating fraction, at such a speed that absorption of the separating medium is substantially avoided.    
     
     
         2 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow generating device comprises motor driven propellers positioned below the surface of the separating medium.  
     
     
         3 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow generating device comprises nozzles which are positioned below the surface of the separating medium and from which separating medium is ejected under pressure.  
     
     
         4 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mechanism for removal of the separated floating fraction from the separating tank.  
     
     
         5 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 4 , wherein the mechanism for removal of the floating fraction from the separation tank comprises a rake wheel in to propel the floating fraction out of the separator tank.  
     
     
         6 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 4 , wherein the mechanism for removal of the floating fraction from the separation tank comprises a circulating scraper which is arranged at the edge of the separator tank and which is partially immersed in the separating medium.  
     
     
         7 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mechanism for removal of the sinking fraction from the separating tank.  
     
     
         8 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 7 , wherein the mechanism for removal of the sinking fraction comprises a circulating scraper floor which is immersed in the separating medium and which extends from the bottom of the separator tank to above its upper edge.  
     
     
         9 . A float/sink separation device for separation of absorbent/floating material from product mixes, the absorbent/floating material at least partially saturated with residual fluid, said separation device comprising: 
 filter means for extraction of the residual fluid from absorbent/floating material;    a separating tank positioned to receive the filtered product mix from the filter means, the separating tank filled with a liquid separating medium and having flow generation means creating a surface flow in the separating medium and propelling the absorbent/floating material as a floating fraction from the reception point of the product mix to an output point for the floating fraction, at such a speed that absorption of the separating medium is substantially avoided.    
     
     
         10 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 9 , further comprising means for removal of the separated floating fraction from the separating tank.  
     
     
         11 . The float/sink separation device of  claim 9 , further comprising means for removal of the sinking fraction from the separating tank.