Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing photocatalytic coated ceramic granules. The method involves providing a coatable composition containing an inorganic binder and a variety of photocatalytic particles, such as TiO2, ZnO, Ti(OH)4, doped derivatives, or combinations thereof. These photocatalytic particles have a surface area per weight of no more than 15 m2/g. The coatable composition is then applied to uncoated base ceramic granules, resulting in intermediate coated granules. Finally, the intermediate coated granules are heated at a temperature of at least 700° C., leading to the formation of photocatalytic coated ceramic granules. These granules exhibit a Total Solar Reflectance (TSR) value of at least 0.7. This method offers an efficient and effective way to produce ceramic granules with enhanced photocatalytic properties.

Abstract: A pulp fluidizer and pulp refiner apparatus. Paper pulp stock of either low (3-8%) or medium (8-15%) fiber consistency is fed from the fluidizer portion of the apparatus to the refiner. The construction is such that the outlet of the fluidizer is contiguous to the inlet of the refiner. This geometrical relation permits the deflocculated pulp from the fluidizer outlet to be fed substantially immediately to the refiner inlet, prior to its naturally occurring reversion to a flocculated state. By providing the input of the disc refiner with deflocculated paper pulp stock, higher pulp stock consistencies can be worked by the refiner, resulting in savings of energy, equipment and space.

Abstract: A pulp fluidizer and pulp disc refiner apparatus and process. Paper pulp stock of either low (3-8%) or medium (8-15%) fiber consistency is fed from the fluidizer portion of the apparatus to the disc refiner. The construction is such that the outlet of the fluidizer is contiguous to the inlet of the refiner. This geometrical relation permits the de-flocculated pulp from the fluidizer outlet to be fed substantially immediately to the refiner inlet, prior to its naturally occurring reversion to a flocculated state. By providing the input of the disc refiner with de-flocculated paper pulp stock, higher pulp stock consistencies can be worked by the disc refiner, resulting in savings of emergy, equipment and space. Three embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A double-drum wood chipper for obtaining wood chips of uniform thickness from logs. Each one of a pair of oppositely rotating, hollow, open ended drums is provided with cutting knives. An aperture through the drum walls is located near each knife for reception of the wood chips. Two knife patterns on the drums are disclosed. The parallel-cutting edge of each knife makes an angle of about 150.degree. with the cutting edge of each of two laterally positioned, integral cross cutting knives.

Abstract: An process for increasing the yields of wood pulp and improving the viscosity of the pulp during oxygen-alkali delignification is provided whereby, in a wood pulp at a consistency of about 1-10%, there are present, in the pulp to be delignified, small amounts of ammonia or a compound which releases ammonia under the alkaline conditions of the process.