Method and device for the preparation of foundry sand

摘要

A device for preparing moulding sand. The device includes a mixer configured to operate under at least a partial vacuum and at least one feeder to introduce components to be mixed. An inlet in the mixer is of sufficient size to allow rapid introduction of the components into the mixer from the feeder. The combination of large inlet opening and a pressure differential between the mixer and the feeder significantly reduces the time required to fill the mixer. In addition, the presence of the pressure differential made possible by the vacuum in the mixer reduces the likelihood that airborne contaminants resident in the mixer will migrate outside the mixer. Optional moveable conveyor chutes minimize contact of airborne contaminants with adjacent equipment, while optional mixing tools facilitate the introduction of powdered additives into the mixer.