Abstract: A concentration of a gas introduced into a circulation blower and an exhaust blower is reduced with a simple apparatus configuration. In an exhaust system, exhaust gases from a plurality of drying chambers are joined to a joining duct to be then exhausted by an exhaust blower. A plurality of exhaust ducts having inlets at different positions in each drying chamber are provided, and the exhaust duct having the inlet in the lowest gas concentration area is used as a duct for an exhaust gas circulated to a circulation blower.

Abstract: A drying method, a drying device, and a drying machine, capable of remarkably reducing a drying time by assigning the standby time for an article to be dried to a preliminary drying time in drying, wherein hot air is supplied to the drying machine so as to dry the article to be dried and, at the same time, hot air exhausted from the drying machine is led into a preliminary drying machine so as to preliminarily dry the article to be dried before drying, and then the article to be dried contained in the preliminary drying machine is fed to the drying machine for drying.

Abstract: A separator for removing contaminants from compressed air, the separator including an elongate enclosure having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, the inlet end of the separator being in flow communication with a source of compressed air, the separator defining a first air flow path between the inlet and outlet ends of the separator and a second air flow path between the outlet end of the separator and a wall member positioned adjacent outlet end of the separator for being contacted by air exiting the outlet end of the separator, wherein air traveling in the first flow path undergoes a volumetric expansion and substantial change of direction as it exits the separator and enters the second air flow path and further undergoes a change of direction as it impacts the wall member.

Abstract: Integrated web dryer and regenerative heat exchanger, as well as a method of drying a web of material using the same. The apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the heating of air and the converting of VOCs to harmless gases in a fully integrated manner via the inclusion of a regenerative combustion device as an integral element of the drying apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an aqueous-containing sludge in which the sludge is filtered on an elongate moving sheet of a water permeable unwoven fabric on paper. The moving sheet is folded and compressed between rollers whereby to express water therefrom. The folded moving sheet and contained sludge is dried, and the dried sheet and sludge is incinerated. Combustion heat from the incineration step is used in the drying step.

Abstract: The energy efficiency of a throughdrying papermaking process is improved by recycling exhaust air from one or more throughdryers to further heat the web at various places in the process.

Abstract: The energy efficiency of a throughdrying papermaking process is improved by recycling exhaust air from one or more throughdryers to further heat the web at various places in the process.

Abstract: A drier for a lacquering line in a known manner comprises inside a drier housing a plurality of drier sections, in which heated circulating air is circulated with the aid of fans. Heating of the circulating air is effected with the aid of a heating unit, which is common to all drier sections, and a common fresh-air heat exchanger, which is disposed downstream of the heating unit and to which fresh air is supplied from the environment via a pressure regulator. The fresh air heated in said manner is directed via branch lines to the individual drier sections. The quantity of heated fresh air supplied and hence ultimately the temperature in the respective drier section is determined by control flaps in branch lines, which connect a common fresh-air distribution line to the respective sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat treatment process for disinfection of seeds from pathogens and other undesirable fungi and bacteria, the process being characterized by supply to the seeds non water-borne heat while regulating the treatment time and temperature with regard to the condition and moisture content of the seeds in such a way that the seeds are heated from outside and in, while evaporation of moisture from the surface of the seed, and owing to that, cooling of the same is prevented and no changes in the moisture content occur.

Abstract: This invention is a new, energy efficient, environmentally clean grain drying system which consists of two main parts: a hot drying air generator and a modular, portable drying bin. One novel aspect of the air generator is the introduction of a heat pipe design which enhances the efficiency of a dehumidifier heat pump, making its use economically feasible, especially for humid climates. Another novel aspect is the use of advanced burners incorporating antipollution devices. The hot air generator can operate on many sources of energy such as electricity; gasoline; diesel; biomass such as wood, charcoal, or rice husks; or even solar energy. The modular bin is made of several modules which can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled with great ease. The bin design also creates a very low air pressure drop, allowing substantial savings on blower energy. The complete system will offer great benefits for developing countries that are producers of rice, especially for those with humid climates.

Abstract: An apparatus that directs the flow of heated air that is being discharged from a clothing dryer, in which the dryer is positioned upon a rigid support, that elevates the dryer above the normal ground surface. The dryer discharge hose is connected at one end to the dryer, and to a valve assembly, located beneath the dryer, housed in the dryer support. The valve may be actuated so that heated air is either directed to flow through the valve assembly, into another hose which vents directly outside, or through an interior discharge opening, so that heated air is reintroduced back into the dwelling. The apparatus is provided with an access door, so that the valve can be positioned as desired. If air is being reintroduced back into the dwelling, a removable air filtration system is provided. In the event that the air filtration system becomes overwhelmed with particulate matter, the valve has a safety flap which is actuated by increased air pressure, and allows the heated air to vent outside.

Abstract: This Document is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/093,029 filed on Jun. 8, 1998, said invention comprising an apparatus for evaporating water in a mixture of water and solids derived from the organic output of a waste water treatment plant. A low cost source of gaseous heat (as the exhaust from a gas turbine driver in combination with/or alternatively from a stand alone combustor) is used for evaporating said water and safe conditioning said evaporated water vapor after being combined with a portion of the exhaust from said gaseous heat source. The solids portion of said organic output from said waste water treatment plant is segregated and safe conditioned separately. This continuation in part filing supplements said basic reference patent filing by defining a specific heat exchange surface configuration for heat exchanger 17 which minimizes radiation heat losses to atmosphere.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for gasifying high moisture content carbonaceous material by introducing a solid first carbonaceous material (1) into at least one pressurized drier vessel (2), the first carbonaceous material having a moisture content above about 30 wt % wet basis. The moisture content of the first carbonaceous material is reduced by passing a hot flue gas having a low oxygen content through the pressurized drier vessels. Then the dried first carbonaceous material is transferred from the drier vessels to a pressurized carbonizer vessel (10). The dried material is partially gasified in the carbonizer vessel to produce a high temperature fuel gas (18) and a solid residual material (16). The solid residual material is transferred to a pressurized combustion chamber (4) to produce the low oxygen content flue gas for the pressurized drier vessels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the evaporation and moisture removal from moisture laden products in a dryer. The invention combines the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,761, with a rotating drying drum having filters at the output area, and a separate pump for allowing condensation from a chilled coil to drain off, while a desiccant formed from pads or a rotatable wheel is part of a continuous feedback loop for recycling moisture. A condenser is positioned between the desiccant and the drying drum and is used as a heat exchanger for both the air inlet to the drum and the air outlet from the drum. Additionally, the evaporator drain pipe can form an additional heat exchanger when the pipe is used in the pathway of air passing from the desiccant to the evaporator coil. The invention is useful for drying various items such as clothes, agricultural products, wood, vegetables, fruit and electric components such as wafers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the operation of a regenerator, hot and cold gas being repeatedly passed through a bulk material 4 with a maximum particle diameter D.sub.max which is received in the annular space 1 between a substantially cylindrical hot grid 3 and a cold grid 4 [sic] surrounding the latter, and at least one discharge opening 16 being provided in the bottom B of the annular space 1 for discharging the bulk material 4. To increase the service life of the regenerator, it is proposed according to the invention that a predetermined amount of bulk material 4 is discharged during or after the passing-through of hot gas, so that a compressive stress exerted by the bulk material 4 on the hot grid 3 and cold grid 4 [sic] is reduced.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for drying of a material in the form of a paste or a filter cake in a spin flash dryer. Particles are separated by a classifier (6) in the chamber (1) in such a way that oversize fraction is withheld in the chamber (1) and the desired fraction is removed (3, 9). A possible undesired undersize fraction is strained off and recycled (4, 10, 11) externally back to the dryer chamber (1). The spent drying gas is recycled to the dryer chamber (1). In either, the energy in the spent drying gas may be made use of in a heat exchanger and there is no or only little emission to the environment. Products preferably dried according to the invention are fruit and beet pulps, destillers residues, pesticides, pigments, dyes, ceramics, active coal, sludge and zeolites.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying material, particularly sludges, with indirectly heated driers includes a system for the thermal decontamination of exhaust air from the drier. Excess exhaust air from the drier loop is fed as secondary air to the heating boiler or furnace separately from the primary air for combustion of the fuel and to thermally clean the exhaust air from the drier. The exhaust drier gas from the drier remains in the furnace for a period to decontaminate the drier gas, after which it is mixed with the flue gases. The mixture is then removed from the furnace. The system is suitable for operation under normal operating temperatures and at low, below normal operating temperatures.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying material, in which a previous dried material is mixed into the wet material to be dried to produce a dried mixture of different particle sizes. The process for drying material requires less industrial equipment implemented in a more economical and simpler plant that can be operated with low energy and maintenance requirments. The amount of fine material obtained after drying is measured and the amount of fine previously dried material mixed into the wet material to be dried is then set in inverse proportion to the quantity of fine dried material produce.

Abstract: A drier for wood chips and other bulk materials includes an incinerator for indirectly heating a drying apparatus. The drier operates in a circulatory gas operation with a high water vapor load. All drier exhaust gases are fed to the incinerator and thermally post-combusted there. The drying apparatus includes two drier lines. The first line is heated with the heat of the inflowing vapor, the heat being removed from the exhaust gas flow in a gas-gas heat exchanger and supplied to the vapor feedback. The second drier line includes a heat register, whose heat is extracted from the exhaust gases in a heater, which is arranged directly after the incinerator and reduces the exhaust gas temperature to approximately 500.degree. to 600.degree.. The gas-gas heat exchanger can thus be embodied as a simple sheet metal structure.

Abstract: A wood drying system to eliminate the discharge of liquid kiln water includes a kiln which is heated to dry a batch of wood, a basin to collect the water driven from the wood, and an evaporator in which the collected water is converted into steam. The steam is provided to the kiln to balance the drying and alleviate the splitting, warping, etc. caused by over drying. The steam is ultimately vented harmlessly into the atmosphere to effectively eliminate any discharge of the kiln water as a liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a press, and a control device for reducing the capillary-bound water content in fiber cells of carbon-containing, finely comminuted solid materials and/or sludges. The method according to the invention includes rapidly raising the movable press plate of a filter press while the pressure chamber remains closed. A steam-coal dust mixture is formed due to the rapid expansion. At the same time, a first discharge lock is opened while the second discharge lock remains closed so that the exhaust steam flows in the direction of the controlled outlet valve. The exhaust steam can then be sent to a heat exchanger and then to another heat exchanger and, finally, may be reused for a subsequent operating cycle.

Abstract: A furnace for heating a process fluid stream which includes means for efficiently controlling a flow of the process fluid stream through an adjunct loop of the fluid stream. The adjunct loop comprises a heat exchange system in which a portion of the process fluid stream collects heat from flue gases being emitted from the furnace and donates heat to combustion air being used in the furnace. Valve means is positioned downstream of a pump and in connection with the fluid stream in order to constantly replenish a small portion of fluid in the adjunct loop with fresh process fluid. The positioning of the valve means downstream of the pump permits more efficient control of the heat exchange system. One form of valve means may be a valve which will permit a small amount of fluid to continue to flow between the fluid stream and the adjunct loop during a non-operating mode of the adjunct loop heat exchange component.

Abstract: A furnace for heating a process fluid stream which includes means for precisely controlling the temperature of pre-heated combustion air. The system includes a process fluid stream being heated within the furnace and an adjunct loop fluid stream line which acts as a heat exchange system by communication with the process fluid stream. The adjunct loop comprises a heat collecting leg positionable within the combustion area of the furnace and a heat donating leg positionable adjacent a source of combustion air. Manipulation of the flow of process fluid through the heat donating leg provides control of the temperature of the combustion air and consequently control of the stack exhaust temperature. A valve system, which may be manually controlled or thermostatically controlled responds to a present, or desired, temperature of the stack exhaust.

Abstract: A heat salvaging device for a household laundry drier. The device may serve both as a stand for the drier and a device for salvaging waste heat from the drying process. The heat salvaging operation is controlled by controlling a single vent in the stand.

Abstract: A compact and effective ventilator/drier assembly for heating the room to which it is installed has a case main body 1 divided into a primary zone 3A communicating with an air inlet port 2A, a tertiary zone 3C communicating with an air outlet port 2B and a secondary zone 3B disposed adjacent to the tertiary zone and the primary zone. Moist air A in a room 100 is forced to flow through the air inlet port, the primary zone, the secondary zone, the tertiary zone and the air outlet port and back into the room by a centrifugal type air blower 21 and moisture contained in the room air is adsorbed by a cylindrical rotary type moisture adsorbing device 31 arranged between the secondary zone and the tertiary zone as the air is made to come into contact with a moisture-removing portion 31A of the adsorbing device 31. Dried air B is moved to into the tertiary zone, where it is heated to produce heating air E, which is discharged from the air outlet port into the room.

Abstract: The device comprises a blower (2) with an associated motor (1) which is flange-mounted to it. A flexible tube or hose (6) is connected to the sleeve (7) located on a cap (5) which partially covers the blower (2), and at the other end, to a suction or intake opening (8) of the blower (2). In this way, the sucked air impinges on the motor (1) therefore cooling it, and this air is also preheated, allowing in this way to save energy with respect to a conventional drier having the same operation parameters. The hot air is conveyed from the outlet opening of the blower (2), towards the frusto-conical sleeve (14) which discharges it.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous drying of moist materials in superheated steam comprises a drying enclosure 10, open-ended inlet and outlet ducts 11, 12 communicating with the enclosure, and conveyors 13, 14, 15 for conveying the material to be dried along the inlet duct, through the enclosure and along the outlet duct. Superheated steam is generated in the enclosure from the moisture in the material 19 being dried by circulating the initial gas within the enclosure between a heat source 23 and the material, and/or by the injection into the enclosure of superheated steam from an external source. The inlet duct 11 and outlet duct 12 both extend downwardly from the enclosure 10 and a vent duct 22 from the enclosure has an outlet 26 normally at a level midway along the two ducts. In use, superheated steam tending to pass downwardly along the ducts meets external air tending to pass upwardly along the ducts and forms within each duct a temperature and density differential stratification layer 21.

Abstract: In a process for drying a substance, particularly wood shavings, wood chips or wood flakes, a partial stream of the vapor-gas mixture is separated after passing through the drying drum before the vapor-gas mixture is led to a first heat exchanger. This separated partial stream is led through a supplementary heat exchanger before it is conducted into the combustion chamber of the furnace in which combustion takes place of the gases arising during the drying. The flue gases are led through the aforementioned supplementary heat exchanger before they reach the first heat exchanger whereby they are brought down to a lower temperature. In this way the thermal stress on the material of the heat exchanger elements of the first heat exchanger is reduced, thereby increasing the life of these heat exchanger elements.

Abstract: A method for processing waste liquids, having high solids content. The process includes the steps of spraying and evaporating the waste liquid together with a dry gas in a counterflow of dry gas within a spray tower, collecting the solids of the waste water in a lower section of the spray tower, discharging the moist gas from an upper section of the spray tower, and bringing the moist gas in heat exchange with an evaporator of a refrigerating means to condensed the liquid from the evaporator. The cooled dry gas is directed in heat exchange with the condenser of said refrigerating means and heated to be returned in a closed loop to repeat the cycle of operation.

Abstract: A cooling system for annealing material (4) in the form of plates, strips or bulk material moving on a transport means (5) consists of a plurality of zones (1, 2, 3), in which the annealing material (4) is treated on its lower and/or upper surface with an oblique blast of cooling medium in the form of air or gas emerging from nozzles of nozzle bars (10, 10a, 10b) fed by a compressor-type blower (7, 8, 8a, 11). In order to reduce the required amount of cooling medium, and to reduce the technical effort involved, only the last zone (3) disposed on the outlet end for the annealing material (4) is connected to the supply (7) of pressurized fresh cooling medium. In this zone (3) a collecting fan (8, 11) is provided, which upon formation of the oblique blast urges the cooling medium into a distribution box (9). To the distribution box (9, 12) the nozzle bars (10) of the penultimate zone (2) are connected.

Abstract: The present invention is an externally mounted clothes dryer filter which attaches to a standard clothes dryer hose. The externally mounted clothes dryer filter is fastened to an external wall of a structure. The clothes dryer exhaust hose is attached to an input. A screen device in the filter captures lint and other particulate matter. The filter can be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: The electric clothes dryer is a valuable convenience appliance in our life style. For half of a century its usefulness has been enjoyed through the availability of inexpensive electric energy. But, it is a wasteful energy device. Not much has been done to correct this shortcoming. I feel there is a great need to approach energy conservation with an open mind to alternatives which may be easily available to us. I have invented a unique and novel approach to using heated air which is conveniently available in a large percentage of our homes. The source, for this application, has never been tapped. In the U.S. and Canada as needed by climate conditions, we use a range of central air heating and cooling systems. My invention makes possible a transfer of heat from these systems to operate electric clothes dryers with a majority situation of no heat energy cost.

Abstract: An integrated plant including a microalgae production plant for growing, harvesting and drying algae and a fossil fuel-motor-generator plant producing electrical energy. A fossil fuel engine produces hot exhaust gas from which sensible heat dries the algae. The drying may be direct from the exhaust gas or may be indirect with the hot exhaust gas exchanging sensible heat with a recirculating stream of inert gas. Carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas is recovered for use as a nutrient in the microalgae production plant. Electrical energy from the generator is used to drive motors and/or produce artificial illumination and/or drive pumps, motors and controls in the microalgae production plant.

Abstract: The drying apparatus for crop materials particularly alfalfa includes a press with a main press roller and a plurality of subsidiary press rollers which is fed using an additional guide roller cooperating with the transportation belt and guide fingers in the main roller to direct the bulky crop into the nip between the rollers for extracting juice and providing a partially dried crop. The partially dried crop is supplied to a drying apparatus including a tumbling cylinder into which is injected heated air from a ceramic tube heat exchanger fed by a co-generation gas turbine. The gas turbine is used to generate electric power for motors in the apparatus and generates a flow of highly heated air which is passed over the ceramic tubes to heat air drawn into the tumbling cylinder for drying of the crop material.

Abstract: A thermography machine to be subject in use to periods of waiting for supplies of sheets to be processed is provided with a control system whereby at any time the conditions of a normal "run" mode of operation can be switched to or from operations in a "standby" mode, with retention of a high heating chamber temperature in readiness for processing sheets yet with important reductions of heat losses from the heating chamber, so reduced infusion of heat into the ambient workshop air, and decreases of power consumption and of wear and deterioration in the driving of the conveyors and several other components of the machine. Heating chamber temperature and wattage output of the heaters are controlled over a wide range of A.C. supply line voltages in both modes of operation by supplying current to the heaters from a thermocouple heat control coupled with a proportional voltage control.

Abstract: A ventilator/dryer device for drying wet air in a room, the device having a treatment chamber, a rotary drying device and a forced circulation mechanism housed in a case main body provided with an air inlet port and an air outlet port that communicate with the interior of the room. The treatment chamber is divided into a primary side section and a secondary side section with the rotary drying device disposed therebetween. The forced circulation mechanism draws air from the room via the air inlet port to the primary side section of the treatment chamber, passes it through the rotary drying device and sends it back into the room through the secondary side section of the treatment chamber and the air outlet port by means of a single blower. The rotary drying device is adapted to take a drying position, a regenerating position and a heat recovering position sequentially in the sense of its rotation.

Abstract: An electric domestic appliance (1) with programmer (5) for washing and/or drying dishes or laundry which uses in its cycles hot water from a central heating system introduced into its interior mixed by a mixer (2) with a predetermined quantity of cold water, and which also includes coil pipes (3) disposed in the vicinity of the section where the washing and/or drying takes place. Such pipes can be connected to the mixer (2) by a diverter (4) which, on command from the programmer, can divert the flow of water emerging from the mixer towards them or towards the interior of the appliance (1). The heat of the coil pipes can also be used to achieve drying via electric fans.

Abstract: A dryer has a hopper for material to be dried and an inlet line for supplying dry air to the hopper. A heating device for heating the dry air to the desired drying temperature before introduction into the hopper is provided. A return line is connected to the hopper for removing moist air from the hopper which results from the dry air passing through the material in the hopper and absorbing moisture therefrom. The return line has a part that functions as a heat exchanger. The dry air before entering the hopper is guided through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A domestic clothes dryer is operated in both a forward and a reverse direction. The dryer blower has a reduced air flow rate in the reverse direction. The reduced air flow in the reverse direction and the reverse tumbling increases the heat transferred to the articles being dried, thereby improving dryer performance.

Abstract: A combined heat and power (CPH) system for a building has an electrical generator (12) For supply power and a gas engine (14) which drives the generator, contained in a housing (30). Recirculating air is drawn in through an inlet (32), over the electric generator, gas engine and its cooling and exhaust systems (38, 36) where it is heated by waste heat. It is then mixed with controlled amounts of fresh air to regulate the air temperature before being passed into the building air recirculating system. The gas engine can be run at a constant speed which is not dependent on the required temperature of the recirculating air.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for drying material such as paddy grains, plastic particles, and the like, which has a plurality of grains. The method includes the steps of providing the grains in a first container, inputting heat into the first container so as to dry the grains therein, delivering the grains from the first container into a second container at a higher position above the first container, delivering the grains from the second container through a heating conduit device into a third container, and conveying air having a temperature lower than that of the third container into the third container so as to refrigerate the grains and remove the moisture therefrom.

Abstract: A lint filter having a container provided with a drawer. A fitting is associated with the container for connecting a hose from a clothes dryer or the like to the container while at least one aperture is provided adjacent the fitting for permitting air carrying the lint into the container to escape therefrom, a baffle is disposed within the container in order to form a flow path for the air and lint through a filter causing the lint to adhere thereto. Means for cleaning the filter include a stationary filter disc which has a working relationship and communicates with a rotating wiper blade fixidly attached to a shaft having a manually operated knob.

Abstract: A ventilator for clothes dryers and the like includes a counterflow heat exchanger through the wall of the building containing the apparatus, with an entry passage for ambient air entering the building and an exist passage for heated waste air leaving the building. An external housing defines an outlet chamber communicating with the exit passage, and an inlet chamber communicating with the entry passage. The chambers are both open to the ambience, and the two openings are adjacent one another, with a damper mounted for pivotal movement between a closed position in which the damper closes both of the openings, and an open position in which it opens both of the openings. The damper is biased toward the closed position, but is moveable toward the open position by a build-up of air pressure in the exit passage.

Abstract: A process and a device for evacuating a drying room filled with one or more evaporable fluids or one or more non-evaporable fluids or mixtures thereof. The device includes a turbo engine, a liquid seal pump and a condensor. The pressure of the fluids or mixture of fluids is raised by the turbo engine, the resulting volume flow is reduced by condensation in the condensor, and the resulting reduced volume flow is pumped off with the pump.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating rooms with heat from a dryer comprising a container in a generally rectangular configuration with a centrally located heating chamber therewithin; a first air-inlet opening and a first air-outlet opening in axial alignment defining a first airflow path through the container for the passage of air from the atmosphere in a room for being heated and for discharging the heated air to the room; a dryer air-inlet and a dryer air-outlet in axial alignment defining a second airflow path through the container generally perpendicular to the first airflow path; a fan in the first air-inlet opening of the first airflow path prior to the chamber to effect the flow of air from a room through the chamber and to exterior thereof; and means within the chamber for directing the flow of air from the dryer whereby hot air from the dryer passing through the chamber will pass therethrough to preclude such dryer air and any contaminants from coming into direct contact with air flowing along the second a

Abstract: A method and device for intensifying the operation of a Yankee press in a soft-tissue machine in which a web is pressed in one or several nips formed between a Yankee cylinder and one or more press rolls. The web is dried on the Yankee cylinder by blowing hot air introduced through the Yankee hood against the web. In the method, a blow device is used to blow hot and humid air against the web. The blow air for the blow device is taken from the outlet/heat recovery of the air system of the Yankee hood, and the exhaust air from the blow device is returned to the outlet/heat recovery of the air system of the Yankee hood. Air is blown against the web at the proximity of the nip formed between the Yankee cylinder and the first press roll, before and near the first press nip, in the running direction of the web. The blow device includes a blow chamber, an exhaust chamber, and blow nozzles for blowing hot and humid air against the web and exhaust-air ducts for the removal of the air.

Abstract: The invention is a highly efficient soil and/or water treatment system including its own power source, such as an internal combustion engine, in which heat from all heat sources and heat sinks is exchanged through a mutual heat exchanger circuit. The invention further includes a vacuum pulsation method for the in situ water or soil treatment, in which either or both (a) the pressure of the carrier gas pumped into the injection well and (b) the vacuum on the extraction well oscillate in time. The invention also includes a water treatment unit including a sparging bath with counterflowing sparging gas and a succession of sealed vertical water cells in which water flow is parallel and anti-parallel to the motion of sparging gas bubbles in alternate and remaining cells respectively. Condensation recovery of combustibles includes feedback to the power source for combustion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a moist particulate material having a nonuniform particle size with superheated steam, which apparatus comprises a cylindrical vessel (2) comprising a number of parallel, substantially vertical elongated chambers (6) located in ring form, one or more of the chambers (7) having a closed bottom and the remaining chambers having a steam-permeable bottom (8), wherein means for emitting flows of superheated steam substantially parallel to the chamber bottom (8) are located at the lowermost portion of at least some of the chambers (6) having steam-permeable bottoms (8).

Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus for refuse or the like includes a drying vessel which receives a material, e.g., refuse, to be dried; a heat recoverer connected to the drying vessel through a steam discharge passage extending from the upper portion of the drying vessel; means for exhaust and drainage mounted to the heat recoverer; a heat pump; a radiator provided in the heat pump; heat exchanger for the drying vessel which introduces the heat of a refrigerant flowing through a piping of the heat pump into the drying vessel; and heat exchanger for the heat recoverer which introduces the heat of the refrigerant flowing through the piping of the heat pump into the heat recoverer. The refrigerant piping of the heat pump is capable of being switched over from a flow of the refrigerant through a circulation system for heating the drying vessel and cooling the heat recoverer, and discarding the heat generated by the radiator.

Abstract: An oven for treating a moving web has, within each zone (A), an incinerator (C) with a long holding period for receiving combustion products directly from a burner (B) and mixing them with process exhaust air from nozzles applying heated air to the web, and passing the products of the incinerator to a heat exchanger (E) for heating air from the nozzles prior to return of the heated air thereto.