Abstract: The multicell apparatus according to the invention is suitable for batchwise and in particular quasi-continuous operation, i.e. for the continuous processing of batches in rapid succession, for example for the preparation of readily free-flowing granules which are suitable for filling in capsules or sachets. The apparatus is in particular a multifunctional system which combines the process steps of batch introduction, metering, mixing/granulation, drying, product cooling and product collection with one another in a very compact design. The individual batches are conveyed inside the apparatus through a product path which is hermetically sealed from the outside and in which an internal pressure lower than the ambient pressure may additionally prevail at least in sections. This, together with the cleaning nozzles connected to a central cleaning system, permits contamination-free operation both with aqueous and with organic starting materials.

Abstract: The multicell apparatus (1) according to the invention is suitable for batchwise and in particular quasi-continuous operation, i.e. for the continuous processing of batches in rapid succession, for example for the preparation of readily free-flowing granules which are suitable for filling in capsules or sachets. The apparatus (1) is in particular a multifunctional system which combines the process steps of batch introduction (2), metering (3), mixing/granulation (4), drying (5), product cooling and product collection (6, 7) with one another in a very compact design. The individual batches are conveyed inside the apparatus through a product path which is hermetically sealed from the outside and in which an internal pressure lower than the ambient pressure may additionally prevail at least in sections. This, together with the cleaning nozzles (30) connected to a central cleaning system, permits contamination-free operation both with aqueous and with organic starting materials.

Abstract: A drum for holding, moving and treating a particulate material is rotatable about its axis and has a metallic wall enclosing the axis and provided with perforation holes. A wire fabric has wires sintered to one another, rests essentially with its entire outer surface against the inner surface of the wall, is sintered essentially over its entire outer surface to the wall and separates the perforation holes thereof from the free interior space of the drum. Since the wire fabric rests essentially with its entire outer surface against the wall, no particulate material can enter between the wall and the wire fabric. The wire fabric is durable and can be cleaned rapidly and readily together with the rest of the drum.

Abstract: The apparatus has a container which contains a first filter. During operation, this separates the first interior region containing particulate material from a second interior region. The latter is connected to a downstream dust separator. This has a housing which contains a second filter. The apparatus furthermore has a fan, at least one dust concentration sensor and a control device connected to this and to the fan. During fluidization and treatment of the particulate material in the first interior region of the container, the dust concentration in the oxygen-containing gas flowing from the first filter to the second filter and usually consisting of air is measured. If the dust concentration is at least equal to a predetermined limit below the lower explosion limit, the control device switches off the fan. This makes it possible to keep the pressures generated by any dust explosion relatively small.

Abstract: A conduit having a circular or polygonal cross-sectional outline serves for reception of one or more receptacles which are conveyed therein by a hydraulic fluid. Each receptacle can be taken apart or is formed with one or more compartments for one or more sealed containers confining foodstuffs or other substances which are to be heated or cooled by the hydraulic fluid. The front and/or rear end walls of the receptacles are provided with distancing elements which ensure that the distance between two neighboring receptacles in the conduit cannot be reduced below a predetermined minimum value. The distancing elements of neighboring receptacles can form universal joints which maintain such receptacles at a predetermined minimum and maximum distance from each other. The openings of one-piece receptacles are immediately or closely adjacent the internal surface of the conduit, and the openings of sections of composite receptacles are accessible only when the respective receptacles are located outside of the conduit.

Abstract: Gaseous, liguid and solid fuels are recovered from carbonaceous organic waste material by treating charges of waste material in several successive stages including preheating, drying and conversion into solid and gaseous phases, all as a result of heating in a common vessel or in two or three successive vessels. The solid phases are thereupon cooled prior to admission into a bin, either in a separate vessel or in the vessel for conversion into solid and gaseous phases. The gaseous phases are treated to separate oil from reaction water, combustible gases and inert gases. The charges are heated from without and are sealed from the atmosphere during all four stages of treatment. Each charge is mixed during heating and the intensity of mixing action, the heating action and/or the pressure in the vessel can be varied during one or more stages.

Abstract: Articles having a defined geometric shape are transported from a starting to an end location by fluid flowing through a pipe system. The articles also flow through at least one jet pump which is creating the flow. Guides for the articles are provided in the pipe and within the jet pump. The articles may be subjected to heat or pressure treatment during transport. To create a predetermined pressure in a particular pipe section, a second jet pump can be positioned at the end of the section and operates in the direction opposing the action of the pump at the starting end.