Abstract: An asphalt recovery system may include an extractor, a desolventizer, and an evaporator. During operation, the extractor may receive a solvent and roofing waste and extract asphalt from the roofing waste with the solvent. The desolventizer may receive a solvent-wet solids stream from the extractor and vaporize solvent from the solvent-wet solids stream to yield desolventized solids. The evaporator may receive an asphalt-rich solvent stream from the extractor and vaporize solvent from the stream to produce a solvent stream and an asphalt stream. By configuring the evaporator to operate at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, the boiling point in the evaporator may increase as compared to operating the evaporator at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In turn, this may keep the viscosity of asphalt within the evaporator less than 500 centipoise, which may improve heat transfer to the asphalt and prevent that asphalt from plugging the evaporator.

Abstract: A system for removing from a particle mass a liquid permeating the particle mass includes a vaporizing stage having a space wherein the pressure is less than the pressure of the particle mass. As the particle mass enters the vaporizing stage, the lower pressure causes much of the liquid to vaporize. Once vaporized, the vapor can be removed with a pump. A first stripping stage receives the particle mass from the first stage at a first particle inlet port and discharges the particle mass at a first particle outlet port. A first stripping gas inlet near the first particle outlet port of the first stripping stage injects an inert stripping gas into the particle mass. The inert gas mixes with remaining elements of the liquid and any entrained gas formed by the liquid, and the mixture is discharged at a gas outlet near the first particle outlet port. A second stripping stage having construction and operation different from the first stripping stage may receive the particle mass.

Abstract: A system for removing from a particle mass a liquid permeating the particle mass includes a vaporizing stage having a space wherein the pressure is less than the pressure of the particle mass. As the particle mass enters the vaporizing stage, the lower pressure causes much of the liquid to vaporize. Once vaporized, the vapor can be removed with a pump. A first stripping stage receives the particle mass from the first stage at a first particle inlet port and discharges the particle mass at a first particle outlet port. A first stripping gas inlet near the first particle outlet port of the first stripping stage injects an inert stripping gas into the particle mass. The inert gas mixes with remaining elements of the liquid and any entrained gas formed by the liquid, and the mixture is discharged at a gas outlet near the first particle outlet port. A second stripping stage having construction and operation different from the first stripping stage may receive the particle mass.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a solvent from particulate material has a feeding device, a desolventizer, a solvent stripping device, a recirculation mechanism, and a sealing mechanism. The desolventizer has an inlet attached to the feeding device and an outlet structure. The solvent stripping device has a particulate treatment housing with a first and a second end and a conveying mechanism therein. The solvent stripping device also has a particulate inlet, an inert gas inlet, and a particulate outlet. The particulate inlet is located on the lower end and is connected to the desolventizer outlet. The recirculation mechanism removes solvent from an inert gas-solvent mixture. The sealing mechanism is connected between the outlet structure of the desolventizer and the inlet of the solvent stripping device. The sealing mechanism is constructed and arranged to prevent the movement of un-entrained solvent from entering the solvent stripping device.

Abstract: A particulate material drying apparatus and method including a pulse combustor and an associated combustion chamber. Fuel and combustion air are introduced to the combustion chamber whereby the combination of the pulse combustor and combustion chamber generates a pulsating flow of hot gases. A material feed introduction chamber receives the hot gases and material to be dried is delivered into the introduction chamber for contact therein with the flow of hot gases. A drying chamber is connected to the introduction chamber for receiving the mixture of material and hot gases exiting from the introduction chamber. The drying chamber comprises an enclosing wall, a porous inner wall spaced inwardly from the enclosing wall, and an annular space defined between the enclosing wall and the porous inner wall. Fluid under pressure is introduced to the annular space whereby the fluid passes through the porous inner wall and deters build-up of material on the inner surface of the porous inner wall.

Abstract: A system for material drying comprising a pulse combustor and an associated combustion chamber whereby a pulsating flow of hot gases are generated. A tail pipe is connected to the outlet of the combustion chamber for receiving the pulsating flow of hot gases and a material introduction chamber is connected at the outlet of the tail pipe. A drying chamber is connected at the outlet of the material introduction chamber. The hot pulse combustion exhaust gases are cooled to control the temperature of the gases issuing from the outlet of the tail pipe and entering the material introduction chamber. This control is accomplished with a cool air stream issuing into the pulse combustion mixing chamber along with the hot gases from the pulse combustion tail pipe for mixing with and cooling of the hot gases. A separate diluent air stream may be employed for contact with material issuing from the introduction chamber and passing into the drying chamber.