Abstract: A method for processing organic material including heating the organic material to a temperature exceeding 100° C. in an atmosphere including at least one of superheated steam, a hot inert gas, hot air and hot process gases, and subsequently cooling the heated organic material in an atmosphere including at least one of superheated steam and an inert gas. Also described are processing apparatus for use in performing the method.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous drying of moist materials in superheated steam comprises a drying enclosure 10, open-ended inlet and outlet ducts 11, 12 communicating with the enclosure, and conveyors 13, 14, 15 for conveying the material to be dried along the inlet duct, through the enclosure and along the outlet duct. Superheated steam is generated in the enclosure from the moisture in the material 19 being dried by circulating the initial gas within the enclosure between a heat source 23 and the material, and/or by the injection into the enclosure of superheated steam from an external source. The inlet duct 11 and outlet duct 12 both extend downwardly from the enclosure 10 and a vent duct 22 from the enclosure has an outlet 26 normally at a level midway along the two ducts. In use, superheated steam tending to pass downwardly along the ducts meets external air tending to pass upwardly along the ducts and forms within each duct a temperature and density differential stratification layer 21.