Abstract: A fluid condensing system for a combination washer/dryer appliance includes a metal condenser coil positioned within a condenser. Water liquid pulses through the metal condenser coil for maintaining the metal condenser coil at a cold temperature as water vapor in the hot exhaust air from the combination washer/dryer appliance condenses on the surface of the condenser coil. A common sump collects the water condensate from the condenser, the cooling fluid exiting the condenser coil, and wash water from the combination washer/dryer appliance. The water condensate, cooling fluid, and wash water is reclaimed and recycled through both a condenser coil recirculation loop and a wash water dispenser system.

Abstract: A kiln for drying and processing lumber packages is provided. The kiln generally includes at least one end chamber, a drying chamber adjacent to the end chamber, a first lumber conveying line configured to transport the lumber packages in a first direction through the end chamber and the drying chamber, and a second lumber conveying line configured to transport the lumber packages in a second direction through the end chamber and the drying chamber. The conveying lines may be countercurrent or uniflow. The kiln may further include a heat distributor in the end chamber to distribute heat into the end chamber in addition to heat from the drying chamber along the first and second lumber conveying lines. The heat distributor may include a distribution duct receiving heat from a drying chamber distribution duct or a heater inlet duct, a heat exchanger, a radiative heating element, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system including a fluid manifold and an article; the manifold having a length and a width and a plurality of inlet or outlet ports and the article comprising an element disposed within the manifold adapted for adjustable lengthwise movement within the manifold; and is suitably employed to adjust shelf temperature in for example a freeze-drying apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing apparatus including a process chamber defined at least by a reaction tube and a furnace opening part provided at a lower portion of the reaction tube; a nozzle provided at the furnace opening part and extending from the furnace opening part to an inside of the reaction tube; a gas supply system provided at an upstream side of the nozzle; a blocking part provided at a boundary between the gas supply system and the nozzle; and a controller configured to control the gas supply system and the blocking part such that the blocking part co-operates with the gas supply system to supply gases into the process chamber through the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit (100) for recovery of vaporized solvent in a cavity (5) in a print head of an inkjet printer, comprising: a double flow heat exchanger (30) comprising a first circuit between a first inlet (35) and a first outlet (36), for a gas flow from said cavity, this exchanger comprising a second circuit thermally coupled to the first circuit and located between a second inlet (37) and a second outlet (39), a condenser (8) with an inlet (35) with fluid coupling to the first outlet (36) from the exchanger, along the direction of circulation of the gas flow, and an outlet (86), with fluid coupling to the second inlet (37) of the double flow exchanger (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit (100) for recovery of vaporized solvent in a cavity (5) in a print head of an inkjet printer, comprising: a double flow heat exchanger (30) comprising a first circuit between a first inlet (35) and a first outlet (36), for a gas flow from said cavity, this exchanger comprising a second circuit thermally coupled to the first circuit and located between a second inlet (37) and a second outlet (39), a condenser (8) with an inlet (35) with fluid coupling to the first outlet (36) from the exchanger, along the direction of circulation of the gas flow, and an outlet (86), with fluid coupling to the second inlet (37) of the double flow exchanger (30).

Abstract: A system for the drying of exhaust gases from a fuel cell system includes two heat exchangers alternately exposed to an exhaust gas, which ice and accumulate water vapour from the exhaust gas by cooling through a coolant. A valve arrangement with a number of valves is adapted in such a manner that it operates one of the heat exchangers in an icing phase, in which the icing of water vapour is conducted, and the other heat exchanger in a regeneration phase, in which the accumulated ice melts and is extracted, in an alternating manner. This system is especially suitable in aircraft for drying an oxygen depleted exhaust gas from a fuel cell system for inerting a tank.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying a piece of textile which is impinged upon by an air flow having a varied partial steam pressure to evacuate moisture. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for drying a piece of textile with a layered structure having a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: An energy-efficient method and apparatus for drying pelletized, moist organic material is described. The method consists of a rapid, high temperature static drying process in a shallow bed, followed by traditional vertical static drying in a deep bed. Hot exhaust gas from the shallow-bed, hot-temperature static dryer is then recirculated to provide thermal energy to the deep-bed, warn-temperature static dryer. This invention can be used to convert wet, organic waste materials such as animal and poultry waste, municipal wastewater sludge, urban post-consumer food waste, or manufactured food byproducts and residuals into solid fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alignment film printing mask, and more particularly, to a jig for an alignment film printing mask. A jig according to the present invention includes a plurality of supporting members each having at least one bent portion, arranged at regular intervals along a width direction of the alignment film printing mask for supporting the alignment film printing mask, at l one connection member for connecting the supporting members, and fastening units for securing the alignment film printing mask supported by the supporting members.

Abstract: An energy-efficient method and apparatus for drying pelletized, moist organic material is described. The method consists of a rapid, high temperature static drying process in a shallow bed, followed by traditional vertical static drying in a deep bed. Hot exhaust gas from the shallow-bed, hot-temperature static dryer is then recirculated to provide thermal energy to the deep-bed, warn-temperature static dryer. This invention can be used to convert wet, organic waste materials such as animal and poultry waste, municipal wastewater sludge, urban post-consumer food waste, or manufactured food byproducts and residuals into solid fuel.

Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities loaded with high level waste (“HLW”) is devised. The invention utilizes a non-intrusive procedure that is based on monitoring the dew point temperature of a non-reactive gas that is circulated through the cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a method comprising: a) flowing a non-reactive gas through the cavity; b) repetitively measuring the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity; and c) upon the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity reaching and remaining below a predetermined dew point temperature for a predetermined time, discontinuing the flow of the non-reactive gas and sealing the cavity. In another aspect, the invention is a system designed to carry out the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat treatment process for a material in an oven (4), such process using the combustion gases supplied by at least one burner (5) associated with a firebox (6). This process is characterised in that a first condensation phase is provided for the combustion gases between their exiting the firebox (6) and entering the oven (4), such condensation enabling part of the dust contained in the combustion gases to be eliminated, the first condensation phase being conducted using absorption refrigerating means (14) followed by a superheating phase of the combustion gas allowing the required temperature to be obtained for the heat treatment. The invention also relates to a treatment unit implementing such process. The process is more particularly applicable to the heat treatment of wood.

Abstract: A dryer and a dryer control method using a sensing unit and a timer to vary drying operations depending on the state of drying laundry are disclosed. The method for controlling an automatic dryer having a drying part including a heater, a fan, and a drum includes the steps of operating the drying part while monitoring an internal temperature and an internal humidity of the drum, continuously operating the heater, the fan, and the drum until the internal temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, and operating the fan intermittently when the internal temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. The method further includes operating the heater intermittently when the internal humidity reaches a predetermined humidity, discontinuing heater operation upon lapse of a first predetermined time, discontinuing fan operation upon lapse of a second predetermined time, and discontinuing drum operation upon lapse of a third predetermined time.

Abstract: A drying device for drying a gas comprises parallel cooling branches, at least one of which is in its active state at any given time. A gas-coolant heat exchanger arranged in each of the cooling branches has a first channel through which the gas to be dried flows in the active state of this cooling branch and a second channel which, in the active state of this cooling branch, forms an evaporator for a coolant circulating in at least one coolant circuit. The drying device further comprises an ambient-air input line, an ambient-air output line and an ambient-air conveyor. In the passive state of a respective cooling branch, the ambient-air input line and the ambient-air output line are connected, at least for a time, with this cooling branch by the switching device and the ambient-air conveyor conveys ambient air through the first channel of the gas-coolant heat exchanger arranged in this cooling branch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the removal of moisture from seed cotton in a cotton gin. The moisture level and rate of seed cotton entering a seed cotton dryer stage of a cotton gin are measured, and, based on those measurements and the desired moisture level of the seed cotton, the seed cotton dryer stage of the cotton gin is controlled to remove a precise amount of moisture from the seed cotton.

Abstract: A dehumidification dryer configured and operated so at to achieve higher drying temperatures than traditionally obtainable with dehumidification driers. The invention takes advantage of refrigerants not previously used in the field of dehumidification drying to achieve temperatures in the range of 180-225° F. that previously were found only in open hot air kilns, open commercial clothes driers, and other apparatus of high throughput. In order to make optimum use of high-temperature refrigerants, the invention uses variable control rates for drying the air that is used as the drying medium, and restructures the deployment of the components of the refrigeration circuit that participates in the heat and humidity exchange central to the operation of the drier.

Abstract: A method of and system for drying a wafer offer a short cycle of operation, and minimize the amount of time that the wafer is exposed to external air. The drying system includes a process bath, a loader for transferring the wafer from a wash bath to an elevator of the process bath, an unloading stage for supporting the wafer after it is dried, and a lid for drying the wafer after it is rinsed in the process bath and for transferring the wafer onto the unloading stage. The lid includes a lid body defining a cavity, a wafer holder disposed within the cavity, a gas distributer having gas injection holes facing the cavity, and a driving mechanism for moving the lid between the process bath and the unloading stage. In the drying method, the lid is positioned over the process bath after the wafer has been rinsed. The elevator of the process bath is then raised to move the rinsed wafer above the tub of the process bath and into the cavity defined in the lid body.

Abstract: A portable, atmospheric dehydrator and water condenser for dehydrating fruits and vegetables while producing pure atmospheric condensation from humidity found in the air and purifying the water for dispensing and drinking purposes.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed including a vapor dryer chamber (12) with a lid (14). A heater (16) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber to vaporize liquid drying medium (24), preferably isopropyl alcohol, in the bottom of the vapor dryer chamber (12). Cooling coils (18) disposed within an upper portion of the vapor drying chamber (12) condense the drying medium vapor. A vapor monitor assembly (30) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber (12) to monitor the vapor concentration within vapor dryer chamber (12). A controller (40) is associated with the vapor monitor assembly (30) and evaluates vapor concentration measurements from the vapor monitor (38).

Abstract: A system for high-pressure drying of semiconductor wafers includes the insertion of a wafer into an open vessel, the immersion of the wafer in a liquid, pressure-sealing of the vessel, pressurization of the vessel with an inert gas, and then the controlled draining of the liquid using a moveable drain that extracts water from a depth maintained just below the gas-liquid interface. Thereafter, the pressure may be reduced in the vessel and the dry and clean wafer may be removed. The high pressure suppresses the boiling point of liquids, thus allowing higher temperatures to be used to optimize reactivity. Megasonic waves are used with pressurized fluid to enhance cleaning performance. Supercritical substances are provided in a sealed vessel containing a wafer to promote cleaning and other treatment.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed including a vapor dryer chamber (12) with a lid (14). A heater (16) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber to vaporize liquid drying medium (24), preferably isopropyl alcohol, in the bottom of the vapor dryer chamber (12). Cooling coils (18) disposed within an upper portion of the vapor drying chamber (12) condense the drying medium vapor. A vapor monitor assembly (30) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber (12) to monitor the vapor concentration within vapor dryer chamber (12). A controller (40) is associated with the vapor monitor assembly (30) and evaluates vapor concentration measurements from the vapor monitor (38).

Abstract: The present invention provides a drying method for removing a residual solution from a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is placed into a chamber, and then the air pressure of the chamber is lowered from atmospheric pressure to a lower pressure. Next, an inert gas with a predetermined pressure is injected into the chamber to exchange with the dissolved oxygen in the residual solution. The pressure in the chamber is reduced to 0.5˜100 torr so as to lower the boiling point of the solution and to remove the displaced oxygen. Finally, a heating process is performed to completely evaporate the residual solution on the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high-pressure drying of semiconductor wafers includes the insertion of a wafer into an open vessel, the immersion of the wafer in a liquid, pressure-sealing of the vessel, pressurization of the vessel with an inert gas, and then the controlled draining of the liquid using a moveable drain that extracts water from a depth maintained just below the gas-liquid interface. Thereafter, the pressure may be reduced in the vessel and the dry and clean wafer may be removed. The high pressure suppresses the boiling point of liquids, thus allowing higher temperatures to be used to optimize reactivity. Megasonic waves are used with pressurized fluid to enhance cleaning performance. Supercritical substances are provided in a sealed vessel containing a wafer to promote cleaning and other treatment.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for washed objects is capable of drying the objects in a reduced period of time, effectively preventing contamination of the objects during drying thereof, and attaining energy saving and a reduction in consumption of chemicals used. Mist of an organic solvent is generated by means of an ultrasonic wave in an organic solvent mist generating tank and the objects are immersed in a pure water tank, the pure water tank and organic solvent mist generating tank are then operated to communicate with each other to discharge pure water and place the objects in an atmosphere of the organic solvent mist, and then nitrogen gas is fed to the pure water tank to purge the organic solvent mist with the nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A drying apparatus and method of drying is provided for drying a semiconductor member mounted in a carrier that is placed in a processing tank through contact with isopropyl alcohol. An isopropyl alcohol liquid is vaporized in a bottom portion of the processing tank, and the resulting vapor is condensed in its top portion. A heater is disposed so as to heat the inside of the processing tank to keep the inside at a predetermined temperature range in a middle-layer portion, i.e., a drying portion, of the processing tank. The heater is covered with a heat insulating member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying a microelectronic structure on wafer substrate using supercritical phase gas techniques and a unique pressure vessel locking mechanism. There is lid and a base with an open cavity to contain at least one microelectronic structure on wafer substrate. Clamping the lid to the base uses locking clamp rings with open jaws large to partially enclose the edge of the vessel. The clamp rings are supported symmetrically about the sides of the vessel. The rings are adjusted between an open position where the rings are clear of the vessel and a locking position where the jaws partially enclose the vessel. The jaws and the vessel share a tapered cam plate and roller system configured to bring the rings into vertically compressive locking engagement on the pressure vessel when the rings are moved into locking position. Mechanical interlocks provide security against back pressure opening the rings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus to dry cut timber or other hygroscopical plate-shaped or bar-shaped goods in subatmospheric pressure in a vacuum-solid drying chamber, which is equiped with ventilators (fans) effecting crosswise to the length axis of the chamber to revolve a gaseous drying medium, with one or several heating coils extending over the length of the chamber, and with a dehumidifying device (condenser). It is task of the invention to regulate the heat energy supply for individual stack areas and thus the removal of humidity contained in the wood, independent of other stack areas of the same charge in the drying chamber. Thereby, existing or arising dispersions of the wood moisture in different stack areas due to inhomogeneous conditions inside and outside the drying chamber, ought to be eliminated during the drying stage before entering the final equalizing and conditioning stage.

Abstract: A substrate drying device including a process chamber, a transferring device for transferring a substrate to/from the process chamber, a solvent vapor generating chamber having a container for receiving liquid organic solvent and a heater for heating the liquid organic solvent of the container to generate vapor of the organic solvent, a solvent supply unit for supplying the liquid organic solvent in the container, a first passage, communicating with the solvent vapor generating chamber and the process chamber, for passing vapor of the organic solvent, a second passage, communicating with the container of the solvent vapor generating chamber and the solvent supply unit, for passing liquid organic solvent, a flow rate controller for controlling flow rate of the liquid organic solvent to be supplied to the solvent vapor generating chamber from the solvent supply unit, and a control device for detecting a state of organic solvent of at least one of the solvent supply unit, the solvent vapor generating chamber, an

Abstract: A processing apparatus including a drying part provided with at least a drying fan and a drying heater to automatically develop a photosensitive material wherein the drying part further includes a means for detecting reduction in air amount of the drying fan.

Abstract: The dry charge machine and method disclosed carefully monitor the temperature above and below the plates as well as the water temperature exiting the machine and introduce cooling water at a flow rate and temperature so as to maximize thermal efficiency in drying and minimize the energy necessary to raise the temperature of the drying gas. The machinery is arranged and controlled so that water droplets are not introduced into the air. Oxygen leakage into the machine in minimized and the oxygen content of the air is monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material such as a jet veneer dryer. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of individual, juxtaposed drying sections. Each drying section circulates air in a path substantially transverse to the path of movement through the dryer. A single point exhaust system extracts the exhaust from the first drying section. A wet seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the wet seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the wet seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the wet seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential.

Abstract: A no-vent dry kiln for drying wood products such as lumber. The kiln has a dehumidification unit to remove excess moisture from the air utilized as the drying media. The dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures of the air within the kiln enclosure are precisely monitored to control the conditions of the atmosphere within the kiln enclosure. The kiln has a dehumidification unit to remove excess moisture from the air and to retain the sensible heat of the air stream passing through the dehumidification unit. The air stream, under a controlled flow rate passes through a first coil which removes the sensible heat from the air stream to lower the temperature of the air stream to at or below its saturation temperature. The heat removed by the first coil is transferred to a third coil down stream. A second coil downstream from the first coil lowers the temperature of the air stream well below the dew point causing the condensing of moisture. The condensed moisture is removed by a condensate removal system.

Abstract: A process for producing a flavor-rich tea from tea leaves is disclosed. It comprises the steps of: (a) plucking the tea leaves; (b) withering the tea leaves; (c) rolling the tea leaves; and (d) drying the tea leaves in a drying apparatus in a circulating air at a drying temperature in the range of from about 30.degree. C. to less than about 80.degree. C. while maintaining a relative humidity of the circulating air in the range about 1% to 30%, the drying apparatus comprising a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying air, a temperature-moisture controlling device, and a drying room. The tea made from this process is capable of being subsequently stored at room temperature and substantially retains flavor-producing volatile constituents. Optionally, the tea leaves after step (d) can be baked for a short time to produce a roasted flavor.

Abstract: A drier having a boxlike housing (12) for receiving a hopper (13) therein which contains a batch of wet sludge. The hopper (13) cooperates with the housing, when closed therein, to define a closed air recirculation system which supplies dry pressurized warm air into an air-receiving chamber (79) located at the bottom of the hopper. The air passes upwardly through a perforated bottom wall (78) into and through the sludge to remove moisture therefrom. The moist air passes upwardly through the open top of the hopper, through a filter and is supplied to a drying unit (34) located in the housing for removing moisture therefrom, which moisture is externally discharged. The drying unit resupplies the dry air back to the drying chamber formed in the hopper.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of objects with an inflammable volatile liquid, in an installation comprising at least one upwardly open tank (16) adapted to be filled with the liquid, a drying device (20) adapted to remove contained treatment liquid from the treated objects, and a transport system adapted to bring an object to be treated above the tank, and to immerse it in the tank, to withdraw it, and to transfer it into the drying device, then to remove it. The tank and the drying device are disposed in a closed chamber (2, 4) containing an atmosphere comprised principally of a protective gas, with an oxygen content maintained sufficiently low that the ignition of the treatment liquid will be impossible. This chamber is separated from the exterior by at least one gas lock (1, 5) containing the same atmosphere. The object to be treated passes through the gas lock to enter the chamber and by the same or another gas lock to be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying substrates such as wafers while contacting IPA vapor with them to remove that solution, which adheres to them when they are washed, includes a vessel in which IPA is stored, a unit for supplying the IPA into the vessel, a unit for draining the IPA from the vessel, heater block arranged contactable with the underside of the vessel to heat the IPA in the vessel by heat conduction, a boat elevator for positioning the substrates in a steam existing space in which steam generated from the heated process solution and a water cooling system arranged in the vessel to exchanged heat between the IPA and cooling water so as to cool the IPA, which is to be drained from the vessel, by the cooling water.