APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A SUBSTRATE WITH SOLID PARTICLES

Abstract

An apparatus, method and kit for use in the treatment of substrates with a solid particulate material, said apparatus comprising a housing having mounted therein a rotatably mounted drum having an inner surface and an end wall and access means for introducing said substrates into said drum, the drum preferably having and elongate protrusion (1) located on said inner surface of said drum, wherein ⋅ (a) said drum comprises storage means for storage of said solid particulate material; and ⋅ (b) said drum comprises a first collecting flow path to facilitate flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in a first collecting direction, characterised in that said drum comprises a second collecting flow path to facilitate flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in a second collecting direction, wherein said second collecting direction is in the opposite rotational direction to said first collecting direction, and wherein said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path are different flow paths.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in the treatment of substrates with a solid particulate material, said apparatus comprising a housing having mounted therein a rotatably mounted drum having an inner surface and an end wall and access means for introducing said substrates into said drum, wherein (a) said drum comprises storage means for storage of said solid particulate material; and (b) said drum comprises a first collecting flow path to facilitate flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in a first collecting direction, characterised in that said drum comprises a second collecting flow path to facilitate flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in a second collecting direction, wherein said second collecting direction is in the opposite rotational direction to said first collecting direction, and wherein said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path are different flow paths.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drum has a first elongate protrusion located on said inner surface of said drum wherein said first elongate protrusion extends in a direction away from said end wall, wherein said first elongate protrusion has an end proximal to the end wall and an end distal to the end wall, wherein said first elongate protrusion comprises said first collecting flow path and further comprises a first collecting aperture, wherein said first collecting aperture defines the start of said first collecting flow path.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first collecting aperture is disposed in a first side of said first elongate protrusion, wherein said first side of said first elongate protrusion is the leading side of said first elongate protrusion during rotation of the drum in said first collecting direction.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first elongate protrusion comprises a plurality of said first collecting apertures disposed in said first side of said first elongate protrusion at a plurality of positions from the proximal end to the distal end thereof.

5. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said first elongate protrusion is configured to bias solid particulate material present inside said first collecting flow path towards the storage means during rotation of the drum in said first collecting direction and in said second collecting direction.

6. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein said first elongate protrusion further comprises said second collecting flow path and a second collecting aperture, wherein said second collecting aperture defines the start of said second collecting flow path.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said second collecting aperture is disposed in a second side of said first elongate protrusion, wherein said second side of said first elongate protrusion is the leading side of said first elongate protrusion during rotation of the drum in said second collecting direction.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said first elongate protrusion comprises a plurality of said second collecting apertures disposed in said second side of said first elongate protrusion at a plurality of positions from the proximal end to the distal end thereof.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein said first elongate protrusion is configured to bias solid particulate material present inside said second collecting flow path towards the storage means during rotation of the drum in said first collecting direction and in said second collecting direction.

10. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein said first elongate protrusion is rectilinear.

11. The apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path are symmetrically arranged along the length of said first elongate protrusion.

12. The apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein said first elongate protrusion comprises a barrier projecting from a base portion of said first elongate protrusion adjacent the inner surface of said drum, wherein said barrier extends at least partially towards a top portion of said first elongate protrusion, wherein said barrier at least partially separates said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path.

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein said first side and/or said second side of said first elongate protrusion is inclined so that the width of said first elongate protrusion is narrower at a top portion of said first elongate protrusion than at a base portion of the elongate protrusion adjacent the inner surface of said drum.

14. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 13, wherein said drum comprises a plurality of said first elongate protrusions.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said drum comprises two, three, four, five or six of said first elongate protrusions.

16. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 15, wherein said drum further comprises a second elongate protrusion located on said inner surface of said drum, wherein said second elongate protrusion extends in a direction away from said end wall, wherein said second elongate protrusion has an end proximal to the end wall and an end distal to the end wall, wherein said second elongate protrusion comprises said second collecting flow path and a second collecting aperture, wherein said second collecting aperture defines the start of said second collecting flow path.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said second collecting aperture is disposed in a first side of said second elongate protrusion, wherein said first side of said second elongate protrusion is the leading side of said second elongate protrusion during rotation of the drum in said second collecting direction

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said second elongate protrusion comprises a plurality of said second collecting apertures disposed in said first side of said second elongate protrusion at a plurality of positions from the proximal end to the distal end thereof.

19. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein said second elongate protrusion is configured to bias solid particulate material present inside said second collecting flow path towards the storage means during rotation of the drum in said first collecting direction and in said second collecting direction.

20. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein said second elongate protrusion is spaced apart from said first elongate protrusion on said inner surface of said drum.

21. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein said first elongate protrusion and/or said second elongate protrusion is rectilinear.

22. The apparatus according to any of claims 16 to 21, wherein said drum comprises a plurality of said first and/or said second elongate protrusions.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the total number of said first and second elongate protrusions comprised in the drum is two, three, four, five or six.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the total number of said first and second elongate protrusions comprised in the drum is two, four or six and wherein the number of said first elongate protrusions is equal to the number of said second elongate protrusions.

25. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path comprises a series of deflectors which are configured to urge said solid particulate material towards said storage means during rotation of said drum.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said deflectors are inclined substantially parallel to each other.

27. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path comprises a chain of open compartments which are configured to urge said solid particulate material towards said storage means during rotation of said drum.

28. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path is or comprises an Archimedean screw arrangement.

29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said Archimedean screw arrangement comprises surfaces that are rectilinear or curvilinear or a combination thereof.

30. The apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 29, wherein one of said first or second collecting flow paths comprises a substantially clockwise path and the other of said first and second collecting flow paths comprises a substantially counter-clockwise path.

31. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein movement of said solid particulate material between the interior of the drum and the storage means is actuated entirely by rotation of the drum.

32. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said storage means is or comprises at least one cavity located in the end wall of the drum.

33. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the storage means comprises multiple compartments, for instance, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 compartments, particularly wherein said multiple compartments are arranged so as to retain balance of the drum during rotation.

34. The apparatus according to claim 33 further comprising a delivery duct in fluid communication between said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path and a compartment of said storage means, wherein said delivery duct is configured to transfer said solid particulate material from said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path to said compartment, preferably such that entry of said solid particulate material into said compartment occurs when said compartment is oriented so as to reduce the amount of solid particulate material already in said compartment that is adjacent a point of entry into the compartment compared to the amount of solid particulate material adjacent the point of entry when said compartment is in other orientations during rotation of said drum, preferably entry of said solid particulate material into said compartment occurs when at least a portion of said compartment is above the horizontal plane bisecting the axis of drum rotation.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said delivery duct comprises a least one baffle to regulate the flow of solid particulate material from the delivery duct into said compartment.

36. The apparatus according to claim 34 or claim 35, wherein said delivery duct is located around a portion of the circumference of the end wall of the drum.

37. The apparatus according to any of claims 34 to 36, wherein said delivery duct comprises a first entry aperture and a first exit aperture, wherein the first entry aperture is in fluid communication with said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path and is configured such that solid particulate material is able to enter the delivery duct through said first entry aperture and pass through the delivery duct as the drum rotates in said first collecting direction before passing through the first exit aperture and into a compartment of the storage means.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said delivery duct further comprises a second entry aperture and a second exit aperture, wherein the second entry aperture is in fluid communication with said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path and is configured such that solid particulate material is able to enter the delivery duct through the second entry aperture and pass through the delivery duct as the drum rotates in said second collecting direction before passing through the second exit aperture and into a compartment of the storage means, preferably said second entry aperture and said first entry aperture are the same aperture.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the delivery duct further comprises: (a) a central portion comprising said first and second entry apertures; (b) a first arm extending from said central portion in a first direction around the circumference of said end wall to a first end of said delivery duct; and (c) a second arm extending from said central portion in a second direction around the circumference of said end wall to a second end of said delivery duct, wherein said first exit aperture is adjacent said first end and said second exit aperture is adjacent said second end.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said delivery duct comprises a first arrangement of one or more baffles configured to regulate the flow of solid particulate material that nears the first exit aperture of the delivery duct when said first exit aperture is below the horizontal plane bisecting the axis of drum rotation as the drum rotates in said first collecting direction, and wherein said first arrangement of one or more baffles is further configured to allow solid particulate material to pass through the first exit aperture and enter the compartment of the storage means when said compartment is oriented so as to reduce the amount of solid particulate material already in said compartment that is adjacent the point of entry into the compartment compared to the amount of solid particulate material adjacent the point of entry when said compartment is in other orientations during rotation of said drum, preferably, said first arrangement of one or more baffles is configured to allow solid particulate material to pass through the first exit aperture and enter the compartment when the first exit aperture moves above the horizontal plane bisecting the axis of drum rotation as the drum rotates in said first collecting direction.

41. The apparatus according to claim 39 or claim 40, wherein said delivery duct comprises a second arrangement of one or more baffles configured to regulate the flow of solid particulate material that nears the second exit aperture of the delivery duct when said second exit aperture is below the horizontal plane bisecting the axis of drum rotation as the drum rotates in said second collecting direction, and wherein said second arrangement of one or more baffles is further configured to allow solid particulate material to pass through said second exit aperture and enter the compartment of the storage means when said compartment is oriented so as to reduce the amount of solid particulate material already in said compartment that is adjacent the point of entry into the compartment compared to the amount of solid particulate material adjacent the point of entry when said compartment is in other orientations during rotation of said drum, preferably, said second arrangement of one or more baffles is configured to allow solid particulate material to pass through the second exit aperture and enter the compartment when said second exit aperture moves above the horizontal plane bisecting the axis of drum rotation as the drum rotates in said second collecting direction.

42. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means comprises multiple compartments located in the end wall of the drum, wherein each of the compartments is defined by a cavity bound by a first wall and a second wall which each extend outwards from the rotational axis of the drum towards and preferably to the inner wall of the drum, preferably wherein each compartment is associated with a single first collecting flow path and a single second collecting flow path.

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein each compartment is in fluid communication with its adjacent compartment or compartments such that solid particulate material, as well as any liquid medium, is able to pass from one compartment directly into an adjacent compartment during rotation of the drum.

44. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein fluid communication between adjacent compartments is effected by a communicating aperture in the wall between adjacent compartments, preferably wherein a communicating aperture exhibits a smallest dimension which is at least 4 times greater than the longest dimension of the solid particulate material, and preferably wherein the largest dimension of the communicating aperture is no greater than 50% of the longest dimension of a wall between adjacent compartments, and preferably wherein said communicating aperture is located in a wall between adjacent compartments at a point that is closer to the mid-point of said wall between adjacent compartments than to either the rotational axis of the drum or the inner wall of the drum.

45. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage means further comprises one or more perforations which have dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the solid particulate material so as to permit passage of fluids through said perforations into and out of the storage means, particularly from or into the interior of said drum respectively, but to prevent egress of said solid particulate material through said perforations.

46. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the dimensions of said first and second collecting flow paths are such that they have no internal dimension which is less than 2 times, more preferably less than 3 times, the longest dimension of the solid particulate material.

47. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the storage means and/or said first and/or second collecting flow paths can be assembled inside the drum, and/or are able to be retrofitted to an existing drum, and/or are removable and replaceable.

48. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface of said drum comprises perforations which have dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the solid particulate material so as to permit passage of fluids into and out of said drum but to prevent egress of said solid particulate material.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said housing is a tub which surrounds said drum, preferably wherein said tub and said drum are substantially concentric, preferably wherein the walls of said tub are unperforated but having disposed therein one or more inlets and/or one or more outlets suitable for passage of a liquid medium and/or one or more treatment agents into and out of the tub.

50. The apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a seal between the access means and said tub.

51. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said drum has an opening at the opposite end of the drum to the end wall through which said substrates are introduced into said drum.

52. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said drum comprises a dispensing aperture and a dispensing flow path for facilitating flow of said solid particulate material from said storage means to the interior of said drum.

53. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein said dispensing aperture is comprised in said end wall of said drum.

54. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus does not comprise a further storage means which is not attached to or integral with the drum, and/or wherein the apparatus does not comprise a pump for circulating said solid particulate material between the storage means and the interior of the drum.

55. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus does not comprise a pump for circulating said solid particulate material.

56. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said treatment of substrates with solid particulate material is in the presence of a liquid medium and/or one of more treatment formulation(s).

57. The apparatus according to any preceding claim which comprises said solid particulate material.

58. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the particles of the solid particulate material have (i) an average mass of from about 1 mg to about 1000 mg; and/or (ii) an average volume in the range of from about 5 to about 500 mm.sup.3; and/or (iii) an average surface area of from 10 mm.sup.2 to 500 mm.sup.2 per particle; and/or (iv) an average particle size of from 1 mm to 50 mm, preferably from 2 to 20 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 10 mm; and/or (v) and average density of at least about 1 g/cm.sup.3 or at least about 1.4 g/cm.sup.3.

59. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the particles of the solid particulate comprise a polymer, preferably wherein the polymer is or comprises a polyalkylene, a polyamide, a polyester or a polyurethane, preferably a polyalkylene, polyester or polyamide, preferably a polyamide selected from nylon 6 or nylon 6,6 or a polyalkylene selected from polypropylene, and preferably a polyamide or a polyamide selected from nylon 6 or nylon 6,6.

60. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the particles of the solid particulate material are spheroidal or ellipsoidal or a mixture thereof.

61. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the rotatable drum is cylindrical.

62. A lifter for use in a rotatably mounted drum of an apparatus for use in the treatment of substrates with a solid particulate material, the lifter comprising: (a) an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a base portion having means for connecting to an inner surface of said drum; (c) a first side extending from said base portion towards a top portion of said lifter, wherein said first side forms a leading edge when said drum rotates in a first collecting direction; (d) a second side extending from said base portion towards said top portion of said lifter, wherein said second side forms a leading edge when said drum rotates in a second collecting direction, wherein said second collecting direction is in the opposite rotational direction to said first collecting direction; (e) a first collecting flow path to facilitate flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to a storage means in said drum when said drum rotates in said first collecting direction; and (f) a first collecting aperture disposed in said first side, wherein said first collecting aperture defines the start of said first collecting flow path, characterised in that said lifter comprises a second collecting flow path to facilitate flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in said second collecting direction, wherein said lifter comprises a second collecting aperture disposed in said second side, wherein said second collecting aperture defines the start of said second collecting flow path, and wherein said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path are different flow paths.

63. The lifter according to claim 62, comprising a plurality of said first collecting apertures disposed in said first side of said lifter at a plurality of positions from the proximal end to the distal end thereof.

64. The lifter according to claim 62 or claim 63, wherein said lifter is configured to bias solid particulate material present inside said first collecting flow path towards said proximal end during rotation of the drum in said first collecting direction and in said second collecting direction.

65. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 64, comprising a plurality of said second collecting apertures disposed in said second side of said lifter at a plurality of positions from the proximal end to the distal end thereof.

66. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 65, wherein said lifter is configured to bias solid particulate material present inside said second collecting flow path towards said proximal end during rotation of the drum in said first collecting direction and in said second collecting direction.

67. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 66, wherein said lifter is rectilinear.

68. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 67, wherein said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path are symmetrically arranged along the length of said elongate body of said length.

69. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 68, wherein said lifter comprises a barrier projecting from said base portion, wherein said barrier extends at least partially towards said top portion, wherein said barrier at least partially separates said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path.

70. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 69, wherein said first side and/or said second side of said lifter is inclined so that the width of said lifter is narrower at said top portion than at said base portion.

71. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 70, wherein said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path comprises a series of deflectors which are configured to urge said solid particulate material towards said proximal end during rotation of said drum.

72. The lifter according to claim 71, wherein said deflectors are inclined substantially parallel to each other.

73. The lifters according to any of claims 62 to 72, wherein said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path comprises a chain of open compartments which are configured to urge said solid particulate material towards said proximal end during rotation of said drum.

74. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 73 wherein said first collecting flow path and/or said second collecting flow path is or comprises an Archimedean screw arrangement.

75. The lifter according to claim 74 wherein said Archimedean screw arrangement comprises surfaces that are rectilinear or curvilinear or a combination thereof.

76. The lifter according to any of claims 62 to 75, wherein one of said first or second collecting flow paths comprises a substantially clockwise path and the other of said first and second collecting flow paths comprises a substantially counter-clockwise path.

77. An apparatus for use in the treatment of substrates with a solid particulate material, said apparatus comprising a housing having mounted therein a rotatably mounted drum having an inner surface and an end wall and access means for introducing said substrates into said drum, wherein said drum comprises: (a) storage means for storage of said solid particulate material; and (b) at least one lifter according to any of claims 62 to 76.

78. A method of treating a substrate, the method comprising agitating the substrate in an apparatus according to any of claim 1 to 61 or 77 with solid particulate material.

79. The method according to claim 78 wherein the solid particulate material is re-used in further treatment procedures according to the method.

80. The method according to claim 78 or 79 wherein the method is a method for treating multiple batches, wherein a batch comprises at least one substrate, the method comprising agitating a first batch with solid particulate material, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: (a) collecting said solid particulate material in the storage means; (b) agitating a second batch comprising at least one substrate with solid particulate material collected from step (a); and (c) optionally repeating steps (a) and (b) for subsequent batch(es) comprising at least one substrate.

81. The method according to any of claims 78 to 80 wherein the method comprises agitating the substrate with solid particulate material and a liquid medium, preferably wherein the liquid medium is aqueous.

82. The method according to any of claims 78 to 81 wherein the method comprises agitating the substrate with said solid particulate material and a treatment formulation.

83. The method according to any of claims 78 to 82 wherein the substrate is or comprises a textile.

84. The method according to claim 83 wherein the treating of said substrate is cleaning, coloration, bleaching, abrading or ageing, or other textile or garment finishing process.

85. The method according to claim 84 for cleaning a substrate wherein the substrate is a soiled substrate.

86. The method according to any of claims 78 to 82 wherein the substrate is or comprises an animal skin substrate.

87. The method according to claim 86 wherein the treating of an animal skin substrate is a tannery process.

88. A kit for converting an apparatus which is not suitable for use in the treatment of substrates using a solid particulate material into an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 61 which is suitable for use in the treatment of substrates using a solid particulate material, wherein the apparatus comprises a housing having mounted therein a rotatably mounted drum having an inner surface and an end wall and which further comprises access means for introducing said substrates into said drum, and wherein said kit comprises: (a) solid particulate material; (b) storage means for storage of said solid particulate material; and (c) at least one first elongate protrusion having a first collecting flow path and a second collecting flow path, or at least one first elongate protrusion having a first collecting flow path in combination with at least one second elongate protrusion having a second collecting flow path as defined in claims 2 to 30, or at least one lifter as defined in claims 34 to 41, wherein said first collecting flow path facilitates flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in a first collecting direction, wherein said second collecting flow path facilitates flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in a second collecting direction, wherein said second collecting direction is in the opposite rotational direction to said first collecting direction, and wherein said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path are different flow paths, wherein said kit is adapted to allow affixing of said storage means and said first elongate protrusion(s) and, where present, said second elongate protrusion(s) to one or more interior surface(s) of the drum.

89. A method of constructing an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 61 which is suitable for use in the treatment of substrates using a solid particulate material, the method comprising retrofitting a starting apparatus which is not suitable for use in the treatment of substrates using a solid particulate material and which comprises a housing having mounted therein a rotatably mounted drum having an inner surface and an end wall and which further comprises access means for introducing said substrates into said drum, wherein said retrofitting comprises the steps of: (i) providing solid particulate material, providing one or more storage means for storage of solid particulate material, and providing at least one elongate protrusion(s); (ii) affixing said storage means to one or more interior surface(s) of the drum; and (iii) affixing to an interior surface of the drum at least one first elongate protrusion having a first collecting flow path and a second collecting flow path, or at least one first elongate protrusion having a first collecting flow path and at least one second elongate protrusion having a second collecting flow path or, in particular, at least one lifter as defined in claims 34 to 41, wherein said first collecting flow path facilitates flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in a first collecting direction, wherein said second collecting flow path facilitates flow of said solid particulate material from the interior of said drum to said storage means when said drum rotates in a second collecting direction, wherein said second collecting direction is in the opposite rotational direction to said first collecting direction, and wherein said first collecting flow path and said second collecting flow path are different flow paths.

Description

FIGURES

[0275] The invention is further illustrated with reference to the following figures.

[0276] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-section of a drum (2) of the apparatus of the present invention. The cylindrical drum (2) has an inner surface (10). Two first elongate protrusions (12a, 12b) having base plates (16a, 16b) are attached via fixings (not shown) in the base plates (16a, 16b) to the inner surface (10) of the drum (2). Each of the two first elongate protrusions (12a, 12b) has a plurality of first collecting apertures (22a, 22b) in a first side (6a, 6b). As the drum rotates clockwise (indicated by arrow A), solid particulate material (now shown) in the interior (20) of the drum (2) can enter a first collecting flow path (represented by arrow 36a, 36b) inside the first elongate protrusions (12a, 12b) via the first collecting apertures (22a, 22b). The solid particulate material follows the first collecting flow path (arrow 36a, 36b) towards storage means (30) in the end wall of the drum (2) as the drum rotates in the direction shown by arrow A.

[0277] Two second elongate protrusions (14a, 14b) having base plates (18a, 18b) are attached via fixings (not shown) in the base plates (18a, 18b) to the inner surface (10) of the drum (2). Each of the two second elongate protrusions (14a, 14b) has a plurality of second collecting apertures (24a, 24b) in a first side (8a, 8b). As the drum rotates counter-clockwise (indicated by arrow B), solid particulate material (not shown) in the interior (20) of the drum (2) can enter a second collecting flow path (represented by arrow 34a, 34b) inside the second elongate protrusions (14a, 14b) via the second collecting apertures (24a, 24b). The solid particulate material follows the second collecting flow path (arrow 34a, 34b) towards storage means (30) in the end wall of the drum (2) as the drum rotates in the direction shown by arrow B.

[0278] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-section of a drum (2) of the apparatus of the present invention. The cylindrical drum (2) has an inner surface (10). Four first elongate protrusions (100) having base plates (110) are attached via fixings (not shown) in the base plate (110) to the inner surface (10) of the drum (2). Each of the first elongate protrusions (100) has a plurality of first collecting apertures (122) in a first side (106). As the drum rotates clockwise (indicated by arrow A), solid particulate material (not shown) in the interior (20) of the drum (2) can enter a first collecting flow path inside a first lengthwise portion (134) of the first elongate protrusions (100) via the first collecting apertures (122). The solid particulate material follows the first collecting flow path towards storage means (30) in the end wall of the drum (2) as the drum rotates in the direction shown by arrow A. Each of the first elongate protrusions (100) also has a plurality of second collecting apertures (124) in a second side (108). As the drum rotates counter-clockwise (indicated by arrow B), solid particulate material (not shown) in the interior (20) of the drum (2) can enter a second collecting flow path inside a second lengthwise portion (136) of the first elongate protrusions (100) via the second collecting apertures (124). The solid particulate material follows the second collecting flow path towards storage means (30) in the end wall of the drum (2) as the drum rotates in the direction shown by arrow B. Each of the first elongate protrusions (100) has a barrier (102) that extends from the base plate (110) towards, but does not reach, a top portion (140) of the first elongate protrusion. The barrier (102) at least partially separate the first lengthwise portion (134) from the second lengthwise portion (136). Solid particulate material in said first flow path may transfer from the first lengthwise portion (134) across the barrier (102) to the second lengthwise portion (136) when said drum changes direction and rotates in the direction indicated by arrow B, thereby continuing to be urged towards the storage means. Solid particulate material in said second flow path may transfer from the second lengthwise portion (136) across the barrier (102) to the first lengthwise portion (134) when said drum changes direction and rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A, thereby continuing to be urged towards the storage means.

[0279] FIG. 3 shows certain elements of a rotatable drum (2) having an end wall (1) and a cylindrical inner surface (10), and located in a housing (60), wherein the interior of the drum is accessed by access means (70) and wherein the drum is connected to drive shaft (80) from a drive means (not shown) to effect rotation of the drum.

[0280] FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of FIG. 3 wherein a storage means (30) is disposed in, or retrofitted onto, the existing end wall (1) of the drum.

[0281] FIG. 5 shows a partial view of a first elongate protrusion of the first embodiment, or a lifter (200), of the present invention. The lifter comprises a base portion (210) for affixing the lifter to the interior surface of a drum (not shown). The lifter (200) has a first end (290) proximal to the end wall of a drum (not shown) and a second end (285) distal from the end wall of the drum (not shown). The lifter has a plurality of first collecting apertures (220) in a first side (230) of the lifter. Solid particulate material (not shown) that enters via the first collecting apertures (220) follows a first collecting path within the lifter (200). The lifter has a plurality of second collecting apertures (225) in a second side of the lifter (235). Solid particulate material (not shown) that enters via the second collecting apertures (225) follows a second collecting path within the lifter (200). The lifter comprises a first lengthwise portion (240) and a second lengthwise portion (245) partially separated by a barrier (250). The first lengthwise portion (240) comprises a first series of deflectors (260), which are substantially parallel to each other. The first lengthwise portion (240) also comprises a second series of deflectors (265), which are substantially parallel to each other but which are not parallel to deflectors in said first series (260). The second lengthwise portion (245) comprises a first series of deflectors (270), which are substantially parallel to each other. The second lengthwise portion (245) also comprises a second series of deflectors (not shown), which are substantially parallel to each other but which are not parallel to deflectors in said first series (270). The lifter has an aperture (280) in which a tie bar can be located.

[0282] Solid particulate material (not shown) that enters via the first collecting apertures (220) is urged towards the first end of the lifter (290) by deflectors (260) and (265) as the drum rotates in the first collecting direction. In this way, the first flow path generally follows an Archimedean screw-like path along the first lengthwise portion (240) of the lifter (200) when the drum is rotating in the first collecting direction. When the direction of rotation of the drum changes to the second collecting direction, solid particulate material in the first collecting flow path can transfer across the barrier (250) into the second lengthwise portion (245), where it is urged towards the first end of the lifter (290) by deflectors (270) and the second series of deflectors in the second lengthwise portion that are not shown.

[0283] Solid particulate material (not shown) that enters via the second collecting apertures (225) is urged towards the first end of the lifter (290) by deflectors (270) and the second series of deflectors (not shown) in the second lengthwise portion (245) as the drum rotates in the second collecting direction. In this way, the second flow path generally follows an Archimedean screw-like path along the second lengthwise portion (245) of the lifter (200) when the drum is rotating in the second collecting direction. When the direction of rotation of the drum changes to the first collecting direction, solid particulate material in the second collecting flow path can transfer across the barrier (250) into the first lengthwise portion (240), where it is urged towards the first end of the lifter (290) by deflectors (260) and (265).

[0284] FIG. 6 is an alternative view of a portion of the lifter of FIG. 5, showing the first series of deflectors (260) and the second series of deflectors (265) in the first lengthwise portion (240) plus the first series of deflectors (270) and the second series of deflectors (275) in the second lengthwise portion (245).

[0285] FIG. 7 shows the lifter (200) of FIG. 5 connected to a delivery duct (300) for assembly into the drum (not shown) of an apparatus of the invention. The delivery duct (300) is shaped to correspond with the circumference of the end wall of the drum. The delivery duct has a central portion (350) comprising a first entry aperture (not shown) for solid particulate material that has followed a first flow path or a second flow path through the lifter (200). The delivery duct has a first arm (310) extending from the central portion (350) in a first direction and a second arm (320) extending from the central portion (350) in a second direction. The first arm (310) has a first exit aperture (not shown) at a first end (305) of the first arm (310). The second arm (320) has a second exit aperture (not shown) at a second end (325) of the second arm (320). The first arm (310) has a first arrangement of baffles (330) configured to regulate the flow of solid particulate material that nears the first exit aperture. The second arm (320) has a second arrangement of baffles (340) configured to regulate the flow of solid particulate material that nears the second exit aperture.

[0286] FIG. 8 is a reverse view of the lifter (200) and delivery duct (300) of FIG. 7, showing a first entry aperture (385) from the lifter (200) into the central portion (350) of the delivery duct (300) and a second entry aperture (380) from the lifter (200) into the central portion (350) of the delivery duct.

[0287] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further view of the lifter (200) and delivery duct (300) of FIGS. 7 and 8 and illustrate the first arrangement of baffles (330) and the second arrangement of baffles (340). The first arrangement of baffles (330) comprises a first baffle (332) and a second baffle (334). The second arrangement of baffles (340) comprises a first baffle (342) and a second baffle (344). The first baffles (332, 342) and the second baffles (334, 344) are configured to discourage, preferably to prevent, solid particulate material that has passed said first baffle when travelling through the delivery duct towards the storage means from returning back towards the lifter (200). The first baffles (332, 342) and second baffles (334, 344) are also configured to urge towards the storage means (not shown) the solid particulate material (not shown) that has passed said first baffles (332, 342) as the drum rotates.

[0288] FIGS. 11 and 12 do not show lifters of the present invention but illustrate an example of the paternoster configuration described herein. An elongate protrusion (113d) is shown having the paternoster configuration, wherein there is a first chain of open compartments (115a, b) formed by a first series of inclined, substantially parallel vanes (116a, b) and a second series of inclined, substantially parallel vanes (117a, b). FIG. 12 shows the elongate protrusion in dissembled form.

[0289] FIG. 13 shows a partial view of an alternative elongate protrusion or lifter of the present invention. The lifter comprises a base portion for affixing the lifter to the interior surface of a drum (not shown). The lifter (400) has a first end (490) proximal to the end wall of a drum (not shown) and a second end (485) distal from the end wall of the drum (not shown).

[0290] The lifter has a first set of first collecting apertures (420) in a first side (430) of the lifter. Solid particulate material (not shown) that enters via the first set of first collecting apertures (420) follows a first type of first collecting flow path within the lifter (400). The lifter has a first set of second collecting apertures (not shown) in a second side (415) of the lifter. Solid particulate material (not shown) that enters via the first set of second collecting apertures follows a first type of second collecting flow path within the lifter (400). In the elongate protrusion of FIG. 13, the first type of first collecting flow path and the first type of second collecting flow path coextend for a portion of their length. The first and second types of first collecting flow paths may comprise any of the paths described herein, for example they may comprise a series of deflectors or an Archimedean screw. The lifter has an aperture (480) in which a tie bar can be located. The aperture (480) is located in the lifter at a radially inward position, proximal to the top portion of the lifter. The first and second types of first collecting flow paths are located radially outward of the tie bar aperture (480), i.e. distally from the centre of the drum.

[0291] The lifter also comprises on a first side (430) of the lifter a second set of first collecting apertures (405) which is located proximal to the first end (490) of the lifter. The second set of first collecting apertures (405) is positioned closer to the first end (490) of the lifter than the position of said first set of first collecting apertures (420). Each of the first collecting apertures in the second set of first collecting apertures (405) defines the start of a second type of first collecting flow path (not shown). As a drum comprising the lifter rotates in a first direction, solid particulate material in the interior of the drum can enter the second type of first collecting flow path inside the lifter via the second set of first collecting apertures (405). The solid particulate material follows the second type of first collecting flow path towards the storage means in the end wall of the drum.

[0292] On a second side (415) of the lifter opposite to the first side (430) of the lifter, the lifter comprises a second set of second collecting apertures (not shown). The second set of second collecting apertures connect to a second type of second collecting flow path. As the drum rotates in a second direction, which is the opposite rotational direction to the first direction, solid particulate material in the interior of the drum can enter the second type of second collecting flow path inside the lifter via the second set of second collecting apertures. The solid particulate material follows the second type of second collecting flow path towards the storage means in the end wall of the drum as the drum rotates. The second type of second collecting flow path may comprise an opposing configuration to the second type of first collecting flow path, e.g. the second type of second collecting flow path may comprise a flow path arranged as a mirror image of the second type of first collecting flow path. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 13, the second type of first collecting flow path and the second type of second collecting flow path are shorter and less tortuous than the first type of first collecting flow path and the first type of second collecting flow path.

[0293] Where the rotational axis of the drum is inclined relative to the horizontal direction such that solid particulate material is biased towards the end wall of the drum under the influence of gravity, the majority of the solid particulate material may enter the lifter (400) via the second set of first collecting apertures (405) and the second set of second collecting apertures compared to the that which enters via the first set of first collecting apertures (420) and the first set of second collecting apertures.

[0294] Referring to FIG. 14, a cut away view of a portion (500) of the lifter of FIG. 13 proximal to the end wall of the drum (not shown) is shown. FIG. 14 shows first surfaces (505a, 505b), that are comprised in said second type of first collecting flow path and said second type of second collecting flow path. When the lifter is in a position at the bottom of the drum or close thereto, solid particulate material can be scooped up by one of the first surfaces (505a, 505b) depending on the direction of drum rotation and directed towards the storage means. The curvature of the first surface (505a, 505b) increases towards the end wall (510) of the drum and decreases away from the end wall (510) of the drum, this can bias solid particulate material axially towards the end wall as well as radially inwards. As the drum rotates, solid particulate material may be transferred from the first surface (505a, 505b) to a second surface (515). The second surface (515) may direct the solid particulate material into the storage means via an aperture (520) as the lifter moves towards the bottom of the drum during rotation of the drum. The second surface (515) may be planar or curved and may be angled radially outwards as shown in FIG. 14. The arrangement shown in FIG. 14 is such that the second type of first collecting flow path and the second type of second collecting flow path direct solid particulate material in a curved path generally moving the solid particulate material radially inwards. The second type of first collecting flow path and the second type of second collecting flow path then direct the solid particulate material axially and radially outwards towards the end wall of the drum.

[0295] At the end of the lifter proximal the end wall of the drum in the arrangement shown in FIG. 14, the second type of first collecting flow path and the second type of second collecting flow path are positioned radially outwards of the first type of first collecting flow path and the first type of second collecting flow path, that is, distal from the centre of the drum. The first type of first collecting flow path and the first type of second collecting flow path are directed radially inwards by an extended surface (530) adjacent to the aperture (520) which extends radially inwards to a greater extent than the preceding flow path. The extended surface (530) is adjacent to the aperture (520) into the storage means.

[0296] Referring to FIG. 15, a cut away section showing a collection chamber (600) is shown. The collection chamber (600) is useable with any elongate protrusion described herein. The collection chamber (600) is positioned within storage means at the end wall of the drum. The collection chamber (600) comprises a first volume (605) into which any of said first or said second collecting flow paths may direct solid particulate material. The collection chamber (600) comprises two gates (610) through which solid particulate material can exit the collection chamber (600) into the storage means. The gates (610) are operable under the influence of gravity as the drum rotates. The collection chamber (600) of FIG. 15 is shown in an orientation consistent with being positioned at the bottom of the drum. In this orientation, solid particulate material in the central volume (605) will reside at the base of the central volume away from the gates (610). With the drum rotated so the chamber (600) is at the top of the drum (i.e. in an inverted position from that shown in FIG. 14), the gates (610) will open allowing solid particle material to fall out of the central volume (605) under the influence of gravity into the storage means. As the drum continues to rotate, the gates (610) close again and solid particulate material is prevented from re-entering the central volume (605).

[0297] The collection chamber (600) comprises a shaped component (620) having an interior volume for receiving a tie bar (not shown). When the gates (610) are in a closed position, they can abut an outside surface (630) of the shaped component (620) in order to substantially seal the central volume (605). The shaped component (620) has two arms (640) that extend partially over the gates (610) and which can inhibit or prevent solid particulate material from accumulating on the surface of the gates (610) within the storage means. This arrangement has an advantage of preventing or alleviating the inhibition of the opening of the gates (610) as a result of accumulation of solid particulate material. This arrangement also has an advantage of allowing improved closure of the gates (610) by avoiding or reducing the accumulation of solid particulate material that would otherwise block or inhibit closure of the gates (610).

[0298] FIG. 16 shows a cut away section along a centreline of an alternative elongate protrusion or lifter (700). The lifter (700) comprises an aperture (740) for a tie bar. The aperture (740) aligns with the interior volume for receiving a tie bar of the shaped component (620) shown in FIG. 15. The lifter (700) comprises a first type of first collecting flow path and a first type of second collecting flow path that are partially but not completely coextensive. The first type of first collecting flow path originates from apertures (not shown) on a first side of the lifter positioned in a first portion (720) of the lifter, the first type of second collecting flow path originates from apertures (not shown) on a second side of the lifter in a first portion (720) of the lifter. The first type of first and first type of second collecting flow paths extend along the interior (715) of the first portion (720) of the lifter and terminate at an aperture (730) where solid particulate material enters the storage means. A coextensive portion of the first type of first and first type of second collecting flow path shown in FIG. 16 comprises an extended surface (725) prior to aperture (730).

[0299] The lifter (700) comprises a second type of first collecting flow path that originates from apertures (not shown) on a first side of the lifter positioned in a second portion (705) of the lifter, and a second type of second collecting flow path that originates from apertures (not shown) on a second side of the lifter in a second portion (705) of the lifter. The second type of first and second type of second collecting flow paths terminate at an aperture (730) where solid particulate material enters the storage means via the central volume (605) of a collection chamber (600) as shown in FIG. 15.

[0300] The lifter (700) comprises a barrier (750) that is positioned substantially centrally along the length of the lifter. The barrier (750) partially separates the two halves of the first portion (720) of the lifter. The barrier (750) functions to prevent solid particulate material that enters the apertures on one side of the first portion (720) of the lifter from passing straight through the lifter and exiting apertures on the other side of the first portion (720) of the lifter as the drum rotates.

[0301] The interior (715) of the first portion (720) of the lifter (700) comprises a series of deflectors that are in a herringbone-type arrangement. Adjacent to the apertures (not shown) in the first portion (720) of the lifter there is a curved surface, or “ramp”, (not shown) that urges solid particulate material somewhat radially inwards and more towards the central axis of rotation of the drum. Having a curved surface adjacent to the apertures can provide improved capture of the solid particulate material when the drum rotates at varying speeds. In addition, this arrangement helps prevent solid particulate material from exiting the aperture.

[0302] Features described herein in conjunction with a particular aspect or example of the disclosure are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. As used herein, the words “a” or “an” are not limited to the singular but are understood to include a plurality, unless the context requires otherwise. The term “comprising” encompasses “including” as well as “consisting” and “consisting essentially of” e.g. a feature “comprising” X may consist exclusively of X or may include something additional e.g. X+Y.