Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying a product comprising placing the product on a first side of a support surface, and directing dry radiant heat toward the second side of the surface to heat the product. A sensor can be included to measure at least one characteristic of the product, such as the temperature or moisture content thereof. The temperature of the heat source can be regulated as a function of the measured characteristic. The support surface can also be made so as to be movable relative to the heat source. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of control zones are defined and through which the product is successively passed. Each of the control zones has at least one associated heat source and an associated sensor so as to regulate the temperature of the heat sources associated with each control zone independently of those associated with another zone.

Abstract: A heating system, a method of operating a heating system and a controller for a heating system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a system interface configured to receive thermostat calls from a thermostat, the thermostat calls including a heat pump thermostat call and an electrical heating elements thermostat call and (2) a processor coupled to the system interface and configured to select a starting heat load for the heating system based on the thermostat calls and a selected target discharge air temperature for the heating system.

Abstract: A technology can efficiently dry the high-boiling point solvent contained in the object and achieve the space-saving and energy-saving of a drying apparatus. A drying method for drying an object containing a first solvent while conveying the object into a chamber (38), comprises: a first drying step of drying the object up to a drying point in the prestage of the chamber (38); and a second drying step of forming a vapor atmosphere of a second solvent having a lower boiling point than the first solvent in the chamber (38) and drying the object such that the temperature of the object in an inlet port of the chamber (38) is made to be lower by a predetermined temperature difference than the temperature of the vapor atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention consists of a cost-effective process and facilities for obtaining high quality drinking water and high-grade brine as a chemical raw material from raw water regardless of how much salt it contains. When combined with a thermal power-generation process, the plant also produces electric power with a fuel utilization of over 85%.

Abstract: A counter-current contacting device which includes a number of features which increase the efficiency and/or increase the pressure differential across the device is disclosed. Systems for reducing the alcohol content of an alcohol containing beverage or wine, for stripping aroma and flavor from a fruit juice and for desulphuring a liquid containing dissolved sulphur dioxide are also disclosed. Each of these systems incorporate a counter-current contact device of the invention.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing detergent powder containing heat-sensitive components is disclosed. The process involves preparation of two separate crutcher slurries, one containing the relatively heat-stable components which is sprayed in a conventional manner and a second containing heat-sensitive components which is sprayed into the spray-drying tower at a level lower than the level at which the drying air is injected. Desirably the second slurry is sprayed in a direction which includes an upward component, so as to lengthen the pathway of the sprayed droplets.

Abstract: A distillation system for sea water is provided with a fan to force air under pressure through a heating chamber having a heat exchanger to heat the air, a passageway from the heating chamber for directing the heated and pressurized air to an evaporator in which a reservoir of sea water is maintained at a predetermined level and in which cylindrical horizontally disposed brushes are partially submerged in the sea water and rotated as the heated air from the heating chamber passes over the rotating brushes with the brushes rotated at a sufficiently high speed to keep the brushes wet thereby preventing the formation of scale on the brushes. The moisture laden heated air then flows through a condenser which includes a heat exchanger utilizing sea water as the cooling medium and includes an outlet valve which permits the condensed water to be withdrawn for use.

Abstract: Pasty, aqueous sludges of industrial or sewage treatment origin are dried for further use as raw material. The sludge particles are loosened by intense motion and substantially dry gases are introduced under pressure into the loosened sludge. The moisture enriched gases are removed from the sludge. The loosening and drying may be facilitated by repeatedly and sequentially increasing and decreasing the total surface area of the sludge. The intense motion is imparted to the sludge by at least one sludge stirring member and the drying gases may be introduced through the stirring member. The surface area of the sludge may be increased by plough-shaped or scraper-shaped tools. The surface area of the sludge may be decreased by rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the liquid content of a layer of material formed on a belt filter where a differential gas pressure is produced across the layer of material with a maximum pressure at the exposed surface thereof and a minimum pressure at the filter belt and the layer of material is mechanically compressed against the filter by a gas permeable pressure surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of waste on ships and the like, in the form of solid waste and black water collected in a tank from reduced flush toilets. The solid waste is mixed with black water from the tank in a drum. Rotating knives in the drum effect the disintegration of the solid waste, and also the picking up of the waste in the drum from the bottom thereof to permit it to drop repeatedly by gravity from the upper regions of the drum. A flow of hot air is passed through the drum and hence through the dropping mixed black water and disintegrated solid waste. The axis of the drum is substantially horizontal, and may be slightly inclined with bottom ridges to inhibit the flow of liquids therealong.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing dry, solid molasses of greatly improved storage stability uses thin-layer cooling to ensure that the dried molasses has been cooled to the core. The cooled molasses is then precrushed and pulverized by impact without crushing or significant friction.