Batch pelletizing: a means for measuring pellet size during the forming process

摘要

A method of and apparatus for pelletizing a batch of particulate material comprising: supplying particulate batch material to a slanted rotatable surface; supplying liquid to the surface to render the particles with the ability to adhere to one another upon impaction; rotating the surface in a given direction to cause the particles and newly formed pellets to move up along the surface and then downwardly at least partially under the influence of gravity so as to move in generally elliptical paths, whereby individual particles are caused to impact against one another and adhere thereto to form pellets; sensing the depth of substantially finished pellets at a downward portion of an elliptical path; and changing the ratio of liquid to particulate batch material in response to a change in the depth that is sensed.