Abstract: Method for purifying and separating bee glue (propolis) derived from beehives including the steps of firstly quick-freezing untreated propolis repeatedly at temperatures below -20.degree.C, secondly crushing the thus treated propolis to smaller particles at a temperature below 10.degree.C, thirdly separating said particles to a number of fractions according to size, the largest of said particles having a maximum diameter not much greater than 6 mm, and where fourthly said fractions containing most impurities are dissolved and filtered in a fluid filter for full utilization of all propolis present. Further an apparatus for performing said method comprising a deep-freezing apparatus, a crushing means, preferably a roller mill with rollers driven at different speeds, and a separating apparatus, preferably an aspirator with a number of screens, suctionways, outlet channels and a permanent magnet at at least one outlet channel. and a cyclone placed in series with said aspirator.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of a wholly mechanical pulp of improved strength properties. The lignocellulosic material is fed into a substantially closed chamber where it is mechanically abraded under a power input of fifteen or more horsepower days per ton. During the abrading step, the material is maintained in an inert gaseous atmosphere of a pressure of ten to eighty psig, preferably twenty to forty psig.