Abstract: A composite fiber is made of non-organic particulates bound to an organic polymer in fiber form. Many non-organic substances are serviceable and valve metal oxides are highly suitable. The organic polymer fiber is advantageously derived from fluorine-containing polymer. The composite fibers can serve as a filter, for instance as a filter-packing material for column chromatography, or can be suitable for separations, e.g., battery separations. The fiber may be compressed, or compressed and sintered, and thereby be useful as bearings or gaskets.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the continuation granulation of a mixture containing at least one solid material and at least one liquid exhibiting a tendency to gel formation. In order to make it possible to work with a gel-like intermediate phase and yet continue to granulate, it is proposed that a mixture containing liquid raw materials which, by themselves, do not show any tendency to gel be used as the liquid exhibiting a tendency to gel, this mixture being produced in a static mixer, its average dwell time in the mixer being shorter than the gel time. The liquid is subsequently allowed to gel in a stirrer vessel, the dwell time in the stirrer vessel being longer than the gel time. Only then is the highly viscous mass thus obtained granulated together with the solid material.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the production of agglomerated pellets from a polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE) resin powder. Such agglomerated pellets are commonly used in molding apparatus. The pellets of this invention exhibit better and more consistent flowability and higher, more consistent bulk density than those made by previously known apparatus and methods. The apparatus includes a tilted, heated polygonal tube provided at its discharge end with an apertured plate.

Abstract: Aluminum nitride granules which are characterized in that (a) they are composed mainly of aluminum nitride, (b) their bulk density ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 g/cc, (c) the mean particle diameter thereof is within the range of 20 to 500 .mu.m, and (d) they have a breaking strength of 0.5 to 5.0 g. The aluminum nitride granules can be prepared by (1) mixing an aluminum nitride powder, a surfactant, a binder and an organic solvent, and optionally, at least one inorganic matter other than aluminum nitride, to form a slurry, (2) granulating the slurry, and (3) heating the resultant granulated particles to form the granules.

Abstract: A pelletized form of silica which is sufficiently dust free and highly dispersible in rubber formulations. The pelletized silica is produced by a process which involves pelletizing a mixture of silica and water in an inclined mixer and drying the pelletized product in a fluidized bed dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a fuel absorbent, which comprises the steps of: dissolving an organic polymer having a function of trapping fuel in a solvent to produce a polymer solution; adding a crosslinking agent to said polymer solution to allow said organic polymer to react in the presence of said crosslinking agent; and collecting, after the completion of the crosslinking reaction, the resultant fine polymer gel particles. The invention also relates to a porous fuel absorbent produced by the above process comprised of fine cross-linked organic polymer formed into particles. The above fuel absorbent along with the coatings and a carrier may be used to control fuel evaporation loss in automobile canisters or boiler fuel tanks.

Abstract: A process for producing spherical pellets from stack gas desulfurization residue filter cake. The process includes mixing dry fly ash with a filter cake in a mixer and discharging the blend onto a shallow pan disc pelletizer where pellets are produced. Additional fly ash produces pellets in a reroll ring. Instead of fly ash, cement kiln dust, portland cement, lime kiln dust or lime is utilized.

Abstract: A process for preparing a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 550 g/l, which comprises(i) feeding a liquid acid precursor of an anionic surfactant, a solid water-soluble alkaline inorganic material and optionally other materials into a high-speed mixer/densifier, the mean residence time being from about 5 to 30 seconds;(ii) subsequently treating the granular detergent material in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into or maintained in a deformable state, the mean residence time being from about 1-10 minutes; and finally(iii) drying and/or cooling the detergent material.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of pellets which are composed of xanthine derivatives and are predominantly spherical, have a particle size in the range of 0.3 to 4 mm and have a bulk density above 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 by reacting the appropriate xanthine derivative with water or a water/alcohol mixture, entails anhydrous powdered xanthine derivative with an average particle size of from 20 to 200 .mu.m being suspended by stirring at from 40.degree. to 70.degree. C. in a nonsolvent which is immiscible with water and has a boiling point in the range from 60.degree. to 160.degree. C., then adding from 10 to 40% by weight, based on the anhydrous xanthine derivative, of water or a water/alcohol mixture and subsequently allowing to cool to room temperature at from 5.degree. to 20.degree. C.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l, which comprises the steps of treating a particulate starting material(i) in a first step in a high-speed mixer/densifier, the mean residence time being from about 5-30 seconds;(ii) in a second step in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into, or maintained in, a deformable state, the mean residence time being from about 1-10 minutes and(iii) in a final step in drying and/or cooling apparatus,the amount of oversize particles can be effectively reduced by adding 0.1 to 40% by weight of a powder in the second step or between the first and the second step. Preferably, the deformable state is induced in the first step.

Abstract: Gypsum/fiber board, especially for use as floor board, is fabricated by paring a binder consisting of at least 60% by weight of calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, and at most 35% by weight calcium sulfate beta hemihydrate, the balance, if any, inert material such as grinding residues from finished plaster board, in an amount of 100 parts by weight of the binder to 20 parts by weight of fiber, especially cellulose fiber or a mixture of cellulose fiber from scrap paper with reinforcing fiber. This dry mixture combined is with water in an amount such that no water can be expressed from the prepared mix by the subsequent pressing step and the prepared mix is then pressed in a peripherally-closed form such that the finished gypsum/fiber board will have a raw density of at least 1.5 g/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: Agglomerated particle size of ceramic materials is controlled by accurate determination of the proper final point of agglomeration. A part of a suspension in a cylindrical agitating region having agitation blades is circulated through a pipe having at least one transparent portion, the suspension which flows through the transparent pipe is irradiated with a light, preferably a laser beam and the final point of agglomeration is calculated based on the change in quantity of the transmitted light and/or the change in acoustic emission generated in the agitating region, thereby to stop the agglomeration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treatment of pigments and the compositions of treated pigments using the disclosed process. Particularly, this invention describes a process for producing non-dusty, free flowing, granular pigment materials in which the pigment is treated by a water-dissipatable polyester. The treated pigment materials generally exhibit high dispersibility in water and polar solvent systems. Dispersions of such materials provide film-forming characteristics, water-resistivity and excellent adhesion when applied to the skin. The pigment materials prepared by the disclosed process are suitable for incorporation in paints, inks, cosmetic bases, liquid make-ups or other cosmetic preparations such as mascara.

Abstract: Ash from a fluidized bed combustor in which limestone particles are suspended in the presence of carbonaceous fuel being burned is pelletized. Lime-containing bed ash ("FBCR") is produced in the combustor, and fly ash ("FBC fly ash") is generated as a by-product of the combustion process. FBCR and FBC fly ash generated during the combustion process are obtained. Water is added to the FBCR so as to convert a substantial portion of the lime to hydrated lime. Water is added to the FBC fly ash and pellets are formed from the FBC fly ash. The FBC fly ash pellets are coated with the hydrated FBCR. The coated FBC fly ash pellets are cured in a curing silo for a minimum of 6-10 hours, preferably by nesting them in a bed of hydrated FBCR. The cured pellets then are separated from the bed of hydrated FBCR. New pellets are formed by mixing the separated, hydrated FBCR with FBC fly ash and water.

Abstract: A granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l can be prepared by treating a particulate starting material(i) in a first step in a high-speed mixer/densifier, the mean residence time being from about 5-30 seconds;(ii) in a second step in a moderate-speed granulator/densifier, whereby it is brought into, or maintained in, a deformable state, the mean residence time being from about 1-10 minutes and(iii) in a final step in drying and/or cooling apparatus.Preferably, the deformable state is induced in the first step.

Abstract: A process for producing spherical pellets from wet coal silt or also known as filter cake. The process involves mixing dry ash with the filter cake in a mixer. The blend thereof is discharged into a shallow pan disc pelletizer to produce pellets which are then coated in a reroll ring surrounding the disc pelletizer with more fly ash.

Abstract: Uniform spherical granules are produced from powder raw material without utilizing an agglomerating liquid by repeatedly and alternately compacting a dry powder raw material within a granulating vessel to cohesively form agglomerates of the material and fluidizing the powder material within the vessel to break up and form the agglomerates gradually into a uniform spherical shape.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite material in the form of ultra fine particles which is mainly composed of organic polymers and has improved physical properties that cannot be obtained for organic polymers of one kind. This method includes a step of providing a dispersion in which organic polymer particles of at least two kinds, having different physical properties are dispersed in a dispersion medium, and an impingement and crushing step of causing the organic polymers dispersed in said dispersion to impinge with each other at high speed is repeated at least twice in order to crush each organic polymer and to combine, or fuse, the organic polymers simultaneously.

Abstract: A pelletized ferrous sulfate monohydrate (FeSO.sub.4 .multidot.H.sub.2 O) product and method for the manufacture thereof. Hard, spherical ferrous sulfate monohydrate pellets are manufactured by combining ferrous sulfate monohydrate powder with an aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4 having a preferred concentration of about 1-40% by weight ammonium sulfate. Mixture of these components occurs in a conventional pelletizing apparatus (e.g. a disc pelletizer) which produces individual pellets from the components. The pellets are then heated in order to remove excess water therefrom. The foregoing process enables durable pellets to be made without substantial hydration of the ferrous sulfate monohydrate. The pellets are spherical, have a size of about -6+20 U.S. standard mesh, and have not less than about 25% by weight soluble Fe.

Abstract: An agglomerating process and an apparatus therefor for preparation of sinter mix having the basis of kneading with vibration to make raw feed in capillary state and then agglomerating the kneaded material with tumbling vibration. By using the particular process, apparatus and various kinds of raw feeds, sintering characteristics of the product shows superiority in size distribution, permeability, strength, and activities, resulting cost, power and material consumptions of the process are remarkably improved.

Abstract: A method of melt granulation for powdery material is disclosed wherein the powdery material is discharged onto the upper surface of a heated rotary spreader for migration under centrifugal force to the periphery of the spreader accompanying by melting of a portion of the material and enrobing of non-melted particles by the melted material for discharge as enlarged granules from the periphery of the spreader. To improve the quality of the granules produced, the feed material is supplied to the spreader at two separate locations. The first location is the central portion of the spreader to provide the melted material and the second location is adjacent to the periphery of the spreader. The spreader is preferably in the form of a concave bowl or inverted truncated cone or dish.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for making a granular absorbent from cellulosic fibrous material includes a housing which defines an elongated internal cavity, and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the internal cavity. A rotatably driven shaft extends within the cavity of the housing, with the apparatus including an impeller arrangement mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith. The impeller arrangement includes resiliently flexible bristles which cooperate with the interior surface of the internal cavity for effecting agitation, blending, and agglomeration of the cellulosic fibrous feed stock. A pellet-like granular absorbent is produced.

Abstract: Bleaching agents in the form of granulates of uniform composition which contain(a) a solid aliphatic peroxycarboxylic acid,(b) a hydratable inorganic salt, and(c) an organic polymer granulation aid soluble in alkaline aqueous medium, wherein the granulate, when dissolved in water, has a mildly acidic pH.

Abstract: A pelletized form of silica which is sufficiently dust free and highly dispersible in rubber formulations. The pelletized silica is produced by a process which involves pelletizing a mixture of silica and water in an inclined mixer and drying the pelletized product in a fluidized bed dryer.

Abstract: A dust free zone is created in a granulator by including a dust barrier in the pan of the granulator in a position such that the pan is divided into two sections. The inlet for feeding material to be granulated is located in one section of the apparatus and the discharge outlet is located in the other section. This device makes it possible to conduct a granulation process on a continuous basis without interruption and without exposure of workers to potentially hazardous dust.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy saving process for preparing concentrated or condensed surfactant granules. High active surfactant paste is chilled and granulated using fine dispersion mixing. The product surprisingly provides discrete, uniform (200-2,000 micron) granular particles. The granules of the present invention are preferably pure surfactant to be used as an intermediate in a final detergent formulation.

Abstract: Raw material bodies such as briquettes, for use in the production of silicon or silicon alloys, are formed by mixing a pitch and caking coal at a temperature above 100.degree. C. and up to 200.degree. C. to form a pitch/coal alloy. This hot binder composition is mixed with sand and a noncaking carbon carrier at a temperature in this range to form the starting composition from which preforms are pressed. The preforms are subjected to a heat treatment which involves raising the temperature to above 450.degree. C., preferably in a sand filled rotary furnace to harden the preforms into the bodies.

Abstract: Described is a device for obtaining a foam spray-dried product of predetermined bulk density. Thereto a nozzle for spraying a foaming gas comprising liquid is surrounded by a tube for supplying a gas which comprises dry particulate material to the jet of nozzle.Means are present to accurately control the ratio of solids in the liquid to be sprayed and the dry particulate material.The method described that the dry particulate material is made to collide with the jet from the nozzle and that the speed of the gas transporting said dry material is lower than 20 m/sec and preferably from 6 to 12 m/sec.

Abstract: Residue produced by incineration of commercial, industrial or municipal waste is treated on-site at the point of generation or storage. Moist residue, such as incinerator bottom ash, is mixed in a multi-segment rotary drum with a heavy metals treatment agent in a first section of the drum. An aggregation agent is added to the mixture, and the mixture separates under the shearing force imposed by the rotating drum into individual pieces which are rolled into balls. A cementitious coating material is added to coat the balls, and the coated balls are classified by size. The classified coated balls are conveyed to a bagging plant, where they are packaged in flexible containers formed from material selected to retard water loss, and tagged with identifying information. Toxic contaminants such as cadmium, lead and mercury are immobilized in the cured balls, which can be used as a construction aggregate. Leaching of heavy metals from the incinerator residue is strongly inhibited by the process.

Abstract: In apparatus for spraying water on granular material in a rotating cylindrical pan and for compressing the mixture into pellets. A moisture sensor on said pan provide a signal to a programmable computer controller for providing a constant moisture content on the surface of the pellets. In one embodiment, a liquid nozzle is controlled by a control valve such as to maintain the constant moisture content. In another embodiment, a high intensity mixture is provided for mixing dry powder in varying amount with high moisture material to produce pellets having substantially constant surface moisture when discharged from the pelletizing disc.

Abstract: The invention disclosed by this application relates to a novel method of processing sinterable powders into sintered ceramic products. This application also relates to novel forms of aluminum oxide, hydroxylapatite, and tricalcium phosphate ceramic products prepared in accordance with the method of this invention, as well as novel intermediate products useful to prepare the novel ceramic products of this invention.

Abstract: By agglomeration in a high speed mixer spherical granules having a desired granule size distribution are obtained by supplying the agglomeration liquid by means of an atomizer wheel axially positioned in the high speed mixer and by controlling the quantity and evaporation of said liquid in consideration of the changes occurring with respect to water binding ability of the agglomerates during compaction. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a mixer bowl with an impeller on a central shaft through the bottom of the bowl and an atomizer with an atomizer wheel with its shaft in alignment with the shaft of the impeller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zeolite agglomeration process and product. Zeolite particles are blended with a filler and preferably a surfactant and then agglomerated in a rotary agglomerator with a zeolite binder to form an agglomerate with about 5-70 parts by wgt. zeolite and, after drying, excellent mechanical strength and flowability with good solubilization/dispersion in aqueous solution. The zeolite agglomerate is preferably combined into a granular detergent in a second agglomeration step where the zeolite agglomerate is combined with other detergent components and sprayed with a detergent binder, the granular detergent being characterized by uniform density and particle size with minimum segregation and dusting. Both the zeolite agglomeration and detergent agglomeration steps are characterized by energy efficiency.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the formation of granules of a larger size or mass of a desired range from a feed stock of smaller particles comprising feeding a meltable powdery material to be granulated, or a non-meltable powdery material with a meltable binder to the surface of a rotating spreader means in the form of a disk or bowl, at least a portion of which has been heated to a temperature above the melting point of the meltable component of the feed material wherein the rate of feeding, the energy input to the spreader means and the rotational speed of the spreader means are controlled so that there is sufficient time for at least a partial melting of the meltable component of the feed material substantially solely by contact with the heated surface of the spreader means, centrifugally spreading the material across the surface of the disk or bowl and dispersing the same from the edge thereof into an atmosphere cooler than the melting temperature to form the granulated product.

Abstract: A process for continuous production of a carbonaceous paste in which at least one carbonaceous aggregate and a cokable binder are introduced continuously into a kneader having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a rotating shaft associated with kneading elements. During the kneading operation, the paste, is passed from the upstream end to the downstream end of the kneader and is heated in the upstream end of the kneader. Water is injected into the paste in the downstream end of the kneader, causing a reduction in temperature of the paste and vaporization of the water, which is subsequently discharged from an orifice in the kneader. The paste reduced in temperature to a shaping temperature is continuously discharged from the downstream end of the kneader.

Abstract: One or more powders are placed in a leaktight vessel (12) having a substantially vertical axis and comprising a bottom blade rotating about an axis parallel to the axis of said vessel, and a spheronizing tool (28) having a substantially discoidal rotating form; said powders are mutually mixed by means of the rotation of said bottom blade, and a binder solution is added thereto. The composition of mixed powders thus added to is spheronized by immersing said spheronizing tool (28) in said composition and causing it to rotate simultaneously with said blade (18).

Abstract: A method for forming strong and durable pellets from dust collected from stack gases. The dust includes CaSO.sub.3, CaSO.sub.4 and unreacted CaD. A portion of water required for total hydration with the dust is blended in a mixer. The moistened powder is stored in a conditioning container wherein the moistened powder is chemically reacted and heated to form a hydroxide with the oxides in the powder. Water is added to the hydrates and the wetted hydrates are subjected to an intense second mixing. The wetted hydrates are then pelletized in a pelletizer.

Abstract: High purity fused silica particles are made by heating relatively low density silica flour in a high temperature flame. The silica flour feed rate, flame temperature, and collection zone temperature are adjusted to produce an aggregate of surface-bonded fused silica particles. The aggregate is shaped like a honeycomb and can be ground autogenously without introducing impurities into the final product.

Abstract: Granules of glass flakes which comprise glass flakes in granular form and a binder which bonds the glass flakes to one another to form granules. The granules are used together with a molten thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a granular detergent composition comprising granules of a chemical reagent the surfaces of which are provided with a coating comprising an organophilic clay mineral.

Abstract: A riboflavin granulate containing from 75 to 99.5 weight percent riboflavin is produced by:A. placing a desired quantity of riboflavin powder in the bowl of a rotary fluid bed granulator;B. fluidizing the powder with fluidizing air while rotating the rotor disc, whereby a fluidized cloud of riboflavin powder is produced; andC. spraying a binder solution into the fluidized cloud;so that at least 90 weight percent of the riboflavin powder combines to form granules.

Abstract: A substantially entirely fibrous ceramic which may have dual porosity of both micro and macro pores. Total porosity may be 60-75% by volume. A method of spraying a slurry perpendicularly to an ambient stream of air is disclosed along with a method of removing binders without altering the fiber morphology. Adding fine ceramic particulates to the green ceramic fibers enhances the sintering characteristics of the fibers.

Abstract: Colored plastic granules are obtained by mixing plastic granules with particles of a colouring agent composition until the coloring agent composition particles are attached to the surface of the plastic granules. The coloring agent composition particles used are substantially spherical; in the particles the coloring agent, such as a pigment, is completely wetted with the carrier present in the composition. The method includes a mixing step in which granules to be coated are mixed, substantially at ambient temperature, with colouring agent composition particles. During mixing the temperature is controlled to remain below the melting temperature of the carrier use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for dry-pelletizing carbon black, allowing to control pellet quality and increasing the output of any particular pelletizing apparatus. The method calls for pre-compacting the material to be pelletized by means of vacuum before or during pelletizing. The invention also includes two apparatus to carry out the single-stage method version, comprising a pelletizing drum in which are mounted vacuum filter surfaces to pre-compact the powdery initial material in parallel with the on-going prepelletizing procedure. In one apparatus, the inside surface of the drum is a filter surface, in the other apparatus, bundles of stationary filter pipes are provided in the lower drum space.

Abstract: An improved roll and method for mixing, shearing and pelletizing materials utilizing a pair of conical-shaped rollers positioned adjacent to one another with one of the rollers having a plurality of perforations in its narrow end and the other of the rollers, in one embodiment, heated, with material positioned in the nip at the wider end of the rollers moving during operation of the rollers to the narrow end where the material is forced through the perforations and cutt off inside the roller forming pellets.

Abstract: A granulated activated carbon is produced by spherically agglomerating activated carbon powder in an aqueous slurry in the presence of a bridging liquid and a binder. At least about 50% of the carbon powder has a surface area of from about 2800 to about 3500 m.sup.2 /gm, an iodine number of from about 2500 to about 3500 mg/gm, a total pore volume of from about 1.0 to about 2.8 cc/gm, and a bulk density of from about 0.27 to about 0.32 gm/cc. The granules are activated by treatment with steam to provide granules having particle diameters of from about 0.17 to about 0.71 mm, and pore size distribution and adsorptive capacity essentially unchanged from that of the carbon powder. The granules are particularly effective for the treatment of drinking water to reduce the level of undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: Process for making particulate ceramics having an alumina rich region near their surface, comprising the following steps:(a) mixing and pelletizing, with the aid of water, raw materials including a mineral particulate such as nepheline syenite and a binder such as bentonite;(b) drying the wet pellets from step (a);(c) mixing the dried pellets with alumina parting agent; and(d) firing the mixture of pellets and parting agent at a sufficient temperature (less than 1450.degree. C.) and for sufficient time for vitrification to occur.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of physically prepared slow-release fertilizer by coating fertilizer particles with at least one layer of a substantially water insoluble metal salt formed in-situ from an organic acid having between 6 and 30 carbon atoms and a metal oxide or carbonate. Optionally, the coating layer contains micronutrients and inert materials. In a preferred embodiment, an additional layer of paraffin is added on the coating of metal salt of organic acid. The method is applicable for most of the known fertilizers. The method enables to vary the rate of fertilizer release and the release period time according to specific requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy saving process for preparing condensed detergent granules. Dry detergent builders and a high active surfactant paste are finely dispersed into a uniform dough. The dough is chilled and granulated using fine dispersion mixing to surprisingly provide discrete, uniform (300-1200 micron) free flowing, granular particles. The granules of the present invention are preferably formulated to be fully formulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and implementation, including apparatus comprising a two-stage, single-unit, and energy-efficient rotary drum-type granulator-dryer device having a granulator section and a separate dryer section in a new and novel combination designed for continuously granulating and/or ammoniating, and subsequently drying, respectively, a variety of materials together with specific processes for effecting such granulating and/or ammoniating, and subsequent drying.