Abstract: A multiple hydrocyclone device wherein cyclone units are integrally formed in radial relationship in premolded discs which are mounted in stacked concentric and internested relationship one upon the other within a common housing. The hub portions of the discs provide a central chamber to receive the underflow fraction from the cyclones with the overflow discharged from openings in the periphery of the discs to an outer chamber. Sealing rings are arranged between the internested discs to maintain leak proof integrity of the stacked discs with spring urgent thrust plate means disposed at the top of the stack to permit movement or expansion of the discs in operation of the device without disturbing the sealed relationship.

Abstract: Moist combustible matter is burned in a combustion zone following a drying treatment in which the combustible matter is brought into contact with hot, inert particulates circulated from the combustion zone. The water in the combustible matter is evaporated at a relatively low temperature in the drying zone, thereby conserving heat in the system. The exhaust gas stream from the drying zone is handled separately from the reactor exhaust gases to condense the water vapor therein, the water is removed from the process and the remaining gas is subjected to odor-destroying high temperature.

Abstract: A rotary vacuum disc filter having a rotatable center shaft assembly mounting a plurality of filter discs each comprised of a like number of removable filter sectors aligned in horizontal rows, with each row connected to one of a plurality of longitudinally extending filtrate channels in the center shaft assembly wherein the outlet port of a selected channel at one end of the center shaft assembly may be selectively closed by a removable sealing plate to cut off flow from such channel.

Abstract: A starch wet milling process, in which a series of independent classifications and separations is carried out in the production of starch, employs a Starch Gluten Separation Station having a three-stage centrifugation treatment including passing the entire mill stream through a mill stream centrifuge thickener, followed by primary starch centrifuge separation and gluten centrifuge thickening.

Abstract: A process for dewatering a suspension of solids in an electric field controllably maintained between opposing electrode structures, causing the solids to migrate relative to the carrier liquid to form a layer or cake on one set of electrode structures while withdrawing carrier liquid under vacuum in the opposite direction through the liqid pervious wall of hollow, counterelectrode structures. A selected electrolyte is pumped through the hollow electrode structure on which the cake is formed to continuously bathe the electrode element therein in said electrolyte. Vacuum is applied to the electrolyte in said electrode structure to remove gases evolved at the electrode element. The cake material is detached from the electrode structure and recovered.

Abstract: A flow distributor for a fluid bed reactor includes means for decreasing velocity of incoming liquid streams in a uniform, non-turbulent fashion. Inlet ports communicate with fluid portals having divergent walls to slow incoming flow. The fluid portals feed liquid flow to a plurality of diffusing flow paths provided between diffusion baffles positioned at the bottom of the reactor. The diffusion baffles may be prismatic shapes which are trapezoidal in cross-section with the broadest horizontal dimension at the bottom thereof. The diffusion flow paths therefore have divergent walls and act to further slow the liquid flow passing therethrough.

Abstract: Flow distribution means for a dewatering screen comprising a nozzle assembly having a rotatable valve and housing assembly extending transversely of the feed end of the screen. Manual or automatically operable actuator means are interconnected to the valve for controlling movement thereof to vary the size of the spout opening of the nozzle and for providing rapid opening of the spout for purging the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering of a suspension of solids in an electric field controllably maintained between a pair of opposing self-contained electrode structures, to cause the solids to migrate relative to the carrier liquid to form a layer or cake on the respective self-contained electrode structure, while allowing carrier liquid to be withdrawn under vacuum in the opposite direction through the liquid-pervious wall of a hollow self-contained counter electrode structure, combined with means for controlling the rate of filtrate liquid withdrawal consistent and compatible with the relative speed of migration of the solids in the carrier liquid, and wherein said layer or cake material may be detached from said electrode structure, for instance during exposure from the suspension.

Abstract: Sewage sludge is dewatered with the aid of lime and then incinerated using high sulfur fuel. During incineration the lime reacts with the sulfur in the fuel and with oxygen to form the solid CaSO.sub.4 for disposal and thus prevent formation of the pollutant, SO.sub.2 gas. High sulfur coal may be crushed and used as an additional filter aid or sludge conditioner and then serve as the auxiliary fuel during incineration.

Abstract: A system for dewatering a suspension of solids in an electric field controllably maintained between opposing electrode structures, to cause the solids to migrate relative to the carrier liquid to form a layer or cake on one set of electrode structures in which the electrode members are positioned within ion-permeable walls and immersed in a selected electrolyte, while allowing carrier liquid to be withdrawn under vacuum in the opposite direction through the liquid-pervious wall of hollow, counter electrode structures, and wherein said layer or cake material may be detached from said electrode structures during exposure from the suspension.

Abstract: Moist combustible matter is burned in a fluid bed reactor following a drying treatment in which the combustible matter is brought into contact with hot sand circulated from the fluid bed reactor. The water in the combustible matter is evaporated at a relatively low temperature in the drying treatment, thereby conserving heat in the system. The exhaust vapor from the drying treatment is handled separately from the reactor exhaust gases to condense the vapor therein before subjecting the remaining gas to odor-destroying high temperature.

Abstract: A refractory constriction element for large-diameter fluid bed reactors is supported by vertical refractory piers located within the windbox.

Abstract: Systems for the comminution, drying and dry feed of coal for combustion in fluid bed calciners, incinerators, or other combustion systems.

Abstract: A rotary vacuum filter having a barometric or drop leg for generating vacuum in the filtration cycle of the filter wherein the end of the leg immersed in the seal pit is formed to a frustro-conical configuration for both reducing turbulence in the seal pit as the air-liquid mixture exits therefrom and for recovering a portion of the energy in the velocity head of the air-liquid mixture flow.

Abstract: A transfer pipe system for transferring particulate bed material from a fluid bed reactor includes a discharge pipe connecting the fluid bed reactor with a vertical transfer pipe, gas injection nozzles for fluidizing particulate material within the transfer pipe and a standpipe connecting the transfer pipe and the freeboard region of the fluid bed reactor to vent fluidizing gas from the transfer pipe into the freeboard region and so avoid introducing a high velocity, counter-current gas flow into the discharge pipe.

Abstract: A system for cooling, depressurizing and discharging solids from a pressurized fluid bed reactor which includes a secondary fluid bed surge vessel arranged to dissipate a substantial amount of the pressure in the system and a plug flow discharge conduit leading from the secondary vessel to reduce the pressure at the outlet thereof to essentially ambient pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering of a suspension of solids in an electric field controllably maintained between a pair of opposing self-contained electrode structures, to cause the solids to migrate relative to the carrier liquid to form a layer or cake on the respective self-contained electrode structure, while allowing carrier liquid to be withdrawn under vacuum in the opposite direction through the liquid - pervious wall of a hollow self-contained counter electrode structure, combined with means for controlling the rate of filtrate liquid withdrawal consistent and compatible with the relative speed of migration of the solids in the carrier liquid, and wherein said layer or cake material may be detached from said electrode structure, for instance during exposure from the suspension.

Abstract: A continuous rotary vacuum drum filter with improved suspension means for an oscillatable agitator frame structure operating in the filter vat to keep pulp solids in suspension, featuring a non-rigid stress compensating suspension connection between the agitator frame structure and the supporting torsion bearings comprising a hinge linkage connection between a torsion bearing housing and the respective end of the agitator structure arranged whereby the hinge axis extends at right angles to the oscillatory axis of the agitator structure. A removable hinge pin is provided to permit disconnection of the torsion bearings from the agitator structure and actuating means are pivotally connected to the hinge linkage for oscillating the agitator structure.

Abstract: Sewage sludge is dewatered with the aid of lime and then incinerated using high sulfur fuel. During incineration the lime reacts with the sulfur in the fuel and with oxygen to form the solid CaSO.sub.4 for disposal and thus prevent formation of the pollutant, SO.sub.2 gas. High sulfur coal may be crushed and used as an additional filter aid or sludge conditioner and the serve as the auxiliary fuel during incineration.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process heater with a reaction chamber of toroidal configuration is provided with radially-oriented bed coils in the reaction chamber in which steam is generated or other process fluids are heated. The inner wall of the toroidal reaction chamber is water-cooled and the bed coils in the reaction chamber are removable. The return bends of the coils are protected against erosion from particulate bed solids.