Abstract: An apparatus for generating and storing in a tank 22 a flowable slush 2 of frozen particles usable inter alia in Ice Pigging™ includes a control system 100 which is arranged to monitor an operating parameter OP of an agitator 23 in the storage tank. The control system initiates a slush comminution and separation or dewatering cycle when a control parameter CP based on the operating parameter OP reaches a threshold value CPt. The control parameter may represent a cumulative energy input to the storage tank 22. Comminution may be performed prior to separation, with the treatment cycle being terminated when a sensed rheometric parameter RP of the slush circulating in the treatment flowpath reaches a target value RPt.

Abstract: An outdoor unit for an air conditioning system includes a tank to store defrosting liquid, a nozzle to apply defrosting liquid from the tank to a heat exchanger, a valve to control flow of the defrosting liquid between the tank and nozzle, and a controller to control the valve based on a temperature of the heat exchanger and a number of times the valve has been set to an open state during a heating mode of the air conditioning system.

Abstract: Various methods useful in connection with catching and freezing fish are disclosed. Also disclosed is an immersion freezer. In preferred embodiments, fish or other items to be frozen are immersed in a cooling medium. The cooling medium comprises an organic cooling agent, which preferably is a carbohydrate, sugar alcohol, glycoside, or non-toxic oil.

Abstract: A method of forming a food product having therein a hydrogenated fat includes contacting a spray of the product in liquid form with a cryogen so as to cool the liquid product and effect a rapid conversion of the liquid product to a solid.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous treatment and transportation of a material (7), consisting of piece goods or granules of solid material, in an at least partly fluidized bed, which apparatus comprises a perforated trough bottom (5) for the material and means (3) for creating an upwardly directed air or gas flow through said trough bottom (5) and said material (7). The trough bottom (5) is disposed to move, from a starting position, in the conveying direction of the material (7) and opposite to the conveying direction of the material, the trough bottom in motion opposite to the conveying direction being disposed, relative to the material (7), to exhibit greater acceleration (a2) than a maximum acceleration (a1) relative to the surroundings in motion in the conveying direction.

Abstract: Method for formulating particles from solutions, wherein cooling the solution down to the initial freezing point, to mix the solution under pressure with an inert medium, to expand the solution to solid, fluidable frozen particles comprising the insert medium and the solution in a frozen shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing gas hydrates includes a reactor vessel having a fluidized or expanded bed reaction zone. The reactor vessel has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein a cross-sectional area of the upper portion is larger than a cross-sectional area of the lower portion. Water is introduced into the reactor vessel, and hydrate-forming gas is introduced, under an elevated pressure, into the lower portion of the reactor vessel. Preferably, the water and gas flow in a countercurrent manner through the reactor and into the fluidized or expanded bed reaction zone. The apparatus can include a mechanism for withdrawing unreacted hydrate-forming gas from the upper portion of the reactor vessel and recycling it back into the fluidized or expanded reaction bed. A defrosting device can be included with the reactor so that at least a portion of at least one wall of the reactor vessel can be defrosted.

Abstract: A method for transporting, drying and unloading lightweight particulate material involves taking a wheeled compartment having forward and rearward ends, a bottom, and opposite sides, forming a false bottom over the bottom to create an air duct therebetween, forming air ports in the false bottom which will deflect forced air passing therethrough from the air duct in a direction generally towards the rearward end, placing a quantity of peanut hulls in the compartment, forcing warm air into the air duct through the air ports and into the compartment to dry the peanut hulls, and moving the rearward end of the compartment to permit the air from the air ports to blow the dried hulls from the compartment out of the rearward end.

Abstract: A double layer cooler for particulate material has a conveyor to which separate streams of such material are delivered at spaced intervals to form lower and upper layers of material on the conveyor. As the layers move toward the discharge end of the conveyor a coolant passes upwardly through the layers. At the discharge end of the conveyor the material of the lower layer is discharged, whereas the material of the upper layer passes over a stationary quantity of material to a crusher in which the upper layer material is crushed. From the crusher material is returned to that stream which forms the lower layer on the conveyor. The lower layer of material thus is precooled and comminuted.

Abstract: An air conditioning system utilizes parallel fluidized bed desiccators for reducing the temperature and humidity of supply air. While one fluidized bed removes moisture from the supply air, the other is regenerated by a heated air flow. Use of the two beds is cycled back and forth between moisture removal and regeneration during operation of the system.

Abstract: Bulk material cooling comprises includes a conveyor having a support surface for transporting bulk material from the conveyor inlet to its outlet. A first material supply chute is provided at the inlet for depositing a quantity of relatively cool material on the conveyor. A baffle is located downstream of the supply chute for leveling the material on the conveyor and forming a uniform thickness layer of such material. A second material supply chute is arranged downstream of the baffle for depositing a layer of relatively hot material atop the first layer. The first layer of material protects the conveyor from the heat of the second layer. Cooling air is passed upwardly through the first and second layer to cool the material.

Abstract: The dispenser herein has a cold plate forming a bottom of an ice retaining bin. A bin liner is formed of two parts, a flat carbonator and a remaining U-shaped sheet metal wall structure. The carbonator and sheet metal structure when secured together form the bin liner, which, in turn, is secured to and around a perimeter edge of the cold plate and extends upward therefrom. In particular, the carbonator includes a flange integral therewith and extending from a portion of a perimeter edge thereof. A portion of the flange extends along the bottom of the carbonator for securing thereof to the cold plate, and further flange portions extend along opposite vertical carbonator edges for securing to corresponding vertical edges of the bin liner sheet metal portion. In an alternate embodiment a flat container is retained within a vertical portion of an L-shaped cold plate. A bin liner is secured to a horizontal portion of the cold plate and to the vertical portion thereof for forming an ice retaining bin.

Abstract: A foodstuff air treatment device includes a housing (1) with an elongated trough (11) for receiving the foodstuffs to be treated. The trough extends through the housing and includes a foraminated bottom (15), a first side wall (17), and a second side wall (16). A heat exchanger (12) is disposed in the housing, and a fan assembly (13) is also disposed within the housing for producing an air flow that circulates through the heat exchanger, up through the trough, and back to the heat exchanger. One side wall (17) of the trough is adjustable, laterally to the length of the trough, for changing the width of the trough.

Abstract: An air treatment plant, e.g. a freezing plant for foodstuffs, comprises a housing (1), an elongate trough (12) provided therein for receiving the foodstuff to be treated, a heat exchanger (13), and a fan assembly (14) for producing an air flow circulating through the heat exchanger, up through the trough and back to the heat exchanger. The bottom of the trough comprises a foraminated conveyor belt (16). The conveyor belt (16) is driven by an electric motor having a control unit for at least periodically driving the conveyor belt in a direction opposite to the throughfeed direction of the foodstuff in the trough (12).

Abstract: A refrigeration device in which a heat load is refrigerated within a refrigeration chamber. Refrigerant is supplied, preferably, from a supply of turboexpanded air employing a compressor to compress the air and a turboexpander to expand the compressed air to a low temperature. A venturi-like device such as an ejector circulates the refrigerant within a circulation path within the refrigeration chamber so that heat is transferred from the heat load to the refrigerant. An incoming mass flow rate of the refrigerant is delivered to a high pressure inlet of the venturi-like device and a recirculation mass flow rate of the refrigerant is received within the low pressure inlet from the circulation path after the refrigerant has heat transferred thereto. A high pressure outlet discharges a mixture of the refrigerant that comprises the incoming and recirculation mass flow rates to the circulation path and prior to the heat load.

Abstract: An air treatment plant for food is closed with the exception of an inlet and an outlet opening (3). In the plant, a pressure increase needed for circulating the treatment air tends to produce an air flow in one direction (29) through an inlet or outlet tunnel (20) communicating with the inlet or the outlet opening. The tunnel (20) has an upper wall (21) in which are arranged nozzles (22) directed substantially opposite to said direction (29), and a lower wall (23) formed with openings (24) for evacuating the excess air in the tunnel (20) produced by air jets (30) generated by a fan (27) and emanating from nozzles (22). A method for reducing the air flow in the inlet or outlet tunnel thus comprises the steps of directing a plurality of air jets (30) from the upper boundary surface (21) of the tunnel (20) substantially opposite to said direction (29), and evacuating from the tunnel the excess air produced by the air jets through openings (24) in the lower boundary surface (23) of the tunnel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the cooling of a stream of air or gas by sublimation of dry ice particles utilizes an upwardly directed, variable velocity stream of air to maintain a supply of dry ice particles provided on a moving perforated conveyor in a fluidized bed condition to maximize the rate of sublimation of the dry ice particles. The cooled air may then be employed to effect the rapid and efficient freezing of a plurality of food articles passing through the same insulated chamber as the dry ice particle conveyor is located, or an adjacent insulated chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cooling of hot, layered, granular material supported on an air permeable grate through which cooling air passes constantly. Some zones of the material layer have a higher temperature than other zones. Pulses of additional cooling air are passed through the higher temperature zones at such velocity as to enhance cooling and to relayer the material at such zones. In this way the degree of recuperation of the grate cooler can be substantially improved.

Abstract: Particulate granules of a high water content food such as cheese are frozen in a freezing chamber having a perforated bottom plate. The bottom plate is vibrated to develop an oscillating movement while simultaneously introducing a chilled gas through the perforated plate to partially levitate the granules as they are moved through the freezing chamber by the combined action of the oscillating bottom plate and the chilled gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting liquid fats into solid particles for blending with dry feed ingredients comprises spraying atomized liquid fat into the upper portion of the mixing chamber while directing a plurality of fine jets of liquid nitrogen against the liquid fat spray so as to produce solid fat particles which fall into the dry ingredients at the bottom of the mixing chamber. A homogeneous mix free of fat lumps is thereby readily obtained, even at the higher percentages of fat required for some animal feed.

Abstract: A process for temperature treating a granular material such as sand by the use of ambient air moving through the material, as it drops under gravity from a screen, at a wind velocity high enough to invoke forced convection as an aid in accomplishing the temperature controlling function.

Abstract: Rapid cooling of a gas with simultaneous heat recovery is accomplished by directly contacting the gas with finely divided solids, and then recovering heat from the finely divided solids by passing the solids through at least two separate compartments where the solids are maintained as a fluidized bed, with heat being recovered therefrom by indirect heat transfer between a heat transfer fluid and the heated solids in the fluidized beds. Pyrolysis effluent may be rapidly quenched while providing for effective heat recovery.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for frost control for the ambient air heat exchanger of a space conditioning apparatus. The ambient air heat exchanger is immersed in a fluidized bed enhancing the heat transfer and physically reducing frost formation. In a preferred embodiment, the fluidized bed is supported by a support bed of non-fluidized solid particles. In one of the embodiments the particulate beds may be desiccant materials. The space conditioning apparatus and method of frost control of this invention permits smaller ambient air heat exchangers and accommodates greater transient conditions due to the enhanced heat transfer and physical prevention of ice formation resulting from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for frost control for the ambient air heat exchanger of a space conditioning apparatus. The ambient air heat exchanger is immersed in a fluidized bed enhancing the heat transfer and physically reducing frost formation. In a preferred embodiment, the fluidized bed is supported by a support bed of non-fluidized solid particles. In one of the embodiments the particulate beds may be desiccant materials. The space conditioning apparatus and method of frost control of this invention permits smaller ambient air heat exchangers and accommodates greater transient conditions due to the enhanced heat transfer and physical prevention of ice formation resulting from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: In the manufacture of moulds or mould cores, refractory sand, a resin binder and a catalyst are passed into a mixer to form a freeflowing mixture from which the moulds or mould cores are made. As the sand is fed into the mixer it is cooled by contact with an atmospheric gas in liquid or solid state or the cold vapour of such a gas so as to keep the temperature of the sand as it enters the mixer below that at which the resin cures. To enable the sand to be delivered below a chosen temperature from a quarry to a foundry where the sand is used, the sand after quarrying and drying is fluidized by air, an atmospheric gas in liquid or solid state being introduced into the fluidizing air so as to lower its temperature.

Abstract: A procedure for cooling work pieces includes mixing solid matter in the form of microscopic particles with a low boiling liquefied gas wherein the particles are suspended therein due to their specific weight or by the turbulence in the gas.

Abstract: A method of freezing boiled rice or a blanched leafy vegetable in a freezer having an operating temperature from -25.degree. C. to -50.degree. C. characterized in that before entering the freezer, the unfrozen product is cooled and intimately mixed with from 20% to 80% by weight based on the weight of the mixture of already frozen free-flowing boiled rice or blanched leafy vegetable.

Abstract: A process and associated apparatus for the cooling of hot fluidized solid particles. The particles flow from a first dense phase fluidized bed into the shell side of a vertically oriented shell and tube heat exchanger where cooling occurs via indirect heat exchange with a cooling medium circulating in the tubes. The extent of cooling is controlled by the varying of the heat transfer coefficient between the tubes and particles in the heat exchanger which are maintained as a second dense phase fluidized bed. The coefficient is varied by varying the quantity of fluidizing gas to the fluidized bed in the heat exchanger. The particles flow freely to and from the first and second dense phase fluidized beds through which the particles recirculate and are backmixed. The process has particular applicability to a combustive regeneration process and most particular applicability to the FCC process.

Abstract: A process and associated apparatus for the cooling of hot fluidized solid particles. The particles flow from a dense phase fluidized bed into the shell side of a vertically oriented shell and tube heat exchanger where cooling occurs via indirect heat exchange with a cooling media circulating in the tubes. The extent of cooling is controlled by the varying of the heat transfer coefficient between the tubes and particles in the heat exchanger which are maintained as a dense phase fluidized bed. The coefficient is varied by varying a combination of the variables comprising the quantity of fluidizing gas to the fluidized bed in the heat exchanger and the quantity of particle flow through that bed. The process has particular applicability to a combustive regeneration process and most particular applicability to the FCC process.

Abstract: In a process for cooling and fluidizing a bed of particles by passing a cryogen through the bed, said bed being first cooled to a desired operating temperature, the improvement comprising:(a) admixing a liquid cryogen and an inert gas, said gas being at ambient temperature, at a point external, but proximate, to the bed to provide a mixture of liquid cryogen and gas at a temperature sufficiently low to maintain the bed at about the desired operating temperature;(b) introducing the mixture from step (a) into at least two heat transfer coils connected in parallel and located in the bed whereby the desired operating temperature is imparted to the bed, and the liquid cryogen in the mixture vaporizes; and(c) removing the mixture of vaporized liquid cryogen and gas formed in step (b) from the coils and introducing the mixture into the bed to fluidize the bed.

Abstract: In a process for operating a fluidized bed, wherein the bed particles have a Reynolds number of less than 20, at a predetermined cryogenic temperature comprising (i) bringing a cryogenic fluid into indirect contact with the bed; (ii) permitting the fluid to vaporize at the area of indirect contact whereby the bed is cooled; and (iii) utilizing the vapor from step (ii) to fluidize, and further cool, the bed, said cooling in steps (ii) or (iii) being from ambient temperature to the predetermined cryogenic temperature,the improvement comprising changing, continuously or stepwise, the minimum fluidizing mass flow of vapor as the temperature of the bed changes in accordance with a specified equation.

Abstract: Articles of food to be frozen are delivered to an article conditioning conveyor and are maintained in a fluidized state by refrigerated air flowing upwardly therethrough. The conveyor is driven forwardly but is interrupted by at least one downward stepping movement, causing a thinning of the product bed and a rapid increase in air velocity to thus cool and separate the food articles preventing them from freezing to one another. The food articles are thereafter subjected to deep bed mass fluidization by flowing freezing air therethrough in a fluidized state.

Abstract: Freezing in streams of cooled air is carried out at two stages, whereof the first one whose purpose consists in superficial preliminary freezing of the product proceeds in a fluidic bed, and the second one consisting in deep freezing proceeds on a grid conveyor. The fresh product fed to the fluidic bed is spread uniformly over its surface. The grate of the fluidic chute is provided with cleaning combs preventing the possibility of the particles of the product freezing to the chute.

Abstract: Articles of food to be frozen are delivered to an article conditioning conveyor and are maintained in a fluidized state by refrigerated air flowing upwardly therethrough. The conveyor is driven forwardly but is interrupted by at least one downward stepping movement, causing a thinning of the product bed and a rapid increase in air velocity to thus cool and separate the food articles preventing them from freezing to one another. The food articles are thereafter subjected to deep bed mass fluidization by flowing freezing air therethrough in a fluidized state.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling and collecting prills at the bottom of a prill tower including a fluidized prill bed and a rake rotatable therethrough.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for producing frozen particulate compositions from liquid feedstock. A continuous stream of liquid feedstock is passed through an orifice and into a liquid freezant without the orifice contacting the freezant. Compositions produced by this improved method have low proportions of fine and large particles, yielding particularly beneficial results in the case of quality control materials. The compositions are advantageously employed in automated weighing and filling apparatus.

Abstract: Non-uniformity of air fluidization freezing of food particles on a wire mesh conveyor belt caused by variations in food particle layer thickness or in layer permeability over the working area of the belt is minimized by the presence of uniformly spaced airflow masking rods placed in the transversely extending core spaces of the belt helices. Of selected material, such as polyethylene, the rods serve also to strengthen and stiffen the belt and to minimize uneven wear in the mesh.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing comestibles for frozen storage in which pressurized freezing air is utilized in conjunction with a substantially flat conveyance surface, both to aid in or contribute to the conveyance of the packages or containers as well as to effectuate the rapid freezing of the comestibles therein during the course of such conveyance through the system. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated conveyance deck is of space saving substantially helical form with successive descending turns underlying one another and with the space surrounded by the turns forming part of a plenum chamber into which pressurized freezing air is blown for admission into a laterally open plenum duct underlying the deck throughout its length. Such elongated plenum duct is tapered transversely beneath the deck for uniform distribution of pressurized freezing air to the discharge apertures in the deck by means of a transversely inclined duct-forming panel cooperating with the deck.

Abstract: Loose particulate material to be frozen is supplied to a rising current of refrigerating fluid such as cold air. The velocity of the refrigerating fluid is such that the particulate material to be frozen is supported dynamically, or substantially suspended, by the refrigerating fluid so that the particulate material to be frozen settles slowly through the rising refrigerating fluid, or is slowly transported by such refrigerating fluid either upward or translationally. The refrigerating fluid may carry the material to be frozen through successive freezing chambers through which the refrigerating fluid rises. Such chambers may be vertical or may be inclined upwardly.

Abstract: An I.Q.F. system for deep freezing of food articles and the like employing a deep bed fluidization second stage freezer and an article conditioning first or input stage wherein the initially moist unrefrigerated articles massed in a relatively thin deposit are subjected to through-flow of subfreezing gas, preferably under fluidization conditions, for a predetermined period which removes substantially all of the sensible heat above freezing without removing the latent heat from the articles, whereupon, articles thus in condition compatible for deep bed fluidization freezing in the second stage are delivered from the first to the second stage.