Abstract: This disclosure concerns embodiments of an annealing device and a method for annealing flowable, finely divided solids, such as annealing granular silicon to reduce a hydrogen content of the granular silicon. The annealing device comprises at least one tube through which flowable, finely divided solids are flowed downwardly. The tube includes a heating zone and (i) a residence zone below the heating zone, (ii) a cooling zone below the heating zone, or (iii) a residence zone below the heating zone and a cooling zone below the residence zone. An inert gas is flowed upwardly through the tube. The tube may be constructed from two or more tube segments. The annealing device may include a plurality of tubes arranged and housed within a shell. The annealing device and method are suitable for a continuous process.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns embodiments of an annealing device and a method for annealing flowable, finely divided solids, such as annealing granular silicon to reduce a hydrogen content of the granular silicon. The annealing device comprises at least one tube through which flowable, finely divided solids are flowed downwardly. The tube includes a heating zone and (i) a residence zone below the heating zone, (ii) a cooling zone below the heating zone, or (iii) a residence zone below the heating zone and a cooling zone below the residence zone. An inert gas is flowed upwardly through the tube. The tube may be constructed from two or more tube segments. The annealing device may include a plurality of tubes arranged and housed within a shell. The annealing device and method are suitable for a continuous process.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns embodiments of an annealing device and a method for annealing flowable, finely divided solids, such as annealing granular silicon to reduce a hydrogen content of the granular silicon. The annealing device comprises at least one tube through which flowable, finely divided solids are flowed downwardly. The tube includes a heating zone and (i) a residence zone below the heating zone, (ii) a cooling zone below the heating zone, or (iii) a residence zone below the heating zone and a cooling zone below the residence zone. An inert gas is flowed upwardly through the tube. The tube may be constructed from two or more tube segments. The annealing device may include a plurality of tubes arranged and housed within a shell. The annealing device and method are suitable for a continuous process.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns embodiments of an annealing device and a method for annealing granular silicon to reduce a hydrogen content of the granular silicon. The annealing device comprises at least one tube through which granular silicon is flowed downwardly. The tube includes a heating zone and (i) a residence zone below the heating zone, (ii) a cooling zone below the heating zone, or (iii) a residence zone below the heating zone and a cooling zone below the residence zone. An inert gas is flowed upwardly through the tube. The tube may be constructed from two or more tube segments. The annealing device may include a plurality of tubes arranged in parallel and housed within a shell. The annealing device and method are suitable for a continuous process.

Abstract: A flange cleat comprising a body having a first flange receiving portion and an immediately adjacent second flange receiving portion, a third flange receiving portion cooperatively disposed on the body opposite from the first flange receiving portion and the second flange receiving portion, the body having an elongate portion that extends from the third flange receiving portion, a flexible tab projecting from the elongate portion whereby the flexible tab can be depressed during installation, and the body being resiliently expandable during installation.

Abstract: A flange cleat comprising a body having a first flange receiving portion and an immediately adjacent second flange receiving portion, a third flange receiving portion cooperatively disposed on the body opposite from the first flange receiving portion and the second flange receiving portion, the body having an elongate portion that extends from the third flange receiving portion, a flexible tab projecting from the elongate portion whereby the flexible tab can be depressed during installation, and the body being resiliently expandable during installation.

Abstract: In a solvent recycling system, a distillation vessel having an upper distillation zone and a lower waste collection zone and means whereby solvent waste falls into said waste collection zone before solvent enters said distillation zone. The system preferably has a solvent vapour outlet and a heating means, whereby solvent enters the vessel from above through the solvent feed inlet and solvent waste falls into said waste collection zone before distillation is commenced, and a shut-off means or filling tube extending below the distillation zone associated with the inlet to prevent solvent vapours exiting the vessel through the inlet during distillation.