Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the recycling of plastic-coated cable residues, which comprise a metal core and a plastic jacket, wherein the metal parts are separated from the jacket and are separately recovered. The cable residues are communited and the chopped material is softened in a swelling container (10) with a swelling agent for the plastic. Subsequent to softening, the mass flow is fed with the swelling agent to a roller cone mill (13). The roller cone mill (13) flexes the chopped material and destroys the macrostructure of the cable pieces mechanically. The metal particles are separated from the jackets by way of stirring in a stirrer (14), and the multi-phase mixture is transported to a metal sedimentor (16). The heavier metal particles sink down in the metal sedimentor (16) based on gravity and separate themselves from the lighter plastic particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a hydrogen adsorption alloy, the apparatus comprising a high speed ball mill in the form of a planetary ball mill mounted to a rotatable main shaft, wherein the planetary ball mill includes a plurality of mill pots each mounted for rotation on its own axis, a planetary gear disposed on the periphery of each mill pot, a fixed sun gear meshing with the planetary gears, and an atmosphere adjusting device connected to each mill pot. A drive rotates the main shaft causing each mill pot to revolve around the main shaft which results in the planetary gears traveling around the sun gear to rotate each mill pot on its own axis, the rotation of each mill pot being in the same direction as the rotation of the main shaft.

Abstract: Batch mixing takes place in the gap (3) between grooved faces of counter-rotating discs (1,2) such that the spiral grooves (8) and lands (10) of each face traverse the grooves (8) and lands (10) of the other, to shear and split material drawn inwardly along the grooves (8) for distributive mixing. Modifications include plural-turn spiral, straight, and truncated spiral grooving (FIGS. 5 to 10), and batch mixing in which only one disc (28) rotates (FIG. 11). Continuous mixing involving shear is carried out within a cylindrical barrel (40 FIG. 12;57 FIG. 13) between its internal helical-grooving (43;590 and the helical grooving (44;60), of opposite hand, of a rotor (41;58). The shearing can produce mechanochemical reactions that break down the molecular structure of the material, notably in the context of mastication and solubilising of used rubber in reclaim from vehicle-tyres.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for grinding and sifting a product, in which the product is embrittled by a coolant and is comminuted in a mill (8), the comminuted product being fed, after comminution while keeping away ambient air and the moisture this involves, to a sifter (14). With the process and the apparatus according to the invention, the product can be comminuted and sifted in a closed-loop process without separating agents having to be fed to the ground product prior to sifting to overcome electrostatic charging. The sifter (14) is preferably operated with the gaseous coolant which is used to operate the mill (8) so that any losses of sifter circuit gas occurring during sifting can be compensated by feeding in a gaseous coolant. The total duration of the process can be reduced considerably.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultra-high energy impact system for reducing the particle size of materials to an average diameter as small as about 40 .mu.m. The system includes a cooling station for cooling the materials to a temperature within the range of from about -40.degree. F. to about -450.degree. F. by direct contact with refrigerant, preferably liquid refrigerant; a milling station for reducing the particle size of the cooled materials which does not require direct cooling by refrigerant and which includes a rotor or rotors each operating at a tip speed within the range of from about 500 to about 1500 feet per second; and an atmosphere modifier for reducing the pressure of the gaseous atmosphere within the milling station to less than 20 inches of mercury absolute.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a hydrogen-storage-alloy powder for batteries, which is a useful material for a negative electrode of a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery whose internal pressure in an overcharged state is low, the method comprising a process for crushing a hydrogen-storage-alloy ingot into a coarse alloy powder in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and a process for mechanically grinding the coarse alloy powder in contact with an aqueous solution in which any one of salts including a sulfite, hydrogen phosphate, and dihydrogen phosphate is dissolved or with an aqueous alkali solution containing cobalt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultra-high energy impact systems and processes for reducing the particle size of materials to an average diameter as small as about 40 .mu.m. The systems include a cooling station for cooling the materials to a temperature within the range of from about -40.degree. F. to about -450.degree. F.; a milling station for reducing the particle size of the cooled materials, which station includes a rotor operating at a tip speed within the range of from about 600 to about 1500 feet per second; and an atmosphere modifier for modifying the gaseous atmosphere within the milling station.

Abstract: As each tube is fed into the feed chute of a fluorescent lamp tube crusher, and regardless of the size of the tube, a sensor switch in the chute immediately sends a count signal to an associated tube counter, and also produces an inhibit signal which prevents a second count signal from being applied to the counter for a predetermined interval of time that is greater than the time it takes to grind up a tube of a first size and that is less than the time it takes to crush a tube of larger size. If at the end of the interval a tube of larger size is still being crushed, a second count signal is applied to the counter.

Abstract: A rotary cartridge filler for the containerization of hazardous waste in a controlled environment, comprising an upper die module for receiving volumes of shredded waste and a lower canister module for receiving empty containers to be charged with waste from the upper module. The upper and lower modules are axially aligned and separated by a wall containing an opening for the transfer of waste from the upper module to the lower module. Both modules are mounted on a turret which rotates the modules about their axes. The upper and lower modules each contain six chambers uniformly spaced around the outer perimeter of the module and vertically aligned. In a first station, a canister enters a chamber in the lower module, and the modules are then rotated to a second station where both the upper and lower modules are purged with nitrogen.

Abstract: An improved roller press for the high pressure interparticle crushing of a pulverulent material and the method of operating including opposed parallel horizontal crushing rollers forming a high pressure crushing nip between them and forcing air from the material drawn into the nip, a product delivery stack above the nip and an offset lower wall portion above the nip and laterally of the stack forming an exposed sloping surface of the material for the escape of air being pressed out of the material passing into the nip, in one form exposed surfaces are on both sides of the nip and the exposed surfaces may be controlled by adjustable gates to vary the area and slope of the exposed surface, and a subatmospheric pressure may be applied to the material for aiding in the pressing of air from the material drawn into the nip.

Abstract: A process for dry pulverization of food raw materials, charactrized by the process steps, which comprisesplacing the food raw material in a closed vessel,evacuating the vessel to a vacuum andeffecting therein the processing operations, which comprises cutting the raw material, drying the so-disintegrated material and crushing the dried and disintegrated mass into powder, successively.

Abstract: A field transportable battery disposal unit comprises a storage drum containing a neutralizing fluid and a cutting apparatus adapted to sit on top of the drum, the cutting apparatus including a cutting wheel, a driving apparatus for rotating the cutting wheel, an oscillating apparatus for oscillating the cutting wheel in a "back and forth" motion, slots disposed adjacent the cutting wheel adapted to receive one or more of the exhausted batteries, a water pump for lubricating and cooling the cutting wheel and providing a pre-neutralizing spray of water to the wheel and battery parts, and an air scrubber for neutralizing an acid mist and exhausting the neutralized acid mist, contained within the drum, to the surrounding atmosphere. The battery is inserted into one of the slots in the cutting apparatus, and the cutting wheel cuts the battery into pieces. The water pump sprays water over the cutting wheel and on the battery parts undergoing the cutting operation.

Abstract: A waste processing system in which containerized waste is received substantially at ground level and is conveyed to an elevator which carries the containerized waste to an upper level discharger which transports the containerized waste, dumps the containers down a drop chute and returns the empty containers to ground level. The dumped waste is shredded and is either injected into an incinerator or is discharged downwardly. The entire system is enclosed and can be maintained at either a negative or positive pressure for receiving radioactive or hazardous wastes, or at a reduced oxygen environment for receiving flammable hazardous waste. Containerized waste is received through air locks which include sliding doors that are supported entirely about the peripheries when sealed for purposes of explosion resistance. The injector discharge tube includes a slide box in which a pair of conduit segments are mounted and can be positioned such that one or the other of the segments is connected to the output conduit.

Abstract: A shredding and feeding system for an incinerator, wherein a shredding chamber is isolated from atmosphere by means of an airlock through which material to be incinerated passes into the shredding chamber. The oxygen content of the shredding chamber is maintained below a predetermined level to minimize risk of explosions and premature incineration of material.

Abstract: A mill inert apparatus for preventing the explosion of a mill inert apparatus which comprises a drain separator and a drain trap for separating and removing drain contained in an inert vapor, and a drain discharge route for discharging the separated drain. Furthermore, a method for preventing the explosion of a coal pulverizer which comprises the step of introducing an inert medium into the coal pulverizer in specific operation stages so that an oxygen concentration in the coal pulverizer may be in the range of from 13% to 15%.

Abstract: A waste processing system in which containerized waste is received substantially at ground level and is conveyed to an elevator which carries the containerized waste to an upper level discharger which transports the containerized waste, dumps the containers down a drop chute and returns the empty containers to ground level. The dumped waste is shredded and is either injected into an incinerator or is discharged downwardly. The entire system is enclosed and can be maintained at a negative pressure for receiving radioactive wastes, or at a reduced oxygen environment for receiving flammable hazardous waste. Containerized waste is received through air locks which include vertically sliding doors that are supported entirely about the peripheries when sealed for purposes of explosion resistance. The injector discharge tube includes a slide box in which a pair of conduit segments are mounted and can be positioned such that one or the other of the segments is connected to the output conduit.

Abstract: A lamp crusher housing is mounted on the removable cover of a replaceable waste container to discharge crushed lamps into the waste container through an opening in the cover. An elongate, plastic sleeve is removably and sealingly secured at one end over the upper end of the waste container, and at its opposite end around the outlet of the housing from which crushed lamp particles are discharged. The sleeve has an excess portion folded into the waste container so that when the cover is lifted from the container opposite ends of the sleeve bag remained sealingly connected to the waste container and housing outlet so that no toxic gases are allowed accidentally to escape into their surrounding atmosphere. The apparatus includes a replaceable filter cartridge for filtering out mercury vapors, and the like. Each cartridge contains a fuse which is connected in the circuit that controls the motor that drives the lamp crusher.

Abstract: An apparatus shreds hazardous waste drums and their contents in an oxygen-limited environment, transports the shredded material to a dispenser that dispenses metered amounts of the material into fire pails. The apparatus has two vertically separated shredders that are located in an enclosed shell that has an inert gas fed into it in a controlled manner by a purge system. A lift in an enclosed shaft raises the drums, two at a time, and deposits them into an airlock from which they are released one at a time into the upper shredder. A control system automatically processes the material through the apparatus from when the containers are placed into the lift until the material reaches the dispenser and insures that no stage of the process will commence until the proceeding and following stages are completed. The control system also provides safety checks at each stage to prevent handling or processing accidents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fine grinding materials normally difficult to grind at ambient temperature, e.g. plastic and elastomeric materials in a fluid classification type impact mill utilizing liquid cryogen to pre-cool the material to be ground, to cool the material and the mill during grinding and to recycle vaporized cryogen from the mill back into the mill as the medium for conveying material to be ground into the mill.

Abstract: Filter inserts that contain solvent residues from varnishes, paint, adhesive, coating masses and the like are disposed of by putting the filter inserts into a sealable vessel, such as a homogenization machine used in the milk industry. The filter inserts are ground and heated in the sealed vessel together with solvent residues. The heat converts the solvent residues to a gas phase. A negative pressure pump downstream from a solvent condenser drains the gaseous solvent from the vessel into the solvent condenser. Solvent condensate is precipitated in the solvent condenser and fed to a condensate collecting tank.

Abstract: A digesting system for disposal and separation of the component materials, including potentially toxic materials, from used fluorescent tubes, which breaks up fluorescent tubes with a rotating fracture blade while passing a critical amount of stripping air through the fracture zone and countercurrently through a countercurrent flow zone with the fractured glass. The small dust and powder particulates separated from the glass by the countercurrent air stream are then separated from the air stream by a sequence including an initial cyclone or the like from which particulate material collected may be removed during continued operation and by subsequent fine filter means and a final activated carbon filter to remove metallic vapors.

Abstract: A digesting system for disposal and separation of the component materials, including potentially toxic materials, from used fluorescent tubes, wherein the fluorescent tubes are fractured with a rotating fracture blade while passing stripping air through the fracture zone and the fractured glass is then passed countercurrently through a countercurrent flow zone with a rapid flow of stripping air. As the fractured glass particulates descend or fall through the countercurrent flow stripping gas zone, they impact upon a plurality of baffles or impact surfaces that jar the particulates separating additional small powder particulates from the surface of the glass particles.

Abstract: A shredding and feeding system for an incinerator wherein a shredding chamber is isolated from atmosphere by means of an airlock through which material to be incinerated passes into the shredding chamber. The oxygen content of the shredding chamber is maintained below a predetermined level to minimize risk of explosions and premature incineration of material.

Abstract: A method of making high-purity fine particles of reactive metals, reactive especially in terms of their inclination to form hydroxides, comprises the steps of: preparing an inert gas atmosphere within which to manufacture the particles; reducing the moisture remaining in the inert gas atmosphere to an extremely low level; pulverizing the reactive metal within the moisture-free inert gas atmosphere; and collecting and sealing the product particles of reactive metal in a storage container in the same moisture-free inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for disintegrating fruit into pulp and juice and includes apparatus for controlling the rate of introduction of fruit and of ambient atmosphere into the overall apparatus, a cylindrical rotor housing having an entrance aperture and an outlet channel with a rotor drivingly rotated within to accelerate the fruit around a circular path and then discharge the fruit through a tangential channel into a disintegration chamber where the fruit impacts against a disintegrating member to disintegrate the fruit into pulp and juice for subsequent removal and packing.

Abstract: A rotary-type mill is provided with a system for charging powder to a mill under seal from atmospheric air, the system being comprised of a sealable loading conduit and a valve assembly. The valve assembly, which controls the opening to the mill, is disposed in part in the sealable loading conduit, and is operable without breaking the seal to the atmosphere. In addition to permitting charging and operations of the mill in a protective environment, the system is designed for gravity-dependent essentially unencumbered vertical entry of feed to the mill and for minimization of the problem of wear of machine parts during operation of the mill.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for crushing raw materials such as fruit and vegetables while heating the raw materials by using a heating medium such as steam or an inactive heating gas in an enclosed device from which the outside air is excluded.

Abstract: A safety control system for a coal pulverizing mill is disclosed. The control system utilizes measurements of the net oxygen level and the carbon monoxide equivalent (CO.sub.e) level of the combustible gases within the pulverizing mill. First levels of the net oxygen and the rate of carbon monoxide equivalent change in the pulverizing mill are utilized in a control logic system to actuate alarms. Second levels of the net oxygen and the carbon monoxide equivalent (CO.sub.e) level in the pulverizing mill are utilized to accomplish the inerting of the mill.

Abstract: A safety control system for a coal pulverizing mill is disclosed. The control system utilizes measurements of the net oxygen level and the carbon monoxide equivalent (CO.sub.e) level of the combustible gases within the pulverizing mill. First levels of the net oxygen and the rate of carbon monoxide equivalent change in the pulverizing mill are utilized in a control logic system to actuate alarms. Second levels of the net oxygen and the carbon monoxide equivalent (CO.sub.e) level in the pulverizing mill are utilized to accomplish the inerting of the mill.

Abstract: A combination inerting and fire extinguishing system particularly suited for employment in a pulverizing bowl mill (10) of the type that is operative for effecting the grinding of material and that includes a substantially closed separator body (16) in which a grinding table (18) is supported for rotation relative thereto and a plurality of grinding rolls (22) are also supported therewithin such that the plurality of grinding rolls (22) cooperate with the rotating grinding table (18) to effect a grinding of the material disposed upon the grinding table (18). The subject inerting and fire extinguishing means includes a continuous purging means, a backup inerting means, a pulverizing bowl mill clearing means and a water injection fire suppression means. The continuous purging means is operative during any inerting sequence to cause an inerting medium to flow continually through the pulverizing bowl mill (10) so as to ensure that there is no buildup of volatile gases therewithin.

Abstract: An equipment is described to produce soymilk without the undesirable beany flavor and bitter taste of ordinary soymilk. The equipment comprises grinding soybeans totally in an aqueous medium at room temperature without trapping any air, cooking the resulting slurry, and separating the undesolved solids to extract soymilk. The fact that no heat needs to be given to soybeans prior to or during the grinding operation, yields very high percentage of solids in soybeans as dissolved solids in soymilk without rendering chalkiness found in the soymilks made employing the hot-grind and blanching methods. The equipment can also be used for making bland nutritional extracts of other protein rich seeds which are known to give rise to flavor problem in foods made from them.

Abstract: A waste compactor utilizing the combined forces of compression and vibration for reducing, leveling and compacting waste within a container. The pressure force is expelled through a guided hydraulic ram assembly, the pressurized movement of which is coordinated with an applied vibrating energy developed through a mechanical vibrator and/or sonic frequency emitter, the rate and intensity of which encompasses a varying range. The sonic vibrating energy generator may be carried by and movable with the compacting ram or it may be embedded in the base platform of the compactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for refining foodstuffs, and to plant for the implementation of such a process. The basic process is one in which foodstuff is fed into a depressurized environment and refined therein, whereupon the refined end-product, and any waste matter separated during the process, are both drawn off. Plant for the purpose substantially comprises an environment in which a vacuum is created and maintained, such as will house conventional types of machinery which refine the foodstuff, separate any waste matter, and collect the end-product which is then drawn off by a pump. Such a process and plant serve in particular for extracting juice and puree from fruit, vegetable, and market garden produce in general, as well as for reducing meat of all kinds to a paste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotation crusher which treats refuse and seeks to prevent explosions by controlling the volume of steam fed into the crusher to keep the temperature inside a main body of the crusher between about 70.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. so that the steam content may be regulated to exceed a certain value to keep the oxygen content below an explosion preventive critical value, thereby preventing completely explosions inside the crusher.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the quantitative continuous feeding of iodine by inputting iodine into a hopper under sealed conditions, connecting the lower part of the hopper with a reactor under sealed conditions, having a valve to open and close the passage and installing a quantitative meter to determine the quantity of iodine and feed a constant quantity of iodine to the reactor.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the continuous vacuum grinding of meat or other products is provided which permits continuous deaeration and grinding so as to materially enhance the organoleptic properties of final meat products such as sausages and the like. Broadly speaking, the apparatus of the invention includes a pumping apparatus together with a grinder and a closed conduit coupling the pump and grinder; deaeration apparatus is also provided which serves to evacuate the meat products prior to grinding, and the latter are maintained in that condition throughout the grinding operation. In preferred forms, use is made of a reciprocating piston-type pump together with remote, separately powered grinding apparatus. In this form of the invention, deaeration is accomplished by means of apertured pistons within the pumping unit which are operatively coupled to a vacuum pump or other suitable evacuating device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for finely crushing particles of material in a mill comprising feeding the material to be crushed to a first impact position, impacting and impelling the particles from the first impact position by a rotating impact surface stationary impact surface to a and accelerating the particles in a vacuum to produce a sufficiently high impact energy at the first impact surfact to crush the particles fed thereto prior to the section impact surface. The particles to be comminuted are passed through a feeding tube or channel to a crushing chamber containing a rotor having its axle parallel to the feeding tube and having first impact surfaces thereon which are arranged to be parallel with the stationary impact surface, or surfaces, at the time they impact with the particles fed to the first impact position. The outlet of the feeding tube is located at the outer periphery of the rotor.

Abstract: A rotary mill is provided with an improved loading means for charging material to the mill. The loading means is particularly adaptable for charging a batch-type rotary mill in a protective environment when, as part of a loading assembly of this invention, it is provided with removable plug and loading conduit members which can be interchanged without exposing the mill or charge material to air during the loading of the mill.

Abstract: The device comprises a cylindrical crusher housing mounted on a carriage above a removable wastebucket, which communicates with a funnel-shaped discharge formed in the lower end of the housing. The top of the housing is sealed by a cover which has a lamp inlet opening and an exhaust opening. The shaft of an electric motor extends into the housing and has secured thereto a plurality of flails or crusher elements which rotate at high speeds adjacent the inlet opening to strike and crush lamps entering the housing. The exhaust opening is connected by a duct to a filter cartridge which is removably mounted on the exterior of the crusher housing above an exhaust fan. The cartridge contains a porous filter bag, which is removably attached to the exhaust duct, and an activated charcoal filter element, which is positioned in the cartridge beneath the bag and in communication with the fan inlet.

Abstract: A safety control system is disclosed for a coal pulverizer utilizing the measurements of net oxygen and carbon monoxide measurements of the pulverizer atmosphere. First levels of net oxygen and rate of carbon monoxide change are utilized in a control logic system to actuate alarms and automatic inerting of the pulverizer is accomplished utilizing a second level of net oxygen measurement and absolute carbon monoxide level in the pulverizer.

Abstract: A method of milling a powdery substance to finer particle size includes impacting the powdery substance against single or multiple surfaces under vacuum conditions and at reduced temperature condition to cause particle fracture, and collecting said fractured particles.

Abstract: An automatic compactor enhancement reduces the volume of compactable low-level radioactive wastes and transfers the reduced wastes to a nearby waste compactor. The wastes are shredded by a primary shredder assembly and a secondary shredder assembly. The system employs a pressure-controlled enclosure means to house the shredder assemblies and to control the release of wastes to the environment. A number of safety features are integrated into the system to enhance the operational safety of the system.

Abstract: A method of comminuting a rare earth metallic alloy powder by impact milling for facilitating formation of an improved rare earth magnet.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for producing mechanically alloyed powders on a commercial scale comprising milling the components of the powder product in a gravity-dependent-type ball mill to produce a powder having a characteristic apparent density. Powder so produced will have reached an acceptable processing level and will meet one criterion for determining whether it will be suitable for further processing to the end product.

Abstract: A system is provided having a generally sealed cabinet and separator. A blower is provided in the sealed cabinet to provide a negative pressure within the cabinet. A waste entrance is provided in the cabinet which provides a sealed, rotatable input for the introduction of hospital waste to the system. In the system, the input rotates upon operation of a switch to direct solid waste to a disintegrator, such as a hammermill, wiht a flow of disinfectant fluid. Upon disintegration, the waste particles and disinfectant fluid are carried to the separator which is sealed with the cabinet. The solid waste is separated from the decontaminant fluid which is then directed to a public sewer.

Abstract: A batch-type rotary grinding mill operable under seal to the atmosphere is provided with a discharge system which permits discharge of material from the mill under seal and without disturbing the seal in the mill. The discharge system comprises at least one discharge chute which is sealably secured to the shell wall, spiraling adjacent to the shell and traversing the shell wall from one end to the other. The material is discharged from the discharge chute via a hollow trunnion which, preferably, contains a conveyor to aid in passing the material out of the mill into an environmentally protected device.

Abstract: A cutter and mixer apparatus for foodstuffs has a bowl 4 rotatably mounted in a housing. Rotary knives 10 are attached to a shaft 16 and extend into the bowl. The bowl is covered by two hoods 31, 32 which are hinged approximately in the middle above the bowl and can be swung up and open opposite one another. Below the bowl a primary plate 3 is situated on whose one end a vertical sidewall 20 is welded. An angled yoke 24 spans the bowl and is attached at one end to the sidewall and at the other end to the opposite side of the primary plate. The plate, sidewall and yoke form the support frame for the apparatus on which all important functional parts are attached. The closed construction provides for an efficient power transfer and a high level of stability.

Abstract: In a method for treating liquid dross wherein the dross is situated in a skimming trough and charged into a rotating, substantially horizontal cooling pipe through which it passes so that the dross is cooled to a temperature below the melting point thereof to obtain a granulated form, the dross is charged from the skimming tank into the cooling pipe and passed therethrough substantially in the absence of air or oxygen whereupon the cooled granulated dross is subjected to an autogenous grinding process, the ground dross then being separated into a granulated metal fraction and a fine-grained fraction. Apparatus for performing the method of the invention includes a hood located over the inlet side of the cooling pipe so that the entrance of air into the pipe is substantially prevented. The skimming trough is sealingly engaged to the hood so that the dross is charged from the skimming trough into the cooling pipe without any substantial contact with the air.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously processing wood comprises a pressurized grinding chamber, a grinding stone which is mounted for rotation in the grinding chamber, a device for feeding wood into the grinding chamber to form a primary groundwood stock therein, and a device for discharging the primary groundwood stock from the chamber without allowing gas to escape from the chamber to atmosphere. The feeding device comprises a stationary feeding chamber provided with shutters for sequentially pressure-tightly closing the feeding chamber from the atmosphere and from the grinding chamber respectively, thereby to prevent escape of gas from the grinding chamber through the feeding device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of a wholly mechanical pulp of improved strength properties. The lignocellulosic material is fed into a substantially closed chamber where it is mechanically abraded under a power input of fifteen or more horsepower days per ton. During the abrading step, the material is maintained in an inert gaseous atmosphere of a pressure of ten to eighty psig, preferably twenty to forty psig.