Abstract: An element for use in stationary material mixing and distribution. The element has an element longitudinal axis and a web positioned along the element longitudinal axis. A ramp is connected to a first end of the web and oriented diagonally thereto. A diverter is positioned on a first side of the web and a diverter is positioned on a second side of the web. First and second ears are bent respectively in upward and downward directions relative to the longitudinal axis. A rectangular member whose plane of orientation is substantially perpendicular to the web is provided as well as a third ear in the plane of orientation of the rectangular member extending from the rectangular member to the web.

Abstract: A method of converting cellulosic feedstock to bio coal. The cellulosic feedstock in a carrier of process fluid is introduced within a conduit having substantially linear portions connected by curved portions creating a serpentine structure. The substantially linear portions are surrounded by tubular sleeves creating annular spaces between the tubular sleeves and substantially linear portions for carrying a high temperature fluid for transferring thermal energy to the cellulosic feedstock and process fluid. The cellulosic feedstock is maintained in an oxygen-free environment.

Abstract: A material distributing and mixing apparatus. A conduit having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet houses a mixing element The mixing element includes rectangular segments forming forward facing V-sections and rearward facing V-sections. The forward facing V-sections form vertical apexes that face an incoming fluid stream while additive inlet ports are positioned proximate thereto. The forward facing V-sections are positioned proximate to the top and bottom surfaces of the conduit while the rearward facing V-sections form apexes which are substantially horizontal, the rearward facing V-sections being positioned proximate the vertically extending side walls of the conduit.

Abstract: A fluid conditioner for a fluid traveling through a conduit, the conduit having a longitudinal axis and substantially circular cross-section. The fluid conditioner includes a static mixing element and a straightener plate. The plate is affixed to a substantially rectangular member located downstream of the static mixing element and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the conduit, the plate substantially covering the cross-section of the conduit having a plurality of openings to facilitate the passage of the fluid within the conduit.

Abstract: A fluid conditioner for a fluid traveling through a conduit, the conduit having a longitudinal axis and substantially circular cross-section. The fluid conditioner includes a static mixing element and a straightener plate. The preferred static mixer is one having a flat generally rectangular central portion having first and second sets of ears affixed on opposite sides of the central portion. The sets of ears include first and second ears bent respectively in upward and downward directions relative to the plane of the central portion wherein each pair of ears located diagonally opposite one another across the central portion are bent in the same direction relative to the plane of the central portion.

Abstract: An element for use in a stationary material distribution apparatus. The article includes a flat generally rectangular central portion having first and second sets of ears affixed opposite sides of the central portion. The sets of ears include first and second ears bent respectively in upward and downward directions relative to the plane of the central portion wherein each pair of ears located diagonally opposite one another across the central portion are bent in the same direction relative to the plane of the central portion. A third set of ears extend from the central portion and terminate at a substantially rectangular member whose plane of orientation is substantially perpendicular to the central portion. The element further includes a retaining ring affixed to the substantially rectangular member to provide for ease of installation within a suitable conduit.

Abstract: A device for effecting heat transfer from a first fluid medium to a second fluid medium and for enhancing mixing and uniform distribution of the second fluid medium within the confines of a conduit. The device includes providing a core pipe for receiving the first fluid medium and a series of helically wound tubes in fluid communication with the core pipe along the longitudinal axis of the conduit. The second fluid passes within the conduit and is mixed by virtue of the static mixing effect of the helically wound tubes and engages in heat transfer as a result of the intimate contact between the second fluid, the core pipe and the helically wound tubes.

Abstract: A device for the injection and mixing of steam into a tank containing a fluid such as water. A primary steam conduit receives steam and discharges it into a plurality of secondary steam conduits. The primary steam conduit is provided with at least one mixing element for inducing an angular velocity to the steam passing through it. A plurality of secondary steam conduits are provided for receiving steam from the primary steam conduit and for discharging steam into the fluid contained in the tank. Each secondary steam conduit is also provided with at least one mixing element proximate the discharge ends of the secondary steam conduits wherein all such mixing elements induce a rotational angular velocity to the steam.

Abstract: A desuperheater for reducing the superheated state of steam located within a cylindrically-shaped conduit. The desuperheater injects water droplets counter to the direction of moving superheated steam within the conduit. Downstream of the water droplet outlet is a biscuit which is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the conduit to provide a series of separate mixing elements all inducing the same rotational sign to fluids passing therethrough.

Abstract: A stationary material mixing apparatus located within a conduit for mixing a low viscosity additive into a high viscosity moving stream. The apparatus includes a baffle which supports a plurality of coplanar passageways and, at mid-circle points between the passageways, a plurality of coplanar additive fluid ports.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the mixing and uniform distribution of fluids within a conduit. The device includes a core pipe which can optionally receive a first fluid and series of helically wound vanes wrapped about the core pipe employing the core pipe as a mandrel. Fluids entering the conduit are mixed by virtue of passing over and about the helically wound vanes while heat transfer can be effected by heat passing between the mandrel and the fluid passing over the vanes. Ideally, the vanes are wrapped about the mandrel at an angle of approximately 45.degree. thereto and adjacent layers of vanes are wrapped about the mandrel at opposite signs so that interstices are ideally created between vanes of approximately 90.degree..

Abstract: A steam injection heater for liquids. The liquids are carried by a conduit characterized as having an upstream end, downstream, substantially circular cross-section and tapered section. A steam inlet pipe is caused to pass through a side wall of the conduit for injecting steam at its outlet proximate the longitudinal axis of the conduit upstream with the tapered section. The steam inlet pipe further includes a mixing element of a configuration to cause steam emanating from the steam inlet pipe to enter the conduit as a rotating cone of steam for efficiently transferring heat energy from the steam to the moving stream of liquids.

Abstract: A stationary material mixing apparatus for mixing various components in a fluid stream. The mixing apparatus is in the form of a cone-shaped module containing a plurality of openings therethrough where within the openings are located mixing elements which induce a rotational angular velocity to the fluid stream. As preferred embodiments, the mixing apparatus, located within a conduit, can also contain a biscuit with further mixing elements and a series of either helically wound tubes or vanes further enhancing the mixing operation.

Abstract: A device for distilling a liquid feed which includes a core pipe and a first fluid in a series of helically wound tubes or vanes employing the core pipe as a mandrel. The liquid to be distilled passes over a series of interstices which are created by the helically wound tubes or vanes and a distillate recovered as a consequence.

Abstract: A device for mixing two or more fluids which includes an elongated hollow tubular member having a longitudinal axis which is constricted intermediate its ends. The constriction includes at least two orifices carrying a first fluid which are situated and sized within the hollow tubular member so that the orifices have a point of substantial mutual tangency. A fluid entry port is provided for discharging a second fluid at a point substantially coincident with the point of substantial mutual tangency of the orifices. The fluid entry port for discharging the second fluid is a second fluid discharge tube located at the point of substantial mutual tangency.

Abstract: A stationary material mixing apparatus in the shape of a cylindrical conduit being open at both ends. The conduit houses a plurality of mixing elements which are characterized as having no edges perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and which are sized and positioned within the conduit such that at any plane passing perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, at least 75% of the circumference of the conduit is free of any mixing element.

Abstract: A stationary material mixing apparatus for the mixing of a fluid stream. A conduit is provided containing a number of mixing stations located along the longitudinal axis of the conduit, each occupying the entire cross-section of the conduit. The array of mixing elements of each mixing station is related to mixing elements at other mixing stations in that mixing elements at downstream mixing stations are of a smaller dimension than mixing elements at upstream mixing stations so that more mixing elements are contained within each mixing station as mixing stations approach the downstream end of the conduit.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing two or more liquids. A shell body is configured with a cavity having a longitudinal axis and circular cross-section which rotatably houses a shaft. The shaft is configured along a portion of its surface with grooves for receiving liquids from inlets located within the shell body. The shaft is further provided with tubular bores for receiving one of the components to be mixed and for injecting that same component downstream within a narrow annular gap region formed between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the internal cavity in that portion of the shaft containing the slotted grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing materials having no moving parts in which a plurality of elements are fitted into a conduit. At least some of the mixing elements and axially overlap with adjacent mixing elements. Each axially overlapping region provides a mixing matrix introducing complex velocity vectors into the materials to be mixed. A drift space subsequent to the matrix enhances the mixing operation.

Abstract: A method of converting cellulosic feedstock to bio coal. The cellulosic feedstock in a carrier of process fluid is introduced within a conduit having substantially linear portions connected by curved portions creating a serpentine structure. The substantially linear portions are surrounded by tubular sleeves creating annular spaces between the tubular sleeves and substantially linear portions for carrying a high temperature fluid for transferring thermal energy to the cellulosic feedstock and process fluid. The cellulosic feedstock is maintained in an oxygen-free environment.