Abstract: The separation compartments of a clarifier are structured to force substantially all of a suspension through an active separating zone in a direct flow path which avoids short circuiting.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved pulp drying process for indirectly drying beet pulp which is characterized by the inclusion of a steam heated dryer of the type wherein the process steam used in the drying operation remains isolated from the vapors driven off the pulp so that the latter remain clean, uncontaminated and ideally suited for use in process heating. The invention also contemplates the removal of entrained solids from the evolved vapor prior to stripping the heat therefrom. A further refinement contemplates the inclusion of a preheating step wherein the pressed pulp is preheated preparatory to being dried.

Abstract: A process for the production of sugar from either sugar beets or cane wherein of the total amount of thin juice processed, only that amount required to produce the vapor needed for the sugar boiling phase and the desired density of thick juice is directly evaporated while the remainder or excess over and above these requirements is recompressed. Essentially only that fraction of the latent heat of vaporization required for process heating is extracted from the already limited amount of vapor employed in sugar boiling by transferring the heat contained in a portion of this vapor to a refrigerant which is then recompressed so as to raise the temperature thereof to a level of approximately 95.degree. C.

Abstract: This clarifier comprises a plurality of separation elements stacked within a vessel in vertical columns so as to provide a plurality of single stage separation elements for clarifying or separating a substance of heavier density from a liquid having a lesser density. Each of the separation elements provides a uniform cross section in the direction of fluid flow dependent upon factors such as the particular characteristics of the heavier-density substance and the liquid, the height of the particular separation element in the vertical column, and the desired clarity of the liquid flowing from the clarifier. Each separation element includes a predetermined number of separation apertures having predetermined cross sectional areas. Each separation element has two portions joined at an angle and the separation elements are retained in pairs of vertical columns in a manner so as to suggest a chevron-like pattern, with a clarified liquid flow path through the center of the pair of columns.