Abstract: An apparatus is described for vacuum degassing and curing a spin-on-glass layer on an article. The machine has a chamber into which an article, such as at least one or more semiconductor wafers are moved by appropriate means. Means are provided for causing the chamber to be evacuated and for continuing to maintain the vacuum at less than about 100 mtorr. The temperature of the article is maintained at a substantially constant level within a first range of temperature by appropriate means during the vacuum degassing. Means are provided to ramping the temperature at a controlled rate from the first range of temperature up to the desired second range of temperature for curing of the spin-on-glass layer. The temperature of the article is maintained at a substantially constant level within the second range of temperature by suitable means for the curing. Means are provided to allow a constant inert gas flow to fill the chamber under the vacuum conditions during the operation.

Abstract: A method for the continuous drying of a material. The temperature of the material is adjusted to below the boiling point of the material at atmospheric pressure. The material is fed into a vacuum chamber and led through the vacuum chamber without a heat supply. Then the dried material is removed through an air lock. The method can be carried out by an assembly including a mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the material, a feeding mechanism for feeding the material into a vacuum chamber, a vacuum chamber, a mechanism for transporting the material through the vacuum chamber and an air lock. The method and assembly are useful for drying materials which are sensitive and/or difficult to solidify.

Abstract: A method of drying plurality of electronic components, which have been washed with water. The components are introduced into a drum-type container, and the container is decompressed and rotated about a horizontally directed central axis so as to stir the plurality of electronic components. The container may be at least partially dipped in a heated liquid bath, so that the container is heated by the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing out photopolymer printing plates by means of solvents, drying the printing plates and recovering the solvents, a conventional washout station and a conventional drying station being connected to a solvent recovery means integrated in the drying station, which consists of the following parts:a hermetically sealing drying chamber for the printing plates, having an adjustable hood (15) and stationary panel (16), with panel heaters (18a, 18b) inserted in the hood and panel,a system which is connected to the interior space formed when the drying chamber is closed and which consists of a heat exchanger (25) for cooling the solvent vapor/air mixture, formed by drying the printing plates in the drying chamber, and condensation of the solvents,a solvent separator (26) for separating off the liquefied solvents,a vacuum pump (27) and a buffer vessel (33) for sucking up the solvent vapor/air mixture and compressing the solvent vapor/air mixture,a heat exchanger (28) for increasing the temperature

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for distillation drying of one or more biological samples. The drying apparatus includes a retaining assembly, a vacuum assembly, cooling means, monitoring means and control means for actively regulating the temperature and pressure conditions of biological tissue so that such tissue may be dried without substantial ultrastructural damage.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for drying articles (18), in particular articles which are used in electronics and require clean-room conditions for their manufacture. Drying according to the method of the invention uses a partial vacuum in a vacuum storage and at least one air blast across the article by opening the vacuum storage. The wetness on the article is blown off at high velocity. The air blast can be repeated until there is only a residual moisture left on the article. This moisture can be removed by evaporation in a partial vacuum. The drying apparatus comprises a process chamber (14) for the articles. The process chamber has air inlet openings (34) distributed over its transverse sectional area and at least one air outlet opening (26) positioned opposite the inlet openings.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted drying apparatus and method are provided for rapidly drying fabrics. A rotatable drum is enclosed in a nearly hermetic region. A valve is attached to an inlet of the region; a compressor is attached to an exit of the region. With the valve closed, the compressor reduces the pressure within the region to the saturated pressure of water at the temperature of the fabrics. At this point, free moisture in the fabrics evaporates. Continued operation of the compressor removes the vaporous moisture from the system. After most of the free water vapor has been depleted, the valve is opened to allow heated air to flow through the drum and to dry the remaining bound moisture.

Abstract: An intermediate support plate (4) is located between the freeze-drying chamber and the condensation chamber and is equipped with a closeable port; in order to be able to properly adjust the orifice of the port it is formed by two discs (15, 18) that can be rotated relative to each other around a central axis of rotation. Each disc carries circular holes (21, 22) at a radial distance away from the axis of rotation and these holes are so located and designed that by rotating the discs a position of complete axial overlap, one of zero axial overlap and any position in between can be achieved.

Abstract: The product is frozen and freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus (1) containing a freeze-drying chamber (2) with shelves (6) for performing the freeze-drying and a condenser (11), the cooling surfaces of which are formed by a coiled tube (14) in a number of tube coil turns (15), and where the low temperature created by the condenser (11) is used to freeze the product. To carry out the freezing quickly and simply the product is put into trays or dishes (21) and these trays or dishes are positioned on the tube turns (15) of the condenser (11) already in operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and unloading freeze-drying apparatus including at least one placement surface adapted to receive containers holding a product to be freeze-dried. The containers are placed on a table top of a transfer table, and the transfer table is brought into proximity with the placement surface in a chamber of a freeze-drying apparatus. A retractable frame assembly, movably secured to the transfer table, is used to transfer the containers from the transfer table top to the placement surfaces. The frame assembly is retracted from the chamber, and the freeze-drying process may then be implemented. Upon completion of freeze-drying, the frame assembly is introduced into the chamber, and is actuated to transfer the containers from the placement surfaces to the transfer table.

Abstract: In order to dry continuously a pasty product being processed in a wet condition the product is fed via an extruder into a vacuum zone, which e.g. can be formed by a vacuum band drier. The heating of the product occurring due to the extrusion leads to a rapid expansion and drying in the vacuum. An additional feeding of heat is depending on the product no longer necessary. Accordingly the dwell time of the product in the vacuum can be reduced such that the productivity can be increased. Furthermore it is possible to operate at lower temperatures such that the quality of the product is not detrimentally influenced.

Abstract: A polymer strand dryer comprising in cooperating arrangement a main vacuum line, a secondary vacuum line having therein a water separation means, and a bifurcated head with suction arms extending from each branch of the bifurcated head permits a faster rate of drying polymer than conventional dryer heads.

Abstract: In a wood curing kiln, a chamber is sealed to retain a negative pressure with respect to the ambient and for storing stacked lumber to be cured and having a concrete floor with embedded heating pipes for circulating heated water to heat the concrete floor to a temperature preventing condensation thereon, and with means for circulating heated air within the chamber and through the stacked lumber to remove moisture therefrom and with the chamber being constantly vented to remove moist air and maintain the negative pressure within the chamber. A tarp is suspended from the ceiling of the chamber above the stacked lumber to enable the tarp to be lowered to cover and seal the top of the stacked lumber so that the heated air flows across the top of the tarp and down into and through an end of the stacked lumber.

Abstract: An apparatus including a device 1 for separating organic components from a process mixture, a vacuum evaporation device 4 for partially drying the mineral salts or mixtures thereof, a device 5 for thermal treatment of the partially dried mineral salts or mixtures thereof from the vacuum evaporation device 4, a condenser 7 for condensing the humid vapors from the vacuum evaporation device 4 and a device 9 for reverse osmosis treatment of the condensate as well as suitable conveying devices between the parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved vacuum treatment system includes containers for accommodating articles to be treated, a tunnel-like casing in which a plurality of the casings can move contiguously, a driving device for making the containers move in the casing, a plurality of evacuation ducts open to the casing at a plurality of locations, sealing devices for sealing the clearance between the outer surfaces of the containers and the inner surface of the casing at the positions between the openings, and an evacuation facility for evacuating the inside of the casings through the evacuation ducts. The locations of the evacuation ducts closest to the opposite ends of the casing are spaced apart from the ends of the casing by distances greater than the length of the container. The intervals between the locations of the evacuation ducts are preferably longer than the length of the container.

Abstract: A device for drying articles such as semiconductor wafers comprising a vacuum process chamber for holding articles to be dried; a vapor generator substantially isolated from the process chamber for supplying a substance such as isopropyl alcohol in vapor form to the process chamber; a heater for heating the walls of the process chamber to discourage the substance vapor from condensing on the inside walls of the process chamber. The device can also be used for rinsing and cleansing articles prior to drying.

Abstract: Volatile compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) which contaminate a soil can be removed--without incineration--by a process which generally involves: (1) introducing the contaminated soil into a vessel, (2) heating the soil to a temperature greater than about 300.degree. F., but less than 600.degree. F., preferably in the presence of an inert gas, (3) drawing a vacuum on the vessel to such a degree as to cause the contaminant to flash to a contaminant vapor and (4) condensing the contaminate vapor to a liquid and (5) disposing of said liquid.

Abstract: A freeze drying apparatus comprises a heat-transfer medium container having heat-transfer medium inlet/outlet pipes, a plurality of tubes extending through the heat-transfer medium container from its lower plate to upper plate, a lower space formed beneath the heat-transfer medium container and being in communication with the tubes and a product liquid inlet/outlet conduit, an openable bottom lid defining the bottom of the lower space, an upper space formed above the upper plate of the heat-transfer medium container, a trap chamber being in communication with the upper space, pressure regulation lid means operable to airtightly cover part of the tubes at their upper ends, and a pressure regulation conduit with pressure regulation valve operable to regulate pressure in the tubes covered with the pressure regulation lid means.

Abstract: A seal for a dryer having split enclosure drying hoods is disclosed. The hoods are retractable with respect to each other at at least one separation joint. A gasket capable of conforming to the contour of the joint is positioned in the joint. Preferably the gasket is of an inflatable type. The portions of the upper and lower hoods which terminate at the separation joint comprise a bellows, which provide a non-linear path for heat conduction and in which the gasket is positioned.

Abstract: In a vacuum cooling apparatus, a hollow receptacle is provided, for containing a plurality of containers for containing materials to be cooled, the containers being slidably fitted in the receptacle one after another. The receptacle has through-holes formed therein at intervals corresponding to the dimension of the container which is measured in the axial direction of the receptacle in such a manner that the receptacle through-holes are arranged in the axial direction of the receptacle. Each of the containers has a container through-hole formed therein so that the container through-hole is allowed to communicate with the receptacle through-holes. Seal members also are provided, allowing the inside of each container to communicate with the outside only through the receptacle through-hole and container through hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum drying machine for tanned skins, with multiple work surfaces, which comprises a fixed framework with at least two substantially vertical uprights which extend to the side of a plurality of vertically movable stacked platforms, each of which upwardly defines a work surface, and is provided below with a cover for the underlying platform. The vacuum drying machine is characterized in that at least one of the platforms is characterized in that at least one of the platforms is coupled to the movable liners of at least two linear double-action cylinders, each one being located at one of the uprights, the upper ends of the stems thereof being connected to the top of the matching upright.

Abstract: A process is described for continuously drying a paste material for a high-density detergent in a drying apparatus comprising a cylindrical casing and one or more sheet blades radially attached to a rotational shaft positioned at the center of the cylindrical casing such that the tip of each of the one or more sheet blades extends to the inner wall of the cylindrical casing, comprising the steps of feeding a paste material for a high-density detergent having a moisture content of from 20 to 35% by weight into the drying apparatus; forming a film of the paste material on the inner wall of the cylindrical casing by rotating the sheet blades; and scraping the film from the inner wall of the casing while continuously dehydrating and drying the film by heating under vacuum. The process of the invention conserves space and energy in drying the paste material for a high-density detergent.

Abstract: In a freeze-drying method for producing a dried pharmaceutical compound or preparation, a first liquid is frozen, a second liquid is added to the frozen first liquid and is frozen thereon, and the frozen first and second liquids are freeze-dried together, in which at least one of said first and second liquids contains said pharmaceutical compound of preparation dissolved or suspended therein. The other liquid or liquids may be pure solvent (generally water) or may contain one or more other substances.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying gels and biological substances has a base with a drying area, surrounded by a sealing surface, for receiving the substance to be dried and a cover, whose marginal area can be placed in vacuum-tight manner on the sealing surface and the drying space formed between the drying area and the cover can be evacuated. In order to achieve a good and reliable sealing of the drying space and to prevent the penetration of ambient air into the latter, the sealing surface in the cover bearing area and/or the marginal area of the cover resting on the sealing surface are constructed in rubber-elastic manner and at least one closed evacuatable groove is formed in the sealing surface. The cover rests on the sealing surface on either side of the groove.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for drying and/or restoring books and other materials which have been wet, wherein the wet and/or distorted materials are placed in a vacuum chamber and subjected to vacuum while being gradually and uniformly heated through the use of heat conductive supports. A compressive force is applied to the materials while they are being heated to straighten and restore the distorted materials.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a web of material coming out of a drier, in particular a paper web of an offset printing machine coming out of a drier, which cooling device comprises a substantially closed housing with an inlet and an outlet slit for the web of material, said housing being provided at the outlet slit side with a feed aperture for feeding in outside air and at the inlet slit side with a discharge aperture for discharging air from the housing, the air being fed through the housing in counterflow to the direction of movement of the web of material, wherein the housing in the direction of movement of the web of material is provided with two or more cooling units placed in series which bring the infed air successively into contact with the web of material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for sequestering sublimating water vapor with molecular sieves during freeze drying. Long mesh columns of sieves permit unimpeded sublimating water vapor flow while efficiently adsorbing sublimating water vapor at high flow rates, and also allow efficient sieve desorption during regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum drying machine with multiple tables for drying industrial hides and similar products, including a fixed supporting frame which supports a plurality of controllably vertically movable horizontal work tables. Each of the tables has, on its upper face, a supporting and heating plate for supporting and heating the hides and, on its lower face, a closing cover which can sealingly engage the upper face of the underlying table so as to define a vacuum drying chamber. An intermediate supporting structure is provided so as to be vertically movable inside the fixed supporting frame. The tables are vertically movable in the intermediate supporting structure so as to move telescopingly with respect to the fixed supporting frame.

Abstract: A heater equipped pre-trap chamber is provided at the upstream side of the inlet to a vacuum diaphragm pump so that gas products and solvent drawn from a specimen in a drying chamber can be subjected to a separation operation in the pre-trap chamber to remove liquid and readily condensable vapor forms of solvent. This thereby prevents entry of liquid solvent to the pump unit where it could cause damage. The inlet to the pump is located some distance above the outlet from the pre-trap chamber so that any liquid as may carryover in the flow from the pre-trap chambers towards the pump inlet, will return to the pre-trap as a gravity induced back flow. Solvent collected in the pre-trap chamber is heated to vaporize it and pass it out through the pump in that form to the outside atmosphere, making the pre-trap self-cleaning.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing and vacuum drying long necked laboratory flasks is presented. The apparatus includes a cabinet which presents a washing and drying compartment and a pump and rotary spray arm. A special rack which can be rolled into and out of the compartment includes a central manifold and a plurality of distribution arms extending radially from the manifold. Upright spindle tubes extend from the distribution arms to receive the inverted flasks such at that the tubes extend through the narrow necks of the flasks with the open ends of the tubes located within the bodies of the flasks. A diaphragm coupling allows water to be pumped to the manifold for delivery to the spindle tubes during washing and rinsing cycles. The tubes spray the water directly inside of the flask bodies for thorough washing and rinsing. A vacuum conduit extending from the manifold carries a seat which engages a gasket to couple the manifold with a vacuum blower when the rack is moved into the cabinet.

Abstract: A vacuum drier apparatus capable of preventing the thermal deformation of the protection member as well as scattering of the tempered glass plate in a case of an accidental breaking of the tempered glass plate. The apparatus includes elastic supporter members located between the glass plate and the protection member, for supporting the glass plate and the protection member with respect to each other, such that the glass plate can be pressed tightly to seal off the opening section of the vacuum drying space, while the protection member can be pushed away from an edge of the front side of the opening window by an external pressure exerting on the protection member. The protection member is preferably a transparent plastic plate in an outwardly curving dome-shaped form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a covering for a hydraulic ram of a freeze dryer. The freeze dryer of the present invention includes a pressure vessel having a sterile freeze drying chamber for receiving a stack of containers holding a sterile material to be freeze dried. A pressure plate located within the freeze drying chamber is adapted to be driven against the stack of containers for mechanically stoppering the containers. A hydraulic ram is connected to the pressure vessel and has an actuating arm projecting into the freeze drying chamber. The actuating arm is connected to the pressure plate and is extendible for driving the pressure plate against the containers and retractable for removal of the containers from the pressure vessel. The actuating arm has a non-sterile surface that could contaminate the freeze drying chamber and therefore, the sterile material could be freeze dried.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary dryer for tobacco products comprising a cylinder arranged for rotation about an inclined axis and having means for feeding tobacco into one end of the drying cylinder and means for conveying dried tobacco from the other end of the drying cylinder, heating means arranged to heat the cylinder, a housing arranged to contain the drying cylinder and sealed to be substantially airtight, means for reducing pressure in the drying cylinder below atmospheric pressure; and preferably but not essentially, means for superheating steam, means for injecting steam adjacent the superheating means, for conveying steam leaving the injection means at one end of the cylinder to the superheating means, and ducting for conveying superheated steam for said superheating means to the other end of said cylinder.

Abstract: A device for drying articles such as semiconductor wafers comprising a vacuum process chamber for holding articles to be dried; a vapor generator substantially isolated from the process chamber for supplying a substance such as isopropyl alcohol in vapor form to the process chamber; a heater for heating the walls of the process chamber to discourage the substance vapor from condensing on the inside walls of the process chamber. The device can also be used for rinsing and cleansing articles prior to drying.

Abstract: The shelf-operating piston rod of an hydraulic cylinder of a freeze dryer is prevented from possibly contaminiating the freeze dryer chamber either by isolating the piston rod from the chamber by enclosing the piston rod within the chamber with an impervious flexible sleeve capable of extending and retracting with the piston rod. The pressure within the sleeve may be adjusted to approach or match the pressure within the freeze dryer chamber. Prevention of contamination alternatively may be achieved by interposing a sterilizing container between the external hydraulic cylinder and the freeze dryer and surrounding the piston rod, and subjecting the piston rod within the sterilizing container to sterilizing fluid before the piston rod is extended into the freeze dryer chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for freeze-drying, said apparatus comprising freeze-drying shelves disposed inside a freeze-drying enclosure, on which may be placed products or solutions to be freeze-dried, which may be contained in open recipients, as well as cooling and/or heating means associated with and preferably incorporated in said shelves, wherein means forming a thermal shield are disposed between said freeze-drying shelves, thus making it possible to slow down the heat exchanges between the surface of the product to be freeze-dried and the heating and/or cooling elements associated with the shelves. More homogeneous freeze-dried products are obtained in this way.

Abstract: A freeze drying apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, an evacuation system, and an additional condensation surface which may serve as a fail-safe condensation surface. The additional condensation surface is connected by way of a valve with a reservoir container containing a low boiling point coolant, such as liquid nitrogen. If, due to a malfunction, the pumping power of the evacuation system fails, the valve is opened so that the additional condensation surface takes over the pumping work for the commodity charge positioned in the vacuum chamber. The additional condensation surface may be positioned in a condenser of the evacuation system, in the vacuum chamber, or in a separate chamber connected to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A system for conditioning grain in a sealed container through the removal of liquid from a bushel of grain by sequentially evacuating high relative humidity air from the sealed container and thereafter allowing dry environmental air to reenter the sealed container. A sensor in the sealed container detects the relative humidity therein and supplies a controller with a signal to operate a pump which evacuates high relative humidity air from the sealed container. Thereafter, a pressure sensor detects a vacuum in the sealed container and supplies the controller with a signal which terminates the operation of the pump to allow dry environmental air to reenter the sealed container. The replacement of high relative humidity air with dry environmental air continues until the liquid content per bushel of grain is at a desired level.

Abstract: A rotary dryer for drying and mixing particulate material, includes a shell having a pair of conical portions and provided with a jacket to which a hot fluid may be fed, the shell defining a chamber for the material to be dried and mixed. An air-tight closure for the chamber is provided with a jacket to which hot fluid may be fed and through which the material is charged and discharged. A rotary tube shaft extends horizontally from one end of the shell and along the horizontal axis of the shell, the rotary tube shaft being sheathed by a rotary joint pipe equipped with a bearing rotatably supporting the rotary tube shaft. The rotary tube shaft is provided with a plurality of communication paths which communicate with charge/discharge ports located on the rotary joint pipe during rotation of the rotary tube shaft in the rotary joint pipe, the communication paths connecting the jackets of the shell and the closure for feeding the hot fluid.

Abstract: Sludge or slurry is dewatered by passing it on a screw conveyor through a sealed vessel at a vacuum more negative than -10 inches of Hg.As a result, moisture is removed from the sludge or slurry as water vapor. The vessel is sealed from air by the presence of the sludge or slurry at the inlet and outlet port extents of the vessel.

Abstract: The device is intended to dry the glue (containing polyurethane, neoprene, natural or synthetic rubber or mixtures thereof) after it has been spread on shoe uppers and/or soles. The device can be included in a system which includes carding, spreading and reactivation of the parts in order to press them together. The device comprises one or more vacuum chambers into which the shoe uppers and soles to which a water dispersion glue has previously been applied are fed, the vacuum chamber being subject to heat and decreased pressure under conditions to produce rapid evaporation of water and drying of the glue. The temperature can be fixed beforehand and increased by a source of heat.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for drying gel is provided and consists of a tray assembly having a surface on which the gel is disposed, a microwave oven for applying microwave energy to the gel in the tray assembly to uniformly dry the gel and a vacuum pump assembly for applying a vacuum to the tray assembly for removing water vapor therefrom during the drying of the gel.

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 freeze-drying apparatus includes a freeze-drying chamber; a plurality of horizontally oriented, vertically superposed and vertically displaceable shelf plates for supporting thereon receptacles containing the product to be freeze-dried; a plate shifting rod projecting into the freeze-drying chamber and being operatively connected to the shelf plates; and a drive situated externally of the freeze-drying chamber and being connected to the plate shifting rod for moving the plate shifting rod in directions into and out of the freeze-drying chamber. There is provided a sterilizing device including a sterilizing chamber adjoining the freeze-drying chamber and accommodating that length portion of the plate shifting rod which is to be introduced into the freeze-drying chamber during the plate shifting operation.

Abstract: Solid, loose particulate materials are treated with vaporizable agent in a process chamber. The materials are combined with a mixture of hot gas and vapor in order to condense finely subdivided amounts of the treatment agent on the material. After a suitable time of reaction, the condensed material is partially removed from the treated material so that the pressure in the process chamber is reduced at least to the point at which the treatment agent partially evaporates, whereupon the portion which has revaporized is extracted from the process chamber. This cycle of introduction and removal of the treating agent is preferably repeated in a program-controlled operation until the desired result is achieved and a product which is suitably agglomerated is obtained.

Abstract: A hot chuck assembly characterized by a platen suspended over a base assembly by four, equally spaced mounting assemblies. The suspension points on the platen are provided as close as possible to its upper, wafer support surface so that thermal expansion of the platen has a minimal effect on the position of a supported wafer. Each of the mounting post assemblies includes a pair of resilient leg portions which can flex in a radial direction to absorb radial expansion or contraction of the platen. In consequence, the hot chuck assembly of the present invention minimizes both lateral and axial displacement of a supported integrated circuit wafer as the platen heats and cools.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for dewatering water-containing mineral particles, e.g., pulverized coal and in particular, high moisture content, low rank coal, is described. In one embodiment, the process and apparatus make use of a hydrophobic dewatering aid to displace water chemically and/or interstitially bound to coal particles followed by stripping of the coal particles with a water-miscible solvent to facilitate drainage of such water from the coal particles.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for microwave vacuum drying of pharmaceutical powders and the like. The mechanism includes a drying chamber, a source of microwave radiation, a means for mixing product within the chamber, and a means for introducing a vacuum into the chamber during the drying process. The chamber is vertically oriented, with the microwave radiation introduced at the top of the chamber and mixing occurring at the chamber's bottom. The chamber has a removable lid at its top, and a support structure adapted for loading and unloading dried product from the chamber. The mixing mechanism is a motor driven shaft with one or more mixing blades. The shaft and blades may be microwave transparent. In the preferred embodiment, the chamber is sufficiently deep such that a layer of product to be dried can cover the shaft and blades and microwave radiation can be prevented from penetrating through the product to the shaft and blades.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microporous plate, a filter plate obtained from the method, and suction drier apparatus utilizing such filter plates are disclosed. According to the method, a casting mix is introduced into the interior of a gypsum mold whereupon water is absorbed from the casting mix into the gypsum so that a crust remains on the inner surface of the mold. The crust is allowed to develop to an appropriate thickness whereupon the remaining casting mix is drained from the mold. The inner surfaces of the crust are allowed to dry whereupon the interior space defined between opposed crust wall portions is filled with a granular material which preferably has the same composition as the crust material. A filter plate comprises a pair of opposed suction walls defining an interior space between them which is filled with a granular material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing effervescent tablets consisting in the steps of careful humidifying of the acid+base mixture, pre-drying and final drying and granulating.It has been found that these operations can be performed in a single apparatus, either integrally in fluid bed, or with vacuum-drying.