Abstract: A dryer for drying a liquid feed into a powder comprises a drying chamber defined by a chamber wall including a bottom wall portion; a feed inlet for receiving the liquid feed and dispersing particulate feed into the drying chamber; at least one air inlet for entering drying air into the drying chamber; and at least one drying chamber outlet for dried powder and/or spend drying air from the drying chamber. The feed inlet comprises a decanter centrifuge with an axis of rotation; a first axial end; a second axial end; and a solid phase outlet at the first axial end.

Abstract: A stereolithography apparatus having a build platform and a tray, into which the build platform can be immersed, wherein at the bottom in or on the tray a light-transmissive film is formed or arranged and is elastically deformable, having a light source or energy source underneath the film, the tray can be filled with flowable printing material, a control apparatus controls the movement of the build platform relative to the film and the control apparatus superimposes, during the substantially vertical release movement between a slice of a structure, produced by stereolithography, on the build platform from the film, upon the release movement a substantially horizontal, in particular translational, transverse movement which transverse movement extends at an angle between 60 and 120° relative to the release movement and has alternating, in particular reciprocating, movement directions.

Abstract: A water ozonation system (18) that receives source water (16) from a water source (14) and converts it to ozonated water (20) for use in a washing machine (12) includes a system body (30), an ozone generator (38), a sensor assembly (21), and a controller (46). The system body (30) receives the source water (16) from the water source (14). The ozone generator (38) is configured to generate ozone. The ozone generator (38) is coupled the system body (30). The sensor assembly (21) is also coupled to the system body (30). The sensor assembly (21) is configured to sense at least one ambient environmental condition and generate at least one electronic data signal based on the sensed at least one ambient environmental condition. The controller (46) receives the at least one electronic data signal from the sensor assembly (21) and regulates a level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator (38) based at least in part on the at least one electronic data signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the temperature control of objects, in particular for drying coated vehicle bodies, with a temperature control chamber with at least one lock region, a fresh air device for producing fresh air which can be supplied to the temperature control chamber, a circulating air device which extracts exhaust air from the temperature control chamber and produces circulating air which can be supplied to the temperature control chamber, an air intake device for supplying air to the temperature control chamber, and a control device. A fresh air volume flow and a circulating air volume flow can be supplied to the air intake device, and the control device is configured to control the fresh air volume flow and the circulating air volume flow in such a manner that the overall volume flow which is supplied to the temperature control chamber does not fall below a lower limit.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for pneumatically distributing material in an agricultural vehicle is described. In one example, the pneumatic distribution system comprises an air source having an outlet with different air pressures defining a pressure gradient across the outlet, and a plurality of inlet ports configured to receive air from the outlet for a plurality of distribution streams, comprising at least a first distribution stream with a first pressure loss value and a second distribution stream with a second pressure loss value that is greater than the first pressure loss value. The inlet ports for the first and second distribution streams are located relative to the pressure gradient such that the second distribution stream receives a higher air pressure than the first distribution stream.

Abstract: The substrate processing unit 1 comprises the rotating table 31 configured to hold substrate W, the processing chamber 37 which accommodates the rotating table 31, a lamp 61 is provided above the processing chamber 37 and configured to heat the surface of substrate W, the lamp chamber 60 which accommodates that lamp 61, a transmission window 62 disposed below the lamp chamber 60, and a plurality of nozzle 64 which supply cooling fluid G to the transmission window 62. Then the substrate processing unit 1 can suppress generating of a water mark or pattern collapse, and can perform good substrate processing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for depositing particulate material in a predetermined pattern onto a moving surface is disclosed. A particulate material may be fed under gravity from a hopper to a discharge zone containing a feed opening. A gas may be supplied, by a gas supply assembly, under pressure to the bulk of particulate material within the hopper discharge zone. The particulate material may be transferred through the feed opening to the surface of a transfer device, which contains a pattern of particulate-receiving recesses. The transfer device may rotate to a deposition zone and transfer the particulate material to a carrier layer.

Abstract: A grain dryer has a grain column configured to receive grain to be dried and ducts extending from a first wall of the grain column to a second wall of the grain column. The grain dryer is configured so that different numbers of the ducts are selectable for handling cooling air used for cooling the grain.

Abstract: A fluid product dryer and related methods. Implementations of a method for drying particles may include: introducing particles through an inlet into a first fluid bed section; migrating the particles onto a bed deck; injecting a gas towards the particles through openings in the bed deck; migrating some of the particles through a variable-sized gate opening between the bed deck and a riser; migrating a portion of the particles into the riser; propelling the portion of the particles in the riser upwards by an injection of a gas into the riser; directing a first fraction of the portion of the particles out of the first fluid bed section and into a second fluid bed section through an outlet using a deflector feature; and directing a second fraction of the portion of the particles onto a bed deck of the second fluid bed section by interaction with an impingement feature.

Abstract: The heat recovery system includes an oven having a treatment air with a treatment air temperature and a treatment air dew point temperature to treat a product or product in process. A zone outlet exhaust waste treatment air following the treatment of the product. A preheating zone includes a preheating inlet for the introduction of preheating air having a preheating air temperature and a preheating air dew point temperature to preheat the product. A transfer duct extends between the zone outlet of the oven and the preheating zone to transfer a portion of waste treatment air from the oven to the preheating zone to create the preheating air to preheat additional product. The preheating air preheats the product in the preheating zone to a product temperature that is at least equal to the treatment air dew point temperature to eliminate surface condensation on the product during treatment in the oven.

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: The invention relates to a method for kiln drying of material for kiln drying or kilning material, especially cereals, pseudocereals, oilseeds or legumes, and to an apparatus especially for conduction of the method, wherein the method includes, as process steps, provision of kilning material to be treated on a tray (20) having at least one opening (21) for formation of a layer of kilning material (D) and the production of a gas flow, especially of an air flow (L), and wherein the gas flow, especially the air flow (L), through the layer of kilning material (D) is generated from a space (X) facing the layer of kilning material (D) in the tray (20) having at least one opening (21) to a space (Y) facing away from the layer of kilning material (D) in the tray (20).

Abstract: The present invention improves corn dry milling in several ways. Integrated corn biorefinery processes are disclosed which can produce ethanol, edible corn oil, DDGS, solvent-extracted meal, power, and optionally crude corn oil, starting from corn. Some variations employ corn fractionation and edible corn oil recovery using liquid carbon dioxide, avoiding hazardous hydrocarbon-based solvents to produce edible corn oil. Some variations employ integration of gas-fired co-generation into the dry-milled corn ethanol plant to significantly reduce energy usage and carbon footprint associated with the overall process. Counter-current drying is preferably employed to produce a high-quality DDGS product with high protein content, low mycotoxin content, and low residual ethanol content.

Abstract: In a method and equipment for continuous sintering of pelletized mineral material, a partition wall (7, 8) arranged between two adjacent cooling chambers (4, 5; 5, 6) is in the height direction placed at a distance from the pellet bed (2), so that in between the partition wall (7, 8) and pellet bed (2), there is left a gap (s) that allows gas to flow between two adjacent cooling chambers (4, 5; 5; 6) through the gap (s) in order to equalize the pressure between the cooling chambers.

Abstract: A support structure for conditioning systems, such as blowers and/or heaters, that are used with grain bins and a method for installing same. To aid in aligning the conditioning system and grain bin, one embodiment uses beams that are partially embedded in the grain bin's concrete foundation and extend from the foundation. By linking the grain bin's foundation with the support structure that carries the conditioning system, the grain bin and support structure are aligned with respect to each other. Any movement of the grain bin's foundation will cause concomitant movement of the support base to prevent misalignment between the grain bin and conditioning system as time goes on.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus, system, and method for the drying of particulate agricultural matter, especially particulate crops, such grains. The present invention provides a crop particulate (i.e., grain) drying system utilizing solar energy to heat a heat transfer fluid or solution within concomitant forced-air and radiant heat systems which pass heated air through a crop particulate material contained within a conventional crop silo or bin. Electricity demand may be met through utilization of solar photovoltaic panels backed up by connection to an external power source (i.e. power utility).

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for indicating additional character combination choices from a disambiguation function on a handheld electronic device.

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 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: 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: This process embodies forcing air through grain and granular biological products using a high volume horizontal airflow from a central vertical pervious tube to one or more plenum chambers near the structure sidewall to dry or cool products. Cross-flow air movement can be supplied by either suction or pressure. This conditioning and drying method has advantages over conventional storage structures, especially where product depth is much greater than diameter. In this process, horizontal air typically moves only ? to ? of vertical distances. Horizontal airflow resistance through elongated seeds is 50-60 percent of vertical airflow. Power for horizontal airflow is typically 8-15% that of vertical airflow. Grain and seed drying costs will be 15-30% of high temperature drying. To enhance germination, storage and grain and seed quality, and to kill or exclude insect pests, ozone is applied to drying or aeration airstreams for treating stored products and storages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: A high throughput process and apparatus for thermal remediation of bio-solids, e.g., bio-sludge from wastewater treatment plants, has a dryer with a high capacity heat source to volatilize and combust the compounds contained in a first lot of bio-solids. The thermally treated bio-solids are discharged and cooled. Hot gases and fines formed are drawn into a second dryer where a second lot of bio-solids are used to cool the hot gases/fines mixture. An exhaust cooling recirculating unit is used to further cool the gas/fines mixture and separate courser fines before entering the bag house. Additional separation of the fines from gases is achieved in a baghouse or other suitable device for separating fine particles from gas.

Abstract: A drier for particulate material including upper, intermediate, and lower regions. The material to be dried is flowed through the regions while a fluid, preferably ambient air, is counterflowed to the material through the lower and then upper regions, but not the intermediate region, such that the fluid cools and dries the material in the lower region and preheats the material in the upper region. The material is further heated by a makeup heater in the intermediate region to a preselected temperature.

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 gasses 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 system and method for drying particulate material in a dual flow hopper employs multiple flow paths by which heated gas is inserted into the hopper at different levels. Gas is extracted from the hopper and is divided for flow along two flow paths, one of the flow paths receiving gas that has been dried and the other flow path receiving gas that has not been dried.

Abstract: A device for treating particulate material has a process chamber. A bottom of the process chamber is composed of baffle plates which overlap one another and between which slots are formed. It is proposed to design the baffle plates as annular plates, so that circular slots are formed, and to place the annular plates in such a way that a radially outer, first flow, directed from outside to inside, of process air passing through, and a radially inner, second flow, directed from inside to outside, of process air passing through are formed, the two opposed flows meeting one another along a circular breaking-up zone and being deflected into a flow directed vertically upwards.

Abstract: A system for drying particulate material in a drying hopper (DH) has a plurality of gas flow paths, one (FP1) of which extends from a compressed gas inlet (16) to a first sub-system (SS1) that includes a membrane dryer(MD) and a heater (EH′), whereby dried and heated gas is supplied to a lower portion (36) of the hopper, and another (FP2) of which extends from the inlet (16) to a second sub-system (SS2) that includes a mixing device (30) and a heater (EH). The mixing device uses compressed gas to induce a flow of gas from the hopper and mixes the compressed gas with gas withdrawn from the hopper. The mixed gases are heated and supplied to a second portion (34) of the hopper.

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: A method and an apparatus for drying plastic pellets utilizes a venturi air mover (20) in a recirculation loop communicating with a drying hopper (10) containing the plastic pellets. A portion of moist air flow in the recirculation loop is vented to the ambient atmosphere upstream of the venturi air mover. A conventional source of compressed air (16) is dried and supplied to the venturi air mover to provide the exclusive motive power for moving air through the recirculation loop.

Abstract: A device for treating particulate product has a process chamber for receiving and treating the product. A bottom of the process chamber is constructed from substantially plane baffle plates overlapping each other with slots formed between said overlapping plates. Process air can be introduced into the process chamber via said slots between said plates with a substantially horizontal component of motion. Said baffle plates and the resulting slots are arranged in such a way that two opposite flows of incoming process air are produced. Said two opposite flows are directed along a substantially horizontal path and meet along a breaking-up zone and are then deflected to form an upwardly directed, substantially vertical flow.

Abstract: A drying apparatus has a hopper (1) for receiving an object to be dried, and an air supply unit (2) for supplying a high pressure air to the hopper (1). The air supply unit (2) includes a compressor (8), a dehumidifier (9), a heater (10), an air supply passage (11) which connects the compressor, the dehumidifier and the heater in series, and is connected to a supply port (3) of the hopper so as to supply a high pressure air to the hopper (1), and an ejector (12) arranged on the midway of the air supply passage. An injection port of the ejector is connected with an upstream side of the air supply passage, a discharge port of the ejector being connected with a downstream side of the air supply passage, an intake port of the ejector being connected to an exhaust port (4) of the dry apparatus main body via a return passage (31).

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: An apparatus for the drying of particulate material in superheated steam in a closed vessel (1) has a number of upwardly open, elongated and substantially vertical processing cells (2) which are placed around a central part with a heat exchanger (3). The last of these processing cells (2) has a closed bottom and is the discharge cell (4), while the remainder (2) have bottoms (5) through which steam can permeate. The processing cells (2), which lie at the side of one another, stand in mutual connection through openings (11) at the lowermost ends of the cells, so that the particulate material which is dried by the superheated steam which is blown up from the heat exchanger (3) through the steam-permeable bottoms (5) can pass from one processing cell (2) to the next through the openings (11). The discharge cell (4) and/or the last of the processing cells (2) are provided with one or more substantially vertical plates for restraining and/or controlling the flow of particulate material.

Abstract: 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: A seed corn dryer capable of being switched between a single pass mode and a dual path mode of operation. The invention includes an air supply unit adapted to delivery drying air to only one dryer plenum in a dual path mode and to both dryer plenums in a single pass mode. One air supply unit includes a supply upper plenum and a supply lower plenum with a closable air passage therebetween. The dryer includes a center plenum partitioned into upper and lower plenums, with a series of corn bins on either side. Each bin has an upper inside air door, a lower inside air door, a lower outside air door and an upper inside air door. In one single pass mode, air is forced into both upper and lower dryer plenums, then either up or down in a single pass through an individual bin, exiting to the outside. In one dual path mode, air is forced only through the upper dryer plenum, then downward through a first bin, through the lower plenum, upward through a second bin, exiting through an upper outside air door.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the removal of liquid from particulate material by evaporation through the supply of heat, said heat being transferred substantially by superheated vapours or steam of the liquids existing in the particulate material, and where said method is executed in a substantially closed system. The particulate material is supplied continuously to a process chamber which is configured as an annual or partly annular chamber (1) which lies in a substantially horizontal manner, where the superheated vapours are introduced from below and up through openings (11) in a bottom (10) in the annular chamber, so that the particulate material is brought into movement by the superheated vapours, and such that a transport of the particulate material takes place through the annular chamber (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for the drying of particulate material in superheated steam in a closed vessel (1). The vessel consists of a number of upwardly open, elongated and substantially vertical processing cells (2) which are placed around a central part with a heat exchanger (3). The last of these processing cells (2) has a closed bottom and is the discharge cell (4), while the remainder (2) have bottoms (5) through which steam can permeate. The processing cells (2), which lie at the side of one another, stand in mutual connection through openings (11) at the lowermost ends of the cells, so that the particulate material which is dried by the superheated steam which is blown up from the heat exchanger (3) through the steam-permeable bottoms (5) can pass from one processing cell (2) to the next through said openings (11).

Abstract: A grain dryer which includes a grain column through which grain may flow is disclosed. The grain column has a discharge opening. The grain dryer further includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of the discharge opening of the grain column and a grain support member interposed between the metering roll and the discharge opening. The grain support member being movable between a grain support position and a cleaning position. The grain dryer yet further includes a transport bin positioned below the metering roll. The grain support member directs grain flowing out of the discharge opening to the metering roll when the grain support member is positioned in the grain support position. The grain support member directs grain positioned on the grain support member to advance under the metering roll and into the transport bin when the grain support member is positioned in the cleaning position.

Abstract: A grain dryer which includes a grain column through which grain may flow is disclosed. The grain column includes a left lateral discharge sidewall, a right lateral discharge sidewall, a lower discharge surface and an upper discharge surface which collectively define a discharge opening. The lower discharge surface is spaced apart from the upper discharge surface by a distance equal to D1. The distance D1 is greater to or equal to 5.0 inches. The grain dryer further includes a metering roll positioned to contact grain advancing out of the discharge opening of the grain column. The metering roll has a vane diameter equal to VD. The vane diameter VD is greater to or equal to 6.0 inches.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for drying of a material in the form of a paste or a filter cake in a spin flash dryer. Particles are separated by a classifier (6) in the chamber (1) in such a way that oversize fraction is withheld in the chamber (1) and the desired fraction is removed (3, 9). A possible undesired undersize fraction is strained off and recycled (4, 10, 11) externally back to the dryer chamber (1). The spent drying gas is recycled to the dryer chamber (1). In either, the energy in the spent drying gas may be made use of in a heat exchanger and there is no or only little emission to the environment. Products preferably dried according to the invention are fruit and beet pulps, destillers residues, pesticides, pigments, dyes, ceramics, active coal, sludge and zeolites.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for continuously drying, preferably with agglomeration and/or coating and sizing, and separating a solid product from a liquid feed material, especially bauxite slurry which passes through a very sticky phase during drying, without significant encrustation of the equipment used.

Abstract: An apparatus method of separating organic mass into its component parts in environmentally contained hygienic conditions at high thermal efficiency. One example is extraction of aromatic oils from citrus fruit. Organic materials derive from plants which contain (A) dry matter; (B) aqueous solutions and (C) secretions. The apparatus and method separates organic mass into these three components to create positive valuable products, frequently from negative value wastes. The apparatus and method utilizes a drying medium comprising a mixture of self derived superheated steam generated from part of the moisture given off by the material itself and air. The apparatus is fully enclosed, thus being environmentally benign and eliminating odors and deleterious emissions common to non-contained and/or direct fired dryers.

Abstract: A module used with a granular material dryer, such as a grain dryer. The module includes an outer wall, at least one channel and at least one outlet aperture. The channel is positioned relative to the wall such that the channel is in fluid communication with heated air otherwise passing through the dryer. The outlet aperture is in communication with a suction mechanism. Finally, the channel is associated with the outlet aperture such that the heated air will enter the outlet aperture, via activation of the suction mechanism, whereas the granular material will not occlude the channel or the outer aperture. In one preferred embodiment, the module of the present invention is configured to be insertable with an existing dryer to improve drying efficiency.

Abstract: A thermal desorption system for the treatment of contaminated solids.

Abstract: A metering unloader (101) for unloading a fluent material from a flow path (11) is disclosed. The flow path has a fluent material outlet (27). The metering unloader comprises an unloader body (103) having an outer cylindric wall (105) and an inner cylindric wall (107) spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall with the walls defining a chamber (126) therebetween. Means (117) is provided for rotating the unloader body about a vertical axis. Outer wall (105) has a fluent material inlet opening (119) such that with the fluent material inlet opening (119) in register with the flow path fluent material outlet (27), the fluent material will flow by gravity through the fluent material inlet opening (119) in the outer wall into the chamber (126). The inner wall (107) has a fluent material outlet opening (127) therein such that the fluent material in the chamber (126) will flow by gravity from the chamber to a fluent material discharge outlet (15).

Abstract: A module used with a granular material dryer, such as a grain dryer. The module includes an outer wall, at least one channel and at least one outlet aperture. The channel is positioned relative to the wall such that the channel is in fluid communication with heated air otherwise passing through the dryer. The outlet aperture is in communication with a suction mechanism. Finally, the channel is associated with the outlet aperture such that the heated air will enter the outlet aperture, via activation of the suction mechanism, whereas the granular material will not occlude the channel of the outer aperture. In one preferred embodiment, the module of the present invention is configured to be insertable with an existing dryer to improve drying efficiency.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying plastic pellets utilizes a venturi air mover (20) in a recirculation loop communicating with a drying hopper (10) containing the plastic pellets. A portion of moist air flow in the recirculation loop is vented to the ambient atmosphere upstream of the venturi air mover. A conventional source of compressed air (16) is dried and supplied to the venturi air mover to provide the exclusive motive power for moving air through the recirculation loop.