FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a nozzle. Nozzles are available in the marketplace as 5 shown in DE19849814, WO00/47329, and CA1219724. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a fluidization nozzle for a classifier.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION i o Fluidization nozzles may be used in classifier separators to sort materials by size and density. The material to be sorted is introduced into the classifier, the fluidization nozzles supply an upward stream of fluid which lifts the material to be sorted up into the fluid depending on the size and density. The material is then vertically separated into different sizes and densities.

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Existing classifier separators such as reflux classifier separators usually have numerous fluidization nozzles typically made of a wear resistant ceramic material. A problem with existing fluidisation nozzles is that they can be difficult and time consuming to replace, especially when replacing numerous fluidization 2 0 nozzles.

Another disadvantage with existing fluidization nozzles is that the portion of the nozzle extending from the head portion creates eddies. The material being fluidized can get caught up in the eddies and can lead to increased wear and

25 blockages of the nozzles, leading to less efficient separation and ultimately requiring replacement.

It will be clearly understood that any reference herein to background material or information, or to a prior publication, does not constitute an admission that any

3 0 material, information or publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, or is otherwise admissible prior art, whether in Australia or in any other country. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 5 Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION i o In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a nozzle comprising:

a shank having a shank aperture;

a head portion connected to the shank, the head portion having a lip; and an insert positioned adjacent the lip and at least partially diposed within the head 15 portion, the insert having an insert aperture, the insert at least partially disposed within the head portion.

Preferably, the insert aperture is in fluid communication with the shank aperture. Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the insert is disposed within the shank 2 0 aperture.

Preferably, the nozzle is for use in a classifier separator. More preferably, the nozzle is for use in a reflux classifier separator.

25 Preferably, the shank has an elongate cylindrical shape.

Preferably, the shank has a flat outside surface. A benefit of having the outside surface flat is that if the shank comprises a deformable material, the shank can be force fit into a threaded aperture of a classifier such that the shank conforms

3 0 to the threaded aperture and releasably secures the nozzle to the classifier.

Alternatively, the shank may have a threaded section. A benefit of having a threaded shank is that if the shank comprises a deformable material, the thread is less likely to break off when installing and removing from a threaded aperture of a classifier.

Preferably, the shank comprises a deformable material, for example, a plastic 5 material and/or a composite material. Preferably the shank comprises polyurethane. More preferably the shank is made of polyurethane. A benefit of using a material such as polyurethane for the shank is that any thread that is formed on the shank is less likely to break off (e.g. compared to a rigid ceramic material) during installation and removal.

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Preferably, the shank comprises a slot. Preferably the slot runs in a longitudinal direction relative to the shank. Preferably the slot is open to an inside surface of the shank, an outside surface of the shank and a bottom (i.e. direction away from the head portion) surface. A benefit of providing a slot in the shank is that this 5 can aid in the deformation of the shank when the shank is force fit into a threaded aperture of a classifier.

Preferably, the shank aperture has a substantially constant cross section in the direction of flow. Alternatively the shank aperture may be convergent and/or o divergent in direction of flow. It will be appreciated that the direction of flow is firstly through the shank aperture and then through the insert aperture.

Preferably, the shank aperture is centrally located relative to an axis of the shank. Preferably, the shank aperture extends from a lower end of the shank (i.e. the 5 end opposite the head portion) through the shank to the insert. The shank aperture may extend through part of the head portion if required (e.g. in order to reach the insert).

Preferably, the head portion is wider in diameter than the shank portion. More o preferably, the head portion is substantially hexagonal in shape. However, a skilled addressee will understand that any suitably shaped head portion may be used, provided that the head portion can be manipulated to install and/or remove the nozzle from a classifier. Preferably, the head portion is made of the same material as the shank portion. Preferably, the head portion is integrally formed with the shank. For example, the head portion and shank are moulded as one piece. Preferably the head portion and shank are formed by injection moulding.

Preferably, the head portion has a formation to retain the insert. For example, the head portion may have a lip, shoulder and/or the like to retain the insert. Preferably the head portion will have a lip that covers at least part of a top surface of the insert.

Preferably, the insert is annular in shape. However, a skilled addressee will understand that any suitably shaped insert may be used, provided that the insert can be retained by the head portion and/or the shank. For example, the insert may have a non-round periphery, such as a hexagonally shaped periphery or the like (when viewed from above).

The insert may be shaped to resist ejection from head portion. For example, the insert may have a tapered shape. The insert aperture may be convergent in the direction of flow. Preferably, the insert aperture is divergent in the direction of flow. Alternatively, the insert aperture may be convergent and then divergent in the direction of flow.

Typically, an axis of the insert aperture is parallel to an axis of the shank. Alternatively, the axis of the insert aperture may be angled relative to the axis of the shank. Preferably, if the axis of the insert aperture is angled relative to the axis of the shank head portion, the insert is angled such that the axis of the insert aperture remains perpendicular to a top surface of the insert. Preferably, the insert comprises wear resistant material. Preferably, the insert comprises a wear resistant ceramic material. For example, a Zirconia ceramic material. More preferably, the insert comprises siliconized silicon carbide (SiSiC). Typically the insert comprises material that is more wear resistant than the shank and head portion.

Preferably, the insert is at least partially embedded in the head portion when the head portion is formed, for example, during injection moulding of the head portion. The insert may be at least partially embedded in the shank.

Preferably, a top surface of the insert is recessed relative to a top surface of the head portion. For example, the top surface of the insert may be recessed relative to a lip of the head portion. Alternatively a top surface of the insert may be flush with a top surface of the head portion.

Preferably, the top surface of the insert extends across substantially the entire width of the insert. A benefit of this is that turbulence around the insert aperture can be reduced, leading to less blockages.

In another form, the invention relates to a method of installing a nozzle in a classifier, comprising the steps of: providing a nozzle having a head portion and a shank comprising a deformable material; and

force-fitting at least part of the shank into a threaded aperture of the classifier such that at least part of the shank conforms to the threaded aperture to releasably secure the nozzle to the classifier.

Preferably, the nozzle further comprises an insert of wear resistant material. Preferably, the insert is at least partially disposed within the head portion of the nozzle. Typically the insert will have an insert aperture in fluid communication with a shank aperture in the shank.

Preferably, the step of force fitting at least part of the shank into the threaded aperture includes providing a force to the nozzle in an axial direction relative to the axis of the shank. Alternatively or additionally, the step of force fitting at least part of the shank into the threaded aperture may include providing a rotational force to the nozzle relative to the axis of the shank.

In a further form, the invention relates to a nozzle comprising:

a shank having a shank aperture;

a head portion connected to the shank, the head portion having a planar top surface extending substantially the entire width of the head portion; and

a head aperture extending axially through the head portion wherein the head portion aperture is in fluid communication with the shank aperture.

Preferably, the shank aperture has a substantially constant cross section in the direction of flow. Alternatively the shank aperture may be convergent and/or divergent in direction of flow. It will be appreciated that the direction of flow is firstly through the shank aperture and then through the head portion aperture.

Preferably, the shank aperture is centrally located relative to an axis of the shank. Preferably the shank aperture extends from a bottom of the shank (i.e. the end opposite the head portion) through the shank to the head portion. The shank aperture may extend through part of the head portion if required (e.g. in order to reach the head portion aperture) or vice versa.

Preferably, the head portion is wider in diameter than the shank portion. More preferably the head portion is substantially hexagonal in shape. However, a skilled addressee will understand that any suitably shaped head portion may be used, provided that the head portion can be manipulated to install and/or remove the nozzle from a classifier.

Preferably, the shank has a flat outside surface. A benefit of having the outside surface flat is that if the shank comprises a deformable material, the shank can be force fit into a threaded aperture of a classifier such that the shank conforms to the threaded aperture and releasably secures the nozzle to the classifier. Alternatively, the shank may have a threaded section. A benefit of having a threaded shank is that if the shank comprises a deformable material, the thread is less likely to break off when installing and removing from a threaded aperture of a classifier.

Preferably, the head portion is made of the same material as the shank portion. Preferably, the head portion is integrally formed with the shank. For example, the head portion and shank are moulded as one piece.

The head portion aperture may be convergent in the direction of flow. Preferably, the head portion aperture is divergent in the direction of flow. Alternatively, the head portion aperture may be convergent and then divergent in the direction of flow.

Typically an axis of the head portion aperture is parallel to an axis of the shank. Alternatively, the axis of the head portion aperture may be angled relative to the axis of the shank.

Preferably, the shank comprises a slot. Preferably the slot runs in a longitudinal direction relative to the shank. Preferably the slot is open to an inside surface of the shank, an outside surface of the shank and a bottom (i.e. direction away from the head portion) surface. A benefit of providing a slot in the shank is that this can aid in the deformation of the shank when the shank is force fit into a threaded aperture of a classifier.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 shows a section view of a nozzle according to of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the nozzle of figure 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a section view of a nozzle according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the nozzle of figure 3; and

FIG. 5 shows a section view of a nozzle according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 show a nozzle 10 for use in a classifier. The nozzle 10 has a shank 12 connected to a head portion 18. An insert 30 is disposed within the head portion 18. A shank aperture 14 extends through the shank 12 to the insert 30. The shank aperture 14 is in fluid communication with an insert aperture 32 which extends through the insert 30. The insert aperture 32 has a divergent shape in the direction of flow. The head portion 18 has a lip 20 extending over part of a top surface 34 of the insert 30 to retain the insert 30 within the head portion 18. The lip is flush with a top surface 22 of the head portion. As can best be seen in figure 2, the head portion 18 has a hexagonal shape so that the head portion 18 can be manipulated by a tool (not shown).

The insert 30 is made of siliconized silicon carbide (SiSiC) to resist the wear encountered in classifiers. The shank and head portion are made of polyurethane. With reference to figures 3 and 4, there is shown a nozzle 10 with an insert aperture 32 disposed at an angle relative to the shank 12. As can be seen from the figures, this is achieved by disposing the insert 30 at an angle in the head portion 18. The head portion 18 is formed to provide a lip 20 extending over part of the top surface 34 of the insert 30 such that the insert 30 is retained by the head portion 18.

In use, to install the nozzle 10, the shank 12 is force fit into a threaded aperture of a classifier (not shown). Due to the force fit, an outer surface 16 of the shank 12 will then conform to the threaded aperture (not shown) to releasably secure the nozzle 10 to the classifier (not shown). Once the nozzle 10 is secured to the classifier (not shown), it can be unscrewed from the threaded aperture (not shown). With reference to figure 5, there is shown a nozzle 10 with an insert 30 having a tapered side wall 31 . The tapered side wall 31 aids in retaining the insert 30 within the head portion 18. The shank 12 has a shank aperture 14 which has a divergent shape in the direction of flow. The shank 12 has a threaded section 13 which is adapted to engage with a threaded aperture of a classifier (not shown). A slot 15 is provided in the shank 12 adjacent a bottom 40 of the shank 12. The slot 15 enables part of the shank 12 to contract.

With reference to figure 6, there is shown a nozzle 10 with a shank 12 and a head portion 18. The head portion 18 having a planar top surface 34 extending substantially the entire width of the head portion 18. A head aperture 41 extends axially through the head portion 18. The shank 12 has a threaded section 13 which is adapted to engage with a threaded aperture of a classifier (not shown). A slot 15 is provided in the shank 12 adjacent a bottom 40 of the shank 12. The slot 15 enables part of the shank 12 to contract.

In use, the shank 12 is force-fit into a threaded aperture of a classifier (not shown), the threaded part 13 of the shank 12 contracts while the nozzle is being force fit into the threaded aperture of a classifier (not shown) and expands once in position such that the threaded part 13 of the shank 12 engages the threaded aperture of the classifier (not shown). In this manner, the nozzle 10 can be quickly installed, using for example a hammer or the like In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention. In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers unless the context of use indicates otherwise.