Abstract: A method of and a system for surface pasteurizing or sterilizing low-moisture particulate foods, such as nuts, oats, and spices, is disclosed wherein the foods are pre-heated, pasteurized or sterilized in a gas, optionally dried, and cooled. The gas pasteurizing or sterilizing the foods contains water vapor and one or more further gasses, preferably air.

Abstract: A dual-purpose agricultural cart for transporting and conditioning grain or other particulate material. The cart features a transportable frame, a holding container for receiving and holding the particulate material, a fan, and one or more airflow channels each having an inlet fed by the fan and at least one outlet positioned to open into the holding container at an elevation at or proximate a lower end of the holding container. The particulate material is aerated via upward fan-driven airflow from the outlet(s) of the one or more airflow channels. The same cart used to transport grain between a combine harvester and road transport vehicle during harvest can be used after harvest, or during harvest delays, the dry harvested grain before long term storage or long-distance transport.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for distributing incoming fluid or for collecting fluid being discharged from a column forming part of an assembly of N columns in series intended to be used in a simulated moving bed separation process. The present device can be used to very substantially reduce the non-selective volumes at each column, while at the same time providing the flow with good synchronicity.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (wrist device) includes: a case (top case and bottom case); a display unit accommodated in the case; a cover plate closing an opening of the case; and a moisture absorbing member disposed along an outer edge of the display unit between the cover plate and the display unit.

Abstract: A method and system of vacuum loading powder used in rotational molding are provided. A loader has a hopper with a tangential inlet at the top and a discharge assembly at the bottom. A vacuum source generates a vacuum at the center of the hopper drawing air and raw material into the tangential inlet. A filter assembly between the tangential inlet and the vacuum source partially separating the air from the raw material. One or more load cells between the hopper and a platform measures an amount of raw material present within the hopper.

Abstract: A grain drying tower comprises a heater and blower separating a heating plenum and a cooling plenum. The dryer is provided with a heat reclamation/heat recycling system and/or counter-flow cooling to reduce the energy requirements of the tower dryer. The heat reclamation system comprises a chamber external to the outer wall of the tower and which is and located at a point along the drying path. The bottom of the chamber is open to the atmosphere. Hot exhaust air enters the heat reclamation chamber at the top of the chamber and is drawn back into the tower by the blower as the exhaust air exits the open bottom of the chamber. In the counter-flow, the walls defining the grain path of the in the cooling section are not air permeable, and air is drawn into the cooling section through outer wall ducts which are closed at the inner wall. The entering air travels up through heated grain to be warmed, and then enters the plenum through inner wall ducts, which are closed at the outer wall of the tower.

Abstract: A vacuum loader for providing granular resin material to resin material processing equipment has a loader housing, a vacuum motor, a dust filter, an air blast generator, a dump flap, and a pivoting manually releasable latch for retaining the lateral web and the loader from tilting rotation of the loader about the shaft and supporting the loader when placed in a tilted orientation; the latch being weighted to pivotally return to a web-retaining position when released by an operator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for continuously producing foaming compositions from powders, granules, and/or particulate are provided and/or powders, granules, and/or particulates that contains high pressure gas. The methods and systems are configured to reduce energy costs and overall processing time and, thus, provide advantages over the prior batch processes that have lengthy temperature ramp-up and cool-down times due to the shortcomings of using a large pressure vessel.

Abstract: A vacuum loader for providing granular resin material to resin material processing equipment has a loader housing, a vacuum motor, a dust filter, an air blast generator, a dump flap, and a pivoting manually releasable latch for retaining the lateral web and the loader from tilting rotation of the loader about the shaft and supporting the loader when placed in a tilted orientation; the latch being weighted to pivotally return to a web-retaining position when released by an operator.

Abstract: A counter-current shaft dryer with moving shelves for drying agglomerates of a small mechanical strength having a vertical shaft, which comprises a top charging zone, a multi-level drying zone, preferably comprising from two thru six levels and a bottom discharging zone. An outlet stub pipe or outlet collector of drying gases situated between the bottom discharging zone and the drying zone. An outlet stub pipe or outlet collector of moist gases situated between the drying zone and the top charging zone. Shelves of the charging zone and the discharging zone are made of a number of rectangular not perforated sheet metal plates. Shelves of the drying zone are made of a number of rectangular perforated sheet metal plates. Every rectangular metal sheet plate shelf is attached along its long edge to parallel pins mounted swiveling to walls of the shaft, transverse against the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: In a gas feeding apparatus for a powder and granular material feeder, in which a powder and granular material 3 supplied to an upper portion tubular hopper 11 is continuously supplied and discharged downward by a powder and granular material feeder provided below the tubular hopper 11, a first feed port 20 for a gas is provided in an upper surface 1a of a bottom plate 1? on a lower surface of a boss portion for a set of rotary blades 8 of the powder and granular material feeder so that the gas can be fed to a space S between the upper surface 1a of the bottom plate 1? of the powder and granular material feeder and the lower surface of the boss portion. Further, an annular damming plate 22 is formed on the lower surface of the boss portion on the outer side of the first feed port 20 so that the gas fed into the space S through the first feed port 20 can be fed in a radial direction into the powder and granular material feeder via slits 23, 24 provided around the annular damming plate 22.

Abstract: A high-precision, multidirectional air cross-stream grain drier without gradients comprises a continuous drier (1) with internal paths (2) for the grain stream defined between air ducts that fractionate the drying air stream, forming drying air inlets (3) and air outlets (4) arranged in parallel on either side of the grain flow paths (2) and alternating on different levels in such a manner that air streams from the right and from the left are alternatively and successively applied to the same grain stream column, along its entire path.

Abstract: The present invention provides grain-drying facilities which can effectively use the heat energy of a biomass combustion hot-air that has been generated in a biomass combustion furnace.

Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus for manufacturing high-quality coal products. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a housing and a heat conducting mechanism disposed within the housing. The heat conducting mechanism is provided with a heat conducting medium inlet proximate a material outlet end and a thermal conduction medium outlet proximate a material inlet end. The heat conducting mechanism comprises multiple groups of heat conducting units and the heating conducting unit comprises a plurality of heat conducting tubes. The heat conducting tubes are in communication with the heat conducting medium inlet and outlet. A plurality of fins inclining downward relative to the vertical direction are arranged along the longitudinal direction between adjacent heat conducting tubes.

Abstract: A novel collapsible aeration system is retrofitted into a grain bin with a discharge opening in the bottom. This grain bin may have a sloped or conical hopper or a flat bottom. The aeration system is formed from a set of connected (e.g. hinged) duct sections that define a round or multi-sided duct having a minimum of three sides or faces. The sides may be flat, curved or corrugated. The collapsible aeration system is folded (collapsed), inserted into the bin via a hole, and then unfolded inside the bin. An air duct is connected to the aeration system to enable the aeration system to dry the grain in the grain bin. This technology enables existing grain bins to be retrofitted with a dryer in an easy and efficient manner.

Abstract: A device for removing fluids from particulate materials, including a container having a circular process chamber with a cylindrical external contour, an input device for inputting the materials into the process chamber, a discharge device for discharging the particulate materials freed of the fluid from the process chamber, a feed device for feeding a fluidizing agent from below into the process chamber, and at least one conditioning device for conditioning the fluidization agent in the direction of flow prior to the feed device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hopper of an injection molding machine, which comprises a combined hopper, an electric heating air-blasting system and a temperature control system, wherein the combined hopper comprises two or more than two sub-hoppers; each sub-hopper is provided with an independent sub-feed inlet, an independent sub-discharge outlet and a branch air-blasting port capable of being controlled independently; all the sub-discharge outlets of the sub-hoppers are communicated with a thermostatic chamber arranged below the sub-discharge outlets; a main discharge outlet and a main air supply port are arranged at the lower part of the thermostatic chamber; and the thermostatic chamber and each sub-hopper are provided with independent temperature control systems respectively.

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: In a process for the continuous conditioning of gypsum plaster, the gypsum plaster is passed from a calcination facility connected upstream to a gypsum plaster cooler in the form of particles. In the gypsum plaster cooler, soluble calcium sulphate anhydrite is initially converted to calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate and calcium sulphate dihydrate to calcium sulphate hemi-hydrate, and crystal defects are eliminated. Subsequently, the gypsum plaster is brought into contact with ambient air and dehumidified by the latter and thereby simultaneously cooled indirectly.

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: 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 hopper for dehumidification of granular plastic material by a dehumidifying fluid includes a main body, having a top wall with an opening for the granular plastic material; at least one discharge opening for the dehumidifying fluid provided on the main body or the top wall, a tapered lower section with a discharge opening for the dehumidified granular plastic material, a fluid-sealed insert member delimiting an annular air space with the main body and the tapered lower section, and at least one dehumidifying fluid feed duct to the annular air space, the lower tapered section comprising at least one pair of walls to delimit at least one chamber that is outside the annular air space and in fluid communication therewith, the at least one chamber being feedable with dehumidifying fluid from the at least one feed duct oriented tangentially or parallel to an enclosing wall.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus for heat-treating powder particles each containing a binder resin and a colorant includes: a powder particle supply unit (3); a hot air supply unit (2); a cold air supply unit (4); a regulating unit (6); and a collection unit (5). The apparatus is characterized in that: a protrusion with a height of 2 mm or more and 50 mm or less is provided in a region on a downstream side of the powder particle supply unit and on an upstream side of the cold air supply unit in an inner wall surface of the treatment chamber; and the heat treatment apparatus has a cross-section plane, which is perpendicular to a center axis of the treatment chamber and situated at the region where the protrusion is provided, and Dmin and Dmax satisfy the following relation 0.50?Dmin/Dmax<1.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for drying a material or, more generally, flash evaporating a target substance having a vapor pressure threshold. The methods and systems include a conveyor conduit that receives material. The material moves through the conveyor and is expelled into a pressure drop zone created by one or more venturi nozzles. As the material encounters the pressure drop zone, the targeted substance in the material experiences a rapid and extreme pressure drop and simultaneously a rapid temperature increase. This causes the target substance in the material to flash evaporate virtually immediately. The resulting vapor is separated from the remaining material and the now dry material is collected for further processing or use. The vapor can be collected, condensed, exhausted, or otherwise treated depending upon the goals of a particular installation or process.

Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster and methods are provided wherein a solvent vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle solvent vapor throughout a portion of the desolventizer portion of the apparatus housing. In other embodiments of the invention, a water vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle water vapor throughout a portion of the toaster portion of the apparatus housing. The solvent vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate meal dust separator, blower and superheater. The water vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate ejector or blower and superheater. Water vapor recovered in the solvent extraction process may be used as a water vapor feed to the heated water vapor recycling system.

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: The present invention is a vertical drier which dries the asphalt road upper structural members like aggregate and like asphalt coating which is desired to be recycled (RAP) and which takes the humidity of said asphalt road upper structural members; and which has a vertical body having an end through which said members are discharged and having another end which is opened to an accumulation compartment; and where the hot air, heated by a heat source, is transferred inside said body. Said drier is characterized by comprising at least one drying box which has a chamber form where the poured members are accumulated in the inner part thereof and which extends orthogonally to the flow direction inside the body; in order to keep the members, which pour inside said body from an inlet part, for certain duration and in order to transfer said members from the outlet part to the accumulation compartment step by step.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suppress the increase of coarse particles due to the fusion of powder particles and reduce a ratio of particles that have been excessively spheroidized, when the powder particles are heat-treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indirect-heat thermal processing of material, such as a dryer or evaporator for treatment of particulate material, is provided. In one embodiment, a dryer for drying particulate material comprises a plurality of heat transfer plates arranged in spaced relationship for the flow of the material to be dried therebetween. Each heat transfer plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet for the flow of the heating fluid through the plates. A purge fluid delivery system provides a flow of purge fluid, such as air, gas or steam between the plates in a direction across the direction of flow of the material to be dried. The purge fluid delivery system provides a flow path for the purge fluid which is isolated from the flow of the heating fluid through the plates. A method for the indirect-heat processing of particulate material is also provided.

Abstract: A drying method is provided through a particular arrangement of air intake- and air exhaust roofs, wherein the particular material flows are not only impacted by intake air in an alternating manner from the left and from the right, but also an accumulation of air intake roofs and air exhaust roofs is avoided, which otherwise typically occurs at the separation plane between two chute modules, rotated relative to one another by 180°, which is performed for changing the side of the air impact. This method is advantageous in particular for drying parboiled rice.

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: A retrofit turner and sensor unit includes, on its upper portion, a grain turner for moving grain from a central portion in the grain pathway to a defined outer space for measurement. On its lower portion, the retrofit unit includes a moisture sensor and a temperature sensor provided in a plate configuration in line with the outer wall of the grain dryer for sensing moisture and temperature of grain in the defined space. In the preferred configuration, the plate sensor includes redundancies, and is mounted on a hinged door. The retrofit unit is easily installed into an existing grain dryer with columns and continuous flow capabilities, and electrically connected with a controller/processor and a motor for metering rolls which determine grain speed through the dryer.

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: Granular material is dehumidified by: a) providing a number of dry air generators inside hoppers containing granular material; b) for each dry air generator, evaluating the dry air flow generable and/or higher energy efficiency functioning time; c) calculating the dry air flow rate for each single hopper depending on the characteristics of the granular material; and d) activating a number of generators sufficient to deliver a total dry air flow rate equal to the sum of the flow rates required by the hoppers. The number of the generators and the generators to be activated are chosen depending on the flow rate deliverable by each and/or by their respective ranges of functioning at higher energy efficiency according to an energy saving logic. The remaining generators are deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomass product drying system having a fluidized bed for mixing, drying and transporting the biomass product through one or more stages in order to sufficiently dry the biomass product for commercial markets.

Abstract: The present invention provides grain-drying facilities which can effectively use the heat energy of a biomass combustion hot-air that has been generated in a biomass combustion furnace.

Abstract: In one aspect, a substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for forming a meniscus on a surface of a substrate by moving the substrate through a fluid; an air knife apparatus positioned to apply an air knife to shorten the meniscus formed on the surface of the substrate; and a drying vapor nozzle positioned to direct a drying vapor to the meniscus shortened by the air knife. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying grain in a storage bin as well as the method of drying the grain. The apparatus includes an air blower positioned outwardly of the storage bin which has an air inlet end and an air discharge end. The air discharge end of the air blower is in communication with the interior of the storage bin. A heat exchanger is positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the air blower and has an air passageway with an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end of the heat exchanger is spaced from the inlet end of the air blower. An infrared heater is spaced from the inlet end of the heat exchanger so that infrared rays from the infrared heater will be directed into the air passageway of the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger will heat the air being drawn through the heat exchanger by the air blower with the air blower sucking heated air from the air passageway and blowing the same into the storage bin to dry the grain therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials. The apparatus comprises at least one support, an oven (10) mounted to each support and adapted for receiving material to be treated: each oven (10) being moveable between a first position in which a first portion (4) is generally higher than a second portion (6) and a second position in which the second portion (6) is generally higher than the first portion (4) and in use, the or each oven (10) is repeatedly moved between first and second positions to move material within the oven. The apparatus including at least one afterburner (22) for generating a stream of hot gasses and conduit means for directing the stream of hot gasses into a treatment zone of the oven and exhaust means for returning the gasses to the at least one afterburner whereby the or each oven does not include an integral afterburner.

Abstract: An embossed screen having raised deflector elements on the internal surface is provided for a centrifugal pellet dryer. The deflector screen is formed as an integral structure, eliminating the need for separate deflector components secured by fastening elements along with the associated risks such as loosening or separation of the strip and contaminate build-up between the strip and the screen. The embossed deflector screen effectively deflects the pellets back toward the rotor where the pellets are reengaged with rotor energy, resulting in increased dryer efficiency and flow rate. The embossed deflector screen also enhances the overall structural strength of the screen, reduces manufacturing costs and prevents pellet entrapment that can lead to contamination in future runs.

Abstract: A counter-current shaft dryer with moving shelves for drying agglomerates of a small mechanical strength having a vertical shaft, which comprises a top charging zone, a multi-level drying zone, preferably comprising from two thru six levels and a bottom discharging zone. An outlet stub pipe or outlet collector of drying gases situated between the bottom discharging zone and the drying zone. An outlet stub pipe or outlet collector of moist gases situated between the drying zone and the top charging zone. Shelves of the charging zone and the discharging zone are made of a number of rectangular not perforated sheet metal plates. Shelves of the drying zone are made of a number of rectangular perforated sheet metal plates. Every rectangular metal sheet plate shelf is attached along its long edge to parallel pins mounted swiveling to walls of the shaft, transverse against the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hopper of an injection molding machine, which comprises a combined hopper, an electric heating air-blasting system and a temperature control system, wherein the combined hopper comprises two or more than two sub-hoppers; each sub-hopper is provided with an independent sub-feed inlet, an independent sub-discharge outlet and a branch air-blasting port capable of being controlled independently; all the sub-discharge outlets of the sub-hoppers are communicated with a thermostatic chamber arranged below the sub-discharge outlets; a main discharge outlet and a main air supply port are arranged at the lower part of the thermostatic chamber; and the thermostatic chamber and each sub-hopper are provided with independent temperature control systems respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials comprises a support and an oven pivotally mounted to the support. The oven has charging portion for receiving material to be treated and a changeover portion. Incorporated within the changeover portion is a heat treatment chamber through which a stream of hot gases can be passed. The oven is pivotally moveable between a first position in which the changeover portion is higher than the charging portion and a second position in which the charging portion is higher than the changeover portion. The arrangement is such that the oven can be repeatedly moved between the first and second positions so that material within the oven falls from one portion to the other portion, passing through the stream of hot gasses in the heat treatment chamber. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manure removal and drying system is used in an agricultural setting. The system includes a static pressure control system for regulating an amount of static pressure in a high pressure area of the agricultural setting, a variable speed loading system for varying a speed of operation of the system based on an amount of manure being removed and dried in the agricultural setting, a moisture sensing control system for detecting moisture from the manure in order to activate or deactivate the system, a selective capacity control system for selectively scaling a distance the manure in the agricultural setting is moved, and a friction reduction system for reducing the buildup of friction within the system caused by the movement of belts.

Abstract: Device for dewatering and drying solids, especially plastics granulated under water, in form of a centrifuge dryer comprising a housing (1) having an inlet opening (2) for the solid material with adhering water and an outlet opening (3) for the dehydrated solid material, a screen cylinder (4) fixedly disposed inside the housing (1), a rotor (5) arranged inside the screen cylinder (4) and wings (6) attached to the rotor at a distance from one another, a water drain (7), and arrangements (8, 8?) for the introduction and removal of an air stream passing vertically through the device. It is distinguished on the one hand in that the inlet opening (2) is arranged tangential to the screen cylinder (4, 10).

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: The present invention provides an improved continuous vertical feed pistachio nut dryer that has an inner compartment defined by bulkhead walls formed of smooth and seamless outer walls of perforated sheet stock, and has an infeed chamber with a batch hopper used in conjunction with an auger to provide a structure configured to operate in a batch fill mode wherein the inner compartment is filled evenly along the length of the dryer.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying grain in a storage bin as well as the method of drying the grain. The apparatus includes an air blower positioned outwardly of the storage bin which has an air inlet end and an air discharge end. The air discharge end of the air blower is in communication with the interior of the storage bin. A heat exchanger is positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the air blower and has an air passageway with an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end of the heat exchanger is spaced from the inlet end of the air blower. An infrared heater is spaced from the inlet end of the heat exchanger so that infrared rays from the infrared heater will be directed into the air passageway of the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger will heat the air being drawn through the heat exchanger by the air blower with the air blower sucking heated air from the air passageway and blowing the same into the storage bin to dry the grain therein.

Abstract: A low pressure dryer for granular or powdery material includes a plurality of hoppers rotatable about a common vertical axis serially among material filling and heating, vacuum drying and material discharge positions; pneumatic piston-cylinder means for rotating the hoppers about said axis among said filling and heating, vacuum drying and discharge positions; means for heating contents of a hopper at said filling and heating positions; means for sealing a hopper at said vacuum and drying positions; means for drawing vacuum within a hopper at said vacuum drying position and means for selectably permitting downward flow of dried granular or powdery material out of a hopper at said discharge position where said hoppers move collectively and unitarily one with another.

Abstract: A low pressure dryer for granular or powdery material includes a plurality of hoppers rotatable about a common vertical axis serially among material filling and heating, vacuum drying and material discharge positions; pneumatic piston-cylinder means for rotating the hoppers about said axis among said filling and heating, vacuum drying and discharge positions; means for heating contents of a hopper at said filling and heating positions; means for sealing a hopper at said vacuum and drying positions; means for drawing vacuum within a hopper at said vacuum drying position and means for selectably permitting downward flow of dried granular or powdery material out of a hopper at said discharge position where said hoppers move collectively and unitarily one with another.