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0-Sepa air separator (Fuller Co.

)
This newly (1983) developed air classifier (developed by and under
license from Onoda Cement Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) provides sharp
classification and mill system energy savings. The efficiency of 0-
Sepa can be illustrated by examining rejects and comparing them
to rejects of a conventional air separator. The· fines in the rejects
from a conventional separator contribute to mill inefficiency (see
Fig. 15.14. a. and b.).

The pictures show that with 0-Sepa most fines have been classified
as product, whereas the conventional separator has returned them
for further grinding. This attests to the greater efficiency of the 0-
Sepa separator.

The material fed to the 0-Sepa is directed onto the dispersion plate
located on the top of the rotor by the feed chutes. It is then
distributed by centrifugal force into the annular gap between the
rotor and the guide vanes, the buffer plate providing an impact ring
to direct the material down into the separation zone. The product is
carried by the air flow through the separator into the center of the
rotor, and exits the separator through the outlet duct located on the
top with a right angle bend. The rejects are collected in the hopper
and are discharged through the flap valve on the bottom.
There are three locations for gas flow to enter the 0-Sepa (see
Fig. 15.15.).
Primary air is comprised of mill vent air and ambient air entering
through a bleed air damper. Secondary air is comprised of vent air
from auxiliary equipment in the grinding circuit and ambient air
entering also through a bleed air damper. Primary and
secondary air both enter tangentially into the upper housing of the
0-Sepa. Tertiary air is all ambient air and enters the hopper through
inlet ducts with dampers.

The primary and secondary air create a vortex in the separation


zone of the separator, which is further enhanced by the stationary
guide vanes located around the rotor. The rotor is comprised of
horizontal partition plates which ensure a precise horizontal vortex
is formed, and vortical flow adjusting blades which provide the final
classification of the product. Initial classification is done by the
vortex formed in the classification zone. Additionally, fine particles
which are discharged into the hopper are also classi fied by the
tertiary air which provides counterflow in the hopper.

The rotor speed can be adjusted by means of the vari able speed
drive motor to allow adjustment of the required product size.
Fig. 15.17. shows typical separator efficiency curves. In the domain
of classification of fine and coarse par ticles, these curves are also
called Tromp Curves.

As indicated by these curves, 0-Sepa properly classi fies a higher


proportion of feed particles into product and rejects, whereas
conventional separators bypass a large percentage of acceptable
product for regrinding, and coarse particles to product.

According to the manufacturer, the 0-Sepa separator shows the


following advantages:

 Reduces power costs by up to 30 % while achiev ing better grinding efficiency


through narrow par ticle size distribution of the end product.
 Reduces capital expenditures by increasing capa city up to 50 % for a given
mill
 Adjusts easily for product fineness by means of a variable speed rotor
 Reduces auxiliary equipment requirements; only one vent and transportation
system is required.Saves space by being only 1/z to 1/6 the size of con
ventional separators.
 Adapts economically to existing circuits; 0-Sepa can service multiple mills
[159 c].

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