Abstract: This invention relates to a heated steam atmosphere drying system comprising dryer in combination with an exhaust recompression system which is extremely energy efficient and eliminates dangers known to air dryers. The system uses superheated steam as the drying medium, which recirculated through the system where its heat of evaporation and heat of compression is recovered, thereby providing a constant source of heat to the drying chamber. The dryer has inlets whereby feedstock and superheated steam are fed therein. High heat transfer and drying rates are achieved by intimate contact of the superheated steam with the particles being dried The dryer comprises a vessel which enables the feedstock and steam to enter recirculate together. When the feedstock becomes dry it will exit the dryer with the steam and become separated from the steam through the use of a curvilinear louver separator (CLS). The CLS enables removal of fine and ultrafine particles from the dryer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for roasting barrels used in aging alcoholic spirits involves directing a heated air stream through the inside of the barrel at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined duration. Compared to prior methods and apparatus which utilize direct flame impingement and often result in nonuniform roasting and undesired burning of the barrel staves, a heated air stream produces uniform roasting of the entire inside surface of the barrel. An indexable conveyor adapted to hold a plurality of barrels moves each barrel into alignment with an outlet. A stream of heated air flowed from the outlet enters an open end of the aligned barrel. A diverter plate located at the other end of the barrel partially impedes outflow of the stream, thereby increasing residence time of the air to uniformly roast the inside surface.

Abstract: A sludge drying apparatus (10) including a housing through which air is recirculated wherein makeup air forms an air curtain assuring recirculation of heated air. The housing (12) includes a receiving station (14) in which sludge (20) is deposited on a conveyor belt (18). The conveyor belt (18) moves the sludge (20) to a drying station (16) where infrared heaters (42) radiate infrared heat on the sludge. Air for drying the sludge circulates from a fan plenum (28) to an air supply plenum (24). Air from the air supply plenum (24) passes across the face of the infrared heaters (42), and is directed downwardly toward the sludge (20) in a belt passageway (30). Air is returned through a return air plenum (26) located below the belt passageway (30). Part of the air received by the return air plenum (26) is ported directly from the belt passageway (30) to the return air plenum (26).

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for energy efficient drying of moist material, for example washed garments, using superheated steam as the drying medium. Apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a casing 10 which is thermally insulated and gas-tight apart from an outlet vent 11. The air initially within the casing is circulated by a fan 13 through a heat source 16 and through moist garments 17. The heated air produces steam from the moisture in the garments which, due to the resultant increase in pressure in the casing, eventually displaces the air from the casing. Continued recirculation of the steam through the heat source 16 causes it to become superheated. As the process continues, and more moisture is evaporated from the garments, a portion of the superheated steam is continually discharged through the vent 11 where it passes into a condenser where its thermal energy is recovered and is transferred by heat exchange to, for example, water which may be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A venting system for heat treating flat material webs or films has a drying chamber with a centrally arranged single blower for supplying treatment medium, such as heated and cleaned air, to the surfaces of the flat material. Air guide channels and ducts are so arranged that a single blower is fully sufficient while still obtaining a defined suction withdrawal of the air that has contacted the flat material surfaces. Sets of blowing nozzles face the surfaces of the flat material and are arranged for cooperation with suction nozzles for the return of the treatment medium to the suction side of the blower in a substantially closed treatment medium circulating circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for drying lengths of carrier material which have been printed with ink comprising an evaporable solvent. To maintain the concentration of the solvents evaporating from the printing ink, this concentration has to be determined. As known apparatuses for measuring the concentration are expensive, prone to faults and need regular calibration, the present invention provides a method for calculating that concentration. According to said method the concentration of the evaporated solvents in the gas mixture is determined by measurement of the temperature and flow rate of a mixture to be supplied to the burner, and by measurement of the temperature of the gas mixture heated by the burner and by measurement of the flow rate of the fuel supplied to the burner.

Abstract: A clothes drying machine comprising a housing having a drying chamber at the top thereof for drying the clothes hung therein, and an installation chamber at the bottom into which two air fans and a compressor-operated heat exchanger circulation coil are installed to produce heated convection currents circulating through said drying chamber and said installation chamber to an exhaust wherein moisture is carried out of the housing of the machine and thereby permitting dry, hot air currents to be continuously delivered into said drying chamber to dry clothes hung therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the removal of moisture from cellulosic products such as pulp, paper and molded articles, and textile products, wherein gaseous water (steam) in a superheated state is utilized in an energy efficient manner as the drying medium. The apparatus is an enclosed system the operates continuously to dry the products while preventing air contamination from entering the apparatus and thereby reducing its drying efficiency. The apparatus comprises a plurality of drying sections wherein the number of drying sections connected in series is a function of the type and volume of the product or products to be dried. Within each drying section there exists indirect steam heating means, steam-recirculation means, an individual steam-supply chamber, and sections of a steam-return chamber which is open and common to all drying sections in the series.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting heat energy of hot exhaust gases from a treatment chamber of a textile machine into electrical energy is provided. Hot gases exhausted from a treatment chamber of a textile machine of the type which uses heated gases such as, for example, heated air, are conducted to the compressor, combustion chamber and gas turbine assembly of an electric generator for driving of the electric generator. The exhaust gases can thereafter be conducted to a heat exchanger for releasing heat to be returned to the textile machine for use in its operation.

Abstract: A bakery oven of the type employing a continuous conveyor therein for carrying goods to be baked through an oven enclosure includes an air distribution system adapted to direct heated air from near the top wall of the oven enclosure to the bottom and sides thereof. The air distribution means includes a fan mounted on the top wall of the oven which includes at least one fan blade located within the oven enclosure, a fan shaft secured to the fan blade and extending through the enclosure top. The fan shaft is mounted on the top of the oven for rotation and is driven by a separate motor also mounted on the top of the enclosure in spaced relation to the shaft. A drive belt is provided to transmit rotary power from the motor to the shaft. As a result, the shaft is fully exposed for air cooling and heat from the interior of the oven is not transmitted to the motor.

Abstract: A bulk material dryer includes a cabinet with material inlet and outlet openings and air inlet and outlet openings. A conveying system is located in the cabinet for conveying the bulk material therethrough from the material inlet opening to the material outlet opening. An air handling system includes a supply duct subsystem communicating with the air inlet and a return duct subsystem communicating with the air outlet. A blower provides an airstream through the supply duct subsystem and draws air from the return duct subsystem for recirculation through a separator and a heater.

Abstract: A solar electric drying apparatus for drying and dehydration of articles positioned therein and collecting of clean distillate produced during the drying operation which includes a housing with side walls defining closable openings therein and defining an open top and bottom area. A top is translucent to permit light therethrough for warming of the distillation chamber defined therebelow. A distillation collection means including an accumulation container is positioned within the distillation chamber itself. A porous tray extends across the open bottom area of the housing upon which articles to be solar dried are placed. A support table is adapted to receive the housing structure mounted thereon detachably and includes a blower means capable of including a heating means for blowing of air vertically through the porous tray to facilitate drying and dehydration and to equalize temperature and humidity characteristics within the distillation chamber.

Abstract: An oven for converting raw plums into prunes by desiccation comprises an enclosure (1) with a double heat-insulated wall arranged as a tunnel and provided with air curtains (2 and 3) at its inlet and at its outlet. The air-agitation means recirculate a portion of the air within the enclosure, after filtration and condensation of water vapor on a cold wall. Electrical heating elements (65) are placed downstream of the device for condensing water vapor (60). The recovery duct (51) and blower duct (71) are placed laterally on opposite sides of the tunnel.

Abstract: An improved kiln for seasoning lumber. The kiln includes an air treatment and circulating assembly adjacent the top wall. The air treatment and circulating assembly includes a series of fan assemblies for circulating air to the lumber stacked within said chamber and means for heating air within said chamber. An exhaust venting system located on the downstream side of the airflow from the lumber stack and on the upstream side of the air treatment and circulating assembly is operable to exhaust moisture-ladened wet air prior to the air passing through the air treatment and circulating system. The kiln also includes an intake air vent located downstream of the air flow from the air treatment and circulating assembly and upstream of the stacked lumber which adds additional outside air to make up that portion of air which is exhausted through the exhaust venting system.

Abstract: A fast-cure process of manufacturing concrete products of critical shapes and strength requirements such as block, tile and pipe provides substantially maximum strength in a few hours as compared with the many months it would take in an ambient atmosphere. Critical shape is maintained without cracks, etc., by control of temperature, humidity and atmospheric CO.sub.2 within a kiln in which the uncured concrete products reside. The humidity is kept at saturation until substantially all the concrete reacts chemically with the water. The temperature is controlled to prevent excessive temperatures at critical times and to accelerate cure when the products can stand higher temperatures. Free hydrated lime is fast cured by a CO.sub.2 rich atmosphere at elevated temperature.

Abstract: The lead finish can be greatly improved on leaded electronic components in a vapor phase reflow process without extra process steps by providing an improved conveyor belt having supports for carrying the components in bug down orientation while preventing the leads from substantially protruding through the plane of the conveyor mechanism and simultaneously allowing for the free flow of the heated vapor through the conveyor belt and on top of the belts such that the leads of the electronic components rest on the tape. The remaining portion of the belt is of a large grid mesh to permit the free flow of vapors in the upper portion of the reflow chamber.

Abstract: A predrying tower serves for heat-treating a vertically conducted length of material. In addition to infrared heating rods arranged on each side of the length of material and over the treatment height of the drying tower, respectively one air supply box is arranged bilaterally of the length of material. The air supply box extends over the height and width of the drying tower, with air slots oriented to direct air toward the length of material. In order to obtain a circulating air system, the air is exhausted above the treatment zone over the width of the length of material and conducted to a fan arranged at the end face of the drying tower, this fan blowing the treatment air downwardly in an air recycle chamber arranged likewise at the end face of the drying tower. An air ramming or air collecting chamber is arranged on the underside of the drying tower over the operating width, wherein the accelerated air is laterally introduced and exits upwardly via a heating device into the air conducting box.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating selected portions of an article include transport means for moving the article into a heating compartment. Shroud means, which are disposed within the heating compartment and located adjacent to limited portion of the article, direct a stream of heated gas toward a marginal portion of this article. Supply means deliver a volume rate flow of heated gas to the shroud means, and discharge means remove a volume rate of exhaust gas flow from the heating compartment. The discharge means is constructed and arranged to provide a volume rate of exhaust gas flow from the heating compartment which is greater than the volume rate of heated gas flow supplied into the shroud means.

Abstract: An incubator for neonatology has a chamber to receive a baby and to maintain it under aerated and heat-controlled conditions; the chamber is enclosed by a bottom shell and a transparent topy casing; heating and aerating means as well as an air distribution system are provided; passage of heat-controlled air through the chamber is optimized by a pair of superimposed horizontal trays that define two air-conducting spaces, one between the lower tray and the bottom shell and the other between the lower and the upper tray; the upper tray includes an insert that supports the baby; the lower tray is about as long as the chamber; the upper tray is shorter but less wide than the chamber; longitudinal air-passing gaps are formed between the lower tray and the bottom shell and communicate with the lower air-conducting space; transverse air-passing gaps are formed between adjacent end walls of the trays and communicate with the upper air-conducting space.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus vitrifying radioactive fission ducts in liquid solution. The liquid solution is pumped in metered quantities from a feed container to a vitrifying oven. The offgas occurring during vitrification is scrubbed of entrained radioactive dust particles and the like by a scrubbing liquid in a scrubber. In order to obtain a simplified sequence of method steps for metering the liquid solution and for scrubbing the offgas, the radioactive fission product solution from the feed container itself is used as the scrubbing liquid. This fission product solution is taken from the feed container and conducted to the counterflow scrubber through which it is passed in a direction opposite to the flow of the offgas. The fission product solution used as a scrubbing liquid is returned to the feed container after passing through the counterflow scrubber.

Abstract: A large scale, industrial system and method for dehydrating fruits, nuts or other produce. The system includes two long air tunnels which are placed end-to-end. Each air tunnel has a conveyor which is used to transport the produce through the air tunnel. As the produce exits one air tunnel, it is dropped from one conveyor onto the other, thus permitting the produce to be turned over before it enters the second air tunnel. Each air tunnel is divided into a number of separate air chambers in which the heated, circulating air is confined so as to reduce heat loss, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the system, and also providing for separate control of the air temperature and humidity levels in each air chamber. Countercirculation of air between adjacent air chambers aids in confining the air through the separate air chambers, as well as the use of resilient flaps which are used to enclose the ends of each air chamber through which the conveyor enters and exits.

Abstract: A multipurpose basic apparatus for treating powders which is applicable to various powder treatments including spray drying, fluidized bed drying and granulation and fluidized bed continuous drying, which apparatus comprises a lower frame provided with a piping having two openings facing upward, an upper frame provided with two openings facing downward which are respectively positioned in coaxially alined relation to the above mentioned two openings of the lower piping, a feed pump for a sample and a feed pipe for pressurized air, and a lift for moving the upper frame up and down, the apparatus being designed in such a manner that either one or two of a fluidizing chamber, a filter chamber, and a spray drying chamber can be connected between one opening of the lower piping and the corresponding opening of the upper piping, and the other openings of the upper and lower pipings can be provided with one or more of a heater, an aspirator, and a cyclone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air agitation device that is positioned between two opposite sets of shelves on which the articles to be dried are placed.The device constitutes two identical crankshafts, oriented in the same direction, that rotate in synchrony with respect to axes perpendicular to the opposite surfaces of the said sets of shelves.To the crankpins of the said shafts are articulated, on opposite sides, two ventilation frames, each of which provided with a plurality of fins oriented suitably with respect to the said sets of shelves.The synchronous rotation of the crankshafts renders movable each frame, which oscillates with a harmonic motion in two inter-perpendicular directions, one of which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the passageway existing between the sets of shelves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for condensation heating. Articles to be heated are conveyed into a heating chamber which is filled with vapors of a fluid having a relatively high boiling point. When the vapors contact the article to be heated they condense thereon and transfer the latent heat of vaporization, thus heating the object. Vapors escaping from the heating chamber are trapped by flows of carrier gas at the inlet and outlet of the heating chamber. The carrier gas, which is thus partially saturated with vapor, is channeled into a gas/vapor separator wherein the vapor is extracted and recycled back to the heating chamber.

Abstract: The paper web is directly contacted with superheated steam to evaporate the water in the paper web by direct contact and to remove some of the superheat from the steam. The exhaust steam is again superheated and recycled back to the direct contact dryer.The paper web drying system includes a direct contact dryer, a superheater such as a heat exchanger, means for feeding the exhaust steam from the direct contact dryer to the heat exchanger, and means for feeding superheated steam from the heat exchanger back to the direct contact dryer.

Abstract: A machine for dehydrating food, as an aid toward preservation of food for extended periods of time. Intake air may be obtained from either the exterior of the machine or a combination of exterior and recycled air. Intake air is electrically heated and pressurized in a plenum chamber by a fan. The pressurized and heated air is released in a uniform laminar flow through a set of small openings, then along horizontally disposed shelves containing the food to be dried. The air is then selectively discharged into the atmosphere or a portion thereof is recycled and combined with new intake air and again passed over the food to be dehydrated. The percentage of recycled air is selectively variable over a wide range. Removable frames support either solid sheets or screens having mesh openings of desired sizes which support the food to be dried. The choice of a solid sheet or the mesh size depends upon the type of food to be dried.

Abstract: Copies or duplicates are made from a suitable original such as a silver f or a diazofilm onto a further diazofilm by circulating the ammonia gas in a closed, evacuated circuit including the developing chamber. The ammonia gas is compressed in the developing chamber and expanded again as it is returned to a heatable supply chamber. The apparatus includes a closed circuit arrangement between the supply chamber and the developing chamber as well as an evacuating device connected to the developing chamber.

Abstract: Film patterns are duplicated onto diazo-material in a developing apparatus which has a circulatory flow circuit with a pump for the developer ammonia gas to circulate the latter in sequential steps between a developing chamber and an ammonia gas supply container. Magnetic control valves open and close other valves in the closed circuit and in access circuits to make sure that the developing takes place in said sequence. The access circuits include an auxiliary gas container, a further pump and a vacuum container as well as further controlling and controlled valves for the sequence control.

Abstract: A combination heater, a processing oven and incinerator in which a single burner constitutes the source of heat for processing materials in an oven and also constitutes the means of incinerating the products of combustion to an innocuous residue, capable of being discharged into the air without environmental damage. The products of combustion do not pass through the oven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bulk tobacco curing and drying structure that comprises an elongated main housing having a cross sectional area substantially arcuate shaped and adapted to receive and support bulk tobacco or other crop material therein for curing and drying. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the elongated housing is of a generally cylindrical shape and supported by an underlying cradle support structure. Defined internally within the cylindrical housing is a drying chamber having laterally spaced supports for supporting a plurality of bulk tobacco containers or racks therein over a defined plenum area within the cylindrical housing. A forced air furnace system provided with the curing and drying structure acts to circulate air vertically through bulk tobacco contained within the drying chamber, and generally maintains a desired temperature level therein during the curing and drying process.

Abstract: A dryer apparatus is disclosed for drying sheet materials by contact with a drying fluid which is deflected towards the opposite surfaces of the sheet by deflector members spaced longitudinally along such sheet. A major portion of the drying fluid consists of internally generated superheated drying steam above 212.degree. F, to vaporize the water in the sheet material and remove it to produce the steam used for drying. A minor portion of steam is removed from the drying fluid and discarded to maintain pressure equilibrium. The drying steam is produced within the drying chamber from water evaporating from the material being dryed and is either heated to form the superheated steam within the drying zone where it is in contact with the sheet material or is removed from the drying zone, heated to form superheated steam and returned to the drying zone for contact with the sheet material during drying.

Abstract: This invention relates to a greenhouse, drying, storing and nursery system and entails a simple multi-purpose structure which includes the capability to effectively utilize solar energy within a greenhouse and is adapted to control temperature, humidity and other environmental parameters. The multi-purpose structure may be utilized as a drying structure wherein a crop material or some other suitable product may be placed within the greenhouse-drying structure and a curing and/or drying effect may be realized by passing a system of air through the product or material disposed therein. As a part of the curing and/or drying system, the device of the present invention is adapted to circulate a system of air through the structure and to effectively collect solar energy when available for use during the curing or drying period.

Abstract: Shown is a baking oven or other gas treating apparatus having a novel gas distribution-box construction for circulation or impingement of a gaseous treating medium around or against goods conducted through the apparatus. The present invention is particularly applicable to the baking of baked goods, but also is applicable to the drying or treating of particulate material or webs of material and has other uses.

Abstract: The air flow in one zone of a gypsum wallboard dryer involves removal of the air from the wallboard drying section at one end of the elongate wallboard drying section, followed by directing a major portion of this air through fans to accelerate the air flow, next heating the air in an elongate plenum, through which the air passes, by directing high intensity flame angularly into the air flow from the periphery of the elongate section, thus creating agitation within the air flow to create uniformity of temperature therethroughout prior to directing the heated, thoroughly mixed air back into the wallboard drying section, at an end of the section opposite to the end from which it was originally removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for drying materials by contact with a drying gas consisting essentially of internally generated superheated drying steam above 212.degree. F., to vaporize the water in the material and remove it to produce the steam used for drying. A minor portion of steam is removed from the drying gas and discarded to maintain pressure equilibrium. The drying steam is produced within the drying chamber from water evaporated from the material being dryed and is either heated to form the superheated steam within the drying zone where it is in contact with the material or removed from the drying zone, heated to form superheated steam, and returned to the drying zone for contact with the material during drying. A wood veneer dryer employing the invention is described as well as an apparatus for drying particulate material.

Abstract: In a machine which uses superheated steam for drying wet fabrics vertical curtains of hot air are blown across the entrance and exit openings to prevent escape of steam and to help dry the fabric. A portion of the superheated steam is piped from the drying chamber to a preheat chamber, which is located in advance of the drying chamber, thereby to preheat the fabric before it enters the drying chamber. The moisture driven from the fabrics is collected as wet steam from the top of the drying chamber and fed to a condenser the cooling water of which is thereby heated and saved for heating purposes.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for heating circulating air, particularly circulating air in drying equipment, a portion of the circulating air is exhausted from the drying equipment and conveyed to a combustion chamber for the thermal incineration therein. Prior to entry into the combustion chamber, the exhaust portion of the circulating air is preheated by a transfer of heat with oxidyzed gases produced in the combustion chamber. Thereupon, an outlet channel conveys all or part of still-heated incinerated gases either directly to the remainder of the circulating air in the drying chamber, or indirectly to an air-lock, or alternatively to a heat exchanger to heat the remaining circulating air in the drying chamber.

Abstract: A plurality of foraminous wedge-shaped tobacco leaf containers with leaf impaling means are arranged in a circular array on a plenum foundation having connections with an external burner and blower assembly. A center passage for hot curing air is surrounded by the array of containers and the air flows radially outwardly through the containers and tobacco leaves with the leaves oriented edgewise to the air flow. A return annular air passage surrounding the containers leads back to the plenum and exterior burner and fan assembly. The exterior wall of the apparatus is insulated to confine heat. The air circulation may be reversed in the apparatus.

Abstract: A tobacco handling and curing system and method is provided and in one aspect includes a curing container of generally rectangular solid configuration of which four side walls are generally imperforate and a pair of opposed side walls are perforate for the passage of curing gas therethrough. Such container may include one or more perforate interior transverse walls parallel to the opposed walls; adjustable edge baffles for the perforate side walls; and means carried by a pair of imperforate side walls to assist in handling the container. In another aspect of the present invention, novel curing mechanism is provided to receive a plurality of the containers and to direct gas therethrough at predeterminable temperature, humidity and volume.