Abstract: A method for treating process material using a plurality of autoclaves. The method includes: introducing steam into a hollow interior of a first autoclave; increasing the temperature within the hollow interior of the first autoclave by adding heat to the hollow interior of the first autoclave using an indirect heat source; reducing the temperature and pressure within the hollow interior of the first autoclave by flashing a portion of the steam within the hollow interior of the first autoclave to a second autoclave; increasing the temperature within the hollow interior of the first autoclave by continuing to add heat to the hollow interior of first autoclave using the indirect heat source; and reducing a moisture content of a process material in the hollow interior of the first autoclave to a predetermined value by venting a remaining portion of the steam from the first autoclave into a third autoclave.

Abstract: A method for treating process material using a plurality of autoclaves, wherein each of the plurality of autoclaves cycles through the following: introducing steam from one or more of the plurality of autoclaves into an interior of a vessel; increasing the temperature within the vessel by adding heat to the interior of the vessel using an indirect heat source; reducing the temperature and pressure within the vessel by flashing a portion of the steam within the interior of the vessel to another one of the plurality autoclaves; increasing the temperature within the vessel by continuing to add heat to the interior of the vessel using the indirect heat source; and reducing a moisture content of the process material in the interior of vessel to a predetermined value by venting a remaining portion of the steam to another one of the plurality of autoclaves.

Abstract: A method for treating process material using a plurality of autoclaves, wherein each of the plurality of autoclaves cycles through the following steps: introducing a steam from one or more of the plurality of autoclaves to the interior of the vessel; increasing the temperature within the vessel by adding heat to the interior of the vessel using an indirect heat source; reducing the temperature and pressure within the vessel by venting a portion of the steam within the interior of the vessel to another one of the plurality vessels; increasing the temperature within the vessel by continuing to add heat to the interior of the vessel using the indirect heat source; reducing a moisture content of the process material in the interior of vessel to a predetermined value by conveying the steam to another one of the plurality of vessels.