Abstract: A tower press filtering system (1) is provided. System (1) includes a frame assembly (10) having at least one support engagement portion (14); a collapsible filter tower assembly (20) having a plurality of displaceable filter plate members (20); a press assembly (30) having a support plate member (300), a compression mechanism (320), and a press plate (326); and, a stabilization assembly (40) for automatically maintaining press plate (326) in a fixed planar orientation during displacement thereof. System (1) also includes a port assembly (50) having a substantially rigid conduit segment (52) that maintains coupling with the manifold section (210) of at least one filter plate member (200). System (1) also includes a mechanism by which the coupling of each compression mechanism (320) employed may be adjustably coupled to support plate (300).

Abstract: A reactor of one or more stages for the continuous processing of high viscosity materials wherein each stage is provided with a stage barrier for directing and controlling the flow of process materials within each stage of the reactor and for controlling the egress of material from each stage of the reactor. A rotor shaft is rotatably mounted at opposite end walls of the reactor and extends through the reactor coaxially with its longitudinal axis. Fixably attached to the rotor shaft for rotation within each stage is a mixing assembly including a cylindrical draft tube positioned coaxially with respect to the reactor side wall, a helical screw mounted within the draft tube, and a ribbon agitator mounted within the annular space between the draft tube and reactor wall and having a pitch opposite to that of the helical screw.