Abstract: Medium consistency (e.g. about 6-15%) paper pulp is effectively bleached with ozone in a carrier gas (typically oxygen) by effecting efficient separation of carrier gas from the pulp after reaction with the ozone, and introducing the ozone into the pulp at a pressure of about 10-13 bar. Ozone in oxygen and medium consistency paper pulp are fed to a fluidizing mixer; the intimate uniform mixture produced is then passed upwardly in a reaction vessel until about 99% of the ozone has been consumed, and then separation of gas from the pulp is initiated by moving the pulp mixture into a generally horizontal tube leading to a gas zone in a large diameter retention vessel. A pressurized gas pad is maintained at and above the introduction of the pulp into the retention vessel, while the level of pulp in the retention vessel is maintained below the point of introduction.

Abstract: Compressible material is compacted into a plug by a device including a housing, solid outer wall, and restricting adjustable portion at an outlet. A root wall is rotated about an axis and conveys the material to be compressed in a channel having solid sidewalls. Without significant extraction of liquid from the material, the material is compressed until discharged in a compacted plug form from the housing outlet. A pneumatic cylinder provides an adjustable force for effecting the compaction adjacent the housing outlet. Examples of compressible materials that may be acted upon in the practice of various industrial processes include wood chips, high consistency paper pulp (cellulose pulp), wax and fibrous waste (for making artificial fireplace logs), and mud and straw (for producing building blocks or bricks).

Abstract: In a dewatering press having a number of rotors rotatable in a cylindrical press housing with an inlet channel defining an inlet for a humid mass into the housing, a mechanism for equalizing the amount of mass fed to the inlet channels. A screw feeder is associated with each inlet channel, and equalization is accomplished by providing opening communication between the screw feeders at their pressure ends, adjacent the inlet channels. A module having a conduit associated with each inlet channel, and a cross over tunnel at the portion of the module adjacent the press housing, is disposed between the feeder screw housing and the press housing.