Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer for drying fuel materials such as wood bark, wood chips, sludge, garbage, peat moss or the like. In a preferred embodiment the dryer comprises a conveyor, consisting of twin endless belts, which carries the material to be dried along a vertical path defined between parallel runs of the endless belts, and ductwork which serves to direct heated air (received from any appropriate source) across the vertical path to remove moisture from the material as it is being conveyed. The ductwork includes at least one feed duct for use in delivering the heated air to one side of the vertical path, and at least one exhaust duct for use in withdrawing moisture-laden air on another side of the vertical path.

Abstract: A hopper structure for treating granular material, comprising an inner sidewall section arranged, in use, as an upper tubular sidewall, a tapered lower section having a delivery mouth and an elongated insert body wherein said insert comprises an upper portion and a lower portion arranged at said lower tapered portion of the hopper and having its conicity facing away from said upper portion, said upper portion axially extending from the base of the lower portion up to at least one half of the upper tubular section at an angle ??0 with respect to a vertical line.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for drying pellets in a pellet-fluid slurry are disclosed. The system can provide a desired moisture level and output rate for the dried pellets. The system can use two dryers in series to remove moisture from the pellets in the pellet-fluid slurry. The two dryers can be connected with a transport pipe. The transport pipe can include a diverter valve to bypass the second dryer when desired. The transport pipe can also include a blower and/or heater to aid in the transport and drying of the pellets. The first dryer, the second dryer, or both can include a defluidizing section. The first dryer can be located at a higher level than the second dryer to facilitate movement of pellets from the first dryer to the second dryer.

Abstract: A column deluge suppression system for suppressing a hazard occurring in a grain dryer includes a plurality of vertical column sections and a segmented, annular manifold. The manifold is positioned around the upper section of the grain dryer in proximity to the grain columns. The manifold includes a plurality of elongated deluge drops that extend toward the grain column openings and permit water to drench the grain columns.

Abstract: A grain drying apparatus includes a housing for receiving grain. The housing has a bottom wall and a plurality of supports being attached to and extending downwardly from the bottom wall. An outer wall is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. An inner wall is positioned within the outer wall. A receiving space is located between the inner and outer walls and receives grain emptied into the housing. The inner wall has a bottom edge spaced from the bottom wall to define a release aperture that allows grain to flow outwardly from the receiving space under the inner wall. A heating assembly is mounted within the housing to heat the grain. An agitator is mounted on the housing adjacent to the bottom wall. The agitator extends under the inner wall and through the release aperture to agitate grain positioned in the receiving space.

Abstract: An baking case body of tunnel type sterilization dryer comprises a case body (1), an air intake cavity (24) which is disposed in the case body (1), a conveyor mesh belt (7), and an air return channel (22). The conveyor mesh belt (7) is located between the air return channel (22) and the air intake cavity (24). The air intake cavity (24) is divided into two or more than two independent air intake chambers (21) by one or more than one air intake partition boards (11). A heater (9) is disposed in each air intake chamber (21), and a hot air generator (2), a diffuser fan cover (3), a high temperature and high efficient filter (4) and a temperature probe (5) are disposed sequentially in each air intake chamber (21) from top to bottom. Air return partition boards (15) are arranged in the air return channel (22), corresponding to the air intake partition boards (11). The air return channel (22) is divided into two or more than two air return cavities (23) by the air return partition boards (15).

Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster. The invention includes a housing. Within the housing, a first set of trays and a second set of trays are mounted. The first trays and second trays are disposed such that they are generally vertically spaced from one another and in a generally parallel disposition with respect to each other. Means for mixing vapors are provided, and they are positioned in a vapor mixing zone which is intermediate the first set of trays and second set of trays.

Abstract: A granulation device comprises a wet granulation unit (2), comprising a chamber (4), for mixing a powder product with appropriate binding agents, and a dry granulation unit (3), comprising a chamber (26), for mixing a product exiting from the wet granulation unit (2); the dry granulation unit (3) being operatively connected with the wet granulation unit (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that enters the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal. A method of using the apparatus described above to upgrade coal.

Abstract: A chute for a laundry system having an inwardly tapered body extendng from an open top area towards a closed bottom end. The top edge of the chute is laterally spaced from the dryer unit and vertically spaced above the opening of the dryer's load door, while the bottom edge is connected to or abutting the dryer unit at a position vertically spaced just coincident with or below the load door. Side walls enclose the sides of the chute relative to the dryer. The door is equipped with a motor and mechanism for automatically opening and closing during loading and operation, respectively. The door may form the bottom trough portion of the chute. A programmable logic controller synchronizes the opening and closing of the door with the sling type rail system that drops the garments through the chute to eliminate the need for operator involvement with regard to the door.

Abstract: A drying apparatus under reduced pressure for a plastic molding material. The apparatus comprises a drying hopper provided with an airtight material charge valve capable of containing gas therein at its upper portion and a material discharge valve at its lower portion, and connected to a vacuum pump via vacuum piping, a heating means of thermal conduction type provided in the drying hopper, and a plastic material adherence preventing means in which a gas charge port connected to a gas tank storing gas via a gas changeover valve is provided between the material discharge valve and the drying hopper and stored gas is fed into the drying hopper by opening the gas changeover valve after predetermined time, thereby preventing adherence of plastic molding material.

Abstract: A grain turner for turning grain in a drying tower includes opposed generally vertical side walls and a generally vertical dividing plate (which is shorter than the side walls) extending between the side walls; the dividing plate defining inner and an outer vertical channels in a portion of the turner. An inner inclined plate is pivotally connected to one side wall to be within the inner channel and an outer inclined plate is connected to the other side wall to be within the outer channel. The inclined plates are pivotal between a first position in which they are inclined downwardly in a opposite widthwise directions and a second position in which they are generally adjacent their respective side walls. The inclined plates have a length such that when they are in the first position, their lower edges are proximate a bottom of the divider plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a dryer for drying particulate material, comprising at least one substantially vertical elongate container having: an upper inlet for receiving a charge of moisture containing particulate material; a lower outlet for discharging dried particulate material, whereby the particulate material travels under the influence of gravity from the inlet to the outlet; at least one substantially vertical gas permeable wall through which a drying gas can pass to contact the particulate material; the dryer also comprising at least one plenum on an exterior surface of the at least one gas permeable wall, covering ingress and egress openings within the at least one gas permeable wall.

Abstract: A screenless reactor design is presented. The reactor includes a series of overlapping vanes where solid catalyst can cascade down the vanes. Gas flows across the catalyst by flowing through the vanes contacting the catalyst and then disengaging from contact with the solid catalyst particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that enters the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal. A method of using the apparatus described above to upgrade coal.

Abstract: A hopper structure for treating granular material, comprising an inner sidewall section arranged, in use, as an upper tubular sidewall, a tapered lower section having a delivery mouth and an elongated insert body wherein said insert comprises an upper portion and a lower portion arranged at said lower tapered portion of the hopper and having its conicity facing away from said upper portion, said upper portion axially extending from the base of the lower portion up to at least one half of the upper tubular section at an angle ??0 with respect to a vertical line.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating low rank coal having a processor with transverse baffles. Coal is introduced into the top of the processor and passes through the processor by gravity. Heated relatively inert gas is introduced into the processor and flows through the coal, heating the coal and removing moisture from the coal. The temperature of the heated process gas, the size of the coal, the size of the inlet and outlet openings of the processor and the rate of flow of the coal are selected for optimum efficiency.

Abstract: A continuous gravity flow apparatus for heating and/or drying of particulate material is vertically disposed and is provided with an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom. The apparatus includes a flow passage for the particulate material which is defined between an outer housing and an inner housing. Each of the outer and inner housing defines perforated wall sections allowing for the flow of hot gas through the wall of one housing, into contact with the particulate material, and then out through the wall of the other housing. Manifolds are associated with the outer and inner housings to provide for uniform flow of the gas through the material. The perforated wall sections are positioned and designed to enhance particle-to-particle movement of the material to thereby avoid particle sticking and bridging problems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a desiccant cartridge (10) adapted for use in a canister (14) of an integrated receiver/dryer or accumulator assembly of an automotive air conditioning system wherein the canister (14) has an offset inlet port (16). The desiccant cartridge (10) includes a desiccant cup (18) having a center tube (36) and a desiccant cap (12) including a planar portion (44) having a recessed port area (46) provided with a first aperture (56), or first tube (72), for cooperation with a side tube (78) and/or the offset inlet port (16) of the canister (14). The cap (12) further includes a docking piece (80) provided with a second aperture (88), or second tube (92), for cooperating with the center tube (36) of the cup (18) when the cap (12) is retained therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering and drying a product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a container having a plurality of porous walls and a plurality of solid walls that divide the container into a plurality of product chambers, a plurality of vacuum chambers, and, preferably, a plurality of heat transfer chambers. Each product chamber shares at least one porous wall with an adjacent vacuum chamber. Each product chamber preferably shares at least one solid wall with an adjacent heat transfer chamber. According to the method of the present invention, a product is introduced into the product chambers, where the product is held while a substance is filtered from the product through the porous walls and the product is dried by reducing the pressure in the vacuum chambers and the product chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating dust from flue gases from combustion plants, especially solid fuel combustion plants, comprising at least one dust filter via which the flue gases are guided, and by means of which the dust from the flue gases can be filtered out as it passes through the dust filter. In order to produce a device which separates dust in a highly efficient manner and which can be operated in a highly reliable manner and be used to heat combustion air for the combustion plant, the at least one dust filter is embodied as a bulk material filter in whose bulk material heat from the flue gases can be collected when the bulk material is cross-flown by the flue gases and by means of whose bulk material heat collected from the flue gases when the combustion air of the combustion plant flows through the bulk material filter can be given off to said combustion air.

Abstract: A desolventizing system for removing solvent from a quantity of solvent-laden particles such as flakes comprises first and second desolventizer units, each having an inlet port for receiving solvent-laden particles, an outlet port for discharging at least partially desolventized particles, and a solvent vapor port. A solvent trap is connected between the outlet port of the first desolventizer through a first airlock, and to the inlet port of the second desolventizer unit. Particles entering the solvent trap through the first airlock are conveyed to the inlet port of the second desolventizer. The second desolventizer unit has an airlock connected to the outlet port of the second desolventizer unit.

Abstract: A continuous gravity flow apparatus for heating and/or drying of particulate material is vertically disposed and is provided with an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom. The apparatus includes a flow passage for the particulate material which is defined between an outer housing and an inner housing. Each of the outer and inner housing defines perforated wall sections allowing for the flow of hot gas through the wall of one housing, into contact with the particulate material, and then out through the wall of the other housing. Manifolds are associated with the outer and inner housings to provide for uniform flow of the gas through the material. The perforated wall sections are positioned and designed to enhance particle-to-particle movement of the material to thereby avoid particle sticking and bridging problems.

Abstract: A grain dryer control system uses the grain dryer discharge temperature to account for moisture reduction in the grain as it cools after discharge from the dryer. The control system includes moisture and temperature sensors and a means to control the discharge of grain from the grain dryer. Given a grain discharge temperature, a control temperature and a moisture reduction factor as a function of temperature, the control system calculates an expected moisture reduction in the grain as the grain cools. Grain is discharged from the dryer when the target moisture content after cooling added to the expected moisture reduction in the grain as the grain cools meets the measured grain moisture content in the dryer.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for making particles comprising: (a) spraying an emulsion, solution, or suspension, which comprises a solvent and a bulk material (e.g., a pharmaceutical agent), through an atomizer and into a primary drying chamber, having a drying gas flowing therethrough, to form droplets comprising the solvent and bulk material dispersed in the drying gas; (b) evaporating, in the primary drying chamber, at least a portion of the solvent into the drying gas to solidify the droplets and form particles dispersed in drying gas; and (c) flowing the particles and at least a portion of the drying gas through a jet mill to deagglomerate or grind the particles. By coupling spray drying with “in-line” jet milling, a single step process is created from two separate unit operations, and an additional collection step is advantageously eliminated. The one-step, in-line process has further advantages in time and cost of processing.

Abstract: A system for removing from a particle mass a liquid permeating the particle mass includes a vaporizing stage having a space wherein the pressure is less than the pressure of the particle mass. As the particle mass enters the vaporizing stage, the lower pressure causes much of the liquid to vaporize. Once vaporized, the vapor can be removed with a pump. A first stripping stage receives the particle mass from the first stage at a first particle inlet port and discharges the particle mass at a first particle outlet port. A first stripping gas inlet near the first particle outlet port of the first stripping stage injects an inert stripping gas into the particle mass. The inert gas mixes with remaining elements of the liquid and any entrained gas formed by the liquid, and the mixture is discharged at a gas outlet near the first particle outlet port. A second stripping stage having construction and operation different from the first stripping stage may receive the particle mass.

Abstract: Workpieces requiring low levels of contamination, such as semiconductor wafers, are loaded into a rotor within a process chamber. The process chamber has a horizontal drain opening in its cylindrical wall. The chamber is closed via a door. A process or rinsing liquid is introduced into the chamber. The liquid rises to a level so that the workpieces are immersed in the liquid. The chamber slowly pivots or rotates to move the drain opening down to the level of the liquid. The liquid drains out through the drain opening. The drain opening is kept near the surface of the liquid to drain off liquid at a uniform rate. An organic solvent vapor is introduced above the liquid to help prevent droplets of liquid from remaining on the workpieces as the liquid drains off. The rotor spins the workpieces to help to remove any remaining droplets by centrifugal force.

Abstract: The preheater and dryer device has a housing and a first collector is disposed inside the housing. A feeding device extends into the housing and contains a material to be dried and preheated. A movable and hollow central conduit extends from the upper end of the housing to a bottom portion of the first collector. The central conduit carries a hot and dry air into the housing. A first and a second conical shield are attached to the central conduit. The central conduit is movable between a first open position and a second closed position. The second conical shield is tightly held against the first collector to close the bottom opening thereof when the central conduit is in the second closed position and the second conical shield is separated from the first collector when the central conduit is in the first open position.

Abstract: A system for removing from a particle mass a liquid permeating the particle mass includes a vaporizing stage having a space wherein the pressure is less than the pressure of the particle mass. As the particle mass enters the vaporizing stage, the lower pressure causes much of the liquid to vaporize. Once vaporized, the vapor can be removed with a pump. A first stripping stage receives the particle mass from the first stage at a first particle inlet port and discharges the particle mass at a first particle outlet port. A first stripping gas inlet near the first particle outlet port of the first stripping stage injects an inert stripping gas into the particle mass. The inert gas mixes with remaining elements of the liquid and any entrained gas formed by the liquid, and the mixture is discharged at a gas outlet near the first particle outlet port. A second stripping stage having construction and operation different from the first stripping stage may receive the particle mass.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for improving the flowability of hygroscopic materials from a hopper wherein a desiccant containment device containing a desiccant material is located within a hopper that is used for transporting or storing granular or powdered bulk materials. The desiccant material captures moisture from the hopper atmosphere in order to promote the flowability of the bulk material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material, a device for carrying out said method and the use of said method in the production of dried ligneous plant material. The method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material comprises the following: a pressurization step in which a sealed enclosure containing the plant material is pressurized, whereby the pressure thereof is greater than that of the atmosphere; a stage in which saturating water vapor is created or injected; a stage in which the plant material is heated to the core by means of electromagnetic waves; a step in which the liquid exudates from said plant material are gravitationally recovered.

Abstract: Workpieces requiring low levels of contamination, such as semiconductor wafers, are loaded into a workpiece support or holder within a process chamber. The process chamber has a drain opening, slot or edge. The chamber is closed via a door. A process or rinsing liquid is introduced into the chamber. The liquid rises to a level so that the workpieces are immersed in the liquid. The chamber slowly pivots or rotates to move the drain opening down to the level of the liquid. The liquid drains out through the drain opening. The drain opening is kept near the surface of the liquid to drain off liquid at a uniform rate. An organic solvent vapor is introduced above the liquid to reduce or prevent droplets of liquid from remaining on the workpieces as the liquid drains off. An outer chamber may be provided around the process chamber to provide increased control of the process environment.

Abstract: A hot air slurry dryer having a cylindrical housing with a central shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. Material to be dried moves from an upstream end of the housing to an outlet at a downstream end. A hot air inlet is connected to the upstream end of the housing preferably at an upstream end wall. A material inlet is open to the side wall of the housing downstream of the hot air inlet. The shaft carries structure for breaking up the moist material introduced into the housing and mixing it with the hot air. In a preferred embodiment a drum is carried by the shaft at the inlet end of the cylindrical housing. The drum carries a plurality of agitator blades that pass close by the interior surface of the side wall of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for control of moisture content of material such as thermoplastic pellets (80) in a hopper (30) is controlled by supplying dehumidified air from a dessicant bed (90) to the hopper (30) and returning air from the hopper (30) to the dessicant bed (90). A dew point sensor (10) in the return air path determines the moisture content of the material (80) in the hopper (30), and when the dew point drops to a pre-set level, a diverter (134) causes the return air flow to bypass the dessicant bed (90) and to be re-supplied to the hopper (30) without dehumidification. Two dessicant beds are provided, one of which is on-process while the dessicant in the other is regenerated.

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 heat exchanger for use on existing grain dryers or integral to new grain dryers that recovers heat from the moist hot exhaust air leaving the grain columns and uses this recovered heat to preheat ambient air being drawn into the grain dryer via a blower. The heat exchanger utilizes heat exchange columns separated from ambient air columns by heat conductive walls. The heat conductive walls allow for a transfer of heat from the moist hot exhaust air through the heat conductive walls and into the ambient air being drawn into the grain dryer through the ambient air columns. The heat conductive walls do not allow for the mixing nor contact of the moist hot exhaust air with the ambient air. Therefore, heat is transferred to the ambient air being drawn into the grain dryer without the addition of moisture to the ambient air and the resulting decrease in moisture holding capacity that would result.

Abstract: By establishing a relatively flat, for example, non-sharply conical, top profile of wood chips in a treatment vessel (such as a chip bin), the chips will be more uniformly steamed or otherwise treated (or have the treatment time of the chips extended) compared to if a conventional sharply conical top profile is established in the treatment vessel. The relatively flat top profile of the chips in the treatment vessel is established by utilizing a plurality (typically at least three, and preferably four or more) individually controlled gates (typically having a substantially polygon shape, such as triangular). The gates are mounted below the inlet of chips into a treatment vessel so to deflect, not significantly affect, or substantially preclude the flow of chips past them into the vessel depending upon the positions of each.

Abstract: A heat exchanger 10 comprises a pressure vessel 14 having a feed inlet 11 in an upper part thereof for particulate material to be subjected to heat exchange and an outlet 13 at a lower part thereof for the outflow of particulate material from the vessel 14. A plurality of heat exchange elements, such as heat exchange plates 12, arranged in spaced relationship inside the pressure vessel 14 to define flow passages between adjacent heat exchange elements 12 is provided for particulate material to flow therethrough under the force of gravity. The pressure vessel 14 has an inside wall extending around the heat exchange elements 12 and further comprises a trap, such as a baffle 22, between the heat exchange elements 12 and the inside wall for trapping particulate material leaking from the flow passages between the heat exchange elements 12 to form a gas barrier 26 between the heat exchange elements 12 and the pressure vessel 14.

Abstract: A mobile Sand Dryer is disclosed. This dryer is substantially made up of two portions. The first portion of the Sand Dryer is a wet sand tank. This tank is essentially divided into two distinct portions; an upper wet sand holding chamber and a lower sand drying chamber. The two chambers are divided by a grate. The upper wet sand holding chamber is supplied with a removable lid as well as a fan which may be used to create a vacuum in the chamber. The lower sand drying chamber is supplied with a propane burner and a hopper bottom. During use wet sand is placed in the upper wet sand drying chamber via the removable lid. The wet sand collects on the steel grate as it is placed into the chamber. Upon ignition of the burner and the fan the vacuum crated by the fan tends to draw the heat and moisture from the sand up and out the top of the chamber. As the sand on the grate is dried it falls through the grate before finally be moved via a vacuum tube to the second chamber.

Abstract: A dryer for particulate materials comprising an elongated, peripherally enclosed combustion tunnel having a combustion chamber and an exhaust outlet, a liner spaced from and around the combustion tunnel, having an exterior radiant heat reflective shield, a peaked upper roof portion defining a pair of diagonal, flow dividing, slide surfaces, the upper roof portion being of a metal alloy having a low coefficient of friction and high thermal conductivity, a jacket surrounding and generally spaced from the liner, cooperative with the liner to form a material drying chamber between the liner and jacket, the jacket having a configuration similar to that of the liner and an interior heat reflective shield, an elongated, particulate material inlet conveyor in the housing above the upper roof portion of the liner for dispensing particulate material over the length of the roof portion to evaporate volatilizable substances therefrom, an elongated, particulate material discharge conveyor in the jacket, beneath the liner,

Abstract: A process of drying moist or wet carbon particles in a series of tubular drying sections by electrical resistance heating where the current is introduced into the uppermost column of carbon particles through a graphite block positioned at the center of the top of the said column by attachment to a steel plate that includes a flat or a V-shaped shelf and that is provided with openings to allow the moisture to escape in the form of steam and wherein the dried or partially dried carbon may be fed into a second or into a sequential plurality of similar sections provided with similar graphite blocks similarly positioned.

Abstract: A veneer profile wrapping process employs a water-base polyvinylacetate glue system which is activated before application with an acid catalyst. The glue is applied to the veneer by a roller applicator. The veneer is transported on a vacuum belt which prevents the veneer from warping while the glue is dried with fans and infrared radiation. The process employs a porous substrate, such as particle board, which is heated by infrared radiation on all sides. Polyvinylacetate glue is applied to the surface of the substrate, which will be wrapped with veneer and the heat of the substrate plus additional infrared radiation and fans evaporates and dries the glue. The glue on the substrate is dried for approximately 60 to 90 seconds and on the veneer for approximately 10-15 seconds on cross feed drying lines. The veneer is inverted on a side belt changer and forced into intimate contact with the substrate by heated metal rollers.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying cut wood has a cylindrical vessel with end covers at least one of which can be opened. The interior of the vessel is divided by a horizontal partition into a drying chamber above the partition, in which the wood is placed, and a condensation chamber below the partition. An opening in the partition provides restricted communication between the chambers. The interior of the vessel is filled with a drying medium made up of air and water vapor. A heater in the drying chamber heats the drying medium and a fan produces circulation of the drying medium in the drying chamber. The upper portion of the vessel wall, above the partition, is heat insulated while the lower portion, below the partition, is uninsulated and serves as a condenser for condensing water vapor in the condensation chamber. The lower portion of the vessel wall is cooled by a blower and by cooling coils in a foundation which supports the vessel.

Abstract: A vacuum dryer that has upper and lower platens brought together against the load handled by the application of a vacuum. A manifold, with means for producing a pressure within the manifold different from atmospheric, is used to seal one platen against the other. A flexible means joins the manifold to a platen whereby they are relatively displaceable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for drying timber in which the timber is fed gradually through a drying tunnel while at the same time being permeated by a drying air with a temperature below 80.degree. C. transported primarily in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel. Said drying tunnel is divided into two separate sections with said drying air divided into two circulating substreams, of which one flows through the first section of the tunnel in the direction of motion of the timber and the other through the second section of the tunnel contrary to the direction of motion of the timber, after which said substreams are conditioned and returned to their section.

Abstract: The invention relates in general to a reactor installation for countercurrent treatment of gases and bulk solids and, in particular, to a moving bed reactor installation with at least one reaction chamber which latter has at least one inlet and at least one outlet for passing therethrough a solid material present in bulk from the top toward the bottom countercurrently to a gas, at least one flow baffle by means of which the gas is conducted from the bottom toward the top into the bulk material present in the reaction chamber, at least one first sliding surface for the bulk material, arranged above the reaction chamber and terminating at its upper end into a feeding shaft or hopper and supplying the inlet of the reaction chamber with bulk material, and at least one second sliding surface for the bulk material, arranged below the outlet, wherein the sliding surfaces are inclined regarding the horizontal to such an extent that the bulk material is conveyed in the inclined direction solely under the action of gra

Abstract: Free-flowing solid particulates are cooled in an apparatus comprising a housing containing a multiplicity of parallel, vertical, expanded heat exchanger plates spaced at 15-100 mm and having passages therebetween. Each plate has continuous flow channels for cooling fluid therein. A fluid inlet and outlet are attached to the flow channels in each plate and common fluid inlet and outlet headers are attached to the inlets and outlets, respectively. A feed hopper for feeding particulates to the passages is positioned above and attached to the housing. A discharge hopper for receiving cooled particulates from the passages is positioned below and attached to the housing. The discharge hopper contains two adjacent parallel bins each having a swinging section operatively connected to an actuator activated by a level control means positioned in the feed hopper.

Abstract: A kiln for the drying of lumber utilizing panels attached to the kiln structure. The attached panels form the interior surface and the exterior surface of the kiln. The panels have a cavity for the placement of insulating material. The insulating material is encapsulated in a liquid impervious container thus preventing condensates from infiltrating the insulating material. The isolation of the insulating material from the ambient moist air of the kiln maintains the insulating quality of the insulation normally lost due to exposure to moisture laden air and also aids in preventing the corrosive effect of moist insulation in contact with the metal surfaces.

Abstract: A kiln for drying material such as lumber. A primary centrally located support structure supporting a roof which extends outwardly to opposite sides of the support structure. The support structure is hollow, and an air-circulating system uses this hollowness as a passage for circulating air.