Abstract: In the desolventizing of solvent-containing residues which are obtained in the extraction from vegetable, oil and fat-bearing raw materials with organic solvents and from which the so-called miscella containing oil and/or fat has been separated, the desolventization proper by direct action of a desolventizing agent, particularly steam, is relieved by interposing before the desolventization proper a pre-desolventization with indirect heat transfer, particularly indirect steam heating, and thereby the energy input of the entire system is reduced considerably.Moreover, the drying and cooling of the now solvent-free residue, which follows the desolventizing, can take place in a single, combined stage, whereby further relief of the volume of apparatus as well as the energy input is achieved.

Abstract: A heating and drying apparatus for powdery or granular materials, including a hollow column consisting of an upper disaggregation heat-exchange chamber having a plurality of baffle plates disposed therein arrayed in multiple stages with gap spaced retained between the adjacent baffle plates in the vertical and horizontal directions and a lower fluidized state heat-exchange chamber connected in series wth the upper chamber, a feeder of a material to be treated and an exhaust gas outlet port, both provided at the top portion of the upper chamber, and a heating gas inlet port and a treated material discharge device, both provided at the bottom portion of the lower chamber.

Abstract: Packing for a column for treating solid particles by direct contact between an ascending gas current and solid particles flowing countercurrent by gravity within the packing. The packing has an ordered structure, consisting of superposition of at least two stacking elements (1,12), each comprising shaped elements (2, 9) arranged parallel between themselves and with regular spacing, said spacing providing a passage opening between two neighboring shapes between 3 and 20 times, preferably 7 and 15 times, the average granulometry of said particles, and the vertical projection of the shaped elements completely covering a horizontal section of the column. This packing is very specially recommended in the presence of particles with a granulometry greater than 2 mm or having mediocre flow characteristics.

Abstract: Dehydration tower (22) for previous agitated organic material carried by a heated air stream, the tower containing a selectively rotatable series of baffles (42, 43, 44, 45) for varying the path length of the material, and thus the residence time, in the tower, as the material passes up the tower on one side of the vertical series of baffles (49) and then down the other side of the series.

Abstract: A combustion heater for oil shale heats particles of spent oil shale containing unburned char by burning the char. A delayed fall is produced by flowing the shale particles down through a stack of downwardly sloped overlapping baffles alternately extending from opposite sides of a vertical column. The delayed fall and flow reversal occurring in passing from each baffle to the next increase the residence time and increase the contact of the oil shale particles with combustion supporting gas flowed across the column to heat the shale to about 650.degree.-700.degree. C. for use as a process heat source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying welding flux in which flux to be dried is fed downwardly by gravity onto the uppermost of a vertically staggered, interleaved array of shelf plate support members within a drying chamber; and the drying chamber is swung about an axis generally parallel to the members while flux feeds downwardly by gravity from one to another of the members and while the flux is heated and dried.

Abstract: A vertical container holds and treats particulate material, such as comminuted cellulosic fibrous material like wood chips. The container includes a vertical interior wall, an open top, and a discharge outlet at the bottom. A top interior wall structure directs particulate material to a first false bottom concentric with it. The first false bottom is mounted for oscillation with respect to the vertical container and discharges particulate material through a discharge opening in the generally conical bottom thereof into a second false bottom structure. The second false bottom structure also includes a generally conical bottom with a discharge opening, and is also mounted for oscillation with respect to the container. Steam is preferably introduced into the second false bottom to effect steaming of the particulate material within it, and the container is held at super-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for gentle thermal treatment of flaky or granulated material with vapors in continuous operation, wherein the vapors are introduced from the bottom and conducted in countercurrent to the material falling downwardly by gravity and by the aid of additional mechanical means through one treatment stage or a plurality of treatment stages, the individual treatment stages being defined by perforated plates to which the material to be treated is fed by horizontal motion, the space below the lowermost, unheated perforated plate serving to distribute the gases or vapors and to admit the latter uniformly to the entire treatment space, the bores of the openings or perforations in the plates having a cross-section which allows the vapors, but not the material being treated, to pass therethrough, in order, on the one hand, to achieve optimum vapor exploitation and, on the other hand, to prevent any damage to the material being treated (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Heat is recovered from a hot particulate solid by passing the solid through a heat recovery zone having a countercurrent flow of gas and internal means for controlling backmixing and residence times, said internal means also containing a circulating heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A furnace for heating particulate material comprises an air-tight shell and a heat insulating lining which define a hollow shaft. Electrical resistance heating elements spaced along the length of the hollow shaft adjacent the insulating lining. A baffle system supported within the shaft promotes heating by radiation and convection. The baffle system has side supports vertically positioned within the shaft, a plurality of inner trays each defining pairs of sloping surfaces joined at a ridge, and a plurality of outer trays each defining a sloping surface. The outer trays are arranged to receive material falling from an inner tray thereabove and to deliver material to the ridge of an inner tray therebelow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for the continuous treatment of a porous, fibrous material such as paper pulp, with a gas, such as ozone. The material is entrained with gas and passed in a first path. The material and gas move in a path defined by a downwardly curved upper wall and an open bottom, with a baffle disposed adjacent the bottom termination of the downwardly curved wall, so that the material is separated from the gas, the material flowing in a second path and the gas in a third path, distinct from the second path. The material in the second path is moved so that it intersects the flow of gas in the third path at least once, with the gas passing through the material while remaining in the third path, until the desired treatment of the material has been achieved. Preferably the second path is a serpentine path including horizontal portions, and the third path is a substantially straight downward path. After treatment, the material is discharged in a fourth path, and the gas passes along a fifth path.

Abstract: Apparatus for predrying and preheating pellets involving an oscillating grate extending angularly downward across the predrying section and discharging into a preheating section. The grate is substantially equal in width to the width of the predrying section so that the gas flow area through the predrying section is substantially less than the gas flow area through the preheating section. Further, the grate includes a plurality of spaced members positioned to form a gas flow velocity therethrough greater than the gas flow velocity through the preheating section.

Abstract: The apparatus for drying organic materials such as for example brown coal has a space (5) maintained under a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure, the material to be dried being supplied to the upper end (12) of said space and the dried material being discharged from the lower end (20) of said space. Between the supply opening (12) and the discharge opening (20) there are provided obliquely arranged sieves (2, 6) and water-impermeable collecting spaces for the water separated on the sieves. The collecting spaces (3, 7) for the water separated on the sieves are connected with drain channels (9, 10), and several sieves (2, 6) are arranged one above the other in the manner of cascades, the lower edge of one sieve being located above an uppermost area of the following sieve (2, 6) as seen in flow direction (FIG. 1).

Abstract: This invention relates to a kiln of a compact upright configuration which is constructed so as to successively preheat, heat, and then cool aggregate in a continuous operation while avoiding wasteful loss of heat from the walls of the kiln or in the effluent gases. In the apparatus of this invention there is provided an upright hollow housing having an air inlet opening in a lower portion thereof and an air outlet opening in an upper portion thereof. A fan is communicatively connected to the housing for causing outside air to enter the air inlet opening and flow upwardly through the housing. A fuel burner is provided in the housing for combusting a fuel and thereby heating the air flowing upwardly within the housing.

Abstract: Relatively coarse aggregate is preheated continuously and in a highly effective manner by directing the aggregate downwardly along a predetermined path of travel while maintaining the aggregate in the form of a relatively thin layer and while directing a flowing heated gas upwardly along a predetermined sinuous path of travel repeatedly passing laterally back and forth through the downwardly moving layer of aggregate from opposite sides thereof to thus provide highly effective contact of the gas with the aggregate. The thin layer of aggregate is guided downwardly along a passageway formed by a pair of gas permeable retaining walls which extend generally vertically in opposing spaced relation to one another. The retaining walls are of a nonlinear zigzag configuration so arranged as to direct the thin layer of aggregate along a sinuous path of travel in the course of its downward movement along the elongate passageway.

Abstract: Relatively coarse aggregate is preheated to a relatively high temperature prior to introduction into a rotary kiln by directing the aggregate downwardly along a predetermined path of travel while maintaining the aggregate in the form of a relatively thin layer and while directing the waste heated gases from the kiln upwardly along a predetermined sinuous path of travel repeatedly passing laterally back and forth through the downwardly moving layer of aggregate from opposite sides thereof to thus provide highly effective contact of the gas with the aggregate, and while supplementally heating the waste heated gases so as to preheat the aggregate to a higher degree.

Abstract: A continuous grain drying and conditioning apparatus of a type including a burner and blower, or a multiplicity of burners and blowers, surrounded by a plenum chamber, air pervious grain holding walls positioned outwardly with respect to the plenum chamber is characterized by having a plenum divider which is selectively adjustable in position to divide the grain holding walls into a heating section and a cooling section. A multiplicity of grain turning apparatus of full and partial width of the grain column is disposed in the grain column for separating the grain mass into two or more separate divisions and then turning the cooler-wetter grain inwardly as it moves downwardly and turning the hotter-dryer grain outwardly as it moves downwardly in the grain column. Grain is constantly removed from the bottom of the apparatus at a rate governed by the average temperature of the air exiting the grain at a point adjacent the position of the plenum divider and a point closer to the input of the grain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and drying animal droppings at room temperature to substantially prevent the decomposition of the protein and urea therein. The droppings are collected on boards positioned beneath cages for the animals, and air at ambient temperature is forced over the droppings. The dried droppings are periodically turned and removed by raking apparatus which moves over the boards and either forces the droppings down tubular means to a conveyor below or sucks the droppings from the boards with vacuum.

Abstract: An industrial dryer particularly suited for small parts has a tub to contain the parts and a helical ramp along the interior tub wall. Vibratory motion makes the small parts move along the ramp. The tub has a double wall, the inside space between the walls defining an air plenum. The interior wall of the tub is formed with exit spaces through which the hot air emerges and blows over the parts as they move along the ramp. The plenum is continuously supplied with hot air to replace the losses. A unique method of forming the ramp from stair-step segments and partitions forms special conduits which focus hot air streams upon the parts as they move along the ramp in staircase fashion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying wet solid material are provided. The process comprises introducing material into a dryer, bringing it into contact with one side of a plurality of heated surfaces located therein and vaporizing liquid in the material. The liquid is withdrawn from the dryer, compressed to a pressure greater than in the dryer and returned to the other side of the heated surfaces where, upon condensation, latent heat energy is released therefrom and used to vaporize liquid in material on the opposite side of the heated surfaces, withdrawing the condensate from the heated surfaces and substantially dried solids from the dryer.The apparatus comprises a housing having entrance and exit openings and means for delivering material into and dried material therefrom located in the openings and isolating the dryer interior from the outside atmosphere. A plurality of hollow heat exchange means connected to an external heat source and to atmosphere are disposed in the interior of the dryer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment for the continuous treatment of solid substances in general, with specific applications for the gasification of coals and shales and direct reduction of iron ores. The equipment comprises closed vessels to which working pressure may be applied internally equipped with systems of deflectors which make them capable of the treating of solid substances in a continuous manner even when they are in the form of damp or clayey compositions, the said substances are fed into the vessels in moving beds or layers under gravity, in a downward direction, and are contacted with gases or vapors generated in the treatment per se and/or introduced into the vessels and circulate co-currently or counter-currently to the solid substance flow.

Abstract: An improved metering discharge device for particulate material, particularly grain, is described. The device comprises a plurality of tubes extending downwardly from a lower region of a vessel, particularly in uniformly spaced relationship across the bottom of a gravity flow grain drying chamber. Each tube has an upper end flow connected to the drying chamber and a closed lower end and also has a pair of opposed openings in the side walls. A rotatable auger extends laterally through the tube via the side wall openings. The tubes preferably arranged in straight rows with a single auger extending through each row. This combination of tubes and augers provides a simpler design as well as a more precise flow metering than prior metering rolls. Also included are a plurality of laterally spaced, inverted channel members with open bottoms extending across the drying tower immediately above the discharge floor structure, these channel members being adapted to distribute cooling air into the grain in the tower.

Abstract: A process for drying grain in which the grain is first heated to drive off a portion of the moisture as it passes along a conveyor, and the heated and partially dried grain is then discharged into a holding or steeping bin where the moisture in the center of the kernels migrates to near the surface and the temperature becomes substantially uniform throughout. The grain is then discharged onto a second belt where the grain is first heated to drive off a substantial part of the moisture remaining in the grain and then is cooled before it is discharged from the apparatus. Air is used to cool the grain before it is discharged and this partially heated air is utilized in both grain heating operations.

Abstract: A concurrent-countercurrent flow type grain dryer is described having an improved wet grain-drying air contacting arrangement. The dryer is in the form of a tower, with the grain passing from top to bottom by gravity flow. The tower has a wet grain bin at the top with intermediate drying zones and metering grain outlets at the bottom for controlling the rate of movement of grain through the tower. The drying zone is divided into several sections including at least two concurrent flow hot air drying zones with a steeping zone between each pair of concurrent flow hot air drying zones, followed by a countercurrent flow cooling zone. The use of two or more concurrent flow drying zones with intermediate steeping zones have been found to remarkably improve both the rate of flow of grain through the dryer and the moisture removal efficiency. Still greater efficiencies have been achieved by recycling the outlet drying air from one drying zone to the inlet drying air of a subsequent drying zone.

Abstract: An appartus and process for drying grain in which the grain is first heated to drive off a portion of the moisture as it passes along a conveyor, and the heated and partially dried grain is then discharged into a holding or steeping bin where the moisture in the center of the kernels migrates to near the surface and the temperature becomes substantially uniform throughout. The grain is then discharged onto a second belt where the grain is first heated to drive off a substantial part of the moisture remaining in the grain and then is cooled before it is discharged from the apparatus. Air is used to cool the grain before it is discharged and this partially heated air is utilized in both grain heating operations. The apparatus includes upper and lowersections with porous conveyor belts for moving the grain between a receiving hopper to the bin and from the bin into a discharge recepacle.

Abstract: A wheel mounted grain drier for towing behind a farm vehicle or the like. The grain drier having a pair of horizontally mounted augers with perforated hollow auger shafts. In the drier the grain is conveyed along the length of cylindrical chambers by the augers as a gas fired blower vents hot air along the length of the hollow auger shafts and out the perforations thereby drying the grain as it is conveyed.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an outermost, an intermediate, and an innermost compartment, the outermost compartment being provided with burners, activated carbon being supplied into, treated in, and removed from the intermediate compartment, and there being communication for gas between the three compartments. In revivification by the direct heating process, reactor gas is supplied into the outermost compartment, heated by the burners, passed into the intermediate compartment to contact the activated carbon being treated, and is then passed into the innermost compartment and exhausted therefrom. In revivification by the indirect heating process, reactor gas is supplied into the innermost compartment, passed into the intermediate compartment for treatment of activated carbon, and then passed into the outermost compartment and is exhausted therefrom, the innermost and intermediate compartments and elements therein being indirectly heated by the burners of the outermost compartment.

Abstract: Continuous flow grain drying apparatus having an upper, foraminous drying enclosure into which grain to be dried is introduced and which communicates with a lower, foraminous cooling enclosure. A first enclosed, foraminous duct in the upper enclosure defines therewith a first pair of passages which divide the downward flow of grain into two separate parallel streams, a blower and burner combination communicating with the first duct causing outward flow of heated air simultaneously through the first passages. A second, enclosed, foraminous duct is provided in the lower enclosure defining therewith a second pair of passages and a divider connects the first and second ducts and extends through the open ends of the upper and lower enclosures thereby coupling respective ones of the first and second passages so that the two streams respectively continue separate, downward, parallel flow through the second passages.