Abstract: In a method and system for forming concentrated volumes of microbeads, a polymer solution and/or suspension includes a polymer dissolved and/or dispersed in a medium. Streams of a focusing fluid and of the polymer solution and/or suspension flow towards a fluid bath, and into intersection with one another, so &s to focus the polymer solution and/or suspension. The polymer solution and/or suspension stream forms microbeads in the fluid bath. Some of the focusing fluid is drawn from the fluid bath, so as to concentrate the microbeads in die fluid bath. The system includes a flow focusing apparatus and a liquid-containing cell. The focusing apparatus includes polymer and focusing nozzles. The cell contains the fluid bath and has an outlet port, through which the focusing fluid is drawn from the fluid bath.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets are contacted with a temperature adjusting fluid in a crystallizer. The fluid adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly producing an emulsion and microcapsules in a simple manner is provided wherein a dispersion phase is ejected from a dispersion phase-feeding port toward a continuous phase flowing in a microchannel in such a manner that flows of the dispersion phase and the continuous phase cross each other, thereby obtaining microdroplets, formed by the shear force of the continuous phase, having a size smaller than the width of the channel for feeding the dispersion phase.

Abstract: A method for producing particles, from a substance, having predetermined size and/or morphology characteristics. The method consists of mixing within a spray nozzle a solution stream containing the substance in dissolved or dispersed form with a supercritical fluid stream. Spraying the mixture through a nozzle into a particle collecting chamber and there separating the particles. The characteristic feature is an additional step, providing a make-up agent (modifier) to the fluid stream, possibly combined with recycling of the fluid and/or performing the method essentially simultaneously in several spray nozzles. Additional features are also a production system comprising functions for performing the method above and the introduction of the make-up agent, recycling of the fluid and performing several runs essentially simultaneously in the same production system. Also a pharmaceutical formulation in which particles produced according to the method has been used for its manufacture.

Abstract: A method for producing particles of predetermined sized and/or morphology of a substance in a production arrangement comprising the steps of: i) mixing within a spray nozzle and under flow conditions a stream of a liquid solution in which the substance is dissolved with a stream of a fluid, and ii) passing the mixture in the form of a spray through a spray outlet of the nozzle into a particle collecting container, and iii) separating and collecting within the container the particles. The characteristic feature is that the solvent is a liquid and the fluid is an aqueous liquid in a subcritical state. Preferred nozzles have two coaxial internal transport conduits. One aspect is a production arrangement that can be used in the method. Its characteristic features are functions for a) recycling fluid used in the process, b) for including a make-up agent in the fluid stream, and/or increasing production by paralleling particle formation.

Abstract: A drop pelletizing device and method for producing pellets from a low-viscosity plastic melt are provided. The drop pelletizing device can include a die plate with holes, in which the plastic melt can be subjected to a harmonic pressure oscillation such that the plastic melt emerging from the holes forms individual pellet droplets, a pressure vessel, in which prevails an overpressure above the ambient pressure, a discharge device adapted to discharge the individual pellet droplets from the pressure vessel and to reduce the overpressure, a separator adapted to separate the individual pellet droplets from the coolant; and at least one circulating device adapted to agitate the coolant to separated and unclump the individual pellet droplets in the coolant and for producing turbulence within the coolant.

Abstract: Certain polyamide beads or granules are useful as a sustaining material for underground natural or artificial cracks of the earth's crust essentially employed for the extraction of hydrocarbons such as crude oil or natural gas; such polyamide beads have a spherical or ellipsoidal shape and have a surface free of concave portions, advantageously having a uniform shape, and having a mean diameter lower than or equal to 1.7 mm and a porosity lower than 0.1 ml/g, and are produced using a particular cutting device/extruder.

Abstract: A fine particle producing process introduces a material for producing fine particles into a thermal plasma flame to make a vapor-phase mixture and quenches the vapor-phase mixture to form the fine particles. In the process, the material for producing the fine particles is dispersed or dissolved in a dispersion medium or solvent, preferably containing a combustible material to prepare a dispersion such as a slurry, a colloidal solution or a dissolution solution, the dispersion is made into a form of droplets, or the material for producing the fine particles is dispersed with a carrier gas and a combustible material and the dispersion in a droplet form or the dispersed material is introduced into the thermal plasma flame. In the fine particle producing process and apparatus, a gas of an amount sufficient to quench the vapor-phase mixture is supplied toward a tail of the thermal plasma flame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of pellets of polyamide 6 or copolyamides. The method can include production of a melt of polyamide 6 or copolyamides by means of polymerization, production of pellets from the melt by means of underwater pelletization into a process fluid, removal of the pellets from a site of underwater pelletization in the process fluid, supply of the pellets in the process fluid to an extraction stage, extraction of low-molecular components as extract, and drying of the pellets after extraction, wherein the underwater pelletization stage and the extraction stage take place using the same process fluid. The invention further relates to a device for implementation of such a method.

Abstract: Provided are a ceramic-fine-particle producing process making it possible to produce, with ease, ceramic fine particles which have a spherical shape close to a complete round and an excellent mono-dispersibility, and are made only of a solid component of a simple ceramic material without making a fine channel structure complicated, and an apparatus used therein for producing ceramic fine particles. The process includes the step (S100) of feeding a dispersion phase made of an aqueous liquid containing a gelling agent to act upon cooling and a ceramic material into a continuous phase made of an oily liquid containing a surfactant, thereby producing fine droplets; the step (S110) of collecting and cooling the produced fine droplets; the step (S120) of washing the cooled fine droplets; the step (S130) of drying the washed fine droplets; and the step (S140) of firing the dried fine droplets.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method of aseptically manufacturing cell-immobilizing capsules, the apparatus comprising a multi-nozzle assembly and a double mesh system for the washing and size-selection of the capsules, and thus, the production, washing, selection and recovery of the capsules can be easily conducted under an aseptic condition in an integrated fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing substantially monodisperse micro particles mainly of heat sensible material using a carrier gas and a drying gas. Relatively dense micro particles with diameters in the range 1-120 ?m with a very narrow span can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing and treating plastic pellets. According to said method, a melt of the plastic material is granulated to give pellets, the pellets are cooled in a cooling fluid, the pellets are separated from the cooling fluid and the pellets are crystallized. The device according to the invention is characterized by comprising a control unit which monitors the crystallization step and controls the method in such a manner that in case of a disturbance of crystallization the pellets are supplied to an intermediate storage after separation of the pellets from the cooling fluid and as soon as the disturbance is removed, the pellets temporarily stored in the intermediate storage are supplied to crystallization and are crystallized.

Abstract: Relatively uniform spherical shaped solid pellets (prills) may be created by passing molten sulfur through a nested strainer to remove particles that would otherwise become trapped in the system, a drip tray with a heating channel attached on its underside, an injection conduit for delivery of a cooled zone of water to create solid prills, and thereafter moving the prills through a stationary curved screen to remove most of the excess water and a vibrating screen.

Abstract: This invention is an improved process to formulate polymeric microspheres/nanospheres and encapsulate therapeutic proteins or other useful substances, and a polymer sphere apparatus. The invention is also methods of purifying protein-containing-polymeric-microspheres from unused polymer, and an apparatus therefore.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and apparatus for spinning polymer filaments comprising extruding a polymer solution to form one or more filaments into an air gap above a coagulation liquid, where the filaments are subject to strain; forming a downward stream of liquid and filaments by contacting the polymer solution with a coagulation liquid; passing the filaments and liquid through a quench tube; contacting the liquid with a surface such that the downward force of gravity on the liquid does not increase the strain of the filaments in the air gap; and separating the liquid from the filaments.

Abstract: In a seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus that ejects a droplet (25) from a nozzle (7) into hardening liquid (10) to manufacture a seamless capsule SC, tube passages (6, 9) which are synthetic resin tubes are provided as flexible sections (16) between pumps (5, 8) and the nozzle (7). The vibration caused by the pumps (5, 8) is absorbed in the flexible sections (16) and thus is not transmitted to the nozzle (7), whereby eyes or the like of the seamless capsule caused by vibration noises can be suppressed. Instead of a synthetic resin tube, a vibration absorbing block formed of an elastic member may be attached to the tube passages (6, 9). Alternatively, a vibration absorbing unit, which is provided with a pad formed of an elastic member and for holding the tube passages (6, 9), may be provided.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets are contacted with a temperature adjusting fluid in a crystallizer. The fluid adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: Relatively uniform spherical shaped solid pellets (prills) may be created by passing molten sulfur through a nested strainer to remove particles that would otherwise become trapped in the system, a drip tray with a heating channel attached on its underside, an injection conduit for delivery of a cooled zone of water to create solid prills, and thereafter moving the prills through a stationary curved screen to remove most of the excess water and a vibrating screen.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for making nanopowder includes a reaction chamber (22), a first sprayer (25, 27), a second sprayer (26, 28) and a centrifuge (24). The reaction chamber includes a top portion (224); a bottom portion (227) opposite to the top portion; a peripheral sidewall (220, 223) interconnecting the top portion and the bottom portion; an inlet (222) formed in the top portion configured for introducing a solvent; and an outlet (229) formed in the bottom portion. The first sprayer is formed on the peripheral sidewall of the reaction chamber configured for spraying a first reactant into the reaction chamber. The second sprayer is formed in at least one of the top and bottom portions of the reaction chamber configured for spraying a second reactant into the reaction chamber. The centrifuge is connected with the outlet of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A metal powder production apparatus is capable of efficiently producing fine metal powder with a uniform particle size. The metal powder produced by the apparatus has an increased quality. The apparatus (atomizer) makes use of an atomizing method to pulverize molten metal into metal powder. The apparatus includes a supply part (tundish) for supplying the molten metal, a nozzle provided below the supply part, a tubular member provided between the supply part and the nozzle. The tubular member is constructed to ensure that the molten metal ejected from an ejection port passes through a bore of the tubular member and then makes contact with a fluid jet. Further, the tubular member has a top end air-tightly connected to the supply part and a bottom end lying around the midway of a first flow path through which the molten metal passes.

Abstract: A nanopowders synthesis apparatus includes a reaction chamber; a first sprayer communicated with the reaction chamber and configured for spraying a first reactant into the reaction chamber along a first direction; and a second sprayer communicated with the reaction chamber and configured for spraying a second reactant into the reaction chamber along a second direction. A nanopowders synthesis method is also provided.

Abstract: A nanopowders synthesis apparatus includes a reaction chamber, the reaction chamber having a top portion, a bottom portion opposite to the top portion, a sidewall adjoining the top and the bottom portion, and an inlet and an outlet; a first sprayer formed in the sidewall configured for spraying a first reactant into the reaction chamber therefrom; and a second sprayer formed in the bottom portion configured for spraying a second reactant into the reaction chamber therefrom. The inlet formed in the top portion configured for injecting a liquid medium, and the outlet formed in the bottom portion configured for releasing the liquid medium. A nanopowders synthesis method is also provided.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for conditioning a thermosetting product, especially a “non-tacky” thermosetting glue comprising an intake (16) of the product to be conditioned in the liquid or pasty state discharging into a tank (26) containing a cooling liquid, the product to be conditioned having a density that is less than or equal to the cooling liquid, characterized in that the intake (16) is located in the lower part of the tank, essentially in the central part, and has shapes allowing the product to be conditioned to be discharged in the form of a lump (32) in an essentially vertical direction upward.

Abstract: Relatively uniform spherical shaped solid pellets (prills) may be created by passing molten sulfur through a nested strainer to remove particles that would otherwise become trapped in the system, a drip tray with a heating channel attached on its underside, an injection conduit for delivery of a cooled zone of water to create solid prills, and thereafter moving the prills through a stationary curved screen to remove most of the excess water and a vibrating screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid particles and to a method for the production thereof from a flowable starting material and a solid part, wherein the flowable starting material is split into droplets which are introduced along a trajectory into a solidification liquid in which they are solidified in the form of the solid particles. The invention is characterized by the use of solidification liquid and, if the flowable starting material contains actinide oxide, the solidification liquid steadily flows, thereby making it possible to produce solid particles having a greater sphericity and a narrow particle sized distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of spherical menthol particles, comprising the following steps: preparation of a menthol melt, metering of the menthol melt into water having a temperature in the range of from 0 to 12° C., wherein the metering conditions are so chosen that menthol drops are temporarily present in the water after the metering, which menthol drops then solidify in the water to form the spherical menthol particles.

Abstract: A hard alloy material comprising tungsten carbide in an amount of less than 50 weight percent of the material, titanium carbide in an amount of at least about 30 weight percent, and a binder material of cobalt and nickel. In other aspects of the invention, molybdenum and/or chromium are included to further lower the thermal conductivity of the material. The thermal conductivity of the material of the invention is about 12 Watt/m° K or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing spherical particles from a melted mass of plastic. According to the invention, said melted mass is transformed into droplets by means of a droplet-forming nozzle (10); after falling a certain distance, the droplets are crystallised at least on the surface thereof; the droplets are then supplied to a crystallisation stage in which they are fully crystallised; and are then supplied to an postcondensation stage wherein solid phase polycondensation takes place. In order to ensure surface crystallisation without the risk of adhesion both among the drops and to parts of the device, the drops fall in a crystallisation stage (45) having a cloth element or a sheet metal element comprising openings or a fluidised bed chamber through which gas flows in order to swirl the drops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming pellets, the apparatus comprising a column for housing column liquid; column liquid; temperature controlling elements engaging the column and capable of maintaining a first and second temperature in the column liquid, and an injection orifice to introduce the liquid pellet composition to the column liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of manufacturing a compound having a sub-micron primary particle size such as a metal compound such as metal oxides, metaloxy hydroxides metal hydroxides, metal carbides, metal nitrides, metal carbonitrides, metal borides, electroceramics and other such compound, said method comprising the steps of: introducing a solid reactor filling material in a reactor, introducing a metal-containing precursor, a semi-metal-containing precursor, a metal-containing oxide or a semi-metal-containing oxide in said reactor, introducing a reactant or a substitution source into the said reactor, and introducing a supercritical solvent into the said reactor. These steps result in the formation of said compound in the proximity of the said solid reactor filling material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing microparticles comprising pharmacologically active agents and biodegradable polymers. The apparatus includes a spinning disk containing a reservoir in the center thereof and a flat inclined surface. The apparatus optionally includes serrations and/or a flat surface beneath the periphery of the disk that is parallel to the rotational axis of the disk. The invention is also directed to a method for producing microparticles containing pharmacologically active agents, using the spinning disk apparatus. Formulations containing ophthalmically active agents are provided. Formulations exhibiting zero order release rates are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing pellets from hot heavy hydrocarbon or asphaltene, in accordance with the present invention, includes flow means that supplies the hot heavy hydrocarbon or asphaltene through a conduit to its outlet; and pellet producing medium or means that breaks up the liquid stream of the hot asphaltene flowing out of the outlet of the conduit and produces pellets of asphaltene. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a reservoir or container that collects the pellets of heavy hydrocarbon or asphaltene together with some fluid producing a slurry; and transporting means that transports the slurry to the required location. Preferably, the fluid is liquid water. In addition, the pellet producing medium preferably is liquid water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multistage fluidized SSP reactor that tightens the distribution of residence time and the resulting average intrinsic viscosity of the polymer product. Less residence time is needed to achieve a desired average intrinsic viscosity. As the polymer beads continuously flow through sequential stages, poly-condensation reactions continue to develop almost under plug-flow conditions. Five fluidized stages or more provide advantageous performance.

Abstract: A microencapsulation apparatus is provided which is configured to form co-axial multi-lamellar microcapsules from materials discharged from first and second microsphere dispensers of the apparatus. A method of fabricating and processing microcapsules is also provided which includes forming distinct droplets comprising one or more materials and introducing the droplets directly into a solution bath to form a membrane around the droplets such that a plurality of microcapsules are formed. A microencapsulation system is provided which includes a microcapsule production unit, a fluidized passage for washing and harvesting microcapsules dispensed from the microcapsule production unit and a flow sensor for sizing and counting the microcapsules. In some embodiments, the microencapsulation system may further include a controller configured to simultaneously operate the microcapsule production unit, fluidized passage and flow sensor to process the microcapsules in a continuous manner.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that use focused acoustic energy to generate solid particles containing at least one compound of interest. Focused acoustic radiation serves to eject droplets containing a compound of interest dissolved in a solvent. The droplets are subjected to a condition that allows for the compound of interest to precipitate out of solution, thereby generating solid particles. The particles are typically of controlled size, composition, and/or structure. Often, particles of substantially identical size are generated.

Abstract: A method and device for generating solid particles using focused acoustic energy are provided. A solution of a compound of interest is provided in a solvent, which may be an aqueous fluid, a nonaqueous fluid, or a supercritical fluid. Focused acoustic energy is used to eject a droplet of the solution, which is then directed into or through an antisolvent that upon admixture with the solution droplet causes the compound in the droplet to precipitate. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is an aqueous or organic liquid, and the antisolvent is a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A method and device for generating pharmaceutical agent particles using focused acoustic energy are provided. A solution of the pharmaceutical agent is provided in a solvent, which may be an aqueous fluid, a nonaqueous fluid, or a supercritical fluid. Focused acoustic energy is used to eject a droplet of the solution, which is then directed into or through an antisolvent that upon admixture with the solution droplet causes the pharmaceutical agent in the droplet to precipitate. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is an aqueous or organic liquid, and the antisolvent is a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: Method for making polymer particulates, such as spherical powder and whiskers, by melting a polymer material under conditions to avoid thermal degradation of the polymer material, atomizing the melt using gas jet means in a manner to form atomized droplets, and cooling the droplets to form polymer particulates, which are collected for further processing. Atomization parameters can be controlled to produce polymer particulates with controlled particle shape, particle size, and particle size distribution. For example, atomization parameters can be controlled to produce spherical polymer powders, polymer whiskers, and combinations of spherical powders and whiskers. Atomizing apparatus also is provided for atoomizing polymer and metallic materials.

Abstract: The process comprises forming drops of a liquid to be configured, introducing said drops into a configurator liquid at high temperature in order to produce the coagulation of the drops and to obtain granules; to this effect, the jet of configuration liquid is subjected to the action of periodical pulses which are symmetrical to the axis of the effluent jet of configuration liquid thereby obtaining a controlled disintegration of the liquid into drops. The device for implementing such process includes a pulse chamber (2) with an elastic membrane (4) which produces pressure pulses to the liquid thereby disintegrating the liquid into drops (10) which fall into a receiver (12) and which, together with a configuration liquid flow, are introduced into a column (13) containing the configuration liquid at high temperature. The process and device enable to obtain granulated products such as caviar-like product, granulated meat products, chemical, pharmaceuticals and the like.

Abstract: A method and device for generating solid particles using focused acoustic energy are provided. A solution of a compound of interest is provided in a solvent, which may be an aqueous fluid, a nonaqueous fluid, or a supercritical fluid. Focused acoustic energy is used to eject a droplet of the solution, which is then directed into or through an antisolvent that upon admixture with the solution droplet causes the compound in the droplet to precipitate. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is an aqueous or organic liquid, and the antisolvent is a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of seamless capsules in which capsule forming material passes from a heated carrier fluid to a cooled carrier fluid during formation and solidification of the capsules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an atomization apparatus and method for the formation of substantially uniform, at least nearly spherical particles, particularly for the formation of metal particles. The present invention provides an atomization apparatus having a nozzle positioned at the bottom of a cooling chamber. Rayleigh wave instability may be induced by imparting vibrations to a stream of molten material which is released in an upward direction. This produces uniform droplets having an initial velocity sufficient to increase the residence time of the droplets in an inert atmosphere. The parabolic trajectory of the droplets over a 2 m vertical displacement is approximately five times longer than a freefall, thus significantly increasing the cooling time without increasing the cooling chamber height. Further the kinetic energy of each droplet is much lower throughout its trajectory which serves to improve the formation of spherical shaped particles and to lower the impact velocity.

Abstract: A method for producing cellulose beads which are high in sphericity and narrow in bead size distribution. Cellulose beads are produced by supplying a cellulose solution into a rotating vessel which is rotated at high speed by a rotary shaft and has outlets such as small holes and nozzles, flying droplets formed under a centrifugal acceleration of 10 to 1000 G through the outlets that have a diameter of 0.1 to 5.0 mm, and capturing the droplets with a coagulating solution to coagulate the droplets.

Abstract: The disclosure is a more economical process for producing fibrets of superior quality by directing a dope comprising a cellulose derivative and a suitable solvent therefor into a coagulant and exposing it there to a shearing field to coagulate of the dope and form the fibrets. The fibrets, the solvent and the coagulant are then separated off. The suspension formed from the dope and the coagulant is alternately accelerated and decelerated in the shearing field at least once, preferably at least twice. This makes it possible to maintain a high average degree of turbulence over a long distance, so that a dope of high viscosity can be processed. In the apparatus for producing fibrets, the at least one nozzle (46-49) is disposed within a dispersing facility (40) comprising rotor (44) and stator (43, 45) and further comprising at least two sprockets (50-53), of which at least one sprocket (50) is part of the rotor (44) of the dispersing facility (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for the large-scale and continuous production of gel beads containing a biocatalyst. The apparatus is a columnar system based on the chemical cross-linking of hydrocolloidal gels that contain and immobilize a biocatalyst, the biocatalyst being a microorganism or an enzyme. Hydrocolloidal gels, such as alginate, carrageenan, and a mixture of bone gelatin and modified alginate, provide immobilization matrices that can be used to entrap and retain the biocatalyst while allowing effective contact with substrates and release of products. Such immobilized biocatalysts are generally formulated into small spheres or beads that have high concentrations of the biocatalyst within the gel matrix.

Abstract: Meltblown thermoplastic fibers are cooled by microsized water droplets produced by airless ruby nozzles. The droplets have an average diameter of less than 20 microns.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a rotary cup for forming beads and projecting them radially outwardly, and one or more collection basins surrounding the bead forming cup. The cup is adjustably rotatable about its central axis, and the collection basins are independently rotatable and positioned to collect the beads projected from the cup. The coating apparatus further includes an elevation adjustment system for axially adjusting the alignment of the cup with respect to the selected collection basins. The rotational speeds of the cup and the collection basins are selected so as to minimize the impact of the beads against a gelling solution in the collection basins. In use, a supply mixture is introduced into a mixing chamber of the cup. As the cup spins, the coated particles are propelled upwardly by the centrifugal force from the mixing chamber along the inner surface of the cup, and are projected radially outwardly, as beads, into the gelling solution in one of the selected basins.

Abstract: An encapsulated asphalt prill having an impervious, water-insoluble shell, and a process for making same are disclosed. The encapsulating material are preferably composed primarily of materials such as molten fatty acids, low melt polymers, waxes, elastomers (synthetic rubbers) or plastomers many of which are also used as blending agents to enhance the final use properties of the commercial asphalt end products.

Abstract: A process for producing solid particles by drying a spray of liquid droplets. The droplets are formed by projecting a liquid formulation as a plurality of jets J (FIG. 6) in such a way that each jet breaks up into droplets of narrow size distribution. Prior to the onset of coalescence the droplets are contacted with a gas flow (G) which is arranged to reduce coalescence by disrupting slip streaming of the droplets and/or accelerating the droplets.