Abstract: A method for manufacturing bio-plastic composite containing brewer's spent grains includes the steps of: providing brewer's spent grains; providing petrochemical plastic; mixing the brewer's spent grains with the petrochemical plastic at an addition amount of 10% to 60% wt. of brewer's spent grains and 40% to 90% wt. of petrochemical plastic; and providing a binder at a weight proportion of 8% to 12%. A pretreatment unit which uses a dehydration process, a desiccation process, a drying process, a grinding process and a sieving process to process the brewer's spent grains into brewer's spent grains which have a length-to-diameter ratio of 7.6 to 10.2. A granulator includes a double screw extruder connected with a cutting machine. The double screw extruder mixes the petrochemical plastic and the brewer's spent grains and extrudes them into plastic bars, which are then cut into plastic granules by the cutting machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: A method for utilizing spent grain in a brewery in which the spent grains are mechanically dewatered and then thermally utilized. The press water arising from the mechanical dewatering is thermally concentrated using low-temperature waste heat generated during the brewing process.

Abstract: Improved hemostatic agents take the form of granules or particles that can be used to stanch, seal, or stabilize a site of hemorrhage, including a noncompressible hemorrhage.

Abstract: A method to dewater a fibrous web includes directing the fibrous web through a first press zone defined between a revolving permeable belt and a revolving permeable support belt and having a first press zone length. The fibrous web is arranged lying between the revolving permeable belt and the revolving permeable support belt. A fluid is caused to flow through the permeable belt, the fibrous web and the support belt at least over a section of the first press zone length. The fibrous web is dewatered in a second press zone following the first press zone and defined between the revolving permeable belt and the revolving permeable support belt, the second press zone having a second press zone length. The fibrous web is led through the second press zone between the permeable belt and the support belt, the permeable belt and the support belt each having a different compressibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing liquid from a suspension. More particularly, the present invention relates to a filtration apparatus using vacuum pressure, compressed air and radiant heat to facilitate extraction of water from a suspension and an air flow within the vacuum chamber to remove the evaporate as a cost-efficient and resource-efficient means of filtering and drying solids in large volumes of suspension to remove interstitial and chemically bound liquids, resulting in up to 100% total solids.

Abstract: A biomass drying system includes a rotary biomass dryer that includes a helically threaded auger shaft rotatably driven by a prime mover, such as an electric motor. No external source of heat is required to dry a wet biomass material that is supplied to an input of the biomass dryer. Instead, the helical threads on the shaft have a variable width, designed to gradually increase the compression applied as the biomass material is advanced through a generally cylindrical bore in the biomass dryer. A variable compression nozzle is disposed at a distal end of the bore and can be adjusted to achieve a desired level of a parameter such as the moisture content of the dried biomass material produced by the system. The variable compression nozzle, which can be automatically controlled, includes longitudinally extending segments that are forced radially inwardly to increase the compression force applied to the biomass material.

Abstract: A method for dewatering a fibrous material web, wherein fibrous material is applied via a headbox on at least one wire and is subsequently dewatered in order to form a fibrous material web. Following the wire section, the resulting fibrous material web is dewatered by several presses, wherein the first press through which the fibrous material web is guided following the headbox is equipped with a double nip. The first press is formed by a wire roll and two couch rolls which are each pressed against the wire roll for forming a nip. Also disclosed is a corresponding device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of drying sticks, a related apparatus, resultant product and its uses where the method involves presenting a plurality of sticks in parallel as a single layer, pressing each stick with a bank of pressing members on and/or into at least one face of the sticks, each with plurality of protuberances, thereby to constrain the sticks against crook, and drying the sticks when so constrained. Preferably each bank of pressing members is an underside of a frame or lattice of a stack of such frames or lattices able to receive such a single layer of sticks between adjacent overlying/underlying frames or lattices, the protuberances preferably being only downwardly directed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: A system for removing water from sludge is disclosed. The system (100) includes: de-watering (102) sludge comprising an output from a wastewater treatment system to form a semi-solid sludge cake; dispensing (104) the sludge in a sludge hopper and dispensing a blending material in a recipient blending material hopper; depositing (106) the sludge and the blending material in a mixing device; mixing (108) the sludge and the blending material having a porous structure in a weight ratio of the sludge to the blending material of about from 2:1 to about 10:1; and compressing (110) the sludge and the blending material to release moisture. The system (100) provides an improved method of de-watering sludge, for more efficient processing, transporting and recycling, depending on the application.

Abstract: A process for drying brewer's spent grains, so as to obtain a product with moisture lower than or equal to 15% by weight, biologically stable in time, with high nutritional value, commercially profitable, and environmentally safe, the process comprising two phases: the first one is a mechanical pressing operation for diminishing the initial moisture of brewer's spent grains from at least 75-80% by weight, up to a lower moisture value of 70% by weight; the liquid obtained is carried to an effluent treatment plant; the solid obtained undergoes a second phase; said second phase consists of thermal drying, having two sub-phases: during the first one, the product is transported through a hot air current while during the second one, it is transported by an air current at room temperature; this way, a final product with a moisture content lower of 15% or less by weight is obtained.

Abstract: Hazardous waste sanitation and removal devices are described that include: a) a unitary shredder system, b) a transport system, a pre-treatment system or a combination thereof, comprising a reciprocating operation system, c) a treatment system, d) a dewatering system, a desolutionizing system or a combination thereof, and e) a collection system for disposal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a smoking product from a tobacco material, wherein the tobacco material is treated using at least one extrusion process, which comprises compaction with an increase in pressure and temperature and a mechanical treatment and sudden flash drying of the material at an outlet of an extruder (1), wherein a heated process fluid (7) is supplied as a heat transfer medium to the tobacco material in the extruder (1) to supply process heat. The invention further relates to a device for producing a smoking product from a tobacco material using an extruder (1) which performs a compaction of a tobacco material with an increase in pressure and temperature and a mechanical treatment and sudden flash drying of the material at the extruder outlet, wherein the extruder (1) is associated with a heater (11), which heats a process fluid (7) that is supplied to the extruder (1) for supplying process heat as a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A system for removing water from sludge is disclosed. The system (100) includes: de-watering (102) sludge comprising an output from a wastewater treatment system to form a semi-solid sludge cake; dispensing (104) the sludge in a sludge hopper and dispensing a blending material in a recipient blending material hopper; depositing (106) the sludge and the blending material in a mixing device; mixing (108) the sludge and the blending material having a porous structure in a weight ratio of the sludge to the blending material of about from 2:1 to about 10:1; and compressing (110) the sludge and the blending material to release moisture. Advantageously, the system (100) provides an improved method of de-watering sludge, for more efficient processing, transporting and recycling, depending on the application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing fluid from laundry articles employs a receiving vessel that holds a batch of articles that are wetted with fluid. Fabric articles are compressed with a press to discharge fluid from the articles. The press includes a diaphragm that can be pressured with fluid. The diaphragm flexibly conforms to an upper surface portion of the batch of fabric articles. After the fabric articles are pressed of fluid, the diaphragm elevates with the press and is rotated. A specially configured linkage rotates the diaphragm and the press as the diaphragm moves from a lower position to an upper position.

Abstract: A dehydratable hygiene article contains a lower layer which is impermeable to aqueous liquids, an upper layer which is permeable to aqueous liquids, a core disposed between the lower and upper layer and absorbs aqueous liquids, and a trigger system containing a superabsorbent material which is capable of absorbing aqueous liquids with the formation of a hydrogel. After the trigger system has been activated, at least some of the aqueous liquid absorbed can be released from the superabsorbent material when it is present as a hydrogel. The hygiene article contains at most 50 wt. % of a further superabsorbent material. Based on the total weight of superabsorbent material and further superabsorbent material, which would be capable, after the trigger system has been activated, of at least partly absorbing, with the formation of hydrogel, the aqueous liquid which is at least partly released.

Abstract: Dredged sediment or sludge dewatering by vacuum bag method preferably includes a foundation, at least one sediment enclosure, a porous media spacer, an air impermeable sheet, and a vacuum source. The foundation may be air permeable or impermeable. The sediment enclosure is filled with sediment or sludge. The porous media spacer is placed against at least one perimeter surface of the sediment enclosure. At least one drain tube may be used to drain water. The air impermeable sheet is placed over the at least one sediment enclosure and the porous media spacer and the perimeter is sealed to an impermeable foundation. A vacuum is applied to the porous media spacer to remove water. A second embodiment uses a second air impermeable sheet. A third embodiment uses a barge. A fourth embodiment discloses a composite vacuum bag. A fifth embodiment discloses the composite vacuum bag with inflatable flotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodologies are provided for flash drying liquid materials using a variable die. A die and a die body are provided with an adjustably configured pressure regulating variable obstruction in the material flow path that allows control of the pressure applied to the material and consequent control of the temperature of the material as it enters the die. Optimizing pressure and temperature allows optimization of the flash drying process.

Abstract: A press for the dehumidification of humid matter, in particular of residual waste is disclosed, which comprises a worm gear whereby the residual waste may be compressed mechanically. During transport with the aid of the worm gear, the humid matter is subjected to a drying medium, preferably pressurized air or a vacuum, whereby it is delivered from the press.

Abstract: A method for the Continuous gradual stretching and drying of industrial hides and similar products comprises at least one step (a) involving the initial partial drying of the completely wetted hides supplied following a treatment with liquids, such as tanning, retanning or dyeing, until their relative moisture content is reduced to between 45% and 65%, at least one step (b) involving the final stretching of the hides by means of localised mechanical stresses able to recover the shrinkage resulting from the partial drying thereof, characterized in that, after said initial partial drying step (a), at least one intermediate stretching step (c) is performed, followed by intermediate partial drying (d) followed by at least one intermediate stretching step (e) before proceeding to said step (c) involving the final drying and heat-fixing of the hides.

Abstract: A process for treating waste products discharged in a waste water from an animal operation, such as a swine confinement facility includes a holding tank for receiving waste water from the flushing of the facility in which solids to accumulate at the bottom thereof; wherein as conveyor transfers solids from said bottom at a rate preventing agitation of the waste water, to a compactor for removing additional water content and to a product dryer for converting the solids into a dry product. The product dryer includes a water heating system with water lines connected in a closed loop to the holding tank. The heating system thermal treats the circulating waste water and waste solids to a temperature sufficient to reduce undesired constituents therein. The product dryer is vented to a separator for recovering ammonia contents in the waste material.

Abstract: Object for the invention is a method for treatment and drying of wood, in which at the first phase wood is warmed up over to the temperature close of the boiling point of water, and wood is compressed with a variable pressure between moisture permeable pressing elements, the temperature of the wood is increased so quickly, that the moisture existing in the wood does not have time to evaporate essentially before the temperature of the wood has increased around the boiling point of water. According to the invention when the surface layers of the timber have reached the temperature close the boiling point of the water the pressure is increased, and at the pressing phase the temperature of wood is kept at the temperature range close the boiling point of the water under that higher pressure.

Abstract: A conditioning device to change the moisture content of printing stock, in which the stock is brought into contact with at least one endless cloth that absorbs moisture. The endless cloth is heated by heated transport rolls. A reduction of the moisture content contributes to a reduction of distortions of the printing image in two-sided printing, especially in digital printing machines.

Abstract: The present invention provides:

Abstract: A device for absorbing or blotting grease from the surface of foods such as pizza comprising a support member having a handle for manually gripping the device and an absorbent or oligiophilic pad attached to such support member for blotting the surface of a food item.

Abstract: A method of producing dimensionally stable paper and/or paperboard products by treating a hygroreactive cellulosic fiber matrix with a hydrophobic sizing agent solution; and drying the treated fibers using heat and/or pressure so that the hydrophobic sizing agent penetrates the fiber matrix making it hydrophobic.

Abstract: A method for making wood with heartwood has steps of forming a wood log with a heartwood from a tree, pressure treatment to the wood log with the heartwood, drying the wood log and forming the wood log to a desired shape. The pressure treatment process is to apply a desired pressure to the wood log to reduce a moisture content of the wood log with the heartwood to an even level. This can avoid the wood log with the heartwood to split, crack or deform during the drying process. The utilization of a tree can be increased, and the process for gain a wood material is simplified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the moisture content bound by capillarity in fiber cells of solid materials containing carbon. The material is ground and screened to form a loose sheet of the solid materials and/or sludges. The material is processed by screening and grinding methods for a plurality of hoppers for different grain sizes and grain size distributions. A thin layer of fines is spread as a first layer onto the spreading, feeding and filter belt, and a substantially thicker coarse material layer is formed as a second layer to form a sandwich of the material. The fines layer depth HF and coarse material depth HG of the sandwich correspond to the consistency and the proportion of the fines of the material. The sandwich formed is then carried by a belt into the pressure chamber of the filter press according to the dewatering cycle, while simultaneously the squeezed-out dry material is carried away.

Abstract: Method of producing an impulse dried wetlaid fibrous web-shaped material, such as paper or non-woven, having a three-dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions, which have been provided in connection with impulse drying, at which the wet fibrous web is passed through at least one press nip (12) comprising rotatable roll (13) which is heated and that the fibrous web during the passage through the press nip is given a three-dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions either by means of a patterned wire (11) and/or by a pattern on the heated roll (13) To the fibrous web there has been added a material that softens or melts in the temperature interval 100-400° C. and that at least the parts of the fibrous web that is located closest to the raised portions of the heated roll (13) are heated to such a high temperature that said material softens or melts and by that provides an increased amount of bonding points in the fibrous web.

Abstract: Method of producing a paper having a three-dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions which is given the paper in connection with impulse drying. The paper web has a varying material composition as seen in its thickness direction, so that it at least in an outer layer contains an amount of a material that softens, melts or hardens in the temperature interval 100-400° C. or in some other way contributes in stabilizing the pattern structure that has been given the paper. It is further referred to an impulse dried paper produced according to the method.

Abstract: A fiber containing pulp, such as chemical pulp, mechanical pulp, thermomechanical pulp, TMP, de-inked water, or fiber containing sludge, is dried in an effective and efficient manner. The wet pulp is first dewatered mechanically, such as by using a drum or screw press. Then dewatered pulp is passed to a dryer. The dryer has first and second apertured cylindrical surfaces defining a gap between them, and drying gas is blown through one of the apertured surfaces, then through a pulp layer moving in the drying gap between the cylindrical surfaces, and then through the apertures in the other cylindrical surface, to evaporate water from the pulp and dry it to a dry matter content of over 80%, preferably about 85-90%.

Abstract: The filter cake in a filter press is heated by direct contact with a heating plate opposite the pressing membrane so that a vapor phase is generated which moves uniformly in a planar pressure front through the filter cake to dry residual liquid therefrom. The filter cake is maintained under vacuum during the drying step.

Abstract: A process for producing paper having a three-dimensional structure of alternating raised and recessed portions including passing a wet paper web through a heated press nip so the paper web is simultaneously dried by means of impulse drying and given a three dimensional structure. The heated press nip includes a heated pressure roll with a three dimensional pattern of alternating raised and recessed portions in its surface and a compressible surface. The compressible surface can be a compressible press felt which supports the wet paper web prior to and through the heated press nip. The compressible press felt may be pressed against a resilient compressible surface in the heated press nip away from the heated cylinder. The wet paper web may be a papermaking pulp containing at least 10%, and preferably at least 30% or 50% by weight of a high-yield pulp such as TMP or CTMP.

Abstract: A device for pressing and drying organic materials in a microwave oven. The organic material is inserted between two sheets of thin cloth which are, in turn, sandwiched between two thick felt pads. These pads are then sandwiched between platens made from inorganic material. The assembly is placed in a microwave oven and heated, resulting in a pressed and dried organic material.

Abstract: A continuous process for the dewatering of a wide variety of solid-liquid matrices, including primary and secondary sludge, involves the simultaneous application of pressure and heat to the solid-liquid matrices.

Abstract: Apparatus and a related method control within acceptable limits, of less than two percent (2%), residual shrinkage in garments to be made from a knitted fabric web or other fabrics subject to high shrinkage. The knitted fabric web is passed continuously in a moist condition through a first shrinkage compactor. Then the web is carried on an endless belt through a special dryer in a relaxed condition to allow loops of knits to shorten. The web is caused to wave in the dryer. The web is then conveyed through a second shrinkage range for final shrinking to a desired weight per surface area with less than two percent (2%) residual shrinkage. Thus the garments are safe from further shrinking in home tumble dryers.

Abstract: The hydroextractor disclosed has a dehydration chamber, a pressurization chamber defined by a flexible diaphragm in isolation from the dehydration chamber, and a crushing member disposed in the dehydration chamber. A pipe member extends through the pressurization chamber and the diaphragm, and a rotary shaft extends sealingly through the pipe member into the dehydration chamber. The crushing member is mounted to the rotary shaft and is driven by a drive apparatus connected to the opposite end of the shaft. The hydroextractor feeds moist material and pours cooling water into the dehydration chamber and introduces pressurized water into the pressurization chamber. The hot material fed in the dehydration chamber is pressure-dehydrated into a cake with the diaphragm of the pressurization chamber. The dehydrated cake is poured with cooling water, and at the same time the crushing member crushes the dehydrated cake and mixes it with the cooling water.

Abstract: A method and press for heating a material to be pressed. The method includes prepressing the material without heat, or with a generally minimal amount of heat applied. Then heating the material heavily at a wettest part of the material, and simultaneously pressing the material during the heating of the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel processes for the dewatering of a wide variety of solid-liquid matrices, including primary and secondary sludge, which involve the simultaneous application of pressure and heat to the solid-liquid matrices.

Abstract: A wood treatment method wherein a piece of wood to be treated is heat treated at high temperature for a predetermined time. According to the method, the piece of wood is heated to its glass transition temperature (Tg) prior to the heat treatment, and maintained thereat until the whole of the piece of wood has reached the glass transition temperature (Tg).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a press, and a control device for reducing the capillary-bound water content in fiber cells of carbon-containing, finely comminuted solid materials and/or sludges. The method according to the invention includes rapidly raising the movable press plate of a filter press while the pressure chamber remains closed. A steam-coal dust mixture is formed due to the rapid expansion. At the same time, a first discharge lock is opened while the second discharge lock remains closed so that the exhaust steam flows in the direction of the controlled outlet valve. The exhaust steam can then be sent to a heat exchanger and then to another heat exchanger and, finally, may be reused for a subsequent operating cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the water content of water-containing, granular brown coal under the action of thermal energy and pressure on the material (14) distributed flat in bed form using a press (9, 10) in which the brown coal is subjected to a mechanically applied initial surface pressure and which is furnished with orifices (21) for feeding steam (HD) which, supplying thermal energy to the brown coal, heats this, with condensation, and the hot water (HW) contained in the heated brown coal is expressed for use as a waste-heat source, a vessel (30) being provided for collecting the hot water (HW), from which vessel the hot water (HW) is passed to the orifices (21) in the press (9, 10), and which vessel is furnished with an inlet for the steam (HD) for expelling the hot water (HW).

Abstract: Water content which is bound by capillarity in fiber cells of carboniferous materials is reduced by a thermomechanical dewatering process. In the process, the carboniferous materials are conveyed by a dispersion box into a pressure chamber including upper and lower plates. Steam is applied to the materials introduced into the pressure chamber from both the upper and lower plates to heat the materials up to about 125.degree. C. and to release the water which is bound by capillarity in the fiber cells. Initially, the pressure within the chamber is maintained at no greater than the steam pressure. Subsequently, the pressure chamber is sealed gastight and the carboniferous materials in the pressure chamber are pressed using the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: Liquor removal from particulate solids such as wet wood pulp is achieved by applying a pneumatic or vapor pressure force through a pad of the wood pulp to compress the solids and to expel liquor from the solids. If air is used as a displacing medium, no wash liquor is added and the solids are simply compressed and some of the liquor is replaced by the gas passing through the suspension. If steam is used, not as a heating medium but as a pressure medium, an increase in liquor removal occurs over and above that removed by gas only due to the condensation of the steam to form a liquid front travelling before the steam through the solid suspension. Hence, in principle, a combination of pressure washing and displacement occurs resulting in a high efficiency in washing. Gas or steam could therefore simply be applied to any conventional operation to increase the washing efficiency both by compression and by displacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel processes for the dewatering of a wide variety of solid-liquid matrices, including primary and secondary sludge, which involve the simultaneous application of pressure and heat to the solid-liquid matrices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a fiber web is provided by pressing the web, preferably by impulse drying and then introducing the web into a gas pressurized zone followed by reducing the pressure in the zone, the reduction preferably being effected with cooling of the fiber web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a fiber web is provided by pressing the web, preferably by impulse drying and then introducing the web into a gas pressurized zone followed by reducing the pressure in the zone, the reduction preferably being effected with cooling of the fiber web.

Abstract: Wood plates are dried by inserting the wood plates into respective spaces between a plurality of hot plates layered in steps. The wood plates are held, pressed and heat dried by and between the hot plates. A portion of spaces between the hot plates can be opened, and dried wood plates can be discharged from the opened spaces between the hot plates and undried wood plates can be inserted into such opened spaces. Those hot plates from which wood plates are not discharged or between which wood plates are not inserted are kept in a pressed state.

Abstract: A system (10) for processing veneer is provided. The system (10) includes a compression apparatus (12) having a first set of rollers (20) turning at a first rate and has a first clearance (96) therebetween, and a second set of rollers (22) turning at a second rate and has a second clearance (98) therebetween. The first and second roller rates are substantially equal. The system also includes a feeder (16). The feeder (16) includes a hopper (62) for holding a plurality of veneer slats (82) and a feeder mechanism for feeding the slats one at a time into the compression apparatus. The system may have a first drive mechanism (14) for turning the first (20) and second (22) rollers and a second drive mechanism for driving the feeder mechanism.