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Cullet sorting using density variations

  • US 6,464,082 B1
  • Filed: 06/15/2000
  • Issued: 10/15/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/20/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for separating mixed particulates containing recycled glass, which comprises the steps of:

  • separating out ferrous metal from the mixed particulates by delivering the mixed particulates to a magnetic separator;

    separating the mixed particulates into a magnetic fraction and a non-magnetic fraction and removing the magnetic fraction;

    dividing the non-magnetic fraction into a coarse component and a fine component;

    crushing particulates in the coarse component and admixing them with the fine component so as to render the non-magnetic fraction into components of a relatively uniform size;

    separating out light and low density material by applying an air flow to the non-magnetic fraction after said crushing, to entrain and remove air-borne chaff;

    separating out soluble fractions by washing the non-magnetic fraction in a washing solution after said separating by air flow, to entrain and remove soluble and water borne fractions; and

    drying the washed particulates;

    separating out non-magnetic metal particulates from the non-magnetic fraction;

    wherein said separating and dividing steps produce a fraction substantially consisting of glass and non-glass contaminants having selective characteristics that resemble but are distinguishable from glass; and

    , lastly, separating out the non-glass contaminants having said selective characteristics, whereby the remaining fraction consists essentially of glass wherein said selective characteristics are substantially uniform.

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