Abstract: A system can be used to process liquid materials, such as aqueous-based syrup solutions containing sugar molecules. In some examples, the system includes a processing vessel having multiple individually-controllable temperature zones arranged in series. In operation, an aqueous solution can be introduced into an inlet port of the processing vessel and passed sequentially through the series of temperature zones. Water from the aqueous solution can be evaporated within the initial stage(s) of the processing vessel to form a concentrated solution that is then cooled in subsequent stage(s). Accordingly, a supersaturated solution may be formed from the aqueous solution in the processing vessel that is then solidified to subsequently form a substantially dry solid material (e.g., sugar), still within the processing vessel. The substantially dry solid material can discharge through an exit port of the processing vessel.

Abstract: A system can be used to process liquid materials, such as aqueous-based syrup solutions containing sugar molecules. In some examples, the system includes a processing vessel having multiple individually-controllable temperature zones arranged in series. In operation, an aqueous solution can be introduced into an inlet port of the processing vessel and passed sequentially through the series of temperature zones. Water from the aqueous solution can be evaporated within the initial stage(s) of the processing vessel to form a concentrated solution that is then cooled in subsequent stage(s). Accordingly, a supersaturated solution may be formed from the aqueous solution in the processing vessel that is then solidified to subsequently form a substantially dry solid material (e.g., sugar), still within the processing vessel. The substantially dry solid material can discharge through an exit port of the processing vessel.

Abstract: A coating apparatus with a coating chamber configured for receiving a particulate, a horizontally-oriented rotor having a plurality of paddles mounted thereon, the rotor and the paddles defining a liquid injection path fluidly connected to a liquid injection system, the liquid injection system arranged to supply a liquid under conditions suitable to continuously coat the particulate in a manner that substantially reduces formation of caked solid-liquid mixture on inner walls of the coating chamber.

Abstract: Systems and processes may be used for continuously processing a solid material at a non-atmospheric pressure. In some examples, the material is delivered to a process vessel at substantially the same non-atmospheric pressure condition as the process vessel so as to avoid shearing the material. In some examples, the solid material is continuously fed into a process vessel, continuously processed in the process vessel, and continuously discharged from the process vessel.

Abstract: Systems and processes may be used for continuously processing a solid material such as a solid starch-bearing material at a non-atmospheric pressure. In some examples, the material is delivered to a process vessel at substantially the same non-atmospheric pressure condition as the process vessel so as to avoid shearing the material. In some examples, the solid material is continuously fed into a process vessel, continuously processed in the process vessel, and continuously discharged from the process vessel.

Abstract: Systems and processes may be used for continuously processing a solid material such as a solid starch-bearing material at a non-atmospheric pressure. In some examples, the material is delivered to a process vessel at substantially the same non-atmospheric pressure condition as the process vessel so as to avoid shearing the material. In some examples, the solid material is continuously fed into a process vessel, continuously processed in the process vessel, and continuously discharged from the process vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purge vessel apparatuses and methods for processing particulate material composed of powder particles. Some such purge vessel apparatuses include a housing having first and second opposite ends and an inner surface defining a material path from the first end to the second end. Some such purge vessel apparatuses also include a gas exposure mechanism that is adapted to expose particulate material on the material path to a processing gas. Some such purge vessel apparatuses further include an agitating mechanism adapted to disrupt and/or inhibit formation of gas channels and/or to disrupt and/or inhibit formation of material flow channels by agitating particulate material on the material path, thereby exposing substantially all of the powder particles to the processing gas, while substantially maintaining mass flow. Several illustrative purge vessel apparatuses and method are disclosed for processing particulate material composed of powder particles.

Abstract: A mixer includes an elongated flexible sleeve that is supported in a housing in a vertical orientation and has a mixing shaft extending therein with a plurality of blade holders supported on the shaft and each blade holder supports a plurality of blades. A deforming means extends around the flexible sleeve and is rotatable about a vertical axis by suitable reciprocating or rotating drive members to prevent accumulation of materials on the inner surface of the sleeve. The blade holders are preferably formed as an integral part of a mixing apparatus and each mixing blade is preferably individually supported on a holder to be infinitely adjustable and effect the mixing capabilities of the assembly. The flexible sleeve can be tensioned between upper and lower ends.