Abstract: An enclosed type air circulation drying mechanism includes a housing for receiving the food. The housing has two side chambers each for receiving a blower and two heating members and an evaporator for drying the air. Two or more fans are disposed in the side chambers and arranged in an antisymmetric condition for generating an eddy current and for removing the humidity from the food. The refrigerant is received in a low pressure container and pumped to a condenser by a compressor. An evaporator may remove the humidity from the air.

Abstract: In order to uniformly dry a large number of electronic components such as multilayer capacitors with high thermal efficiency in a short time, a vat, whose bottom wall is formed by a net, receives a plurality of electronic components. In a closed housing, hot air which is heated by a heater is forced to pass through the plurality of electronic components and the bottom wall of the vat by attraction by an air attracter.

Abstract: A process for drying water-containing materials in a closed-circuit system using a vertical drying tower having inlets located at a lower portion of the tower, the inlets circulating superheated steam in countercurrent to the water-containing materials descending through the vertical drying tower thereby drying the water-containing materials, the improvement being:(a) providing an auxiliary fluid having a temperature below that of the superheated steam entering into the vertical drying tower;(b) providing a double jacket having a permeable inner wall wherein the double jacket surrounds the lower portion of the vertical drying tower below the inlets; and(c) introducing the auxiliary fluid through the permeable inner wall of the double jacket and into the vertical drying tower in a tangential or radial direction relative to the permeable inner wall.

Abstract: A no-vent dry kiln for drying wood products such as lumber. The kiln has a dehumidification unit to remove excess moisture from the air utilized as the drying media. The dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures of the air within the kiln enclosure are precisely monitored to control the conditions of the atmosphere within the kiln enclosure. The kiln has a dehumidification unit to remove excess moisture from the air and to retain the sensible heat of the air stream passing through the dehumidification unit. The air stream, under a controlled flow rate passes through a first coil which removes the sensible heat from the air stream to lower the temperature of the air stream to at or below its saturation temperature. The heat removed by the first coil is transferred to a third coil down stream. A second coil downstream from the first coil lowers the temperature of the air stream well below the dew point causing the condensing of moisture. The condensed moisture is removed by a condensate removal system.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates includes chemically treating at least one substrate in a container with at least one treatment fluid and washing said at least one substrate with a washing fluid in the same container. Subsequently, the at least one substrate is dried.

Abstract: Vaporizing and concentration drying apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus and method prepare good quality of condensed water and save evaporation energy and are wide used in making contaminated waste water become distilled water and in purification of the waste water and in concentration and drying of varieties of environmental polluting sludge. The apparatus and method recover and reuse the heating energy, which energy was applied to the vapor so as to heat the vapor to a high temperature and to remove the environmental polluting impurities, such as odor, B.O.D. and C.O.D. laden in the vapor, so that the apparatus and method remarkably save the cost for the heating energy. The apparatus saves the energy by 2-10 times in comparison with the conventional apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly drying an object, such as a semiconductor wafer, by creating a vapor flow from a liquid, such as isopropyl alcohol, and exposing the object to that flow. The apparatus comprises a heater for vaporizing liquid in a reservoir into a vapor, a condenser for subsequently condensing the vapor, and a treatment chamber into which the object to be dried is placed. The vaporization of the liquid at the reservoir and its subsequent condensation at the condenser creates a pressure gradient between the heater and the condenser, thereby forming a vapor stream. The object to be dried is exposed to this vapor stream, whereby some of the vapor condenses on the object and combines with the liquid on the object to produce a condensate which flows off the object, thereby drying the object. The method comprises the steps of heating a liquid to form a vapor, condensing the vapor to form a vapor stream, and positioning an object to be dried in the vapor stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying particulate material which has at least one container for the particulate material, which container is connected in a closed air circulating system with an air drying device and a heater. Dry, heated air is moved through the particulate material by a blower in order to extract moisture from the particulate material. The moisture-laden air is discharged from the particulate material container, then dried again and heated by the heater and then is supplied again to the container for the particulate material. A connection for introducing the dry air is provided in the upper region of the particulate material container and leads into a duct which is arranged centrally within the container and which is equipped at its lower end with an air distributor. The duct which extends inside the particulate material container has a heat-insulating construction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing the concentration of solvent vapor in the drum of a drycleaning machine upon completion of a cleaning and drying operation, during which articles are cleaned in the drycleaning machine, the drycleaning machine being of the type having a drum, and a solvent recovery system communicating with the drum for recovering solvent from solvent-laden air circulated through the solvent recovery system and the drum during a drying and solvent recovery cycle, the apparatus and method including an arrangement for circulating solvent-laden air from the drum through the solvent recovery system during the drying and recovery cycle, and closing communication between the drum and the solvent recovery system during a post-recovery cycle, subsequent to the drying and recovery cycle, and then circulating solvent-laden air from the drum through an adsorption unit during the post-recovery cycle to reduce the concentration of solvent vapor in the drum to an acceptable level prior to accessing the dru

Abstract: A vacuum assisted system for drying articles of clothing with recaptured heat includes an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber. The evaporation chamber is enclosed inside the condensation chamber. Heat transfers from the condensation chamber to the evaporation chamber when vapor condenses on the exterior of the evaporation chamber. Pressure is reduced in each chamber by an automated regulation system which pumps vapor from between the chambers to optimize drying.

Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus according to the present invention includes an apparatus body having a suction port through which air in a processing space is sucked and a discharge port through which the air sucked through the suction port is discharged into the processing space. A blower is provided in the apparatus body for sucking the air from the processing space into the apparatus body through the suction port and discharging the sucked air into the processing space through the discharge port. In addition an impurity gas removing device in the apparatus body is provided for removing impurity gases contained in the air sucked through the suction port and harmful to processing in the processing space, and a particle removing device is provided on the exhaust side of the impurity gas removing device for removing particles in the sucked air cleared of the impurity gases by impurity gas removing device.

Abstract: A drier having a boxlike housing (12) for receiving a hopper (13) therein which contains a batch of wet sludge. The hopper (13) cooperates with the housing, when closed therein, to define a closed air recirculation system which supplies dry pressurized warm air into an air-receiving chamber (79) located at the bottom of the hopper. The air passes upwardly through a perforated bottom wall (78) into and through the sludge to remove moisture therefrom. The moist air passes upwardly through the open top of the hopper, through a filter and is supplied to a drying unit (34) located in the housing for removing moisture therefrom, which moisture is externally discharged. The drying unit resupplies the dry air back to the drying chamber formed in the hopper.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for drying solid materials, which allows the thermal energy used for drying to be recovered and the emissions produced during degassing and gasification to be reduced. A solid material which contains an evaporable material, particularly water, is fed to a fluidized bed drier. The solid material is fluidized by fluidizing medium, the fluidizing medium being the evaporable material. The dried solid material is removed from the drier and is fed to further processing, use or disposal. The non-condensable components of the solid material which are insoluble in the condensate of the evaporable material are separated by cooling and condensation of the vapor and released for subsequent use or disposal.

Abstract: A substrate drying apparatus comprising a vessel in which IPA is contained, a chamber enclosing the vessel, a heating heater for heating IPA into vapor in the vessel and in that region in the vessel where a plurality of substrates are vapor-processed, a mechanism for carrying the plural water-washed substrates into the vapor-processing region in the vessel, a mechanism located above the vapor-processing region in the vessel to cool the IPA vapor into solution drops, region in the chamber located above the cooling mechanism where the substrates can be dried while removing IPA from the substrates, and gas supply and exhaust devices for causing gas to flow from above to below in the drying region in the chamber.

Abstract: A drying machine has a drying chamber for drying an article cleaned with an inflammable solvent as a detergent. A hot air supply channel communicates with the drying chamber and a heater is mounted in the hot air supply channel. A hot air evacuation channel communicates with the drying chamber and a hot air transfer device is mounted at a voluntary portion of the hot air supply channel and the hot air evacuation channel. A control device is provided for driving control of the heater. A first temperature sensor is mounted on the downstream side of the heater in the hot air supply channel and a second temperature sensor is mounted at a position shifted to the drying chamber in the hot air evacuation channel. The control device controls the heater so that the difference in the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is kept within a safe temperature range.

Abstract: Exhaust air from a clothes dryer is dried in an air treatment unit and returned to the dryer. The air treatment unit is manually portable and separate from the dryer. Air is circulated through the air treatment unit by means of the dryer fan. The dryer heating mechanism can be deactivated so that drying is effected by very dry, unheated air. Recirculation fans can be provided in the treatment unit for recirculating air a number of times through each compartment.

Abstract: To permit the use of combustible and potentially explosive solvents used in dry-cleaning operations, based on hydrocarbon compounds, the dry-cleaning machine is formed with an explosion-resistant housing (8) surrounding a perforated, rotatable drum (1) into which the goods are introduced. After carrying out the normal dry-cleaning procedure, and draining of dry-cleaning solvent, a vacuum pump generates an under-pressure, in the order of below 500 mbar, and preferably about 230 mbar, while heating the mixture to effect drying. A cooling coil, located at a lower portion of the machine, provides for condensation of solvent out of the solvent-air mixture and, after the major portion of the solvent has been evaporated, the heat exchanger is switched over to cooling for final condensation of any remanent solvent. The vacuum continues to be maintained, so that the boiling point of solvent, due to the under-pressure, is lowered by at least 40.degree. C., and preferably 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a chamber containing the dishes, a heater for heating the air in the chamber, a water inlet provided on the upper side of the chamber, a drain pump for draining the water from the chamber, an air circulation passage through which the air in the chamber is circulated, a fan for circulating the air in the chamber through the air circulation passage, a dehumidifying surface capable of holding water provided in the air circulation passage, and a microcomputer for controlling the drain pump, the fan and the volume of the water supplied from the water inlet. In a drying cycle, the air heated by the heater is circulated through the air circulation passage. Since the air contacts with the water spread over the dehumidifying surface, and is cooled down, the water is condensed from the air. Therefore, when the air is heated again, the evaporation of the drops of water on the dishes increases.

Abstract: A dryer is designed as a closed system in which heated air used to dry the materials is continuously recycled within the drying compartment of the dryer without being discharged to the atmosphere, thus increasing the efficiency of the system while preventing the discharge of contaminated vapors to the atmosphere and also conserving energy which would otherwise be required to heat or air-condition the air drawn into the dryer from the building in which the dryer is located. A regenerative heat exchanger and an atmospheric cooler/condenser are provided in the dryer and condense and remove moisture from the saturated air and transfer the heat of condensation back into the air before the air is reheated and recycled back to the materials to be dried. The drying compartment may comprise an enclosed tunnel through which a rack of superposed trays are conveyed or may comprise some other conveying mechanism.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing chamber where a heater is located. The air within the chamber is circulated by a first fan through a circulation duct. An inlet and an outlet for the outside air is located on the front surface of the dishwasher. The inlet and the outlet are connected by the outside air duct. A heat exchanger is located between the outside air duct and the circulation duct. The outside air is circulated by a second fan from the inlet to the outlet to exchange the heat between the outside air and the inside air.

Abstract: Water contamination is purged from molecular sieve material used in oxygen concentrators by heating the molecular sieve material to a temperature in the range of approximately 450.degree. to 950.degree. F., and subjecting the molecular sieve material to a stream of dry sweep gas having a dew point in the range of approximately -80.degree. to -100.degree. F. In the preferred embodiment, the molecular sieve material is contained in a vessel and heated by means of a number of heating elements. In addition, a flow of dry sweep gas is produced by at least two drying chambers containing a desiccating material. A first valve assembly alternately cycles the sweep gas through the first drying chamber and then through said second drying chamber.

Abstract: The storage life of cereal grains or other products is extended by reducing biological activity in the storage enclosure. Air is oxidized in a chamber which is external to the storage enclosure. The oxidized air is propelled from the oxidizing chamber to the storage enclosure. Oxidation of the air may be produced by heat, ultra-violet radiation, or catalyzation. Heating may be done in a block provided with anodes for dissipating electrostatic charges. After being heated, the air is cooled before it is propelled to the storage enclosure. When air is oxidized by ultra-violet radiation, it is processed by an ozone decomposition system before it is admitted to the storage enclosure.

Abstract: In a method for drying a particulate material, the material is supplied into a first drying conduit where it is dried and transported to a first cyclone by means of drying air. The material is separated from the drying air in the first cyclone. The separated material is supplied into a second drying conduit where it is dried and transported to a second cyclone by means of drying air. The material is separated from the drying air in the second cyclone. The drying air is discharged from the respective cyclone. The major part of the drying air discharged from the first cyclone is conveyed to a condenser so as to be subsequently supplied into a first drying conduit, while the remainder thereof is discharged. An amount of the drying air discharged from the second cyclone, which corresponds to this remainder, is conveyed to the condenser to be supplied into the first drying conduit. The remainder of the drying air discharged from the second cyclone is supplied into the second drying conduit.

Abstract: Hybrid cryo-mechanical apparatus is provided to collect condensable vapors from an incoming gas flow. The gas flow is refrigerated in a series of upstream mechanical refrigeration stages, and fed to an indirect contact heat exchanger suitable for operation with a cryogen refrigerant. Temperature of the cryogen leaving the heat exchanger is monitored, and is used to operate a control valve which throttles the heat exchanger output.

Abstract: The solvent vapor concentration which is mixed with air and is obtained in the treatment of articles in an apparatus is controlled in the apparatus by a method comprising the following steps:a) passing gaseous solvent vapor/air mixture from the apparatus through at least one adsorber containing an adsorbent for the organic solvent and recycling the outlet gas stream from the adsorber to the apparatus;b) after completion of the adsorption, opening the apparatus to enable removal of treated articles from the apparatus and closing the apparatus;c) heating the adsorbent and passing a gas stream from the apparatus through the adsorber and recycling the outlet stream from the adsorber directly to the apparatus.

Abstract: The process for low-emission drying of a substance in a drum-type drying installation is suitable in particular for sewage sludge, fish meal and sludges from starch factories, soap factories and paper mills, which substances are preferably to be converted into granules. The process is likewise very suitable for drying biomass products such as wood chips, grass, sugar beet chips and the like, since the emissions are very greatly reduced by means of this process. The drying process is carried out in such a way that no unpleasant odors and dusts are emitted to the outside, because the actual drying circulation is closed. Fossil fuels are used as the heat source for the burner for heating this air stream.

Abstract: A vertical heat treating apparatus comprises a casing having an opening through which articles to be processed are loaded and unloaded, a heat treating furnace provided in the casing, a loading and unloading mechanism provided under the heat treating furnace so as to load the articles to be processed in and unload the same from the heat treating furnace, and a clean air flow forming unit provided in a space which is formed in the casing and in which the loading and unloading mechanism is provided so as to form a clean air flow conducted from one side of the casing to the opposite side thereof.

Abstract: Drying bulk materials such as wood shavings or wood fibers by contacting the bulk materials with a circulating stream of hot vapor produced by the bulk material drying process, the hot vapor being produced by indirect heat exchange with combustion gas from a fuel-burning combustion chamber, and excess vapor as fuel whereby pollutants are burned before the vapor is discharged into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for controlling the length of a cycle for drying clothes contained in the drum of a clothes dryer machine, comprising measuring the quantity of water released by the clothes within a predetermined time during their drying, a signal being provided for stopping the machine if the measurement obtained is less than a predetermined value. The method includes measuring the quantity of water released from the clothes during their drying and employs apparatus to generate signals based on this measurement, the signals being fed to a control unit which controls air circulation through the drum and heating of the circulated air, the control unit monitoring the measured water released quantity, and acting to terminate the drying cycle when the variation has a negative gradient and when the signals correspond to a measured water quantity which is constant with time.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying cut wood has a cylindrical vessel with end covers at least one of which can be opened. The interior of the vessel is divided by a horizontal partition into a drying chamber above the partition, in which the wood is placed, and a condensation chamber below the partition. An opening in the partition provides restricted communication between the chambers. The interior of the vessel is filled with a drying medium made up of air and water vapor. A heater in the drying chamber heats the drying medium and a fan produces circulation of the drying medium in the drying chamber. The upper portion of the vessel wall, above the partition, is heat insulated while the lower portion, below the partition, is uninsulated and serves as a condenser for condensing water vapor in the condensation chamber. The lower portion of the vessel wall is cooled by a blower and by cooling coils in a foundation which supports the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning and drying components, such as electronic or electrical components, by contact with a flammable liquid organic solvent, such as alcohol for example, including a reservoir (24) for a highly fluorinated compound, a heating device (22) for heating the reservoir and evaporating the highly fluorinated compound therefrom, a cleaning chamber (12) containing the liquid organic solvent (21) into which the components to be cleaned are emersed for cleaning, a fluid conduit (25) for conducting highly fluorinated compound vapor from the reservoir (24) to the cleaning chamber (12) to cover the organic liquid (21) in the cleaning chamber and directly heating the organic liquid, cooling coils (13) on which the vapor above the organic liquid condenses in the tank (12). Heavy, largely immiscible condensate sinks to the bottom of the tank (12) and is pumped by a pump (20) through a filter (19) to a gravity separator (14).

Abstract: A system for drying and ventilating jet fuel tanks for reducing the fuel fume level from residual fuel in an emptied fuel tank operates in four modes. In a recirculation mode, a blower recirculates air through the tank in a closed loop. The blower suctions air from the tank and forces it through a vapor recovery unit having a cooling section with a refrigeration coil causing condensation of fuel vapor and a reheater section which reheats the air entering the tank to enhance evaporation of residual fuel. A heat recovery system circulates glycol/water mixture through a first heat recovery coil in the cooling section for absorbing heat from the air and a second heat recovery coil in the reheater section for returning the heat to the air. After fuel vapor has dried from the walls of the tanks, the system operates in a vacuum mode in which a vacuum hose, obtaining negative pressure through a pipe from the suction side of the blower, is used to remove residual puddles of fuel from the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying galvanized mass-produced parts (3) in an immersion-type perforated (30) drum (1) includes a container (2) having a cavity for accommodating the drum, and a chamber for guiding a stream of drying-air (22) which passes through the drum (1) and charge (3) of mass-produced parts, the chamber being divided into two separated regions one of which is upstream of the drum of guiding the stream of dry air (22) to the drum, and the other of which is downstream of the drum for guiding the stream of humid air from the drum. The flow region for the humid air stream forms an approximately V-shaped flow path, whereby an angle of < 90.degree. is formed between the entry direction of the humid air stream in one leg (ABSR) of the V-shaped and the exit direction of the humid air stream in the other leg (CDVT) of the V.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus that provides for immersion cleaning in one or two solvents. Using a source of inert gas and a recycling loop, the apparatus provides a drying zone above the solvents and prevents escape of solvent vapor into the surrounding atmosphere. The recycling loop maintains nonequilibrium vapor conditions and includes a centrifugal separator, which facilitates separation and recovery of the solvent vapors and the inert gas during normal operation of the system.

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: A steam condensation device is provided in a dryer or combination washer/dryer for condensing hot water vapor carried by hot air used to dry laundry in the dryer or combination washer/dryer. The steam condensation device includes a vertically extending tubular casing, at least one condenser conduit extending vertically within and spaced from the casing so as to define an annular space therebetween, and a spiral wall disposed between respective internal and external surfaces of the at least one condenser conduit and the casing. The spiral wall extends spirally toward the lower end of the at least one condenser conduit so as to define a spiral conveying path alongside the external surface of the at least one condenser conduit. The condensation device is arranged so that hot air circulating through the interior of the rotating basket containing laundry in the machine passes through the interior of the at least one condensor conduit.

Abstract: An improved vapor degreaser characterized by a deep freeboard zone (i.e., freeboard to width ratio of 1.0 to 2.3) containing a three-stage condenser/heat exchanger configuration comprising: a water-cooled lower primary exchanger operating above 32.degree. F. to effect condensation of the bulk of the vapor generated by the boiling sump and a combination of an intermediate exchanger above, but preferably overlapping, the primary exchanger and a dehumidifying third exchanger position just below the top lip of the degreaser, both operating at a temperature below 32.degree. F. (preferably +10.degree. to -30.degree. F.) to effect a reduction in the vapor concentration gradient that controls the rate of vapor diffusion through the freeboard zone. The improved vapor degreaser is particularly useful in reducing vapor losses when using low boiling solvents.

Abstract: A process for the containment and recycle of organic vapors from an open container or tank that utilizes a chilled gas blanket over the surface of the organic liquid, with a continuous recirculaton of the chilled gas through a condenser heat exchanger for cooling the gas flow and condensing and returning the condensed vapor to the tank or container. Included are the means of distribution of the recirculated chilled gas, the means of collecting the recirculated chilled gas, the means of providing an enclosed chilled gas recirculation system, the apparatus for condensing the vapor to liquid, the apparatus for collecting and recycling the condensed vapor, the apparatus for providing a full open access to the top of the tank or container and the apparatus for control of the flow of the recirculated chilled gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus particularly useful for the dehydration of organic materials, and a process of dehydration using the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus includes a drying enclosure to receive and contain materials to be dehydrated, a cooling section with a first stage cooling coil and a second stage cooling coil to remove moisture from a drying fluid by condensation, a heating section with a first stage heating source and a second stage heating source controllable for selecting the amount of heat output therefrom, to raise the temperature and lower the relative humidity of the drying fluid, and a drying fluid handling system to convey the drying fluid in a closed loop through the sections of the apparatus.

Abstract: The application describes a drying process and a fully electric drying device consuming from 80 to 140 KWH of electricity per ton of water evaporated. One and the same drying fluid (air, gas or steam) saturated with steam at a temperature of .THETA.0 rises, gradually becoming laden with steam, after each of the numerous fluidized drying stages for granulous products descending in the opposite direction. Between each drying stage, the drying fluid is superheated by crossed tubes (14) maintained at a temperature .THETA.2 approximately 20.degree. C. greater than .THETA.0 by condensation (at 28) of the same steam compressed from .THETA.0 to .THETA.2, or by the condensation of auxiliary steam evaporated at .THETA.0-5.degree. C. by condensation of the vapors formed by the drying process.

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 device for the drying of small pieces has a barrel rotatable about a horizontal central longitudinal axis. So as to produce a uniform air flow over the full length of the barrel, a transverse-flow blower is provided, of which the rotor wheel has a length about equalling the length of the barrel and of which the axis of rotation extends parallel to the axis of the barrel.

Abstract: A dish washer with dryer comprising a washing and drying compartment defined in a main body wherein tableware to be cleaned and dried are loaded, a washing pump for spraying cleaning water into the compartment, a heater and fan for feeding drying air into the compartment after the spraying of the cleaning water, the dish washer with dryer comprising:a leading inlet and outlet for the drying air located on a compartment wall of the washing and drying room;suction and exhaust holes for outside air located on an outer body wall of the main body wall;a circulating air pathway for connecting the leading inlet with the leading outlet and a cooling air pathway for connecting the suction hole with the exhaust hole between the room wall and the outer body wall;a double faced fan which forms a part of a partition board by which both pathways are partitioned.

Abstract: A system for drying microelectronic, optical and other parts that in the course of their processing are rendered wet with solvents or other liquids, which if not fully evaporated from the parts will contaminate and impair their quality. The system includes an open-ended drying chamber having a work zone intermediate its sides in which the parts to be dried are supported for exposure to a gas stream. One end of the chamber defines a gas inlet to admit the gas stream which sweeps the entire chamber. Coupled to the drying chamber is a pressure chamber in which a submicron particle filter unit of the Hepa type producing a relatively low pressure drop is disposed to cover the gas inlet.

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: A solvent recovery system comprises a flotation-type coating oven for evaporating solvent from a coating on a film, the oven including a bed of nitrogen vapor for supporting the film and discharging a vapor stream including the nitrogen vapor and the solvent vapor. A vapor phase molecular sieve means dries the vapor stream from the oven and discharges a dried vapor stream. Condensation-type solvent recovery heat exchangers condense the solvent vapor in the dried vapor stream from the sieve and discharge nitrogen vapor and liquid solvent separately. A cryogenic vaporizer converts liquid nitrogen to nitrogen vapor with heat from a heat exchange fluid in heat exchange relationship with the liquid nitrogen. The heat exchange fluid from the vaporizer passes through the solvent recovery heat exchangers in heat exchange relationship with the dried vapor stream therein to cool the same.

Abstract: A reflow apparatus for soldering has a tunnel and a pipe which form an endless passageway for hot gas. Infrared panel heaters are disposed inside the tunnel for heating printed circuit boards which travel through the tunnel on a conveyor. Hot gas is made to circulate through the passageway by a flow-producing device. A filter is disposed in the passageway for removing particles from fumes which are formed during soldering.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning workpieces such as semiconductors and other electronic devices by using chloro-fluoro-carbon solvent such as R113. Chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor is drawn from a lateral position of a layer of chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor through a suction duct and is cooled and liquefied in a collecting tank. The resulting liquid is returned to a cleaning tank through a return duct. This feature allows the gas generated from the chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor to be collected for repeated use, reduces the amount of chloro-fluoro-carbon solvent consumption, and prevents air pollution by the chloro-flouoro-carbon gas. Further, the entire apparatus may readily be constructed as a unit, thus at low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: In the vacuum drying of solid wood (2) and other wood-based products, the invention provides a method of achieving a better control of the drying process and a better heat economy than by the traditional methods of vacuum drying. This is achieved by completely evacuating the air from the space around the wood (2), and instead to fill the space (1) around the wood (2) with superheated water vapors (11). By maintaining a uniform pressure and temperature in all parts of the drying chamber (1) during the drying process, and controlling the temperature and the pressure of the superheated water vapors (11) in accordance with directives described in more detail, it is possible to control the dampness (MC) of the wood very precisely, and thereby to avoid damage to the wood (2) during drying.

Abstract: A method and filtration apparatus for purifying solvents. Impurities present in the solvent are separated out in the filtration apparatus via filtration using at least one filter, through which the solvent flows and upon which the impurities settle as a filter cake. At least prior to the removal of the impurities that form the filter cake from the filtration apparatus, solvent residues present in the filter cake and possibly also in the filter are recovered by evaporation. The solvent residues in the filtration apparatus are vaporized by the action of a hot, gaseous medium that is conveyed first through the filter and only then through the filter cake, i.e. the impurities, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the solvent flowed through the filtration apparatus during the filtration process.