A tribo-electrostatic separation process for fractionating a feed mixture derived from dried distiller's grains (DDG) or distiller's dried grains and mixed with solubles (DDGS) is disclosed.

The disclosure relates to a device and method for extracting synthetic fiber material from mixed textile waste fiber material containing synthetic fiber material and natural fiber material. An extraction module includes an electrostatic charging unit that is configured to be mountable at a textile recycling machine for electric charging a fiber fleece of mixed textile fiber material and/or for moving charged synthetic fiber material closer to a surface of the fleece, and a separation stage comprising separation means for removing a layer, in particular surface layer, of the fleece containing an increased or decreased concentration of the synthetic fiber material. Also a method for retrofitting a textile recycling machine with such an extraction module is disclosed.

The disclosure relates to a device and method for extracting synthetic fiber material from mixed textile waste fiber material containing synthetic fiber material and natural fiber material. An extraction module includes an electrostatic charging unit that is configured to be mountable at a textile recycling machine for electric charging a fiber fleece of mixed textile fiber material and/or for moving charged synthetic fiber material closer to a surface of the fleece, and a separation stage comprising separation means for removing a layer, in particular surface layer, of the fleece containing an increased or decreased concentration of the synthetic fiber material. Also a method for retrofitting a textile recycling machine with such an extraction module is disclosed.

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electrostatic separation of trichomes from plant biomass, addressing the limitations of conventional separation techniques. The method relies on differences in electrical properties of trichomes and plant material, utilizing an external electric field. A multi-component electrostatic separation assembly may prepare and separate one or more samples, thereby incorporating a dispensing component, a pipeline component, and a separation chamber comprising at least one electrode assembly. Moreover, the present invention may also provide for electrode assemblies that feature self-cleaning mechanisms.

The invention relates to a method for separating, in batches, a mixture comprising granules of at least two materials, comprising the following successive steps for each of the batches: introducing a batch into a fluidizing chamber (40) defined by a reactor (16) and obtaining an introduced batch (38), the granules of the batch being initially at rest, starting fluidization and obtaining at least one fluidized bed (18) in the fluidizing chamber, the fluidization being achieved by way of at least one ascending stream of fluid (42) that puts at least a fraction of the granules of the introduced batch into suspension, the fluidized bed being charged via the triboelectric effect, modifying the stream of fluid (42) and discharging at least 90% by mass of the introduced batch from the fluidizing chamber, passing the fed out batch in one or more electric fields intended to separate the discharged batch.

The invention relates to a method for separating, in batches, a mixture comprising granules of at least two materials, comprising the following successive steps for each of the batches: introducing a batch into a fluidizing chamber (40) defined by a reactor (16) and obtaining an introduced batch (38), the granules of the batch being initially at rest, starting fluidization and obtaining at least one fluidized bed (18) in the fluidizing chamber, the fluidization being achieved by way of at least one ascending stream of fluid (42) that puts at least a fraction of the granules of the introduced batch into suspension, the fluidized bed being charged via the triboelectric effect, modifying the stream of fluid (42) and discharging at least 90% by mass of the introduced batch from the fluidizing chamber, passing the fed out batch in one or more electric fields intended to separate the discharged batch.

An electrostatic separation apparatus and method are provided for isolating glandular trichomes from trichome-bearing plant biomass such as cannabis, hemp, or hops. The system may include a vertically oriented particle transport assembly configured to convey a sample through a linear free-fall pathway, a separation chamber with opposing electrode assemblies generating a uniform electrostatic field, and discharge electrodes positioned below the chamber to neutralize residual charge. Airflow regulation may be achieved through laminar diffuser plates and periodic vibration of critical components, including the hopper and diffuser, to prevent clogging and maintain uniform flow. The hopper may further include a circular discharge spout and rounded internal fillets to prevent bridging and ensure consistent powder recirculation. The apparatus achieves high-purity trichome separation through controlled field exposure, aerodynamic stabilization, and charge-neutralized particle discharge, enabling continuous, high-throughput operation with improved yield, reduced maintenance, and enhanced reproducibility across successive processing cycles.

An electrostatic separation apparatus and method are provided for isolating glandular trichomes from trichome-bearing plant biomass such as cannabis, hemp, or hops. The system may include a vertically oriented particle transport assembly configured to convey a sample through a linear free-fall pathway, a separation chamber with opposing electrode assemblies generating a uniform electrostatic field, and discharge electrodes positioned below the chamber to neutralize residual charge. Airflow regulation may be achieved through laminar diffuser plates and periodic vibration of critical components, including the hopper and diffuser, to prevent clogging and maintain uniform flow. The hopper may further include a circular discharge spout and rounded internal fillets to prevent bridging and ensure consistent powder recirculation. The apparatus achieves high-purity trichome separation through controlled field exposure, aerodynamic stabilization, and charge-neutralized particle discharge, enabling continuous, high-throughput operation with improved yield, reduced maintenance, and enhanced reproducibility across successive processing cycles.