Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for ultrasonic assisted drying of materials, in particular, but not exclusively, for the low temperature drying of materials that are heat sensitive. In particular, there is provided an apparatus for dehydration of water containing material comprising: an ultrasound emitter; an ultrasound transmission platform that directly or indirectly supports said material; a fluid retained between said emitter and said platform, through which ultrasound energy is transferred; and a gas stream device that directs drying gas to said material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cooler for cooling particulate material which has been subjected to heat treatment in an industrial kiln, such as a rotary kiln for manufacturing cement clinker. This cooler comprises an inlet, an outlet, end wall, side walls, a bottom and a ceiling, at least three reciprocating supporting lanes for receiving, supporting and transporting the material to be cooled, the lanes are moving following the walking floor principles as well as means for injecting cooling gas into the material through grate plates in the lanes. With the present invention it is an aim to have an increase in the vertical shearing height, and still having stationary clinker on top of the grate plates.

Abstract: A multifunctional storage system includes a storage chamber and a machinery chamber provided on a side of the storage chamber. The system further includes a dehumidification part dehumidifying circulating air flowing in the storage chamber; a circulating air inlet and a circulating air outlet enabling the storage chamber and the machinery chamber to communicate; and a circulation filter unit supplying moisture to circulating air supplied to the storage chamber via the circulating air inlet.

Abstract: A combustion kiln system, comprising: a pre-heating chamber which is supplied with waste product; and a combustion chamber which receives the waste product from the pre-heating chamber and in which the waste product is incinerated; wherein the pre-heating chamber heats the waste product to remove moisture from the waste product prior to transfer to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for processing cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials into useful intermediates and products, such as energy and fuels. For example, conveying systems and methods, such as highly efficient vibratory conveyors, are described for the processing of the cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials.

Abstract: A particulate material coating device, comprising a vertical central column, a supply conduit for supplying the device with particulate material to be coated and a discharge conduit for discharging coated particulate material, a conveying ramp connected to the central column and a plurality of sprayers for spraying a coating agent. The supply means is arranged at the top of the device and the discharge conduit is arranged at the base of the device. The conveying ramp comprises a plurality of ramp sections arranged one above the other so as to define, between two successive sections, a drop zone for the particulate material to fall between each of the successive sections. The device aims to ensure that the particulate material is transported without areas of accumulation as well as a homogeneous coating.

Abstract: A system for drying moist, particulate material includes a steam dryer having a container containing superheated steam. Upper and lower heat exchangers, with a channel extending through them, are located in the container. An impeller generates a flow of steam upward in the container outside the heat exchangers and downward through the channel. Guide plates around the heat exchangers guide the moist, particulate material from an inlet in the lower part of the container around the heat exchangers, subjecting the material to the flow of the steam, thereby drying the material. A steam conduit supplies a primary steam flow to the lower heat exchanger, which condenses the primary steam flow into a flow of hot water that is directed to a flow generator that generates a fluid flow from the hot water flow. A fluid conduit leads the fluid flow to the upper heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and recovering oil from wellbore cuttings is provided. Oil-contaminated solids are transported through two or more solvent baths on vibrating conveyors and contacted with solvent flowing countercurrent to the direction of transport of the oil-contaminated solids through the baths such that oil contaminant is separated from the solids.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-module counterflow drying apparatus (100) for drying material, the apparatus (100) comprising: a material inlet (102); a material outlet (104); a heat inlet (108) for inputting heat to the apparatus such that the heat traverses the apparatus in the opposite direction than the material; and a plurality of mutually interchangeable modules (110) stacked on top of each other, wherein the material is configured to move in the apparatus from one module to another such that the movement direction of the material in a given module is opposite to the movement direction of the material in a module above or below, wherein each module (110) comprises: movable paddles (210) configured to discontinuously move the material forward in the module (110).

Abstract: A device for drying and preheating particulate feedstock for glass melting apparatuses including a vertical shaft in which a plurality of gas guides are arranged level by level. The shaft has at least one gas channel for exhaust gases from the melting apparatus. a) feedstock guide elements are arranged one above another within the shaft with lateral spacings on all sides, with a portion of the gas guides extending through the guide elements, b) at least one of the guide elements is mounted in a transversely movable fashion with respect to the shaft independently of other guide elements, c) the guide elements are provided with converging oblique surfaces for introducing the feedstock at upper ends of the guide elements and with converging oblique surfaces for the emergence of the feedstock at lower ends of the guide elements, and d) at least one guide element is connected to a vibrating drive.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating fluids from drill cuttings. Specifically, the invention relates to shakers that incorporate a vacuum system and methods of operating such systems to effect a high degree of fluid separation. The system and methods are effective across a variety of screen sizes, vacuum flows and vacuum designs.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a freeze-drying apparatus and a freeze-drying method, which are capable of increasing a drying efficiency of frozen particles. [Solving Means] The freeze-drying apparatus 100 includes a freezing chamber 10 into which a raw material fluid F is injected. During the injection of the raw material fluid F, after the injection of the raw material fluid F, or for a time period covering the start to the termination of the injection of the raw material fluid F, a shelf 16 is vibrated in a horizontal direction due to an actuation of vibration generators 31. With this, the frozen particles deposited on the shelf 16 are evenly diffused on the shelf 16 in such a manner that a deposition thickness thereof becomes smaller or a single layer thereof is formed. With this, a freezing efficiency and the drying efficiency of individual particles are promoted.

Abstract: A vibratory dryer includes a conveying surface over which a bed of materials to be dried is conveyed, the surface having an inlet end and an outlet end, and passages through which air passes through the conveying surface to pass through the bed of materials on the conveying surface, a source of heated air coupled to the passages to supply heated air to the bed through the passages, and a vibration generator coupled to the conveying surface. The dryer also includes at least one rotary mixer having an impeller spaced from the conveying surface at a distance so as to be disposed within the bed, the at least one rotary mixer disposed along the length of the conveying surface between the inlet end and the outlet end. The at least one rotary mixer is adapted to provide uplift within the bed without de-densification of the bed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for separating a slurry mixture into its constituent melted liquid form and solid frozen form. This involves forcing the slurry mixture through an inlet into a vessel and through the vessel to an opening, wherein the vessel comprises a plurality of perforations dimensioned to receive a liquid flow from the slurry mixture to dry the slurry mixture; vibrating the vessel and the slurry mixture within the vessel to shake the material in the melted liquid form out through the plurality of perforations to dry the slurry mixture; and, extracting the dried slurry mixture from the opening.

Abstract: A present invention relates to a fabric treating apparatus including an inside cabinet which forms a treating chamber which the fabrics treated in, and a heating unit for supplying any one between hot wind and steam to the treating chamber, and a hanger rack disposed in the treating chamber, and a driving unit for generating rotary power outside the treating chamber and is disposed upper part of the inside cabinet, and a transmission unit for reciprocating the hanger rack by transmitting the rotary power of the driving unit.

Abstract: An automated system is configured to wash and dry mats. The system includes a number of modules, including a loading module, vibration module, washing module, vacuum module, and a discharge module. The disclosed system provides an opportunity for manual inspection of the mats, too. Because the mats that are fed into the system are jostled or shaken before they are washed, reduced amounts of chemicals, water, water pressure, drying energy, etc. are needed to clean the mats. The system may also optionally include a automatic rolling and sorting apparatus, which rolls a mat and sorts it according to weight, size, etc. after it is discharged from the discharge module. A method of cleaning mats is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of processing solid waste material includes storing solid waste material in a storage conveyor, the conveyor including a trough with a deck and opposing side walls disposed to either side of the deck, a plurality of resilient members supporting the trough above a surface, and a vibration generator coupled to the trough to move solid waste material stored in the trough along the deck to an outlet. The method also includes activating the vibration generator to move the solid waste material along the deck to the outlet, receiving the solid waste material in a container, and supplying steam to the container to heat the solid waste material received therein to generate treated solid waste material. A system for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A system includes a container having a curved inner surface disposed about a generally horizontally extending longitudinal axis, the container having an input end and an axially-spaced output end opposite the input end, the container being mounted on a plurality of resilient members so as to be resiliently supported above a base. The curved inner surface is defined by at least one deck plate having a plurality of apertures to direct air tangential to the curved inner surface. The system also includes a vibration generator coupled to the container for producing a vibratory force to cause material within the container to be moved in a generally rising and falling path of rolling movement along the curved inner surface, and a fan coupled to a heater and to the plurality of apertures to pass heated air through the plurality of apertures. A method of drying material is also provided.

Abstract: In a method of drying particles of bulk material for subsequent transfer to an analyzer for determining a grain size of the particles, a free-flowing particle stream of particles to be dried is formed to move in a transport direction through a drying zone. As it moves through the drying zone, the particle stream is exposed to an air flow which is generated by a fan and heated by an air heater.

Abstract: A clothes drying cabinet is provided with a shaker assembly including a bar suspended in the cabinet for supporting clothes hangers. A motor is mounted adjacent the bar and has a drive shaft. A drive weight is eccentrically mounted to the drive shaft of the motor so that upon actuation of the motor, the drive weight imparts a shaking motion to the bar so as to facilitate removal of wrinkles from the clothing on the hangers. A ballast weight may also be provided in the shaker assembly so as to evenly distribute the energy from the eccentric weight regardless of the weight of the clothes hanging on the bar.

Abstract: A two-deck apparatus, one deck above the other, is provided for enabling drying of approximately twice as much material with very little increase in heat used to dry the material, when compared to a single deck dryer. The fan usually provided with dryers of this type requires only a small incremental size increase over prior art. The second or upper deck, in operation, experiences a greater pressure below that deck than the pressure above the deck. Solid material flows into the top of the apparatus from above, and then from the upper deck to the lower deck through what is essentially a one-way valve, with air flow moving from below the lower deck through the upper deck, without impeding the material flow downwardly in the apparatus. The same apparatus, but with the use of cold air to cool the product, rather than hot air to heat and dry a product, is also within the teachings of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for desolventizing particulate material having a solvent carried thereby wherein an upper indirect heating zone and a lower direct heating zone is provided. Each of the zones has a plurality of spaced apart horizontal trays for receiving particulate material. The trays define a vertical series of compartments through which the particulate material passes. Steam is provided to the particulate material indirectly in said indirect heating zone and directly in said direct heating zone are also included. An integral air tight flash chamber below the compartments enhances solvent recovery via vaporization of residual solvent from the condensed steam adhered to the particulate material traveling through the direct heating zone prior to discharge of the particulate material. The recovered residual solvent is delivered under pressure to a predetermined compartment in the direct heating zone provide heat for desolventizing the solvent-laden particulate material.

Abstract: A handgrip drying device comprises a bag-like, tubular body containing a moisture absorbing material and sealed with hook-and-loop fasteners. A moist or wet equipment handgrip is dried by placing it in the bag-like, tubular body, which then is shaken to bring all portions of the equipment handgrip that are contained in the bag-like tubular body into contact with the moisture absorbing material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for continuously drying vegetables, particularly leaf vegetables, comprising a mechanical drying section and a thermodynamic drying section, said mechanical drying section comprising a preliminary dripping section and a water removal section, or de-watering section, and said thermodynamic drying section comprising a hot section and a cold section.

Abstract: Conditioning apparatus for handling particulate material comprises a central frame and a plurality of spaced, annular troughs mounted to the central frame to support the particulate material. The troughs are arranged in a stacked configuration having successive pairs of upper and lower troughs with an uppermost trough for receiving the particulate material and a lowermost trough for discharging particulate material. Hydraulic cylinders or other suitable means are used to impart vibratory movement to the plurality of troughs to fluidize and advance the particulate material in a first direction on each of the plurality of troughs. A passage is formed through each trough for particulate material to fall from the upper trough of a pair to the lower trough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making the drying of materials, particularly finely divided materials, more effective, in which method, of a slurry containing liquid and solids there is made a filter cake (2,12,22) onto the surface of the filter medium (1,11,21). According to the invention, the filter cake (2,12,22) and the oscillator (6,15,25) are arranged, in relation to each other, so that in between the filter cake (2,12,22) and the oscillator (6,15,25), there is generated an acoustic field by virtue of a mechanical contact between the filter cake (2,12,22) and the oscillator (6,15,25) or a structural element (7,16,26) connected to the oscillator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for desolventizing particulate material having a solvent carried thereby wherein an upper indirect heating zone and a lower direct heating zone is provided. Each of the zones has a plurality of spaced apart horizontal trays for receiving particulate material. The trays define a vertical series of compartments through which the particulate material passes. Steam is provided to the particulate material indirectly in said indirect heating zone and directly in said direct heating zone are also included. An integral air tight flash chamber below the compartments enhances solvent recovery via vaporization of residual solvent from the condensed steam adhered to the particulate material traveling through the direct heating zone prior to discharge of the particulate material. The recovered residual solvent is delivered under pressure to a predetermined compartment in the direct heating zone provide heat for desolventizing the solvent-laden particulate material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning and/or drying objects that may have been wetted or contaminated in a manufacturing process. The objects are submerged in a rinse liquid in an enclosed chamber, and aerosol particles from a selected liquid are introduced into the chamber above the rinse liquid surface, forming a thin film on this surface. As the rinse liquid is slowly drained, some aerosol particles settle onto the exposed surfaces of the objects, and displace and remove rinse liquid residues from the exposed surfaces by a “chemical squeegeeing” effect. Surface contaminants are also removed by this process. Chamber pressure is maintained at or near the external environment pressure as the rinse liquid is drained from the chamber. Inert gas flow is employed to provide aerosol particles of smaller size and/or with greater dispersion within the chamber. Continuous filtering and shunt filtering are employed to remove most contaminants from the selected liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dehydrating solid products containing moisture, particularly food products, includes a hot gas stream device for creating a hot gas stream over the products to be dehydrated and an ultrasonic wave emitting system for directing ultrasonic waves over the products. The dehydrating apparatus includes a closed housing and at least one conveyor mounted in the housing for transporting the products. The ultrasonic wave emitting system includes a plurality of ultrasonic diffusing plates which are connected to sound wave generators and are in direct contact with the products.

Abstract: Physical effects produced within RMS resonators are utilized as a means to process materials within the resonator including for example one or more of comminution, converting liquids into vapors and gases, drying of powders, rapid mixing of gases and various materials, agglomeration, de-agglomeration, granulation, chemical reactions, stratification/separation, and the destruction of biological material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cooling and reducing fluoride emissions from a hot, spent anode butt removed from an electrolysis cell. The system comprises an elongated fluidised bed cooling chamber comprising particles of alumina and conveyor means for transporting a hot, spent anode butt through the fluidised bed. A lower air distributor is provided for injecting fluidising air into the chamber to create the fluidised bed and an upper air distributor is provided which is adapted to direct fluidised particles into contact with the top surface of the hot anode butt, whereby the fluidised bed surrounds the hot anode butt and serves to simultaneously uniformly cool the hot anode butt and significantly reduce fluoride emissions from the hot anode butt.

Abstract: In order to remove water adhering to the surfaces of cleaned semiconductor wafers W, a vibration transmitting device 20 capable of approaching the surfaces of the semiconductor wafers W, and an oscillator 25 for applying an ultrasonic vibration to the vibration transmitting device 20. The oscillator 25 is driven to apply the ultrasonic vibration to the vibration transmitting plates 24 of the vibration transmitting device 20 and to apply energy of the ultrasonic vibration to a gas between the vibration transmitting device 20 and the surfaces of the semiconductor wafer W to remove water adhering the surfaces of the semiconductor wafers W. Thus, it is possible to surely remove water adhering to the surfaces of cleaned objects to be treated, to dry the objects without the need of a dry gas of an organic solvent vapor, such as IPA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making the drying finely divided materials, more effective in a suction drier provided with a fine porous suction surface, where the radii of the fine pores of the suction surface are essentially within the range of 0.5-2 micrometers, and in which method, of a slurry containing liquid and solids there is made a filter cake (2,12,22) onto a fine porous liquid suction surface constituting the filter surface of the filter medium (1,11,21), According to the invention, the filter cake (2,12,22) and an oscillator (6,15,25) are arranged, in relation to each other, so that in between the filter cake (2,12,22) and the oscillator (6,15,25), there is generated an acoustic field by virtue of a mechanical contact between the filter cake (2,12,22) and the oscillator (6,15,25) or a structural element (7,16,26) connected to the oscillator.

Abstract: Jet ventilated trays for a fluidizer conveyor for processing particulate material permit gas to pass up through slots between the slats, and sufficient gas passes through the slots to prevent fine particles falling through the trays. The ventilated tray has a plurality of slats arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the particulate material on the conveyor, adjacent slats overlap in the direction of travel leaving longitudinal slots at leading edges of top slats for gas flow therethrough. The use of a wet particulate material on the tray allows scrubbing and filtering applications.

Abstract: A method for cleaning molding compound tablets while the molding compound tablets are transferred from a tablet container to a molding equipment for encapsulating a microelectronic device. The method includes the steps of loading the molding compound tablets from the tablet container to a tablet parts feeder; transferring the molding compound tablets from the tablet parts feeder to the molding equipment along the transfer line; blowing hot air downwardly on the molded compound tablets as they move along the transfer line; commencing melting of the molded compound tablet, and any contaminants on the molded compound, with the hot air, such that the contaminants are incorporated into a resulting soft tablet dough; and injecting the soft tablet dough into the molding equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and chemical activation of a plurality of plate lug surfaces. The apparatus includes an ultrasonically-stirred flux vessel, an ultrasonically-stirred rinsing water vessel and a gas-blowing device contained inside a dirt collection vessel. Each vessel has an independent movement capability in the upward or downward directions, and all three vessels are mounted on a common supporting frame which allows their simultaneous horizontal displacement. When coupled to a conventional cast-on-strap machine, the apparatus allows the manufacture of pore-free cast-on-strap joints for lead-acid batteries.

Abstract: Coal or other mineral slurry is dewatered by establishing a bed of the slurry and injecting a gas stream such as air into the bed to establish turbulent flow to strip moisture. This slurry may use particles in the range 0.5 mm to 30 mm with air injected at about 10 m/sec, and suitable novel apparatus includes a centrifuge or a vibratory conveyor with a closed tunnel and transverse air flow for stripping moisture.

Abstract: A process for drying flammable cellulosic materials such as wood strands t involves maintaining the temperature and humidity of the drying medium above predetermined values to obtain certain stated advantages.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying objects that may have been wetted in a manufacturing The objects are submerged in a rinse liquid in an enclosed chamber, and aerosol particles from a selected drying liquid are introduced into the chamber above the rinse liquid surface, forming a thin film on this surface. As the rinse liquid is slowly drained, some aerosol particles settle onto and form a film on the exposed surfaces of the objects, and displace and remove rinse liquid residues from the exposed surfaces. Surface contaminants are also removed by this process.

Abstract: A vacuum remediation system for remediating various devices and apparatus is shown. A moisture evaporation device including a vacuum system is described to provide a reduced level of pressure on the apparatus being remediated. A control circuit controls the operation of the moisture vaporization device and includes a timed control operation to limit and actuate operation of the remediation process. A resilient member having a vacuum aperture is described in combination with a removable encapsulation chamber having a fluid-sealing surface to cooperate with the resilient member. A vibration system is adapted to impart low levels of vibration to the apparatus being remediated. The operation is such that unwanted moisture is vaporized through action of a reduced atmospheric pressure produced by the pump, and the vibration in conjunction with the aspiration removes unwanted moisture and contamination particles from the apparatus being remediated.

Abstract: Apparatus for freezing or deep-freezing food products, in particular such products having at least a basic ingredient in the form of individual unitary pieces, and at least an additional ingredient, such as a condiment or the like. The apparatus includes a mixing and deep-freezing chamber formed by a flexible bag which is mounted on a support framework. The flexible bag is alternately moved in a vertical direction by a motor-driven mechanism which is connected to the framework.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of solid particles having a substantially circular metal coil with at least two turns helically would around a vertical axis and a central shaft, a lateral pipe for introducing particles and a lateral pipe for drawing off particles, a low voltage current tapping point for heating a turn of the coil by Joule effect to 20.degree.-1000.degree. C., an assembly of two pipes with a lateral pipe for introducing a fluid and a lateral pipe for drawing off a fluid such that the fluid can flow through at least one turn of the coil and means for imparting vibrations to the shaft and coil to advance the particles.

Abstract: Seed cotton on a wire mesh belt is dryed and cleaned by a downflow of heated air. The natural separation and falling of trash from the belt is increased by shaking the mass of seed cotton upon the wire mesh belt. The belt is flexed to shake the seed cotton upon it. The belt is flexed by running the belt over "V" shaped intermittent supports. The belt is also shaken by being bumped by gussets on rollers beneath the belt. The air is exhausted from beneath the belt by ducts extending across the chamber. The tops of the ducts are inclined planes so that the trash slides from the top of the duct and does not accumulate on the top.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for low-cost extraction of oil residues from oil filters. The apparatus of the invention has a mounting structure or plate to which a number of oil filters can be strapped. Over 95% of the oil in each filter can be drained therefrom under the influence of gravitational forces. Oil draining from the oil filters is allowed to gather in a pan, bucket, container or well located below the mounting plate. Connected to the mounting structure is a mechanical or electrical oscillator for imparting a vibratory oscillation to the mounting structure and, hence, to the mounted oil filters. The weak surface tension and molecular forces between the residual oil molecules and the paper filter materials will be overcome by the vibration, and the residual oil will run off.

Abstract: For the treatment of solid catalyst or adsorbent particles, particles are urged upwardly in at least one vibrating helical coil having at least two pitches or turns, the particles being subjected to a temperature profile on most of their path within the coil and being contacted with at least one fluid over at least part of their path. At least one pitch or turn of the coil is heated by the Joule effect at a temperature between 20.degree. and 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A device for heating or cooling of bulk material including two pairs of vibrating chutes, with each pair being formed of two oppositely inclined chutes mounted one above the other and with each pair being equipped with a unidirectional vibrator, and with vibrating chutes of each pair being connected with a plurality of pairs of oppositely inclined articulated bars, and with vibrating chutes being equipped with flow ducts connected with each other in such a way that heating or cooling medium flows in the flow ducts of the vibrating chutes of each pair in the same direction so that in one chute the directions of flow of the heating or cooling material coincide with the flow of bulk material, and in the other chute they flow in opposite directions.

Abstract: A bulk material processor includes a tray assembly with a panel subassembly having an upper panel section and a lower panel section. The upper panel section is adapted to receive bulk material and pass it to the lower panel section for discharge. A heater panel is mounted over the tray assembly for radiantly heating the bulk material passing thereunder. A vibrator is coupled to the tray assembly for vibrating the bulk material whereby it advances along the tray assembly. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of the vibrator and for controlling the output of the heater panel. A method of bulk material processing includes cascading the bulk material from an upper panel section to a lower panel section by vibration and subjecting it to infrared radiation.

Abstract: An improved disc dryer for aggregate material which operates by rotating and impacting a tilted pan which holds the material being dried. Increased capacity is attained by transverse stabilizers on the impactor assembly, adjustable pressure air shock mounts for variable amplitude control of the impactor assembly, sets of dual support wheels upon which the pan rotates a reinforced support tract on the underside of the pan, and an adjustable feed box for supplying material to the pan at varying locations.

Abstract: A method for drying wood strands and the like is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, the strands are fed onto a conveyor which then moves the strands as a bed through a dryer housing. The housing may be partitioned into various zones and levels, depending on the desired configuration. A volume of drying air is heated and then passed through the bed of strands to reduce the moisture content of the strands. In a preferred embodiment, the strands are agitated to promote the even exposure of the strands to the drying heat. The strands are then conveyed through a conditioning zone before being discharged from the dryer housing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for extracting water from ash that has been quenched in water bath of an ash discharger and which is expelled from the water bath by means of a discharge ram through a discharge chute includes an improvement wherein the discharge chute of the ash discharger is caused to vibrate. The vibration is provided by a vibration generator, particularly of the unbalanced type.