| abstract |
Method and apparatus for processing fine particles and fluid mixed together in a slurry or the like, including by use of such method and apparatus the pumping, concentration, washing and differential separation of the particles. n A fluidized bed of the particles in the fluid (such as sand in water) is produced by a combination of a convective flow of the slurry and a centrifugal force on the particles, both created by the action of an impeller. |