Method and Apparatus for Conditioning Granular Material

Author:  Raymond M. Leliaert
Source:  US Patent 3,979,073
Doc ID:  1976016
Year of Publication:  1976
Abstract:  
A method and apparatus for scrubbing particles of sand used in foundry molding is disclosed. The device utilized a rotating impellor surrounded by a stationary control cage having at least one upwardly positioned opening therin to project sand against a target. The sand rebounds from the target and is continually intercepted and impacted by subsequent grains of sand hurled by the impellor through the control cage opening. The device produced a scrubbing action on the particles by the repeated an continual contact with each to reduce binder buildup from the molding process. A first stage scrubbing of the particles is obtained by causing the particles to be compacted between the rotating impellor and the control cage prior to their being thrown agains the target. The sand particles may be recycled through the device any number of times in order to increase the scrubbing effect and further reduce binder buildup.