Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a clothes dryer includes: a refrigerant pressure sensor provided in at least one of a first pipe connecting an expander to an evaporator or a second pipe connecting the evaporator to a compressor; a refrigerant temperature sensor provided in the second pipe; an electronic expansion valve configured to control a refrigerant; and a controller configured to control the electronic expansion valve based on detection values of the refrigerant pressure sensor and the refrigerant temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer wafer is provided. Under bump metallization (UMB) pads are created on each of two heterogeneous wafers. A conductive means is applied above the UMB pads on at least one of the two heterogeneous wafers. The two heterogeneous wafers are low temperature bonded to adhere the UMB pads together via the conductive means. At least one stress compensating polymer layer may be applied to at least one of two heterogeneous wafers. The stress compensating polymer layer has a polymer composition of a molecular weight polymethylmethacrylate polymer at a level of 10-50% with added liquid multifunctional acrylates forming the remaining 50-90% of the polymer composition.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to an improved paint booth for drying water-based and solvent-based coatings applied to a vehicle. The paint booth provides a flash cycle for drying water-based coatings. The paint booth has an enclosure in which the vehicle may be placed, the enclosure having intake and exhaust outlets for an airflow. The paint booth also has one or more blower assemblies, the one or more blower assemblies for supplying the airflow in the intake. Each of said one or more blower assemblies includes a blower and a first three-phase AC motor. The first AC motor being controlled by a variable frequency drive controller. The paint booth also has one or more exhaust fan assemblies, the exhaust fan assembly including a fan and a second three-phase AC motor. The second AC motor is controlled by a variable frequency drive controller.

Abstract: A clothes dryer and a control method thereof are provided. The clothes dryer includes an air circulation system and a refrigerant circulation system, the refrigerant circulation system includes a compressor, a condenser, a throttling element and an evaporator; the air circulation system includes a filter device, an air circulation power fan and a roller, and the refrigerant circulation system does not include a subcooler; the clothes dryer further includes a controller, a temperature sensor or a temperature-sensing element, and a temperature and humidity sensing element; the controller is configured to control an operation of the refrigerant circulation system, the operation of the clothes dryer includes a temperature rise phase and a basic drying phase, and the compressor of the clothes dryer is configured to have a higher power consumption in the temperature rise phase than in the basic drying phase, to rapidly rise a temperature in the clothes dryer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying a piece of textile which is impinged upon by an air flow having a varied partial steam pressure to evacuate moisture. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for drying a piece of textile with a layered structure having a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid drying system where a cold-air drier and a desiccant drier are combined to increase drying efficiency (extent of dehumidification/power consumption), thereby shortening drying time and significantly reducing operation costs. The hybrid drying system includes a desiccant drier installed between an evaporator and a condenser and having an absorbing part configured to produce dry air from the cold-air dried air which has passed through the evaporator and a detaching part configured to supply recycled air heated by the condensation heat of the condenser as a recycling heat source; a heat exchanger configured to heat-exchange exterior air with recycled exhaust air with the recycled air to retrieve exhaust heat; and a control unit configured to simultaneously control a cold-air drying operation and a desiccant drying operation according to the humidity and temperature of the drying chamber.

Abstract: Dishwashers having phase change materials are disclosed. An example dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub defining a treating chamber with an opening, a door movably mounted to the tub to selectively open and close the opening, and a phase change material part of at least one of the tub or the door, wherein the transition temperature of the phase change material is below a maximum temperature of the cycle of operation, and wherein the phase change material releases heat during a drying portion of the cycle.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance is provided having features that allow for the recovery, storage, and use of heat energy present in fluids that have been used in a cycle of the appliance such as for washing or rinsing. Before or during the draining of such fluid from the appliance, the heat is captured as latent heat using a heat transfer pipe containing a phase change material. This heat can be transferred to another phase change material and stored as latent heat. The stored heat is then transferred to air or a clean fluid such as e.g., fresh water for use in another cycle of the appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a drying cycle of a laundry treating appliance by monitoring a temperature of the exhaust air flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of drying sections and a single point exhaust system. A seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential. A heating system is also provided for heating the seal exhaust gases above the pitch condensation temperature for the flow.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dryer and a method of controlling a cleaning operation thereof that are capable of supplying moisture into a drying chamber of the dryer to wet contaminants in the drying chamber and blowing air to the wetted contaminants to remove the contaminants. The method includes supplying moisture into a drying chamber to wet contaminants in the drying chamber and removing the contaminants wetted by the moisture.

Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus includes a drum configured to accommodate therein an object to be dried, an air suction device configured to form a flow path of air introduced into the drum, an air exhaustion device configured to form a flow path of air exhausted from the drum, a condenser disposed to heat air sucked into the drum through the air suction device, an evaporator disposed to cool air exhausted from the drum the air exhaustion device, and a compressor and an expander configured to constitute a heat pump together with the condenser and the evaporator. The method includes a temperature detection step of detecting a temperature change of air passing through the condenser or the air suction device, and a determination step of determining that refrigerant leakage has occurred when a temperature decrease amount measured in the temperature detection step is more than a predetermined level.

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 dehumidification plant for granular material, comprising hopper having loading mouth and discharge mouth for granular material, upper feeding mouth in the hopper and lower delivery mouth of a gaseous medium, humidity absorbent material designed to absorb the humidity conveyed by the gaseous medium; towers arranged to contain the absorbent material; supplying arrangement designed to feed the gaseous medium to the hopper and the towers; electronic control unit; detection structure arranged to detect process variables of the plant and electrically connected with the electronic control unit. The plant further comprises distribution structure designed to distribute gaseous medium from of the towers thereby feeding it to another tower from among the towers, the distribution structure being controllable by the electronic control unit between open position, portion of the gaseous medium contained in the of the towers is fed to the towers, and closed position.

Abstract: In a heat pump apparatus of the invention, a refrigerant is circulated through a compressor 31, a radiator 32, a first throttle apparatus 33, a heat exchanger 34, a second throttle apparatus 35 and an evaporator 36 in this order. The heat exchanger 34 can be utilized as both a radiator and an evaporator by operating the first throttle apparatus 33 and the second throttle apparatus 35. Therefore, even if the outside air temperature is high, discharge pressure and suction pressure of the compressor do not rise, the heat pump apparatus can be operated in a stable refrigeration cycle, and energy can be saved.

Abstract: A system and method for drying cavities loaded with high level waste (“HLW”) is devised. The invention utilizes a non-intrusive procedure that is based on monitoring the dew point temperature of a non-reactive gas that is circulated through the cavity. In one aspect, the invention is a method comprising: a) flowing a non-reactive gas through the cavity; b) repetitively measuring the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity; and c) upon the dew point temperature of the non-reactive gas exiting the cavity reaching and remaining below a predetermined dew point temperature for a predetermined time, discontinuing the flow of the non-reactive gas and sealing the cavity. In another aspect, the invention is a system designed to carry out the method.

Abstract: To control a temperature of a dryer system, particularly a laundry dryer, an ON/OFF relay control is employed to switch heater loads. A plurality of heating elements is used in order to more precisely regulate the temperature inside the dryer system. Further, a heating control system that includes a plurality of symmetric heating elements and a control circuit is used to maintain equal distribution of relay switching loads, resulting in an extended lifetime of each individual relay. Asymmetric heating elements may also be used.

Abstract: Methods and devices of drying biological materials are described, including a desiccation chamber that may be used to dry biological materials while substantially preserving functional integrity of those materials. The desiccation devices and methods provide optimal conditions and ease of use for drying biological materials. The devices and methods provided here may be used to prepare biological materials for use in one or more of diagnostic, therapeutic, industrial, and research applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehumidification plant for a granular material, comprising at least one hopper (2) having at least one loading mouth (3a) and one discharge mouth (3) for granular material, at least one upper feeding mouth in the at least one hopper (2) and at least one lower delivery mouth of a gaseous medium therefrom, humidity absorbent means (51, 52) designed to absorb the humidity conveyed by the gaseous medium; at least two towers (29, 36) arranged to contain the absorbent means (51, 52); supplying means designed to feed the gaseous medium to the at least one hopper (2) and the at least two towers (29, 36); at least one electronic control unit (46); detection means arranged to detect process variables of the plant and electrically connected with the at least one electronic control unit (46).

Abstract: A thermal method for stabilizing a load of wood, in particular timber, including: a phase of treatment of the load of wood in a treatment kiln by a gaseous treatment flow; generation of a gaseous treatment flow at high temperature from a heat generator independent of the treatment kiln and recovery of the loaded gaseous flow after treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of heat treatment of a solid piece of wood, such as sawn timber. According to the method, the temperature difference between the inside temperature of the heating oven and, correspondingly, the inside temperature of the wood is maintained at a maximum of 10° C., after the level of moisture content of the piece of wood has reached the fibre saturation point of the wood. A small temperature difference such as this is maintained when the temperature is further increased until a level of moisture content is reached at which the strength properties of the piece of wood are at their best. By means of the solution it is possible to considerably reduce the formation of internal cracks in heat treated wood.

Abstract: A pedestal dryer vent passes the dryer vent hose through the pedestal, allowing the dryer to be placed close to a wall and reducing the opportunity for kinks or obstructions in the vent hose.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a first detection unit for detecting a temperature of an inner wall of the vacuum vessel, a second detection unit for detecting a temperature of the processing unit, and a first control unit for controlling a temperature of the gas. The first control unit controls the temperature of the gas based on a temperature gradient between the temperatures of the inner wall and the gas or a temperature gradient between the temperatures of the processing unit and the gas. A method for removing particles from a processing apparatus includes a first detection step for detecting a temperature of an inner wall of the vacuum vessel, a second detection step for detecting a temperature of the processing unit, a first control step for controlling a temperature of the gas, and a gas introduction step for introducing the gas into the inner space of the vacuum vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drying a fibre-based pulp web (2), and to a drying box (1) used in the method. According to the invention, the drying box (1) contains drying zones (9a-9e), to each one of which hot drying air can be blown independently so that the web can be dried in the various zones at different temperatures. The temperature of the first zone (9a) can thus be lower than that of one or more subsequent zones (9b-9e) to prevent the water in the incoming wet web from boiling. The last zone in the drying box (1) can be a separate cooling zone (11), wherein the web is cooled by indoor air from outside the box. The temperatures can be adjusted by adjusting, with the aid of valves (8), the pressure of the steam, which heats the drying air that is fed into the various zones (9a-9e), on the basis of the temperatures measured by the sensors (23) for the various zones and of the basis weight and moisture measurements carried out on the web (2) that goes into the box (1) and comes out of the box.

Abstract: Disclosed in a control method of a clothes dryer. The drying method of a clothes dryer, includes: detecting a temperature of the air exhausted from a drum; determining a change in water content of a drying material on the basis of the detected temperature; and controlling a drying operation according to the water content change of the drying material. Accordingly, the air temperature in an exhaust port of a drum is measured, and a water content or a temperature of a drying material can be determined on the basis of data about a gradient of the temperature change.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is an accelerated drying process for wood, capable of use with all species and of maintaining the quality of the dried wood intact, in which the temperature of the system is kept within the glass transition temperature range, for an appropriate period so as to attain the intended humidity ratio of the wood. It relates to an accelerated drying process for wood based on the rheological properties (hygro-thermalviscoelastic) of the latter, where the glass transition temperature of lignin is used as a relaxant or neutralization agent for the residual growth stress of trees, as well as those from the drying process. The process is controlled by monitoring the temperatures of the wood through the use of thermocouples placed along the length of the pieces. Furthermore, the use of the process of the present invention provides a significant reduction in the drying time and a reduction of the defects because molecular fluidity is maintained.

Abstract: A compressed air supply system for an air drying device such as a blow-off air knife or compressed air manifold with nozzles directed at articles passing on a conveyor therebeneath is provided with a recirculation loop. An adjustably variable portion of the compressed air emanating from the outlet duct of the air compressor is diverted from the air delivery inlet duct leading to the air blow-off device and is a recirculated to the inlet of the air compressor, where it is mixed with ambient air at ambient temperature and pressure. The blower system recirculates between about one percent and eighty percent of the total air flow emanating from the compressor outlet duct to produce a fully adjustable total air temperature rise of up to twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit for each one pound per square inch of blower pressure above ambient air pressure.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank for performing semiconductor manufacturing. In one aspect, the invention is a method of supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: supplying a gas stream through at least one hydrophobic tube; exposing the outside surface of the hydrophobic tube to a liquid so that the liquid permeates the hydrophobic tube and enters the gas stream, forming a gas-liquid vapor inside the tube; and transporting the gas-liquid vapor to the process tank. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: at least one hydrophobic tube adapted to carry a gas; and a housing forming a chamber that surrounds the tube, the chamber adapted to receive a liquid that can permeate the tube, forming a gas-liquid vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the removal of moisture from seed cotton in a cotton gin. The moisture level and rate of seed cotton entering a seed cotton dryer stage of a cotton gin are measured, and, based on those measurements and the desired moisture level of the seed cotton, the seed cotton dryer stage of the cotton gin is controlled to remove a precise amount of moisture from the seed cotton.

Abstract: A control system for a clothes dryer has an inlet thermister located in the air flow system prior to the dryer drum to monitor the inlet temperature. This inlet temperature signal is provided to a microprocessor which samples this temperature over time and when this temperature exceeds a predetermined rate of increase with respect to time, the microprocessor generates an air flow restriction or blockage signal representing an air flow restriction or blockage in the dryer vent ducting.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and removing water and entrained solutes during a manufacturing process from a microelectronic device such as a resist-coated semiconductor substrate, a MEM's device, or an optoelectronic device comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially fabricated integrated circuit, MEM's device, or optoelectronic device having water and entrained solutes on the substrate; (b) providing a densified (e.g., liquid or supercritical) carbon dioxide drying composition, the cleaning composition comprising carbon dioxide, water, and, optionally but preferably, a cleaning adjunct; (c) immersing the surface portion in the densified carbon dioxide cleaning composition; and then (d) removing the cleaning composition from the surface portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the removal of moisture from particulized, solid food products, comprising; a housing (9); a perforated plate (2), creating two chambers (3, 4) in the housing (1), gas-inlets (5, 6), present below the perforated plate (2); an outlet (8) in the perforated plate (2), provided with a removable plug (9); heating means (15, 18) for the gases. The invention further concerns a process for the removal of moisture from solid, small particles, by subjecting these particles, while in an annular, fluidized bed to a heat treatment for a specific time.

Abstract: A dryer for drying a substrate includes: a bath containing a fluid; a chamber; and an isopropyl alcohol delivery system supplying isopropyl alcohol vapor to the interface between the substrate and the fluid when the substrate is removed from the fluid of the bath into the chamber. The isopropyl alcohol vapor is supplied perpendicularly to a vertical axis of the substrate. The dryer further includes a chamber environment control system that supplies a gas into the chamber to dry the substrate and controls temperature and humidity in the chamber and a chamber heater attached to the chamber to transfer thermal energy into the chamber. A drying method includes: immersing a substrate into a fluid contained in a bath; removing the substrate from the fluid into a chamber; and supplying isopropyl alcohol vapor into an interface between the substrate and the fluid perpendicularly to a vertical axis of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and removing solid particles during a manufacturing process from a microelectronic device such as a resist-coated semiconductor substrate, a MEM's device, or an optoelectronic device comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially fabricated integrated circuit, MEM's device, or optoelectronic device having water and entrained solutes on the substrate; (b) providing a densified (e.g., liquid or supercritical) carbon dioxide cleaning composition, the cleaning composition comprising carbon dioxide and a cleaning adjunct, the cleaning adjunct selected from the group consisting of cosolvents, surfactants, and combinations thereof; (c) immersing the surface portion in the densified carbon dioxide cleaning composition to remove solid particles from the surface portion; and then (d) removing the cleaning composition from the surface portion.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and removing water and entrained solutes during a manufacturing process from a microelectronic device such as a resist-coated semiconductor substrate, a MEM's device, or an optoelectronic device comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially fabricated integrated circuit, MEM's device, or optoelectronic device having water, entrained solutes, and/or solid particles or the like on the substrate; (b) providing a densified (e.g., liquid or supercritical) carbon dioxide cleaning composition, the drying composition comprising carbon dioxide and, optionally but preferably, a cleaning adjunct; (c) immersing the surface portion in the densified carbon dioxide cleaning composition; and then (d) removing the cleaning composition from the surface portion.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and removing water, entrained solutes and particulate matter during a manufacturing process from a microelectronic device such as a resist-coated semiconductor substrate, a MEM's device, or an optoelectronic device comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially fabricated integrated circuit, MEM's device, or optoelectronic device having water and entrained solutes on the substrate; (b) providing a densified (e.g., liquid or supercritical) carbon dioxide cleaning composition, the cleaning composition comprising carbon dioxide and, optionally but preferably, a cleaning adjunct; (c) immersing the surface portion in the densified carbon dioxide drying composition, and subjecting the densified carbon dioxide drying composition to cyclical phase modulation during at least a portion of the immersing step to thereby facilitating cleaning; and then (d) removing the cleaning composition from the surface portion.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and removing water and entrained solutes during a manufacturing process from a microelectronic device such as a resist-coated semiconductor substrate, a MEM's device, or an optoelectronic device comprising the steps of: (a) providing a partially fabricated integrated circuit, MEM's device, or optoelectronic device having water and entrained solutes on the substrate; (b) providing a densified (e.g., liquid or supercritical) carbon dioxide drying composition, the drying composition comprising carbon dioxide and a drying adjunct, the drying adjunct selected from the group consisting of cosolvents, surfactants, and combinations thereof; (c) immersing the surface portion in the densified carbon dioxide drying composition; and then (d) removing the drying composition from the surface portion.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a metal article. The system is used to employ a method that comprises placing the article in a means defining a chamber; subjecting the article to a gaseous atmosphere in the means defining a chamber, where the gaseous atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine; and subjecting the article to the gaseous atmosphere at a temperature in a range from about 815° C. to about 1100° C. to clean the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for drying mash-products, and more particularly to a 2-step device for drying mash-products comprising a first drying unit (a flow rotary drying unit) and a second drying unit (a mixing rotary drying unit), the first drying unit and the second drying unit being arranged in series, and a 2-step method for drying mash-products.

Abstract: A process for drying a polymeric material present on a substrate is provided. Temperatures of the polymeric material is measured and the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the substrate. A temperature of the substrate is also measured. A variation in the measured ambient temperature is detected. The substrate temperature, polymeric temperature, ambient temperature or a substrate drying spin speed is adjusted in response to the detected variation in the measured ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transporting substrates in all organic light emitting diode (OLED) process is disclosed, which has a transferring chamber provided for transporting substrates between processing modules and the atmosphere condition therein is able to be adjusted to be the same as the processing module by an atmosphere conditioner unit. According to the present invention, the substrates are not contaminated by moisture and the process operation and the factory layout are more flexible. Moreover, the OLED yield is improved.

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 drying apparatus for washed objects is capable of drying the objects in a reduced period of time, effectively preventing contamination of the objects during drying thereof, and attaining energy saving and a reduction in consumption of chemicals used. Mist of an organic solvent is generated by means of an ultrasonic wave in an organic solvent mist generating tank and the objects are immersed in a pure water tank, the pure water tank and organic solvent mist generating tank are then operated to communicate with each other to discharge pure water and place the objects in an atmosphere of the organic solvent mist, and then nitrogen gas is fed to the pure water tank to purge the organic solvent mist with the nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A room for bringing products to a specific desired temperature. The room is provided with a heat or cold source and detectors for measuring temperature in the room at a plurality of locations. A number of fans are positioned in the room in the region of a wall, floor or ceiling. In a prepared embodiment, the fans are displacable in a line along a wall, floor or ceiling of the room. In another embodiment, the fans are placed at a regular distance above one another. The line of fans may be displaced backwards and forwards along the wall from one corner of the room to the other. There is also provided a method of defrosting products, such as meat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying a microelectronic structure on wafer substrate using supercritical phase gas techniques and a unique pressure vessel locking mechanism. There is lid and a base with an open cavity to contain at least one microelectronic structure on wafer substrate. Clamping the lid to the base uses locking clamp rings with open jaws large to partially enclose the edge of the vessel. The clamp rings are supported symmetrically about the sides of the vessel. The rings are adjusted between an open position where the rings are clear of the vessel and a locking position where the jaws partially enclose the vessel. The jaws and the vessel share a tapered cam plate and roller system configured to bring the rings into vertically compressive locking engagement on the pressure vessel when the rings are moved into locking position. Mechanical interlocks provide security against back pressure opening the rings.

Abstract: A processing apparatus including a drying part provided with at least a drying fan and a drying heater to automatically develop a photosensitive material wherein the drying part further includes a means for detecting reduction in air amount of the drying fan.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material such as a jet veneer dryer. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of individual, juxtaposed drying sections. Each drying section circulates air in a path substantially transverse to the path of movement through the dryer. A single point exhaust system extracts the exhaust from the first drying section. A wet seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the wet seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the wet seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the wet seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential.

Abstract: A combined radiant and convection oven controls the rate at which heat is transferred to an object being dried within the oven by varying the flow rate of convection air delivered to the oven's heating chamber. The radiating surfaces within the oven are heated by a novel arrangement of longitudinally extending ducts, each duct associated independently with a different radiating surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a pressurized reactor system in order to precisely control the temperature within a pressure vessel in order to minimize condensation of corrosive materials from gases on the surfaces of the pressure vessel or contained circulating fluidized bed reactor, and to prevent the temperature of the components from reaching a detrimentally high level, while at the same time allowing quick heating of the pressure vessel interior volume during start-up. Superatmospheric pressure gas is introduced from the first conduit into the fluidized bed reactor and heat derived reactions such as combustion and gassification are maintained in the reactor. Gas is exhausted from the reactor and pressure vessel through a second conduit.