Abstract: The device for drying coal comprises a plurality of damping vessels wherein the coal is pre-heated by means of steam and/or hot water, thereupon damped in a second stage, and finally pressure-released. The several damping vessels 1-17 are combined to form groups. Each of these groups is provided with a common group conduit 18 conveying live steam for damping, with a common group conduit 19 conveying wet steam from vessels for overflowing other vessels, and with a common group conduit 20 conveying hot water for rinsing. Over the damping vessels 1-17, there are provided distribution conduits which extend over all groups and which are conveying live steam 38, wet steam for overflowing 39, and hot water for rinsing 40. The group conduits 18,19,20 are connectable via valves 41,42,43 to the distribution conduits 38,39,40. Thus it is possible to include selectively into the procedure of any group any vessel of another group or the additional vessel 17 (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The description is of a method for drying vehicles in washing establishments in which after the washing or clear rinsing step and before the drying step water containing a wetting agent is applied to produce a substantially uniform thin water film on the vehicle, wherein the drying is achieved through infrared ray generators or by means of other heat ray generators, and the moist air is withdrawn. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also described. The thin water film guarantees a rapid evaporation of the water from the outer surface of the vehicle with reasonable energy consumption and at the same time serves as an overheating protective device for the vehicle surface.

Abstract: A laundry conditioning product and method of making the product. The product employs a substrate of non-woven polypropylene or other polyolefin non-woven fabric having a water absorption capacity of less than 400%. The substrate is impregnated with a softening and conditioning composition including one of the di-long chain alkyl, di-short chain alkyl ammonium salts or cationic imidazolinium salts. The laundry conditioner works in a conventional dryer. The weight ratio of the clothes conditioner impregnating the fabric to the non-woven substrate is in the range of 2:1 to 0.5:1. The substrate is arranged in a butterfly configuration including a plurality of sheets bonded together along a substantially centrally located line with the edges of the sheets being free from each other.

Abstract: Washed articles of clothing 10 on hangers 27 are conveyed into a tunnel 11 having a hot air supply 20 followed by a steaming zone 12 followed by a drying and smoothing zone 13 through a narrow entrance opening 16 of a non-treating chamber 14 in an attitude parallel to their direction of conveyance (arrow 24). They are thereafter transferred to a conveyor 22 and proceed through the tunnel in an attitude transverse to their direction of conveyance (arrow 25), and finally exit through a narrow opening 19 in a parallel attitude. The narrow entrance and exit openings contain the steam, hot air and noise within the tunnel and conserve energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for efficiently and inexpensively deodorizing rooms, such as restrooms in commercial establishments, on an as needed basis is disclosed. The apparatus operates in conjunction with a standard hot air hand dryer commonly found in public and commercial washrooms, restrooms, showers, and the like. When the hot air dryer is used in conjunction with this invention, a powerful flow of air is moved past a deodorizer source thereby providing the deodorizing. Thus, the more useage of the hot air dryer, the more room deodorizing is provided. The apparatus includes a cup or housing container which is securely mounted or attached to the intake grill of the hot air hand dryer. The cup or container includes openings or apertures at selected locations such that the free flow of intake air is not inhibited. There is also included, in an unobvious location of the cup, a larger opening or slot suitable for placing a stick or disk of a vaporizable deodorizer in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying moist chlorinated polymers, which are separated from an aqueous suspension, comprises a centrifugal nozzle structure which has a discharge outlet associated with it and a fluidized bed drier provided with a closable discharge outlet. The discharge outlet of the centrifugal nozzle structure opens into the upper portion of the fluidized bed drier.

Abstract: The drying of a polymer solution by the removal of solvent is accomplished by flashing the polymer solution while spraying into a bed of substantially dry polymer particles. The dryer polymer particles coat the partially dried solution polymer droplets, and the remaining solvent is removed by the energy produced from the mechanical agitation of the bed and the passing of a heated inert gas through the polymer bed.

Abstract: A filament winding apparatus useful, for example, with a machine for heat setting filaments for tufted textile materials, such as carpeting. The apparatus includes two winding headers which are operated in synchronism for concurrently receiving two filaments from the heat setting machine and a tension device for applying uniform tension on both filaments as they leave the heat setting machine. A timing belt provides synchronism between the two winding headers and an anti-slip drive apparatus insures positive engagement of the drive rollers with the winding spindles in each header during the winding operation.

Abstract: A method of preshrinking a semipermeable membrane or blood bag of the type used in an artificial-kidney coil dialyzer, so as to prevent or minimize shrinkage of the membrane during sterilization of the dialyzer. The preshrinking method of the present invention includes the steps of passing the membrane through a humidity chamber in a free-hanging state and then into a warm air drying chamber. The amount of membrane shrinkage can be controlled by varying the residence time, the temperature and the humidity of the chamber. By preshrinking the membrane to approximate the amount of shrinkage which normally occurs during the sterilization, substantially all shrinkage during sterilization is eliminated.

Abstract: Low rank coal is dewatered and upgraded by heating a coal/water mixture at 150.degree. to 300.degree. C. at a pressure preventing water vaporization, mechanically separating the water, then heating the coal at 300.degree. to 400.degree. C. at a pressure allowing water vaporization.

Abstract: A bleaching packet comprising a porous pouch containing a dry granular hypochlorite generating agent for the release of bleach in the aqueous medium of an automatic washing machine several minutes after the beginning of the wash cycle.

Abstract: Closed water and steam conditioning system for peeler logs in which steam from the boiler house is supplied to an evaporator and clean condensate returned to the boiler. Steam from the evaporator is directed to conditioning tunnels for the peeler logs. Dirty condensate from the conditioning tunnels is delivered to a sump area in which the dirty condensate is screened and at least part of which is directed to shower heads in the conditioning tunnels. The remaining dirty condensate is then directed to the evaporator where steam is generated therefrom. Caustic soda is added to the acidic dirty condensate to maintain a basic pH.

Abstract: In an apparatus for drying solutions, dispersions or suspensions, distributor elements are moved by a central rotable installation between parallel planes. As the planes are not perpendicular to the axial shaft, the edges of the distributor elements touch and stroke over the whole surface of the heat exchanger. A self-cleaning effect of the inner surface of the drying apparatus is guaranteed. In a preferred embodiment the distributor elements are cylindrical.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of drying agglomerated moist particulate material, the particles of which when dry have a very low density. Drying is effected by supporting the material on a screen within a retainer, and by applying heat to the material in contact with the screen by way of an electrical or heat exchange type heating element. Vaporized moisture is extracted by way of a vent which extends upwardly through the retainer from a position adjacent the screen, so that the vapour is caused firstly to flow down through the screen and then upwardly through the vent.

Abstract: Reusable article of unitary construction for dispensing conditioner for fibrous materials in an automatic laundry dryer and/or washer or similar container for fibrous materials, comprising a first layer of magnetized, substantially form retaining sheet material such as soft rubber, adapted to forcibly, magnetically engage an inner metal surface of said dryer and/or washer in form-retaining relationship therewith and secured thereto in overlying relationship a second layer of sorptive material, e.g., foam plastic, natural or synthetic sponge for receiving the conditioner.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of simultaneously conditioning and drying laundry, as well as an apparatus therefor. According to the invention, laundry in an automatic clothes drier is periodically sprayed with fabric softeners and conditioners from a spraying device in the drier drum when the drum is stopped so that the spraying device is located above the laundry.

Abstract: In a sizing process for a warp sheet of yarns, a drying chamber has an upper first region, substantially void of a drying medium, and a second region containing the drying medium. A transversable warp splitting device is provided in the chamber which is traversable from the first region, where a plurality of splitting bars can be inserted through the warp sheet so as to split it into sheets of lesser density, to a second region, where the warp sheet is acted upon by the drying medium.A cooling medium is provided between the first and second regions so as to prevent migration of the drying medium from the second region to the first region.The splitting device comprises a carriage driven for movement along a track which extends in a downwardly inclined direction from the first region to the second region.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for drying moisture-containing particulate materials. The process comprises feeding the particulates to a drying vessel containing therein a hydrocarbon liquid maintained at a temperature sufficiently high to rapidly evaporate the moisture; stirring the articulate-liquid slurry in the vessel so as to maintain particle flow therein; feeding a hot hydrocarbon liquid to the vessel; heating the vessel wall above the liquid level to a temperature above the slurry temperature to prevent foaming; removing from the vessel an overhead vapor product; and condensing the vapor product to recover water and hydrocarbon liquid. An apparatus useful for carrying out the above-mentioned process is also claimed.

Abstract: An improvement on conventional clothes dryers including a spray nozzle, a control valve, and a water line coupled to an existing water source. The touch-up spray is used for removal of wrinkles from clothing and fabrics and permanent press clothing in particular without removing a garment's factory set creases. The apparatus may also include a water heating unit for spraying water of a selected temperature or steam. The apparatus may further be provided with a liquid additive dispenser for dispensing static electricity removal agents and clothes softening fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for at least partially drying a first substantially granular material inclusive of a fluid, and mixing the first material with a second substantially granular material, includes a container, a conveyor disposed in the container, and an air supply for blowing air into the mixed first and second materials. The materials then become at least partially loosened, are dried by the air blown thereinto, are moved operatively at least partially upwards by the conveyor, and are then allowed to drop downwards within the container.

Abstract: A process for drying and granulating sewage sludge. Wet sewage sludge is dried in either a thermal drying zone or a mechanical dewatering zone comprising a cylindrical chamber having a porous wall and a centrally mounted rotating helical screw conveyor which does not contact the porous wall. A plasticizer is added to the dried sludge and the resultant mixture is extruded to form fertilizer granules. Also disclosed is a process for filtering suspended solids from a water stream using the apparatus of the mechanical dewatering zone.

Abstract: Described is a sludge recovery apparatus in which influent is admitted downwardly via a vertical motor-driven dual-speed hollow coaxial drive shaft assembly into a hollow open-bottom downwardly-converging cone-shaped centrifugal separator member spun by the outer shaft of such assembly, where liquid from the influent leaves at the top and sludge from the influent is scraped from the inner wall of the separator member for gravity discharge at the bottom by a spiral-shaped scraper spun by the inner shaft of such assembly at a slightly different speed than the separator member. Sludge thus dislodged from such member drops onto a radiantly-heated continuously-rotated drying table having a discharge scraper station and automatic drop doors for gravity ejection of the table-dried sludge into an open-top sludge salvage container.

Abstract: A laundry finishing treatment rope for use in a mechanical laundry drier comprising an entwined strand of textile fibers in a cord form having both ends secured against fraying, the rope being impregnated with 10% to 90% by weight of a substance of the laundry finishing treatment type effective in a mechanical laundry drier; as well as the method of finishing laundry by tumble drying the laundry in the presence of the rope in a mechanical laundry drier.

Abstract: A washing machine having an outer tub, a perforate rotatable drum housed in the tub, and a timer for cycling the machine through a series of operating phases. The tub has an opening and a housing affixed to the outer surface of the tub such that a space adjacent the tub opening and communicating with the tub is provided. Ultraviolet lamps are positioned in the housing, a door is located on the housing for sealingly closing the tub opening, and the door is controllable between open and closed positions. The timer controls opening and closing of the door so that items in the drum may be irradiated.

Abstract: A laundry finishing treatment article for use in a mechanical laundry drier to treat fabrics with a substance of the laundry finishing type and a laundry odorant, the article comprising a hollow bag of two-layer composite sheeting having a pillowlike form closed on all sides, the external layer of said two-layer composite sheeting being an open-celled absorbent layer containing an amount effective to treat said fabrics of the substance, which substance is substantially solid at room temperature and softened or liquefied at elevated drier temperatures to enable a transfer of the substance to the laundry during the drying thereof, and the internal layer of the two-layer composite sheeting being a plastic film substantially gas-impermeable at room temperature and gas-permeable to the odorant at elevated drier temperatures, the film enclosing an effective amount of the odorant; as well as the process for after-treating laundry in a drier in which the above laundry finishing treatment article is introduced into a

Abstract: Drying articles by displacement and/or solubilization of water with an organic solvent, by dipping the article into a body of solvent which is made effervescent, the said body of solvent being separated, except at the top and bottom thereof, from a non-effervescent body of solvent by means of a baffle wall which extends from a level above the bottom of the solvent container to substantially the surface level of solvent in the container, whereby a circulation of solvent is set up between the effervescent and non-effervescent bodies, and water is removed from the upper part of the non-effervescent body of solvent.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for making hollow macrospherical particles. The particles themselves are particularly adapted for use as anti-perspirants. The particles have a diameter between about 10 and 74 microns, preferably predominating between 15 and 44 microns, and a greater than unit density. As such, they are not subject to deep lung penetration. The process for producing the particles comprises providing a solution containing the materials from which the particles are made, diffusing the solution through small pores by centrifugal force such that the resulting hollow particles have a diameter greater than the pore diameter, and drying the solution droplets in a stream of heated air. The apparatus for producing the macrospherical particles comprises a centrifugal atomizer having a porous sintered metal filter ring which is rotated inside a spray drying chamber.

Abstract: Washing and disintegrating means serve to wash and disintegrate the waste material and to continuously deliver the resulting washed and disintegrated material. A first conveyor serves to receive said washed and disintegrated material from said washing and disintegrating means and to remove water from said washing and disintegrating means and to remove water from said material. A dirt separator serves to receive said washed and disintegrated material from said first conveyor and to remove dirt from said washed and disintegrated material and to deliver the resulting cleaned material. A second conveyor serves to receive said cleaned material from said dirt separator and to remove water from said cleaned material. A water collector serves to receive water removed by said second conveyor. A return conduit serves to deliver water from said water collector to said dirt separator.

Abstract: A method of drying processed polyethylene coated photographic paper in an enclosed drying chamber through which the exposed and processed polyethylene coated photographic paper bearing an image on one side of its sides is made to travel.This comprises directing radiant heat onto the non-image bearing side only of the paper as it travels through the drying chamber and as a stream of air flows over the image bearing side of the photographic paper.The advantage of this invention over drying apparatus at present commercially available is that less heat energy is required to dry large photographic sheets.

Abstract: Mobile sand de-oiling apparatus can be transported along beaches to cleanse sand contaminated by oil and other liquid petroleum products washed onto the beach. The contaminated sand is conveyed into one end of the apparatus and deposited as a layer onto a specially constructed inclined laminated perforate tray. The tray osculates vigorously so that the sand is not only conveyed along the tray where it is exposed to a multiplicity of overhead steam jets, but also clumps of sand are bounced up and down with the result that the individual sand particles separate from one another and turn and spin so that their entire surfaces are exposed to the hot steam. The steam thins the oil which is driven from the sand particles by the steam jets through the tray into a sump. The clean sand is discharged from the opposite end of the tray onto a conveyor which transports it to a storage site.

Abstract: A method for the production of a fine-grained mixture of mineral solids such as pulverized raw material for the calcining of cement clinkers composed of several materials, one of the starting materials constituting a substantial proportion of the total mixture and having a grain size suitable for further processing, but having a relatively high moisture content, and another starting material also constituting a substantial proportion of the total mixture and consisting of coarse grained fragments. In accordance with the present invention, these two starting materials, together with other additives which might be present, are mixed and suspended in a column of heated air to dry the mixture to a moisture level suitable for further processing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying textile stock and the like which assures even, thorough and quick drying of a batch of stock. The process embodies the steps of passing heated air under pressure through the stock along a multiplicity of paths so that the air will not channel itself, but passes through the stock substantially completely in contact with all of the wet fibers. A second feature of the process is the concept of pressing the stock while passing heated air through the same along a multiplicity of paths. The process is further characterized by engaging a column of the stock between two platens, both of which are perforated and one of which is movable and applying a head of heated air under pressure above the movable platen so that the pressure of the air causes the platen to act somewhat as a piston, the air also being forced through the holes in the movable platen to pass through the stock along a multiplicity of substantially discrete paths.

Abstract: Object of the invention is a process for drying polychloroprene wherein hot air is blown onto both sides of the moist polychloroprene sheet. Optionally the moist sheet is exposed to infrared rays also. A further object of the invention is the dryer consisting of a warm air section and an air cooling section and optionally an infrared section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of bulk material, as e.g. heating to dry pasta (macaroni products), involves turning the individual pieces of bulk material and displacing them relatively to one another during treatment, and takes place in a throughflow fluidized bed. In one form heating is effected with microwaves, a fluidized bed duct acting as wave guide tube. Multistage processes are disclosed, including a pair of sub-steps involving separate heating and subsequent drying, at least the former utilizing microwave heating. The sub-steps can take place in separate treatment ducts which share a common air circulation duct, both the treatment ducts forming an integral unit.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors. In the preferred embodiment, adsorption of hydrocarbons vaporized during the drying step is achieved by mixing recycled dried solids into the drying zone effluent stream. The drying zone effluent stream is then separated into vapor and solids streams, with a portion of the solid stream being recycled as the adsorbent. The unrecycled portion of dry solids is preferably extruded in a separate operation to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. In another embodiment, a vapor stream derived from the drying zone effluent stream is contacted with the dry solids downstream of the solids-vapor separation zone to effect the adsorption of hydrocarbon vapors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying pulp, wherein the pulp is pre-dried to 60 to 70%, disintegrated and then formed into a layer of fibres on a moving wire which is dried by passing hot air through it to achieve a dryness of 90%. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the layer of fibres is cooled by air compressed by press rolls after which it is cut into sheets which are piled into bales.

Abstract: A continuous sludge heat treatment apparatus in sewage disposal system having an axially porous member within a vertical vessel and radial apertures in the side wall of vessel below the axially porous member, so as to have almost all part of sludge exposed to, and thus heated directly with, steam supplied through the radial apertures while the sludge fed into the head of vessel falls down in the form of thin strings through the axial pores and hits the tail of vessel.

Abstract: Fabric conditioning articles comprising a receptacle releasably containing a pH control agent or electrolyte, and fabric conditioning particles which have a coating of an agent which is insolubilized/made indispersible by the pH control agent or electrolyte. The pH control agent or electrolyte in such articles being separated from the fabric conditioning particles. Methods of using the articles are also provided.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors wherein the dried material is plasticized and extruded to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. A plasticizer and an extrusion aid are added to the dried material prior to extrusion.

Abstract: A process for drying organic waste, such as sewage sludge, by contacting the organic waste with hot vapors. Partial dewatering of the organic waste is achieved by admixture with a recycled portion of dried solids followed by extrusion of the mixture. The resultant extrudate is then dried, and the unrecycled portion is extruded in a separate operation to form compacted granules having good flow characteristics and suitable for application by commercial fertilizer spreaders. A plasticizer and an extrusion aid may be added to the dried material prior to extrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the production of commercially utilizable, homogeneous raw meal-like mixtures from fine grained, moist materials, particularly from sludges, slimes, slurries, etc., and additives.

Abstract: A hand drier comprising a fan arranged in a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a heating device for warming the air passing through the housing, is characterized by the provision in the housing of a micro glass fibre fleece through which the air is filtered. A sterilizer tube or lamp may also be provided in the housing for killing bacteria drawn into the housing by the air flow.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer is cleansed of loose foreign surface matter and chemical impurities near the surface in an apparatus which passes superheated steam over the wafer. Condensate is permitted to form and drip off the wafer. After rising above 100.degree. C the wafer becomes dry, and is removed from the apparatus and then permitted to cool.

Abstract: The present invention provides vinyl chloride polymers having a reduced content of residual monomer. They are obtained by treating with steam a product moist with water at a temperature of from 90.degree. to 125.degree. C under a pressure of from 400 to 1,600 mm Hg. The invention also provides an apparatus to carry out the steam treatment of the moist polymer. The treated polymers have a residual vinyl chloride content down to less than 0.001% by weight.

Abstract: When dehydrating and drying fine-grained products which are present in slurry form, dehydration is first carried out in a filter and in conjunction drying in a drying cylinder, inasmuch as the filtering takes place under pressure which is provided by means of the exhaust steam from the drier.

Abstract: Method and plant for preparing a non-caking powder by spray-drying a mixture of a concentrate of minimally 48% dry substance, such that in an uninterrupted drying operation the mixture is passed through the so-called sticky-zone, after which a subsequent cooling, rewetting and crystallization is performed, the latter three operations remaining spaced from said sticky-zone.

Abstract: A mixer-granulator, preferably a spiral path granulator, is combined with a pneumatic conveyor dryer in a process for converting a solution or suspension into a dried particulate product. In a preferred embodiment, the particles formed in the mixer-granulator show a non-equilibrium moisture distribution with an interior part of lower moisture content and a surface part of higher moisture content.

Abstract: Animal and poultry blood from slaughter houses and poultryprocessing plants is efficiently dried without loss or destruction of the desirable protein and amino acids content thereof and without creating pollution problems. In one embodiment, the raw blood is ground to break up gelatin-like globules, and masses of impurities such as hair, feathers, hide and the like, has the plasma coagulated at low temperatures, is next finely comminuted to form a free-flowing slurry and is then deposited onto the descending side of the top of a heated drier drum and formed into a film by one or more spreader rolls. In another embodiment, the raw blood is comminuted in a high speed hammer mill, screened, and fed to the drier drum, coagulated on top of the drum and formed into a film by the spreader rolls. The film is rapidly dried and scraped from the ascending side of the drum in the form of a dried sheet which can then either be flaked or pulverized to provide a high grade blood meal product.

Abstract: Cotton seed is delinted in a continuous system wherein dilute acid is sprayed onto a moving agitated horizontal column of seed while controlling the weight ratio of dilute acid to seed and then the wet seed is partially dried by being conveyed by a hot air stream to a cyclone as a flash drying operation and then formed into a horizontal moving column which is agitated by the combined action of (a) a combination conveyor-agitator and (b) the transverse passage of hot drying air to complete drying and then subjected to a scrubbing operation wherein the degraded fibers are removed and the fibers, other very light particles and odors are removed from the seed mass by an exhaust system.

Abstract: A scraper flight conveyor for preheating thermoplastic bulk material and feeding it to a screw extruder comprises a succession of controllably heated slideways arranged in superposed series, a plurality of scraper flights in sliding contact with each slideway and spaced along a path of travel over the surface thereof, and a drive operable to move the scraper flights on each slideway along the path of travel. The scraper flights push discrete portions of the thermoplastic bulk material along the path of travel. The delivery rate of the material to the slideways is controlled.