Abstract: A concentrated stillage with a high solids content may be recovered in such a manner that starch or starch-containing raw materials in a suitably crushed form are coaxially introduced into the center of a homogenizer together with enzymes, which are suitable for making alcohol, while simultaneously introducing steam and are suddenly gelatinized therein mechanically and thermally at temperatures of not less than 50.degree. C. and not more than 115.degree. C. while ultrafinely dividing the enzyme; the starch paste after liquefaction is converted to the glucose and the resultant mash is fermented in such a manner that the stillage obtained with reduced dry matter, after removal of merely the coarse contaminations by, for example, centrifuging is repeatedly recycled without further purification and reused as process liquor.

Abstract: Starch-containing raw materials for the saccharification can be ground at a higher rate and with more economy of energy by mashing the material with hot water, pre-gelatinizing it and then grinding it in the shearing field of a rotor-stator machine having intermeshing radial surfaces. Preferably, enzymes are added already to the mash and hot stillage is used as hot water. Starting material having different grain sizes is previously screened and introduced into the process at different points.

Abstract: A process for producing a water insoluble metal soap comprising:A. producing an aqueous dispersion of a basic metal carbonate by adding a metal oxide or hydroxide to water and then simultaneously adding aqueous ammonia and gaseous carbon dioxide thereto;B. producing a saponified aliphatic acid aqueous emulsion by emulsifying a liquid aliphatic acid with water with stirring and simultaneously adding a small amount of aqueous ammonia thereto; andC. reacting the intermediate products from steps A and B to produce the desired aliphatic acid metal soap by combining the said intermediate products under high shearing conditions.

Abstract: Alkali metal salts of fatty acids or soaps are produced in a continuous process by reacting a fatty acid or fatty acid mixture with an alkali metal hydroxide in the shear field of a rotor-stator machine with interengaging radial surfaces. The reaction occurs in the absence or presence of up to a maximum of 15% by weight of solvent optionally in the presence of other additives of the type normally used in the manufacture of soap. The reaction product is run off as a granulate or a strand like product.

Abstract: The decomposition of cells of biomasses or the like or of substrates containing biomass, e.g. for releasing cell content substances, for separating cell content and cell sheath or for inactivating enzymes or the like is performed by heating and expanding. According to the invention, the biomass or the like is heated by friction, optionally under pressure, to temperatures above the point of evaporation of water and it is subsequently expanded into atmosphere or in a reduced pressure. As for the apparatus, the cells of biomasses or the like are decomposed by means of a centrifugal machine in which a rotor and a stator with facing radial surfaces are coacting. Between the rotor and the stator, there is provided a gap producing frictional heat in a predetermined amount for the material passed continuously therethrough, and at the outlet of the gap, there is an expansion chamber which is in communication the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing pulverulent drying substances and/or fluid media with one or more liquids are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of supplying a flow of one or more pulverulent drying substances and/or fluid medium and directly subjecting this flow to the action of at least one liquid constituent under high pressure to form a resultant mixture. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber with at least one inlet for receiving the materials to be mixed and nozzle means for introducing liquid under high pressure into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A mixing and comminuting machine for the treatment of liquid-solid media and the like by compression and decompression under centrifugal action comprises an assembly including stator and rotor members which may be readily replaced as a single unit in the machine. The machine casing contains the assembly which includes a casing inset which is releasably retained in the casing and to which the stator member is stationarily secured. A wall spaced from the stator member is also secured to the casing inset for retaining the rotor member in position between the wall and the stator member such that the rotor member may freely rotate at the position when secured to rotating drive means.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous treatment of substances in flowable form in conjunction with a catalyst for carrying out chemical reactions, the apparatus including a rotor and a stator in opposed relationship defining between opposing working surfaces a reaction area with an inlet thereinto and an outlet therefrom, and the working surface of the rotor being in the form of a plurality of radially disposed lands and valleys with the lands including catalyst means for catalytically reacting with the substances during the rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for the production of a highly swellable or expandable solid-liquid substance from solid and liquid components by continuously metering and combining the latter components and prior to the expansion of the solid component subjecting the admixed components to high shearing forces within a mixing chamber by means of a rotatable rotor and a stationary stator having oppositely directed generally opposing rings which are radially offset to each other.

Abstract: A process for the continuous catalytic hydrogenation of materials in a flowable form are described. In the process the material to be hydrogenated and a hydrogenating agent in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst are subjected to shearing forces and a rapid succession of compressions and expansions. Preferably, the shearing forces and rapid succession of compressions and expansions are provided by means of a row of teeth in the reaction zone which move at a small spacing from one another. The process provides a higher reaction rate for a select catalyst and, additionally, permits the continuous use of the catalyst without detrimental affects.