Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of waste materials including nuclear contaminated materials is disclosed. The method of the invention includes the steps of: grinding the base material until the maximum grain size is 50 millimeters; drying the ground material to a relative humidity content below 30%; distilling the material at a core temperature of 100.degree.-1200.degree. C. on a negative pressure from 200 N/m.sup.2 to an over pressure of 300 kN/m.sup.2 in an oxygen free, reducing, indirect heated environment; burning or cooling the vapors arising; treating the remaining solid materials by combustion, mineralization, vitrification, or solidification; and pelletizing or granulating the remaining ash. The apparatus of the invention includes a dry distillation reactor that has a rotary, closed, horizontally arranged cylinder with hollow axes on the ends. The axes are separated from input and output houses by seals. The input house is provided with a loading opening and a gas exit branch.

Abstract: An improved rotating basket extractor is provided having improved discharge means comprising a hopper section having a solid material entry and solid material exit end. The cross sectional area of the solid material entry end is smaller than the exit end so as to help prevent the agglomeration of solid material in the discharge hopper as it exits from the rotating baskets to a dual screw conveyor for subsequent travel to a discharge chute. The discharge hopper and the housing for the dual screw conveyor comprise slot means to provide for additional drainage of miscella therethrough. Additionally, the axially disposed rotatable shaft, supporting the rotating baskets, is journalled in upper and lower bearings located outside the outer housing member for ease of maintenance. The lower thrust bearing is mounted for direct support by the flooring substrate below the outer housing of the extractor to help minimize bearing contamination and corrosion.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous fluid-solid contacting includes a plurality of chambers on a rotating carousel, each chamber having a supply conduit and a discharge conduit, and a single valve for controlling a supply and discharge of fluid to the chambers. The valve includes a stationary annular disk having a plurality of conduits and a lower planar surface forming a disk valve face, and a rotatable annular plate having an upper planar surface forming a plate valve face and a plurality of holes forming ports in the plate valve face. The plate is supported in pressurized contact with the disk valve. The frame supporting the chambers and the annular plate are rotated by separate devices. To ensure that the valve ports remain in rotational correspondence with the rotating chamber frame, the invention includes optical control for synchronizing the rotation of the frame and the rotation of the annular plate.

Abstract: A process and plant for drying and then separating moist salts, such as magnesium sulfite, in which the moist magnesium sulfite is heated to a temperature greater than or equal to about 200.degree. C. in a dryer and the passed through a solid materials lock into a separating plant. The dryer is heated by a circulating stream of exhaust vapors which is heated in a heat exchanger by exhaust gas generated in the separating plant so that the water of crystallization of the magnesium sulfite as well as residual humidity is eliminated during the drying process. Vapor-free acid anhydride, usually sulphur dioxide, is prepared in the separating plant from the dehydrated salt and a metal oxide, e.g., MgO, is recovered or otherwise used. The acid anhydride may be liquified and has a large degree of purity.

Abstract: An apparatus mountable atop a container having a cavity containing a solid material, an orifice positioned atop the container and a liquid inlet. The apparatus has a collar having an axial bore, a pivotable conduit attached to the collar and a diffuser attached to the conduit. The apparatus ensures that solid material within the container remains flooded during dispensing of liquid from the container and provides convenient accessibility to the diffuser for removal, inspection and replacement. The apparatus is particularly well suited for dispensing of liquids containing solid halogen donor materials from solid halogen donor containers.

Abstract: An improved rotating basket extractor is provided having improved discharge means comprising a hopper section having a solid material entry and solid material exit end. The cross sectional area of the solid material entry end is smaller than the exit end so as to help prevent the agglomeration of solid material in the discharge hopper as it exits from the rotating baskets to a dual screw conveyor for subsequent travel to a discharge chute. The discharge hopper and the housing for the dual screw conveyor comprise slot means to provide for additional drainage of miscella therethrough. Additionally, the axially disposed rotatable shaft, supporting the rotating baskets, is journalled in a thrust bearing provided contiguous to the flooring substrate. Location of the thrust bearing there helps to minimize bearing contamination and corrosion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing oil from absorbent materials of the type used in components for absorbing oil and containing oil spills. The components are first passed through a press to squeeze some of the oil from the components. The components are then shredded to separate the components into separate pieces of the absorbent materials. An auger pushes the pieces of absorbent materials into an elongated tubular trommel having a perforated sidewall. The pieces of absorbent materials are sprayed with treatment fluids as the trommel is rotated to tumble the absorbent materials within the trommel. The oil and treatment fluids drain from the absorbent materials, and pass through the perforations in the trommel sidewalls and onto a collection trough. The collection trough directs the oil and treatment fluids through a separator to reclaim treatment fluids and oil for later use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detergent dissolving apparatus which can supply a complete dissolved detergent therewith without any remaining detergent therein. The apparatus has a detergent dissolving container, a detergent introducing container and a rotation device. The detergent dissolving container has a tube disposed on a first sidewall for draining a remaining dissolved detergent. The detergent introducing container has a receiving opening formed at a sidewall thereof for drawing the detergent dissolving container thereinto and thereout, an outlet formed at a lower edge of a side thereof for draining a dissolved detergent, and a water pipe protrudingly formed on one side thereof. The rotation device is rotatably hinged in the detergent dissolving container for promoting dissolving of the detergent. Only the necessary amount of the detergent is used, the overall detergent is not affected by the ejection water so that the solidation thereof is prevented.

Abstract: Small particles and fines included along with larger subdivided solids are treated with liquid to extract soluble solids therein in an apparatus and process using milli-screens with milli-sized openings of less than about 0.095 inches across. The milli-screen openings may be kept open for the passage of liquids with specially-designed wipers and/or back-flushing from a liquid compartment and/or rotation of the milli-screen past the matrix of subdivided solids, the subdivided solids themselves acting as a screen cleaner. The invention is useful in batch or continuous diffusers for extracting soluble solids from subdivided solids containing small particles and fines.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for improved additive systems for polymerization processes, which improved systems comprise a slurry additive system having a high shear mixer for mixing a carrier fluid and the solid additives and maintaining them in a suspension slurry prior to injecting them into a polymerization system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating mineral-bearing ores and, more particularly, for treating particulate ores containing precious metals, base metals and the like for separating and recovering said values by classifying the particulate ore on a bed of particulate material, preferably coarse particulate material, and by continuously chemically leaching the said values from the ore. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, particulated ore is fluidized and intermittently moved through a tank to classify the ore particles into strata according to size, shape and density to beneficiate values, either heavier or lighter than the gangue, for recovery of concentrated values.

Abstract: A compact lime slaker has an inner vessel forming an initial slaking chamber disposed in an outer vessel forming a final slaking chamber, with agitators provided In both chambers. Slaked lime from the final slaking chamber is pumped to a collection trough where slaked lime and grit are removed therefrom, while a major portion of slaked lime, with grit removed is returned to the final slaking chamber. The slaked lime in the final slaking chamber, at an elevated temperature due to the slaking exotherm, insulates the lime being slaked in the initial slaking chamber and provides heat thereto to aid in the initial slaking. Removal of grit from the portion of slaked lime recycled to the final slaking chamber prevents clogging or attrition of components of the slaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing performance of a catalyst in a gaseous phase catalytic reaction for a given reactant comprises a reactor receiving a predetermined quantity of fluid reactant discharging the reaction mixture, including reaction products, from the reactor after a predetermined residence time. The reactor comprises a confined reactor volume with an upflow zone and a downflow zone. A device circulates fluids upwardly through the upflow zone and downwardly through the downflow zone where particulate catalysts in the upflow zone are fluidized by the upward flow of the fluid. The circulating device is adapted to circulate the fluid about the reactor volume at a rate which provides at any moment during the residence time for the reactants an essentially uniform concentration of reactants throughout the reactor volume to simulate conditions in a catalytic riser reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating material with liquid has defined therein a cylindrical chamber, suspended above the bottom of which is a receptacle for holding the material to be tested, the bottom of which receptacle is permeable to the treatment liquid. Above the receptacle there is arranged a duct with inlets at its end and outlets disposed above the receptacle. In use, a magnetic stirrer drives a vortex of liquid up the side wall of the chamber and liquid from the vortex enters the duct from which liquid pours down onto the material to be treated in the receptacle and is then recycled. The apparatus includes one or more of the improvements that suspension of the receptacle and duct is by means which does not interfere with the vortex, that the area of the inlets is maximized by forming them with an arcuate profile, and that the bore in the duct is formed such that the wall above the bore is relatively thick and a suspending rod can be screwed thereinto.

Abstract: An improved system for extracting soluble substances from fibrous material by using a plurality of maceration and compression steps thereby excerting moderate pressure on the fibrous material up to 15 bars.Arrangements are made to saturate the fibrous material to its maximum absortion potential between each pressure application. Moisture content of the agent fibrous material is finally reduced with the combined application of moderate and high pressure. The application of imbibition liquid in this area and the use of the solvent received for the purpose of maceration in the preceeding extraction steps is made in accordance with the respective concentration of the solvent.The extraction system can operate without the application of process heat; therefore, a lixiviator is not required. Two or more maceration and compression steps can be located in a module, thus permitting a very compact arrangement of the extraction system.

Abstract: A liquid-solid contacting device having a plurality of chambers communicating with a cylindrical valve. The valve is situated in the central axis of the device and provides distribution and collection of a liquid to and from each of the plurality of chambers. The present invention provides an evenly distributed and adjustable pressure on sliding surfaces that substantially prevent leakage of process fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing particles to a fluid including the steps of adding fluid and particles to a container having impeller means therein, generating a current with the impeller so as to subject the particles to centrifugal and convective forces resulting in the formation of a well-defined and localized fluidized bed of particles, and maintaining the existence of the current through the fluidized bed so that the particles are thereby exposed to the fluid. The fluidized bed is located in a region removed from the impeller when the particles are more dense than the fluid, and the fluidized bed is located in a region near the impeller when the particles are less dense than the fluid. A method of exposing a first fluid to a second fluid, the second fluid being either a gas or a liquid immiscible in the first fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: Continuous hydrolyzing of keratinaceous material is effected in an elongated hydrolyzing vessel (1) under suitable pressure and temperature which is established by direct steam injection through injection valves, whereby the product mass is heated, fluidized and agitated at one and the same time.An inlet chute (2), which is closed in a pressure-proof manner, leads the material in batches and at intervals into the vessel (1), and an outlet chute (3) at intervals leads the hydrolyzed material to an economizer (4) and further to a pressure-free removal vessel (10).The product mass in the hydrolyzing vessel (1) moves through the vessel as plunger flow established by the overpressure in the inlet chute (2).

Abstract: An elastic bar member is coupled to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a slurry having particulate material contained therein such as a mineral ore reject from which metal has been extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal quadrature pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the agglomeration or coagulation of the particles in the material and enhances the settling operation to make for more complete separation of the particles from the liquid.

Abstract: An elastic bar member is clamped to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a leachant having a material contained therein such as a mineral ore from which metal is to be extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal nutating pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the mixing of the ore and leachant and enhances the leaching operation to make for more complete separation of the mineral from the ore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly dissolving particles of dry water soluble polymers or gums in water. A suspension of polymer particles is formed and subjected to conditions of high shear in a particle size reduction apparatus whereby the finely divided particles are forced into solution. Sufficient water is present that heat is dissipated and molecular degradation of the polymer is avoided.

Abstract: Impurities are removed from pieces of sulfur by dropping the pieces directly into a bath of heated liquid sulfur disposed in a vessel. The liquid sulfur is heated externally of the vessel and conveyed thereto. The sulfur pieces melt in the bath. A movable element, such as a rotary screen drum or conveyor blades for example, is disposed in the bath for agitating the bath and entraining the impurities.

Abstract: Processing and outfit for the extraction of cane sugar by pressing canes and magma between several pairs of fluted rollers, wherein each pair of rollers is completely submerged in a tank (C) and fed through a hopper (13), and wherein a constant recirculation of the magma, from each tank towards the corresponding hopper, with a significant flow rate on the one hand, and a countercurrent circulation of the bagasse and the juice with a lower flow rate in the different tanks (C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3) corresponding to the different pairs of rollers on the other, are combined.

Abstract: An elastic bar member is clamped to an orbiting mass oscillator and the entire assembly is suspended from a cable or the like such that the bar member has freedom of lateral motion and is nakedly immersed in a leachant having a material contained therein such as a mineral ore from which metal is to be extracted. The rotor of the orbiting mass oscillator is driven at a speed such as to generate cycloidal sonic energy in the bar preferably at a frequency such as to set up resonant standing wave vibration of the bar in a cycloidal nutating pattern. The cycloidal vibrational energy tends to set the surrounding fluid material into a whirling rotation or rotary traveling wave which facilitates the mixing of the ore and leachant and enhances the leaching operation to make for more complete separation of the mineral from the ore.

Abstract: An improved extraction apparatus comprises (a) an elongated trough-like vessel; (b) first and second inlets for introducing relatively heavy and light materials, respectively, into the vessel; (c) first and second outlets for removing relatively light and heavy materials, respectively, from the vessel; (d) a plurality of horizontally spaced parallel plate assemblies located in the vessel to provide for material separation based on material density and to provide the relatively light and heavy materials to be removed from the vessel; and (e) a plurality of agitation devices, at least one device being located in each space between the parallel plate assemblies to facilitate contact between the materials present in the space.Improved methods for extraction are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating in counter current of suspended particles with a liquid, whereby the particles and the liquid are transferred in opposite directions through a contact zone which, at some places, spaced in axial direction, is stirred in planes perpendicular to the centre line of the contact zone, in which the contact zone is one continuous space and that the volume fraction of the solid matter in the contact zone is maintained at a value between 0.20 and 0.55.

Abstract: Supercritical extraction of diatomaceous earth results in a much more significant improvement in hydrocarbon recovery over Fischer retorting than achievable with tar sands. Process and apparatus for supercritical extraction of diatomaceous earth are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for endothermic dissolutions in water, including: a mixing tank 40, wherein solute is slurried with water; pump 59 and spray pipe 63, for spraying slurry into spray box 70; and fan 75 for drawing ambient air upwardly, in direct heat exchange relationship with descending slurry droplets. Dissolution is promoted, as the droplets extract heat from the countercurrent flow of air.

Abstract: A system and process for preparation of dialysis concentrate solution from dry chemicals and water. The source of hemodialysis chemicals for a batch is a drum selectively filled with dry chemicals such that an inner core region therewithin is loaded with chemicals which slurry and dissolve the least readily. The required amount of water is metered into a mix tank. Water is pumped from the tank into a spray head fitted over the selectively filled drum. Water is injected onto the chemicals within the inner core region by the use of a nozzle having a narrow spray angle. The chemicals within the inner core region are preferentially dissolved or slurried before the other chemicals within the drum. The slurried and dissolved chemicals are removed from the drum by a suction wand and are entirely solubilized in the tank. Cycling of fluid continues from the drum to the tank and vice versa until all of the chemicals in the drum have been removed. Circulation of the fluid is continued until a uniform solution results.

Abstract: A method for treating in counter current of suspended particles with a liquid, whereby the particles and the liquid are transferred in opposite directions through a contact zone which, at some places, spaced in axial direction, is stirred in planes perpendicular to the center line of the contact zone, in which the contact zone is one continuous space and that the volume fraction of the solid matter in the contact zone is maintained at a value between 0.20 and 0.55.

Abstract: The primary tailings and middlings are combined and fed to a vessel having the general form of a deep cone thickener. The feed is deflected outwardly and generally horizontally by a baffle, as it is delivered to the vessel. Simultaneously, the outwardly radiating layer of newly added feed is contacted from below by an upwelling stream of aerated middlings, which stream moves in parallel with the aforesaid layer. Bitumen froth is formed and recovered. The upwelling stream is provided by circulating middlings through eductor/aerator assemblies and a plenum chamber mounted centrally in the body of middlings in the vessel. A generally circular circulation of middlings is generated. In this manner, the newly added bitumen is quickly and efficiently recovered. Recirculation of middlings to the aeration zone yields an additional recovery of bitumen. Use of the deep cone ensures that the tailings from the vessel are relatively low in water and bitumen content.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a gravel type solid material with a liquid in a bath are described. The apparatus comprises means for supplying the solid material, means for transporting it through the bath and means for removing the processed solid material from the bath. The apparatus comprises further means for supply of liquid and tapping off of the liquor. The method comprises introduction of the gravel type solid material into the bath at its lower end and removal of the processed solid material at the upper end, the gravel type solid material being gradually transported upwards through the bath by means of rotating lifting members while liquid is introduced into the bath at its upper half while liquor is drained off at the lower half. The lifting member comprises at least one inclined plate which is rigidly fixed to a vertical tube through which the solid material is introduced into the bath or the tank.

Abstract: A pulp diluting apparatus has a cylindrical vessel having the top portion thereof covered with a lid having a pulp inlet, a bearing mounted on the center of the lid, a lower steady support bearing mounted on the center of a bottom end portion of the cylindrical vessel, a rotary shaft held between the top bearing and the lower steady support bearing and provided on the lower portion thereof with rods having scraper plates, a water supply pipe disposed on the bottom end portion of the cylindrical vessel for supplying water into the cylindrical vessel, a valve provided on the water supply pipe for controlling the amount of water to be supplied into the water supply pipe, a driving machine connected to the rotary shaft for rotating the rotary shaft, a torque detector for detecting the torque of the driving machine and controlling the valve of the water supply pipe, and an outlet provided in the lower portion of the cylindrical vessel for taking the diluted pulp out of the cylindrical vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the continuous conversion of feathers, hair, and other keratinaceous material into usable products, including a first vessel, said first vessel being jacketed and capable of heating the material therein without subjecting it to pressure, and paddles disposed for violently agitating the material within the vessel while gradually traversing it therethrough, a second vessel, a pump interconnected between the two vessels and providing for the transfer of the now fluidized material from the first vessel and into the second vessel while preventing the escape of any second vessel pressure back into the first vessel, the second vessel being jacketed and capable of heating the fluidized and flowable material therein to elevate temperatures while agitating the same to effect its hydrolyzation, and another pump connecting with the outlet side of the second vessel to provide for continuous discharge of the now hydrolyzed material and some pressure while the second vessel continuously hydrolyzes

Abstract: Apparatus for the extraction of fruit and vegetable pressings and plant raw materials in a closed system. The extraction is effected by simultaneous mechanical and hydrodynamic effects on the materials, the fruit or plant mass being subjected to several extractions in two cyclically alternating modes of fountain-type and turbulent agitation with different intensities with bladed agitator tip speeds in an over-all range of 3 to 25 m/sec. The apparatus has a closed heat-insulated vessel with internal draining wall, a conical bottom, a cover having a ventilation opening, and an opening for the raw material, with a driving unit mounted on the cover with two driving speeds. The driving unit is a shaft on the lower end of which there is mounted an impeller, the shaft resting on a special bearing supported on a grid of blades rectifying the material flow, an elongated diffuser surrounding the impeller, the impeller together with a suction unit leading to the diffuser being fixed to the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: In a powder dispenser comprising a container in which powder is supported on a screen, water under pressure for forming a concentrated solution or dispersion with the powder is introduced into a tube beneath the screen. The tube contains a plurality of apertures along its length and is rotatably mounted substantially mid-length so that an upwardly directed spray of water is directed from the tube through the screen onto the bottom layers of powder thereon with a sprinkler effect as the tube is rotated. Tube rotation is preferably imparted automatically under the reaction forces of the water leaving the apertures which are offset from the vertical in opposite senses on each side of the rotary axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for the production of highly concentrated spinning solutions from acrylonitrile polymers, where the dissolving is carried out in one step in a stirred mixing vessel, which has a disc-shaped stirrer rotating in a horizontal plane, the polymeric material to be dissolved and the solvent are metered in separately at room temperature into the stirring vortex which is formed, and the temperature of the solution being formed is maintained at a constant preset value in the range from 60.degree. to 120.degree. C. by controlling the peripheral velocity of the stirrer.

Abstract: A continuous contactor comprises a rotary tubular rotor through which the streams to be contacted flow. The rotor has an inner wall which is substantially cylindrical and an outer wall spaced from the inner wall. The rotor is divided internally into a number of rings of buckets by axial and radial separators. Each bucket has an opening in the cylindrical inner wall at the leading part of the bucket with respect to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating coarse sand particles from fine sand particles in a slurry of sand and a solution such as results from the solvent extraction of tar sand, such method comprising causing flow of such slurry in a generally horizontal direction and then causing upward flow at a rate such that coarse particles settle out and fine particles move upwardly to a slurry outlet. The apparatus preferably comprises a tubular duct for downward flow, bottom openings in the duct for outward flow, a lower receptacle for coarse particles and an annular space surrounding the duct for upward flow of slurry of solution and fine sand particles.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved wheel housing assembly comprised of a wheel, a wheel axle and an axle housing wherein the wheel axle is formed of wheel and housing shaft portions with the axis of the wheel shaft portion being parallel to and slightly displaced or offset from the axis of the housing shaft portion whereby rotation of the housing shaft portion within a housing member permits the wheel shaft portion to be rotated about the axis of the housing shaft portion thereby to permit elevational adjustment of the wheel of the wheel assembly with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotor assembly for a rotary solvent extractor comprised of segmental inner, outer and side wall assemblies provided with positioning elements for facile field erection on support beams with the segmental inner, outer and side cell walls being prefabricated and shipped in stacked relationship to the job site for field erection.

Abstract: A water limer includes a hopper which is periodically impacted to vibrate and loosen the lime and dispense it from an adjustable opening into water flowing beneath the hopper. Periodic impacting is effected by the pretreated water driving a water wheel which periodically rocks a pivot bar. The pivot bar impacts against a dispenser plate which imparts vibrations to the side of the hopper to thereby vibrate and dispense the lime.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting pulverous or granular material from a mixture means of a solvent brought into contact with the mixtue. A receptacle is provided for receiving the material to be extracted as well as the solvent. A conduit system is connected with the lower portion of the receptacle and empties into the upper portion of the receptacle. Within the conduit system is arranged a device for conveying the solvent to be withdrawn from the receptacle as well as the mixture containing the material to be extracted. The device also serves to mechanically form a dispersion of the material to be extracted in the solvent. The device includes a rotatable body operated at a speed of 10,000 to 30,000 rpm.

Abstract: A process for the continuous leaching of ores and an apparatus for practising this continuous leaching process are disclosed. According to this process, a plurality of unit layers composed of a pulverized uranium ore or other ore are continuously laminated while a minimum necessary amount of an acid, alkali or organic solvent (hereinafter referred to as "solvent") is uniformly sprinkled on the flat surfaces of these unit layers. In the state where the concentration of the solvent mixed into the ore is maintained at a high level, the heat generated by exothermic reaction caused by contact among the solvent, ore and water is effectively stored and used for thermally curing the ore. According to this process, the speed of extraction of the intended metal component can be increased, the leaching time shortened and the filtration characteristics improved, whereby a highly concentrated pregnant liquor can be recovered at a high efficiency.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing encloses a plurality of vertically stacked extractor sections each containing a plurality of baskets in vertical registry with baskets of the other sections, with the baskets all being stationary so that material to be processed passes in a vertical path down through each successive extractor section. Rotating screens and miscella collection pans are disposed beneath the baskets in each extractor section and form the bottom thereof, with the screens and pans having aligned openings which during rotation permit the material being processed to be passed from an upper basket to a lower basket in vertical registry therewith. A countercurrent flow miscella and solvent distribution and collection system supplies miscella or fresh solvent to the upper portion of each of the extractor sections above the baskets and rotates with the screen and collection pan to progressively apply the proper strength of miscella or solvent to each of the baskets in each of the extractor sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting bitumen from tar sand utilizes a plurality of individually sealed pressure adjusted interconnected extraction chambers in which the tar sand flows countercurrent to the flow of solvent with mixing in each extraction chamber of solvent and tar sand. Tar sand is provided to the first of the extraction chambers and after removal of a portion of the bitumen is carried by a conveyor and disposed into the next chamber where further bitumen is extracted and so on through the plurality of chambers until all the bitumen is extracted and the sand and remaining solvent then conveyed into a last chamber where the sand and solvent is treated with hot water to remove solvent and pure sand is discharged.

Abstract: A continuous solvent extracting apparatus with a generally cylindrical stationary housing containing a plurality of stationary bottomless baskets disposed laterally adjacent one another in a circular pattern in a single stage with a screen forming the bottom of the baskets. The screen is mounted for rotation beneath the baskets with a single opening through which material being processed can be emptied from each of the baskets in sequence after the miscella has been removed from the material being treated by drainage through the screen. The miscella is collected in a pan which also rotates with the screen and includes a hopper in registry with the opening in the screen through which the processed material can pass from each of the baskets to a discharge opening from the extracting apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting immiscible or partly miscible liquids, for example in an extraction process in the form of a container through which the liquids flow having a plurality of discs arranged to rotate and dividing the container into connected compartments, a ring of foraminous material, capable of receiving and temporarily storing liquid, being arranged between at least one pair of discs, so that, in use, liquid is carried from one phase and shed in the other phase.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus useful for dissolving high molecular weight olefin polymers in a hot hydrocarbon solvent. The apparatus includes:(a) A plurality of interconnected fluid chambers, each of which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet,(b) Screens covering the inlet and the outlet of each fluid chamber; the screen covering the outlet having a smaller mesh than the screen covering the inlet,(c) Stirring means in each fluid chamber adapted to sweep retained polymer particles free of the screen covering the outlet of said chamber,(d) Means for pumping fluid through the fluid chambers, and(e) Means for supplying heat to fluid passing through the apparatus.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing encloses a plurality of vertically stacked extractor sections each containing a plurality of baskets in vertical registry with baskets of the other sections, with the baskets all being stationary so that material to be processed passes in a vertical path down through each successive extractor section. Rotating screens and miscella collection pans are disposed beneath the baskets in each extractor section and form the bottom thereof, with the screens and pans having aligned openings which during rotation permit the material being processed to be passed from an upper basket to a lower basket in vertical registry therewith. A countercurrent flow miscella and solvent distribution and collection system supplies miscella or fresh solvent to the upper portion of each of the extractor sections above the baskets and rotates with the screen and collection pan to progressively apply the proper strength of miscella or solvent to each of the baskets in each of the extractor sections.