Abstract: A method of continuously sterilizing foodstuff and an apparatus suitable for carrying out the method are disclosed. The invention, which permits a considerable saving in the amount of microwave energy to be achieved, is attained by providing a plurality of sequential stages in each of which the foodstuff is subjected to microwave radiation, the temperature of the article being sterilized being monitored in each stage and the amount of microwave energy being reduced from stage to stage in a stepwise manner in dependence upon the temperatures monitored.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing wood pulp from wood shavings comprising a screw which rotates within a hollow cylinder. The hollow interior of the cylinder is divided into a pressure zone and a grinding and bleaching zone, the shavings being subjected to at least partially defibrillation under a high, continuously-increasing pressure in the pressure zone and then being simultaneously further defibrillated and bleached in the grinding and bleaching zone. The grinding and bleaching zone includes a plurality of pin planes, each plane being formed of at least three radially extending pins which project through the wall of the cylinder, the planes being spaced apart along the length of the screw.

Abstract: An extrusion device used for extracting liquids from liquid-solid mixtures and which operates on the separation gap principle, comprising a screw rotating in a barrel. Pins project radially inwardly into the barrel. The separation gaps and the internal lining of the barrel are maintained in an operationally efficient state for long periods of time even if highly abrasive and/or corrosive mixtures are being treated. The internal surface of the hollow barrel is lined with individual, interchangeable segments which are peripherally staggered relative to one another in the form of a wall, end face or tip portions are located on the end portion of the pins. Moreover, the screw comprises a mandrel on which are mounted individual screw flight portions. Between the flight portions, ring portions are mounted on the mandrel. These ring portions and the tip portions mounted on the pins define the separation gaps. Accordingly, those parts which are liable to wear or corrode can be readily replaced.

Abstract: A flange connection for connection in series hollow cylinder barrels forming a screw press. The cylinder barrel is formed with a groove adjacent one end thereof, and radially reduced, stepped portions of flange ring halves are positioned in the groove. Bore holes are formed at the abutment line between the flange ring halves and the external surface of the barrel, and pins are inserted in the bore holes. In this manner, radial, axial and rotative movement of the ring half is prevented, without the need for welding or otherwise permanently securing the connection.

Abstract: A worm press for mechanically separating liquid/solid mixtures comprising a feed region and a pin-barrel pressing region. The worm has at least one flight, each of which flights is interrupted so as to enable the flight to pass the stationary pins in the pin-barrel region. The downstream ends or points of the worm flight portions formed by the interruptions are specially shaped in order to increase considerably the strength and service-life of the highly stressed points. This is achieved by reducing the size of the thrust flank, so that the flank subtends an angle of from 20.degree. to 50.degree. relative to the line perpendicular to the worm axis. Desirably, the thus-angled profiled tip region of the flight portions are interchangeable.

Abstract: The press installation includes a screw rotatably mounted in a cylinder. A very high pressure is produced to separate liquids from a mixture, with the separated liquid being drained off through bore holes in stationary pins at the location where it is released. In the discharge zone, the screw is devoid of threads whereby the annular cross sectional area between the screw core and the cylinder is increased. This extends the retention time and thus the amount of dehydration of the material as it passes through the discharge zone. Additionally provided in the discharge zone are annular offsets around the screw core in the vicinity of the pins, which prevent the penetration of solids into the drainage bore holes.

Abstract: A bark processing machine comprising a cylindrical tube with a driven screw disposed therein has a helical member on the screw formed by a plurality of highly abrasion-resistant and interchargeable segments. Preferably the segments have a stepped seat co-operating with a stepped seat on the pressure side of a base member of helical form welded to the core of the screw, the segments being secured to the base member by screws.

Abstract: An extraction device for extracting liquids from liquid-solid mixtures comprising a screw rotatable in a barrel the screw having at least one flight helically disposed thereon to define the screw thread, the flight having gaps formed therein, the gaps being dimensioned so as to correspond to the diameter of pins extending radially through the barrel towards the screw axis, the pins having axial bores formed therein for the discharge of liquid the bores being open in the direction of the axis of the screw. The bores are connected to a liquid discharge network.

Abstract: An extraction device for treating liquid-solid mixtures such as sewage sludge or paper pulp to remove liquid therefrom, includes a preliminary treatment station. The preliminary treatment station comprises at least two interchangeable perforated containers located on a displaceable receiver turntable beneath which a stationary disc is coaxially located. The stationary disc is provided with an aperture eccentrically disposed thereon, the aperture having a cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the lower end of the container located on the turntable and to the cross-sectional area of an inlet aperture provided in the extraction device.By rotating the receiver turntable in a timed sequence a container is always moved beneath a filler tube, filled and further rotated. The solid components drop to the bottom of the container and liquid is discharged through the perforations provided in the container and the mixture thus has liquid removed in a preliminary treatment.

Abstract: Glucose-containing products can be manufactured in apparatus comprising a continuous screw conveyor member rotatable in a continuous press cylinder having three regions in cascade arrangement between an intake opening and an output opening. The regions comprise an intake region for the rapid and economical intake of different kinds of products, a compression region for building up a very high pressure of from about 20 to 300 bars for disintegrating the products and for heating the product by intensive shearing thereof to a temperature of up to 250.degree. C., and a catalyst injection region for intensive action on and mixing or hydrolysis of the cellulosic substances with trifluoroacetic acid or the like injected through nozzles.