Abstract: Apparatus and method for the mechanical refining of high consistency lignocellulosic feed material in a frustroconical refining zone, by facilitating the backflow of steam generated in the refining zone through the upstream feed zone which, despite the backflow of steam, imparts outward force on the feed material sufficient for the material to enter the refining zone and pass therethrough, without blockage or flow interruption. This is accomplished by providing, immediately upstream of the frustroconical refining zone (46), a hybrid feed/grinding zone (104), which acts on the wood chips with relatively high refining intensity at low refining power, so as to reduce the size of the material and outwardly convey the material by centrifugal force into the frustroconical refining zone against the backflowing steam, but without generating steam in the hybrid zone.

Abstract: A high consistency pulp refiner of the type having a pressurized casing (12) containing opposed grinding discs (14,18) mounted for counter-rotation about a common axis (26) and between which material to be refined is introduced near the axis so as to move generally radially outwardly through an inner refining zone (40) between the discs while producing steam as a result of the refining action. The partially refined material and steam then move through a generally radially outer refining zone (50) between one of the discs (14) and a stationary grinding surface (54) situated generally radially outwardly of the other disc (18), whereupon the refined material and steam are discharged from the casing through a material outlet (62).

Abstract: A multi-stage process, and apparatus for carrying out the process, are provided for refining lignocellulose containing material at high consistency. The lignocellulose material is pretreated to form a mixture of the lignocellulose material and pressurized steam conveyed via the pressure of the pressurized steam to a first refiner, wherein the lignocellulose material is conveyed mechanically into a first refining zone within the first refiner while causing the pressurized steam in the mixture to pass in reverse direction to the lignocellulose to a steam venting outlet to vent the steam from the first refiner. The lignocellulose material fed into the first refining zone is subjected to refining action thereby producing a mixture of partially refined lignocellulose material and pressurized steam developed during the refining action.

Abstract: Shaft sealing for a materials processing rotor at the juncture of the rotor's shaft with its surrounding machine housing. The sealing apparatus includes a seal stator carried on the machine housing and through which the shaft of the rotor extends. A seal impeller, having a plurality of elongated, oblique impeller vanes forming its perimeter, is carried on the rotor shaft within the seal stator. Fluid restraining means extends between the machine housing and the rotor shaft, at a location outboard of the seal impeller, to provide a fluid dam, and fluid injection means extends from the exterior of the machine housing to a position between the fluid restraining means and the seal impeller.