Apparatus for treating a particulate material within a rotating retort

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for treating particulate material or powder (33) of a size capable of being fluidized in a retort (31) mounted for rotation on a pair of end axles (18, 41). Retort (31) is mounted on a tilt frame (5) for tilting movement in a vertical plane. Gas conduits (18A, 18B) are mounted within an axle (18) for the supply and exhaust of gas for retort (31). A conduit (55) mounted within the other axle (41) permits particulate material to be passed into or out of the retort (31) as shown in FIG. 1B. A removable injection assembly (90, FIG. 10) is utilized for the injection of additional particulate material. A removable sampling assembly (95, FIG. 11) is utilized for removing a sample of the particulate material from the retort (31).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for treating particulate materials or powders within a rotating retort, and more particularly to such apparatus in which gas is supplied to the retort to fluidize the particulate material within the rotating retort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,498 dated Apr. 18, 1995 is directed to an apparatus having a retort mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and containing a particulate material therein which is fluidized while the retort is rotated. The retort is mounted in a cantilevered relation from an axle secured to one end of the generally cylindrical retort. Gas conduits extend through the end axle and gas may enter the retort and be exhausted from the retort through the gas conduit. Filters on the ends of the conduits prevent the flow of solid particles or particulate material into or out of the retort. Thus, particulate material cannot be loaded into the retort or unloaded from the retort while the retort is being rotated. Further, even when the retort is not being rotated, an end cap is required to be removed in order to provide access to a port for loading or unloading the particulate material. Also, the filters shown on the inner ends of the gas conduits within the retort are easily clogged with particulate material embedded within the filters.

It is desirable to have a retort which may be easily loaded with particulate material and unloaded in a minimum of time and without any loss of the particulate material by leakage or the like. It is particularly desirable to have such a loading and unloading means which may be utilized during operation of the retort while the retort is rotated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to apparatus for treating two types of workpieces. Workpieces may be particulate material such as metal powders. Workpieces may also be solid parts, which are placed amongst particulate materials.

The term "workpiece" as used in this specification and claims is interpreted as a powder or a solid part which is the subject of the treatment. The term "powder" or "particulate material" as used in the specification and claims is interpreted as small particles of material having a size between around 1 micron and 250 micron. The term "solid parts" as used in the specification and claims refers to materials of a specific fixed shape having at least one dimension greater than around 1000 microns.

Workpieces can be either solid parts or powders. When the workpiece is a solid part, the powder which is selected for the workpiece to be placed amongst is generally inert to the process and its functions comprise heat transfer, scrubbing and intermixing. When the workpiece is powder, the powder still fulfills the functions of heat transfer, mixing and scrubbing but is also the object of treatment.

Treatments are carried out in a retort, mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The retort may be heated or cooled by gases transported to the interior of the retort through a fluid passage and an axle on which the retort is mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis. The retort is preferably supported on a tilt frame to permit the retort to tilt in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis so that particulate material in the retort may flow by gravity into and out of a desired end of the retort upon tilting of the retort to a predetermined tilt angle.

The enclosed retort is sealed from atmosphere and mounted on a pair of aligned end axles for rotation. Flow lines or flow passages into and out of the retort are provided through the axles. Gases and particulate material may be injected into the retort and exhausted form the retort as desired while the retort is rotating. Solid parts may be placed within the retort amongst the powders and may be loose amongst the powders or may be fixtured to rotate with the retort. Flow conduits including filters are provided in one end axle to inject gases into the retort and exhaust gases form the retort. The flow of the gases through the conduits may be reversed and this is effective for minimizing any clogging of the filters. The particulate material or powder is injected through a conduit in the other aligned end axle. A vacuum is normally used for the exhaust of particulate material from the retort. Valve means for the conduits effectively control the flow of gas and particulate material into and out of the retort through the conduits in the axially aligned end axles. Each conduit includes a fixed conduit portion connected to a swivel for the rotating axle and a rotatable conduit portion extending through the axle and communicating with the interior of the retort.

A detachable container for particulate material may be mounted on an end axle to supply particulate material to the retort. The detachable container which is not normally mounted for rotation with the axle may be removed after injection of particulate material within the retort and another container connected to the axle to receive particulate material from the retort if desired. The particulate material within the container may be fluidized for ease of movement within the interior of the container. The particulate material injected into the retort from the separate container may be cooled to a predetermined low temperature, prior to injection, if desired, thereby acting to quench hot solid parts placed within the retort.

The retort is preferably mounted on a pair of axially aligned end axles, one on each end of the generally cylindrical retort. A gas conduit is positioned in an end axle and a solid particulate conduit is positioned within the other end axle. Valve means for the conduits are mounted for rotation with the axles to control the flow of gas and solid particles within and out of the retort.

The present invention provides means for loading and unloading particulate material in a minimum of time while the retort is rotating and with minimal loss of the particulate material. The particulate material may be easily injected during operation of the retort. A sample of the particulate material within the retort may be easily removed during operation of the retort for suitable testing or the like.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric exterior view of the apparatus comprising the present invention and showing a retort mounted for rotation and for tilting;

FIG. 1A is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with certain parts cut away to show internal components.

FIG. 1B is a section blow up of the area indicated as 21 in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows the apparatus in position to receive powder from an adjacent removable container connected to an end axle.

FIG. 2B shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 in normal operating position.

FIG. 2C shows the apparatus in a position to discharge powder into a receiving container detachably connected to an end axle.

FIG. 3 is an orthographic section at a vertical plane through the rotating axis of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an orthographic section at a horizontal plane through the rotating axis of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section of the area indicated as 65 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section of the area indicated as 69 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged section of the area indicated as 63 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged section of the area indicated as 61 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8A is an alternate view of the area shown in FIG. 8 in which a component has been removed and set aside for clarity.

FIG. 9 is an orthographic section of an area shown as 67 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is an isometric section of a removable injection device for injecting additional particulate material into the retort.

FIG. 11 is an isometric section of a removable sampling device for taking samples from the retort.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exterior view of the machine assembly generally indicated as 1. Support frame 3 rests on the floor and provides a static support base for all components. Mounted on bearings 4 which are a part of support frame 3, is tilt frame 5 which tilts in respect to support frame 3. Tilt gear motor 9 mounts to support frame 3 and controls the tilting of tilt frame 5 with respect to support frame 3. Mounted on the tilt frame 5 is heater assembly 14 which is fastened semi-permanently to tilt frame 5. Supply piping 11 feeds gas to and from the commutator 13. Supply piping 11 and the exterior of commutator 13 are free to tilt with tilt frame 5. Gear motor 7 is also fastened to tilt frame 5 and provides rotational force for axle 18. Axle 18 rotates inside heater assembly 14. Mounted to rotate with axle 18 are reversing valve 17, filter 15, and the interior portion of commutator 13.

FIG. 1A is a closer view of machine 1 and is partially cutaway to show internal components. Drive sheave 23 is mounted to axle 18 and provides force from gear motor 7 through drive belt 25. Heater elements 27 are mounted within heater assembly 14 and connected to each other through connector 29. Connector 29 may also be attached to an exterior electrical supply source not shown. The retort is shown generally as 31 and contains powder 33, cooling coil 35, filter elements 37. Axle 18 rotates on two sets of bearings indicated generally as 39. Axle 18 is permanently welded to retort 31. Tilt frame 5 comprises upper frame 5A and lower frame 5B. Retort 31 comprises vertical endwall 31A, cylindrical section 31B and tapered endwall 31C. Heater assembly 14 comprises endwall 14A, cylindrical section 14B, second endwall 14C and interior insulation 14D. FIG. 1B shows a close-up of the section indicated as 21 on FIG. 1A.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, second axle 41 rotates on bearing set 39 and is welded to endwall 31C. Inside second axle 41 is valve member 43 which reciprocates inside second axle 41 and is biased to close upon endwall 31C by spring 45. Spring 45 bears on enlarged section 47 of valve member 43. Closure 49 is mounted releasably to second axle 41. Closure 49 has a removable plug 51 which in turn connects to valve 53 mounted thereto, which communicates to conduit 55 which extends the length of valve member 43 to offer a small entrance conduit to the interior of retort 31 by opening valve 53. Removable plug 51 with valve 53 may be removed. By pushing in on the enlarged section 47 of valve member 43, spring 45 is compressed to allow the interior chamber 57 within second axle 41 to communicate with the interior of retort 31 to allow powder to be passed into or out of retort 31.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show the machine respectively in positions for receiving powders, normal operations, and unloading powders. Referring to FIG. 2A, exterior vessel 62 comprises gas entrance nozzle 62A, fluidizing plenum 62B, connector 62C, all permanently connected to exterior wall 62D. Powder loaded into exterior vessel 62 is removably attached to an end axle of machine 1 by connection 62C. When tilt frame 5 is elevated approximately 30 degrees as shown, powder flows through connector 62C into the interior of the machine.

In FIG. 2B, the machine has rotated tilt frame 5 to the horizontal position for normal operations with exterior vessel 62 removed from connector 62C. In FIG. 2C, tilt frame 5 has been further rotated. A separate exterior vessel 64 is removably attached to the end axle by connector 62C so that powder exits from machine 1 into exterior vessel 64. Vessels 62 and 64 along with connector 62C do not normally rotate with the end axle 41. However, under some situations, it may be desirable for vessels 62, 64 and connector 62C to rotate with the end axle 41.

In the sequence of events shown in FIG. 2A, 2B and 2C, powders are loaded into the retort, normally when it is in the position FIG. 2A. Powders can also be blown into the retort when it is horizontal, as in FIG. 2B, since the retort is generally filled only a little more than half full. Powders are unloaded when the retort is positioned as in FIG. 2C.

It is possible to achieve very high quench rates on workpieces which may be permanently mounted within machine 1, as shown in FIG. 4. Machine 1 may be positioned as shown in FIG. 2C so that hot powder, which has previously been used to heat components 31P and 31C may be dumped directly into exterior vessel 64. The hot parts 31P mounted on fixtures 31Q will remain in the machine. Then the machine can be raised to the position shown in FIG. 2A and cold powders may be injected into the machine, from exterior container 62. This will cause a very substantial effect upon solid parts 31P mounted within the machine as shown in FIG. 4.

Although it is normal to cease rotation of the machine when it is rotated into position shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C, it is also possible to make the connection 62C a rotatable connection so that if desired, the retort may continue in rotation during the loading and unloading of powders.

Referring now to FIG. 3, retort 31 can be seen to comprise endwall 31A welded to axle 18. Cylindrical section 31B is bolted to endwall 31A by bolts 31D. Tapered endwall 31C is welded to cylindrical section 31B and also to second axle 41. Also welded to endwall 31A is cooling tube 31E. Within retort 31 are metal filters 37 which connect to conduits 18A and 18B within axle 18. Conduits 18A and 18B connect respectively with removable conduits 18C and 18D which connect with reversing valve 17. Filter 15 comprises filter insert 15A, filter cap 15B and filter bowl 15C. Filter cap 15B and reversing valve 17 are connected to commutator 13 by bolts 16. Gas flow from commutator 13 passes to reversing valve 17 through conduit 19 which contains valve 19A. Retort 31, axle 18 and second axle 41, rest as a unit and are rotated by gear motor 7 through reduction unit 7A and drive sheave 7B in bearing sets 39 and 39A. Bearing sets 39 and 39A are identical having radial slots 39B and 39C. Bearing set 39 is retained by holders 40A and 40B which are welded respectively to tilt frame 5A and 5B. Likewise holders 40C and 40D are respectively welded to tilt frames 5A and 5B. Holders 40A and 40B have inwardly extending slots 40E and 40F which engage slot 39B to hold bearing set 39 from moving longitudinally. Holders 40C and 40D are not equipped with ribs to engage slot 39C and thus bearing set 39A may move longitudinally with respect to holders 40C and 40D to allow for differences in expansion and contraction of retort 31, axle 18 and second axle 41 with respect to tilt frame 5. Circled areas 65, 63 and 61 respectively are shown in detail on FIG. 5, 7 and 8.

Referring now to FIG. 4, items not appearing in other views are described. Gas and water lines 71A, 71C, 71E and 71G supply gas or water to and from commutator 13. Gas enters through line 71A with valve 71B providing a source of control. Gas is exhausted through line 71C with valve 71D providing control. Cooling water enters through line 71E and is exhausted through line 71G. Water is supplied to line 71E through a piping shown in schematic form generally as 80. Cooling fluids are drawn through the system by vacuum pump 81 through line 80A which connects to line 71G to the commutator 13. Supply of cooling water is by line 80C through valve 80F to line 80B and thence to line 71E. Air can enter the system at line 80D and is controlled by valve 80E. In operation, valve 80F is initially closed so that only air is drawn through line 80D and controlled by valve 80E. This provides air cooling to minimize the shock on the cooling system within the retort. After a period of time, valve 80E may be opened and valve 80D may be closed to introduce water into the cooling system. Cooling fluids exit the retort through line 73 equipped with shut off valve 73A and connect to conduit 18E and axle 18 subsequently connecting to cooling tube 31E described in FIG. 3. Heated fluids return from cooling tube 31E through conduit 18F in axle 18 connecting thereafter to conduit 74 which contains block valve 74A and thence flow into commutator 13 and thence exit the commutator 13 as described before. In FIG. 4 are circled areas 69 and 67, which are described later respectively in FIG. 6 and 9.

As indicated by the dotted lines, workpieces 31P may be mounted on fixtures 31Q within retort 31 as shown in FIG. 4. In this case the principal purpose of the fine powder within the retort is to transfer heat uniformly from the walls of retort 31 into workpieces 31P or to allow heat to flow rapidly from parts 31P through the powder and into the retort 31.

FIG. 5 shows a close up of the area detailed within the circle as 65 in FIG. 3. It shows the details of reversing valve 17. Reversing valve 17 is designed so that gas entering line 19 may be alternately directed to conduits 18A or 18B in axle 18 to provide a reversal of flow through filters 37. Since filters 37 are in a dusty atmosphere, it is desirable not to have the direction of flow constantly the same, but should be periodically reversed so the filter is flushed of any contaminate that might penetrate it. Incoming gas from line 19 enters reversing valve 17 and alternately is directed to connectors 18C or 18D which connect respectively with conduits 18A and 18B and axle 18. Reversing valve 17 comprises piston 17C, bushing 17B, valve body 17A, inlet 17L, ports 17G and 17J, and lower plug 17D. When valve piston 17C is in its upmost position as shown, gas from line 19 passes through inlet 17L into chamber 17H, then through port 17E through conduit 17F into chamber 17K, thence out port 17G through connector 18D into conduit 18B. When piston 17C is lowered to its lower position, gas coming through line 19 enters through inlet 17L into chamber 17H which by the position of piston 17C then allows the gas to flow to port 17J into connector 18C and thence into conduit 18A. Irrespective of the position of piston 17C, gas exhausting from either conduit 18A or 18B passes out port 17M into port 15E of filter cap 15B.

FIG. 6 is the area designated 69 in FIG. 4 and shows details of commutator 13. Commutator 13 is designed to change all incoming gas and electric lines from static positions in relation to tilt frame 5 to rotational movement in relation to tilt frame 5. Commutator 13 comprises housing 13A, rotor 13G, having numerous ports thereto, one being shown as 13H which connects with outlet port 13J. Bearings 13E and 13F allow rotor 13G to rotate in a fixed relationship with housing 13A. Electric commutator 13D is also mounted in receptacle 13K of rotor 13G. Electrical connection 13L connects to electric commutator 13D. Connection 13L is stationery and electric commutator 13D is fixed in cavity 13K in rotor 13G and rotates with rotor 13G. Inlet gas is supplied through line 71A through a shut off valve 71J into ports between two seals 13C, passes into rotor 13G through ports not shown and exits through a connection shown as line 19 in FIG. 5. Exhaust comes out of filter section 15B through port 13P into a port not shown through rotor 13G, thence between seals 13C into line 71C. Inlet cooling fluids enter line 71E which is passed between seals 13C into internal ports not shown and exit at connection 13L through line 73 and valve 73A. Spent cooling water passes through valve 74A through line 74 into connection 13N into rotor 13G through ports not shown and exits between seals 13C into line 71G. A valve and piping manifold indicated as 13B is connected to incoming gas through a line not shown which tees into the incoming line at tee 71K. Valve and piping manifold 13B individually directs gas between seals 13C. If any of the seals 13C should have a leak, the leak would be gas coming from manifold 13B rather than the exterior air. Generally the pressure applied through the manifold 13B is the same as the supply pressure entering the commutator through line 71A. However, by manipulating valve 71J, it is possible to raise the supply of pressure at manifold 13B above that in the commutator 13. In an extreme case, valve 71J may be closed entirely and vacuum be drawn through line 71C. Manifold 13B will pressure seals 13C to assure the seals are pressure activated and if any leak does occur inward leak is preferred gas in manifold 13B rather than atmospheric gas.

Referring now to FIG. 7, which is an enlarged view of circled area 67 on FIG. 4, shown are the endwall 31A of retort 31 with cooling coils 31E. A portion of axle 18 is shown with internal conduits 18A and 18B. The end of conduits 18A and 18B are filter assembly 37. Each filter assembly 37 consists of permeable metal membrane cylinder 37A and end washer 37B and bolt 37C. Bolt 37C engages in threaded engagement with threads 37D in the end of conduits 18A and 18B. Bolt 37C has a cross hole 37E and a longitudinal hole 37F which allows communication of gas through the permeable membrane 37A through cross hole 37E through longitudinal hole 37F and into conduits 18A and 18B.

FIG. 8 is the enlargement of the circled area 61 shown on FIG. 3. Second axle 41 is mounted on bearing set 39. Mounted within second axle 41 is valve member 43. Mounted on the end of second axle 41 is closure member 49 which has valve 53 mounted integrally thereto. Valve 53 communicates with a conduit through valve member 43 shown as 55. By opening valve 53 it is possible to gain entrance through end member 49 through valve member 43 into the interior of the retort 31 for purpose of injecting material or taking samples. Spring 45 biases valve member 43 towards the seated position. Spring member 45 seats against surface 41A and second axle 41 and seats against ring 47 which is mounted by ribs 47A to valve member 43.

In FIG. 8A, end closure 49 along with valve 53 and locking bolts 49A have been removed as would be the case if a separate unloading device were to be attached. By pressing on ring 47 in direction 47C against valve member 43 spring 45 is compressed. Referring back then to FIG. 3 it can be seen that valve member 43 would be raised off its engagement with retort endwall 31C and allow material from the interior of the end of retort 31 to flow by valve member 43 out between ribs 47 and into a suitable receiving device. Material can be loaded into the retort also by pressing on ring 47 in the direction 47C.

FIG. 9 is the enlarged section 67 shown on FIG. 4. The purpose is to show how liquid enters through the axle and into cooling coils along endwall 31A. The end of axle 18 is shown rotated into a position so that conduits 18E and 18F lie in a cross section view. Cooling fluid enters conduit 18E, passes through connection tube 31F into cooling coil 31E. Fluid is circulated through cooling coil 31E in a spiral fashion. Coil 31E is welded permanently to wall 31A. After the fluid reaches the outermost portion, it returns through 31G into conduit 18F.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an injection assembly or device 90 is shown to inject solid particulate material or powder into the interior of retort 31. Injector assembly 90 comprises body section 91A having end wall 91B, piston 91I, with chamber 91K therebetween. Solid materials can be placed in 91K. By pushing forward on piston 91I, particulate material can be forced against endwall 91B and thence through valve 92A and connection 92B. Piston 91I is made of a permeable material. Piston 91I is bolted to rod 91D and is fixed on rod 91D through spacer 91N and bolt 91H. Spacer 91J is positioned by anti-rotation member 91E and bolt 91H. Bushing 91G provides means for rod 91D to pass through bushing 91G. Conduit 92E brings supply gas through valve 92D into chamber 91M formed between piston 91I and fixed end bushing 91J. Valve 92C is allowed to bleed off supply gas and thereby control pressure in chamber 91M. Yoke assembly 91L provides a means of holding bushing 91G so that rod 91D may pass therethrough. Anti-rotation assembly 91E is rectangular in shape to fit within the rectangular confines of yoke 91L so that rod 91D will not rotate. This allows one to apply threads to rod 91D if desired to help push it forward against materials in cavity 91K and force material therefrom through valve 92A into conduit 92B and into the machine. In normal operation gas entering conduit 92E into chamber 91M also passes through permeable piston 91I and partially fluidizes material within cavity 91K. This gas pressure therefore applies force to push piston 91I against a material within cavity 91K, but also allows some gas to fluidize that material, and make it more amenable to flow into conduit 92B. In operation, injector assembly 90 would be attached to valve 53 in FIG. 3 so that material could be injected into retort 31. Conduit 92B is designed to allow rotation so that injector 90 can be a static position even though valve 53 and axle 41 were rotating.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a sampling assembly is shown generally as 95. Sampling assembly 95 comprises body 96A, having end bushing 96B and second end bushing 96D, forming a chamber 96G therebetween. Surrounding chamber 96G is permeable sleeve 96F. Operation rod 96E can pass slideably through end bushing 96D through urging of handle 96J. Gas entering port 96C in through bushing 96B into chamber 96G can pass through permeable sleeve 96F into line 97 which is controlled by valve 97A and bypass valve 97B. In operation, the sampling assembly is attached to valve 53 in FIG. 3. When the retort 31 is pressurized, material is forced through conduit 55 and valve 53 as shown in FIG. 8, enters through connection 96C through bushing 96B and into chamber 96G. Gases exiting from retort 31 with solid materials may then pass through permeable membrane 96F into exhaust line 97. By manipulating valves 97A and 97B it is possible to first pressurize the entire assembly to equal that within the retort. It is then possible to use handle 96J to push rod 96E through connection 96C into conduit 55 to clear it of any foreign material. Interior retort 31 may also be pressurized from gas through line 97. Then after rod 96E is returned to the position shown in FIG. 11, gas may be exhausted through valve 97B and material from the interior retort 31 will flow through conduit 55 though valve 53 into sample assembly 95 and collect in chamber 96G.

The operations which can be performed by the apparatus as described herein include: (1) loading the retort; (2) normal operation under desired conditions of pressure, vacuum, and heating or cooling; (3) unloading the retort; (4) obtaining samples from within the retort; (5) reversing of flow of gases through the filters within the retort; (6) assuring uniform gas mixture throughout very large retorts; (7) injecting additional materials into the retort; and (8) quenching objects within the retort by unloading hot powder and reloading cold powder.

Loading

Materials may be injected into the interior of retort 31 by the method indicated in FIG. 2A. Tilt frame 5 with all appurtenances attached thereto is tilted upward about 30 degrees. Endcap 49 is removed per FIG. 8 and container 62 is attached in its place. Container 62 presses inwardly against rib 47A of valve member 47, depressing spring 45 and creating a gap between valve member 43 and retort endwall 31C whereby material from container 62 flows through the center of second axle 41 into retort 31. To facilitate complete emptying of vessel 62, fluidizing membrane in plenum assembly 62B comprises the lower slope of vessel 62 so that gas may be injected through pipe 62A into plenum 62B through a suitable membrane to fluidize the powder material in vessel 62 so that it flows readily

Normal operation

FIG. 1 and 1A show the machine in normal operation position. As seen in the cutaway section of FIG. 1A powder 33 partially fills the interior of retort 31. Powders 33 within retort 31 become agitated as retort 31 is rotated on axle 18. Powders 33 in the upper portion of retort 31 will be less dense than those in the lower portion and in any one revolution of retort 31 all of the powders undergo substantial movement. Referring to FIG. 3, 4, 5, and 6, gas atmosphere is injected through valve 71B through line 71A into commutator 13, then through conduit 19, thence through valve 17, thence through either coupling 18C or 18D depending on the position of piston 17C within valve body 17A, thence through other conduits 18A or 18B in axle 18 and thence through filters 37 and into the interior of the retort 31. Exhaust gases pass from the interior of the retort 31 through filters 37 through the other of conduit 18A or 18B thence through the other of coupling 18C or 18D and thence through valve 17, thence into filter 15, through port 15E then through membrane 15A then into chamber 13P, thence through passages in rotor 13G and thence through conduit line 71C. Gases may then be exhausted to the atmosphere or may pass into a vacuum pump or in some cases may be directed into a chemical deactivation unit. Electrical power is supplied through heaters 27 through connection 29. The high temperature of heater 27 radiates heat to the exterior of retort 31 wherein heat is transferred through the walls of retort 31 into the powders 33 which contact the interior surface of retort 31. Insulation 14D prevents substantial heat loss to the surrounding area. Walls 14A, 14B and 14C contain the insulation 14D and the heater 27 into a contiguous unit. The heater assembly 14 is split along a horizontal axis with each half bolting to tilt frame 5, as indicated in FIG. 1 and 1A. Gearmotor 7 supplies rotating power through belt drive 25 through driven sheave 23 which is attached to axle 18 and causes it to rotate which in turn rotates retort 31 and second axle 41 and all other parts attached thereto.

Cooling

When it is desired to cool the materials within retort 31, cooling fluids supplied through line 71E through commutator 13 thence through lines 73 through conduit 18E. Two embodiments for cooling are shown. In FIG. 1A a cooling tube 35 is attached to the ends of conduits 18E and 18F and cooling fluid circulates through this tube 35 creating a flow of heat from powders 33 through the walls of the tube 35 to fluids within the tube 35. FIG. 3 through 9 show a different style of cooling unit in which cooling coil 31E is welded to the back of retort wall 31A. As indicated in FIG. 9, cooling fluids from line 18E pass into the cooling coil 31E and spiral outward along the face of retort wall 31 A returning through conduit 31G and connecting with conduit 18F which then returns fluid through line 74 into rotor 13G of commutator 13 and thence return to the external system through line 71G.

Reversing Valve Function

Referring to FIG. 7 it is seen that filters 37 are constantly exposed to the fine powders 33 within retort 31. Gas entering through conduit 18A or 18B passing through one of the filter units 37 tends to force powders away from membrane 37A of filter unit 37, but in the other membrane 37A, powders are drawn into the pores of the membrane 37A. If operations are continued, the membrane 37A through which the gas is returning may eventually become clogged with particles. To avoid this it is desired to reverse the filters 37 from time to time so that the filter first functioning as an gas inlet filter functions as a gas exhaust filter and vice versa. This function is provided by valve 17 shown in detail on FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5, gas flow entering line 19 passes through port 17L into chamber 17H. When the unit is in the uppermost position, gas passes from chamber 17H through port 17E through line 17F in piston 17C and thence through line 17G eventually through line 18B into the retort 31. Returning gas exits through line 18A through couplers 18C and is directed to port 17J, thence through the interior of valve body 17A exiting through port 17M into port 15E in filter unit 15. When valve piston 17C is moved downward input gas enters through port 17L into chamber 17H and then passes directly into port 17J entering the retort through line 18A and gas exits through conduit 18B through line 17G. In all cases, the final exhaust port within valve 17 is port 17M and the inlet port is always 17L but by the position of valve piston 17C the gas flowing into the axle will flow alternately through 17J or 17G.

Referring to FIG. 7 it is shown that filters 37 are relatively close to each other. If the interior chamber of 31A is very large, there is concern that gas entering one of filters 37 may not mix completely with interior of the retort and pass directly out the adjacent filter. To prevent this from happening, valve member 17D may be operated from full on to full off on a timed basis, with valve 17D being primarily in the off position. Whenever valve 17D is in the off position, gas may enter the retort 31 but will tend to build pressure in the retort 31. Since there is no tendency for the gas to flow directly out the adjacent filter, it will penetrate uniformly through all powders 33 in retort 31. From time to time, then valve 71D is opened to exhaust all the gas from the interior of retort 31 A, an event that will take place quite suddenly, especially if a vacuum pump not shown is attached at valve 71D. By operating in this manner it is assured that gas entering through one of filters 37 will thoroughly mix with the interior of a retort of any size before being exhausted through the adjacent filter.

Powder injection

In some operations it is desirable to inject powders from time to time through retort 31A while it is operating. To facilitate this the injection unit shown in FIG. 10 is attached to valve 53 shown in FIG. 8. Materials to be injected are placed in chamber 91K. Gas pressure is then introduced into line 92E controlled through valve 92D to create pressure in chamber 91M. Gas in this area then passes through the permeable walls of piston 91I to fluidize the particles within chamber 91K. Combination of gas pressure within chamber 91M and physical pushing on rod 91D forces material in chamber 91K to pass through valve 92A through conduit 92B into valve 53 thence through conduit 55 in the interior of valve number 43 and into the interior of retort 31. Valve 92C offers a means of further controlling pressure in chamber 91M and also for releasing gas from chamber 91M when it is desired to retract piston 91I such as to allow more material to be loaded in chamber 91K.

Sampling

From time to time it is also desirable to take a sample from the interior of the retort 31 while the machine is operating. A sampling unit generally shown as 95 in FIG. 11 is used. Connection 96C is attached to valve 53 in a manner similar to that used to attach the injection unit 90. Valves 97A and 97B are manipulated, first to equalize the pressure so that sampling unit 95 may be safely attached, then to reduce the pressure within chamber 96G so that material may flow from the interior of retort 31, through conduit 55 through valve 53 thence through connection 96C into the chamber 96G. Gases from the interior of retort 31 are present with these solid materials. These gases will pass through permeable membrane 96F and thence into conduit 97 or exhausted through valve 97B. Rod 96E is slideably connected to the interior of bushing 96D so that rod 96E may be extended through port 96C through valve 53 and thence through conduit 55 to clear any materials which may be lodged within conduit 55. Rod 96E is long enough to extend to the interior of retort 31.

Unloading

FIG. 2C shows a method for unloading the machine after treatment. Tilt frame 5 and all appurtenances attached thereto are tilted to near vertical position. Prior to tilting, receiving unit 64 is attached in place of endcap 49. Receiving unit 64 depresses valve member 43 compressing spring 45 thus creating a gap between valve member 43 and sloping wall 31C. When the unit is elevated to the position shown in FIG. 2C, powder material flows from the interior of the retort aided by sloping walls 31C into the interior of container 64.

Quenching Operations

In some cases it is desired to change the interior temperature of retort 31 with great speed. For instance, if parts are fixtured within retort 31 and the powders are used as a means of heat transfer, the unit may be operated in the position shown in FIG. 2B for a desired period of time while powders are heated to a temperature which may be as high as 1000.degree. C. An insulated container 64 similar to 62 may then be attached to the unit and the unit depressed to position shown in FIG. 2C and all of the hot powders will exit from retort 31 into container 64C. The solid materials 31P held by fixtures 31Q within retort 31 will still, however, be at the elevated temperature. The unit may then be tilted to the position shown in FIG. 2A and a second container 64 similar to receiving container 62 attached thereto. The second container will contain powders which may be cooled below 0.degree. C., and these powders will be suddenly injected into retort 31 while retort 31A is rotating. As is shown in FIG. 2A, the effect will be that components that have previously been heated by powders which were taken out are now subject to the cooling effect of very cold powders. The result being a very substantial thermal quench of such said materials, as may be desirable for certain metallurgical reactions. If desired, the amount of powders to be injected may be calculated so as to allow the material to stabilize at a particular temperature which is reached when the heat within the fixtured units is transferred into the powders and an equilibrium temperature is reached.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of the preferred embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are in the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for treating particulate material comprising:

an enclosed retort mounted on an axle for rotation about a longitudinal axis and containing particulate material therein; said retort having a generally cylindrical body with at least one generally frusto-conical end and a fluid passage in said frusto-conical end for said particulate material to permit access to the interior of said retort;

fluid passage means for the supply and exhaust of gas for said retort for mixing with said particulate material upon rotation of said retort;

means to heat or cool said retort; and

means to tilt said retort about a horizontal axis perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the retort so that the retort may be tilted to a desired angular relation for movement of the particulate material by gravity within said retort to a desired end of the retort.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a tilt frame supports said retort for tilting movement about a horizontal axis.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

said axle extends through said frusto-conical end of said retort and has said flow passage therethrough for particulate material; and

valve means mounted on said axle to control the flow of particulate material through said flow passage into and out of said retort.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein:

said valve means is operable to permit the exhaust of a sample from the interior of said retort through said flow passage.

5. Apparatus for treating particulate material comprising:

an enclosed retort having particulate material therein;

a separate supply container adjacent said enclosed retort for supplying particulate material to said retort;

an axle secured to said retort and to said supply container to mount said retort supply container about a common longitudinal axis;

a first flow passage in said axle to said enclosed retort to supply a selected gas to said retort for mixing with said particulate material within said retort upon rotation of said retort;

a second flow passage between said retort and said supply container to supply additional particulate material to said retort from said supply container; and

means mounting said retort and supply container for tilting movement about a horizontal axis to permit raising and lowering of said supply container.

6. Apparatus for treating particulate material comprising:

an enclosed retort having particulate material therein;

a separate supply container adjacent said enclosed retort for supplying particulate material to said retort;

an axle secured to said retort and to said supply container to mount said retort and supply container about a common longitudinal axis;

a first flow passage in said axle to said enclosed retort to supply a selected gas to said retort for mixing with said particulate material within said retort upon rotation of said retort; and

a second flow passage between said retort and said supply container to supply additional particulate material to said retort from said supply container;

said supply container having a gas inlet to permit gas to enter said supply container to permit fluidizing of particulate material therein.

7. Apparatus for treating particulate material comprising:

an enclosed retort having particulate material therein;

a separate supply container adjacent said enclosed retort for supplying particulate material to said retort;

an axle secured to said retort and to said supply container to mount said retort and supply container about a common longitudinal axis;

a first flow passage in said axle to said enclosed retort to supply a selected gas to said retort for mixing with said particulate material within said retort upon rotation of said retort;

a second flow passage between said retort and said supply container to supply additional particulate material to said retort from said supply container; and

means to heat or cool said retort;

means to inject additional gases into said retort while said retort is simultaneously rotated and heated or cooled; and

a second container connected to said axle to receive particulate material from said retort while said retort is heated to a selected high temperature; said first mentioned supply container supplying particulate material to said retort at a selected low temperature while atmosphere control is maintained within said retort.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein:

said second flow passage is provided in said axle for the supply of additional particulate material to said retort during rotation of said retort and supply container.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein:

means removably connect said supply container to said axle to permit removal of said supply container; and

a second container is removably connected to said axle upon removal of said first mentioned supply container to permit the exhaust of particulate material from said retort to said second container.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein:

means are provided to heat or cool said retort; and

means are provided to inject additional gases into said retort while said retort is simultaneously rotated and heated or cooled.