Abstract:
A pulping apparatus includes a hollow mixing cylinder selected to retain a volume of pulping fluid and cellulose fibres therein. The mixing cylinder is journaled for rotation about a central axis oriented at approximately + 20° from horizontal. In a preferred construction, the mixing cylinder is divided internally into at least two discrete mixing chambers configured to facilitate outward flow of defϊbred pulp from an infeed end of the cylinder to and outwardly from the outlet end. The mixing chamber adjacent the inlet end is delineated by an end cover which closes the inlet end, and by a first divider positioned across the cylinder interior. The next adjacent mixing chamber is delineated longitudinally by the distal-most divider of the end mixing chamber, and by a second further downstream divider spaced longitudinally therefrom. The dividers include at least one through-opening therethrough. The through-openings regulate the flow of pulp and fluid along the mixing cylinder, while maintaining minimum cellulose/fluid levels in each mixing chamber. The through-openings may be positioned in alignment with, or in an asymmetrical arrangement relative to the cylinder axis so as to move eccentrically relative thereto as the mixing cylinder rotates.
Abstract:
A contaminate separation apparatus for use in separating contaminant materials from cellulose and/or paper fibres in a paper recycling process includes a reservoir for receiving a waste paper slurry therein. The reservoir is provided with an inlet opening for the input of the slurry, one or more fibre discharge outlets or passages, and at least one waste outlet positioned vertically above the fibre discharge outlet opening. An agitator provided in a lower portion of the reservoir generates differential flow currents within the reservoir, to selectively divert plastics, waxes, adhesives and/or other sticky waste mateπals outwardly towards the waste outlet, while providing a flow of suspended paper and/or cellulose fibres to one or more of the fibre discharge outlets.