Abstract: There is provided a process for vacuum drying. The process includes the steps of: depositing a liquid composition containing a film-forming material and at least one solvent onto a workpiece to form a wet layer; placing the wet layer on the workpiece into a vacuum chamber including a condenser; and treating the wet layer at a controlled temperature in the range of ?25 to 80° C. and under an applied vacuum in the range of 10?6 to 1,000 Torr for a period of 1-100 minutes; wherein the condenser is maintained at a temperature at which the solvent will condense as a liquid at the applied vacuum.

Abstract: A gas supply device has an air compressor, a liquid-gas separator, and a freeze-drying mechanism. The air compressor discharges high-pressure gas with a high temperature and containing a liquid to the liquid-gas separator. The high-pressure gas separated by the liquid-gas separator then enters the freeze-drying mechanism for cooling. The freeze-drying mechanism has a drainer for removing water in the high-pressure gas. The removed water goes through a drain line to the liquid-gas separator to be discharged. The liquid in the liquid-gas separator has a cooling effect.

Abstract: A shelf for a freeze dryer and method for enhancing temperature uniformity across the shelf. In one embodiment, the shelf has a lower shelf plate and an upper shelf plate mounted on the lower shelf plate and channels in a serpentine pattern are positioned between the upper and lower shelf plates to circulate heating or cooling fluid in a counter-flow pattern therebetween for temperature uniformity. The upper-shelf plate is formed of a temperature conductive material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating fluids from drill cuttings. Specifically, the invention relates to shakers that incorporate a vacuum system and methods of operating such systems to effect a high degree of fluid separation. The system and methods are effective across a variety of screen sizes, vacuum flows and vacuum designs.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for treating or processing containers (2) that are used for storing substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications or contain the same, cylindrical containers open at least at one end are automatically led past or pass through processing stations for treatment or processing by means of a conveying device, while said containers are jointly held by a carrier (25; 134) in a regular two-dimensional arrangement. The carrier comprises a plurality of openings or receptacles (32; 39; 87; 120), which determine the regular arrangement. According to the invention, the treatment or processing of the containers is performed on or in at least one of the processing stations while the containers are supported by the carrier. This opens up new possibilities for treating or processing the containers, for example when crimping metal lids or during freeze-drying.

Abstract: A bandage/diaper drying device includes a gas inlet and channels formed between two layers of a very thin material (e.g. plastic). A spiral tube is positioned between the two layers to reduce occlusion of the layers and maintain flow of gas from the inlet to vents that are directed to a potential source of moisture. The vents are formed on a peripheral distribution channel that is in fluid communication with the gas inlet. In a preferred embodiment, each vent has a one-way duckbill valve allowing for the flow of gas from the peripheral distribution channel to dry a diaper/bandage in which the bandage/diaper drying system is mounted. The one-way duckbill valves reduce backflow of foreign matter into the peripheral distribution channel.

Abstract: A vertical plastic material drying apparatus having an initial dryer, a vacuum drying hopper and a storage hopper, which form a vertical combination. The storage hopper is connected to a molding machine. A control valve is disposed between neighboring two of the initial dryer, the vacuum drying hopper and the storage hopper and controls the falling amount of the granular or powdery plastic material. In addition, a hot air steam device is connected to the initial dryer and provides the high-temperature hot air to enter the initial dryer. A vacuuming device is connected to the vacuum drying hopper and vacuums the gas from the vacuum drying hopper. Because the initial dryer, the vacuum drying hopper and the storage hopper are combined into the vertical form and cannot be moved, the ground area occupied by the drying apparatus is smaller so that the optimization spatial availability is obtained.

Abstract: A hand treatment device is provided for drying a user's hands with an airflow. The hand treatment device comprises a hand treatment chamber comprising a hand insertion section and an outflow sink for purging fluid carried by the airflow from the user's hands to the outflow sink. Therein, the airflow is generated by applying a negative pressure to the outflow sink, such that air is sucked from an environment of the hand treatment device through the hand insertion section into the outflow sink.

Abstract: An installation for drying a thin-walled biodegradable pot having a drying mould wherein one wall has a shape adapted to a corresponding shape of a wall of a moulded pot to be dried, and a means of heating the drying mould wall to a temperature above 160° C., and preferably between 180 and 240° C. Also disclosed are an installation for manufacturing pots having a drying installation mentioned above, a method of drying pots, a pot obtained from an installation or from a method mentioned above, and an assembly with a plant in a pot as mentioned above.

Abstract: A method of drying high-level radioactive wastes and device thereof contains a suspension mechanism for hanging a manual elevating mechanism, and a shielding cover. The manual elevating mechanism couples with a basket for accommodating wastes by using a hanging rope, and the shielding cover is fixed below the suspension mechanism and in a moving path of the basket. The basket is moved to a storage tank containing water in which radioactive wastes are stored, and the radioactive wastes are pumped into the basket by means of a pump. The basket is then lifted above a water surface of the storage tank and received in the shielding cover, and then the shielding cover is moved into a water holder so as to drain waters in the basket. The basket is further moved onto a heating seat to be heated and a vacuum equipment is started to dry the radioactive wastes.

Abstract: A vacuum drying apparatus and a method of manufacturing a display apparatus by using the same. A vacuum drying apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes a chamber having a space formed therein, a support unit that is installed in the chamber and on which a substrate coated with a treatment solution is stably placed, a gas injection unit that is connected to the chamber to inject a treatment gas into the chamber, a decompression unit that is connected to the chamber to decompress the chamber, and a gas sensing unit that is installed with at least one of the chamber and the decompression unit to detect gas generated during drying of the treatment solution.

Abstract: A rotary drum (302) for use within a vacuum chamber (212) in a vacuum freeze-dryer (204) for the bulkware production of freeze-dried particles is provided. The drum (302) is in open communication with the vacuum chamber (212) and comprises a main section (304) terminated by a front plate (306) and a rear plate (308), the rear plate (308) is adapted for connection with a rotary supporting shaft (312) for rotary support of the drum (302), and the rear plate (308) is permeable for sublimation vapor from freeze-drying the particles.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for preventing or reducing raised edges in wound films are disclosed herein. This improvement can be accomplished by employing a roll spacer that is narrower than the film and/or by entrapping a gas between the layers in the wound film. One or more embodiments of the present invention concern a multilayered wound film roll.

Abstract: A drying device comprising a titano-alumino-phosphate with thermal management for the more efficient drying of objects and appliances, and its production. Further, a drying method for obtaining dried objects and appliances, as well as a method for regeneration accompanied by the desorption of water from water-containing titano-alumino-phosphate.

Abstract: A method for reducing dust emissions in a metal or slag casting apparatus, as well as a metal or slag casting apparatus allowing reducing dust emissions, comprising an endless conveyor having a plurality of casting moulds with upper open tops and which endless conveyor is arranged to move said casting moulds in a first section from a casting station to to the casting station, the method comprising (a) providing a casing forming a bottomless box over at least part of the first section of the endless conveyor, (b) injecting within said casing a gas on the surface of the mould with an angle sufficient to blow off loose, solid particles, such as graphite flakes, formed at the surface of the metal, during early stages of the cooling down and to start the solidification of a superficial layer of metal or slag, (c) extracting the gas and the solid particles by suction from within said casing.

Abstract: A fabrication apparatus of a display that is adaptive for improving reliability is disclosed. The fabrication apparatus of a display device includes a chamber for vacuum heating; a hot plate disposed on the inside of the chamber; a plurality of external pipes that are disposed on the outside of the chamber, and to which vent gas for converting the atmospheric pressure of the inside of the chamber, which is in a vacuum state, into the atmospheric pressure of the outside is supplied; a gas outlet tube, which is extended from the external pipe and disposed on the inner side surface of the chamber in order to discharge the vent gas; and a gas heating part which is disposed on each of the external pipe and heats up the vent gas supplied from the outside.

Abstract: A coalescing dryer passes air downwardly through items to be dried in a container. The air can be diverted to change direction following passage of the air through the items to be dried. The moving air causes liquid on the surface of items to be dried to coalesce and travel downwardly and from the items being dried. A vacuum dryer applies a vacuum to the container of items to be dried when placed in a vacuum chamber after pre-drying by the coalescing dryer so as to evaporate liquid in the items to be dried that has not been removed by the coalescing dryer.

Abstract: A glue-thermal curing equipment includes a chassis, a support, a heating baking plate and a lifting device. The chassis is formed with an accommodation space therein. The support is fixedly disposed in the accommodation space. The heating baking plate is disposed on the support, and has a top surface acting as a heat generating surface. The heat generating surface allows a panel device to be directly disposed thereon, and fully provides uniform thermal energy to a liquid-state glue layer disposed on the panel device. The lifting device is elevatably disposed on the support and enables the panel device to be lifted and separated from the heat generating surface.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted dehydration system including a vacuum chamber, a gas compressor, a heating coil, and a vacuum pump is provided. A sealing member removably attached to an opening of the vacuum chamber is opened to introduce one or more instruments into the vacuum chamber. The gas compressor, in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, recirculates a pressurized gas into the vacuum chamber. The heating coil within the vacuum chamber heats the recirculating gas, which contacts the instruments positioned therein and transfers heat energy into interstitial cavities and to surfaces of the instruments or onto other moist components, for example, hands to vaporize moisture present therein. The vacuum pump, in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, creates a negative gas pressure in the vacuum chamber to exhaust the vaporized moisture entrained in the heated recirculating gas from the vacuum chamber to dehydrate the instruments or the moist components.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device. Embodiments include heating the gas supplied into the interior of the electronic device with pump used to decrease pressure within the electronic device and/or a separate heater. Still other embodiments include controlling the temperature of the gas supplied into the electronic device. Still further embodiments automatically control, such as by using an electronic processor, some or all aspects of the drying of the electronic device.

Abstract: The inventive device and methods described herein address the introduction of a safe and effective freeze-dried biological product, and particularly a plasma product, to a subject in need thereof. The present invention relates to a multifunctional, staged closure device, which also is described as a lyophilization container for plasma (LCP). The device and methods described herein address how to reproducibly achieve a low moisture and substantially oxygen-free atmosphere within a finally hermetically sealed biocompatible low aspect plastic vessel within a standard shelf-stoppering freeze dryer. The present inventive device and methods provide a freeze-dried plasma product that is fully traceable, preserves the constituent plasma activity, is readily prepared in a sterile fashion, is stable, ensures ease of storage and permits rapid reconstitution and delivery to a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly drying porous materials. A sealable chamber is connected to a cold trap which is connected to a vacuum pump. A sample is placed inside the sealable chamber. The vacuum pump is turned on and air is evacuated through the cold trap to the vacuum pump. An infrared lamp may be used to heat the chamber and sample therein directly or heated air may be allowed to enter the sealable chamber. Air may be drawn directly from the sealable chamber to the vacuum pump bypassing the cold trap. Various parameters may be used to determine if the drying process is complete, including the degree of vacuum achieved in the chamber.

Abstract: A process line for the production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions is provided, the process line comprising a freeze-dryer (100) for the bulkware production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions, the freeze-dryer (100) comprising a rotary drum (104, 302) for receiving the frozen particles, and a stationary vacuum chamber (102) housing the rotary drum (104, 302), wherein for the production of the particles under closed conditions the vacuum chamber (102) is adapted for closed operation during processing of the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for commissioning steam turbine generator power plants to advance the cleanliness of the complete steam cycle by the conditioned discharge of steam to the plant surface condenser.

Abstract: A process line (300) for the production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions is provided, the process line comprising at least the following separate devices: a spray chamber (302) for droplet generation and freeze congealing of the liquid droplets to form particles, and a bulk freeze-dryer (304) for freeze drying the particles, wherein a transfer section (308) is provided for a product transfer from the spray chamber (302) to the freeze-dryer (304), for the production of the particles under end-to-end closed conditions each of the devices (302, 304) and of the transfer section (308) is separately adapted for closed operation, and the spray chamber (302) is adapted for separation of the liquid droplets from any cooling circuit.

Abstract: A freeze-drying apparatus (1) includes an arrangement of individual product platforms (19) that are supported vertically in a frame (20) in a drying chamber, in which each platform is able to be moved to a shift level, in which lateral guides (20, 21) designed to support a carriage (15) are arranged with a fixed height position, and which cooperate with the guides (16, 18) of a loading and unloading device. All product platforms (19) in the drying chamber can be loaded by repeating this operation cyclically. In order to unload the drying chamber, the arrangement of the product platforms (19) are moved to such a position above the shift level in which the carriage (15) can be moved as far as its rear limit position inside the drying chamber, travelling underneath each loaded product platform (19).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating a material (20), in particular for drying a preferably strip-shaped material (20), comprising a gaseous treatment medium which flows through the material (20), at least one drum (2) which comprises a gas-permeable drum cover (21) which is at least partially covered with the material (20) which can be transported in the peripheral direction of the drum (2) inside (18) where a negative pressure can be set, a treatment chamber (14, 76, 78) surrounding the drum (2). When setting the negative pressure in the inside (18) of the drum (2), at least part of the gaseous treatment medium flows out from the treatment chamber (14, 76, 78) through the material (20) arranged on the drum cover (21) and through the gas-permeable drum cover (21) into the inside of the drum (2).

Abstract: A skate dryer assembly. The assembly has a skate, a dryer module, and a device for blowing or sucking air through or from the module. The skate includes a boot and a blade. The dryer module defines a slot therein adapted to receiving and retaining the blade therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for freeze-drying injectable compositions, in particular pharmaceutical compositions, comprising: A) storing a quantity of a dispersion of an injectable composition in an aqueous dispersion medium in at least one ready-to-use vial, B) rotating the vial at least for a period of time to form a dispersion layer at an inner surface of a circumferential wall of the vial, C) during rotating of the vial according to step B) cooling the vial to form ice crystals at the inner surface of the circumferential wall of the vial, and D) drying the cooled composition to sublime at least a portion of the ice crystals formed in the dispersion by substantially homogeneously heating the circumferential wall of the vial. The invention also relates to a freeze-dried composition obtained by the method according to the invention and a system for freeze-drying injectable compositions, in particular pharmaceutical compositions, in particular by making use of the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum processing system for processing a substrate (2), with an enclosure (1) for carrying the substrate (2) to be treated in a substrate plane (4), whereby the enclosure (1) comprises a first reflecting means (6) and a heating means (5) having a first plane surface (10) and an opposed second plane surface (11), the heating means (5) is configured for irradiating heating energy only via the first surface (10) and/or via the second surface (11), the first reflecting means (6) is configured for reflecting the heating energy irradiated by the heating means (5) onto the substrate plane (4), and the heating means (5) is arranged such that the first surface (10) faces towards the first reflecting means (6) and the second surface (11) faces towards the substrate plane (4).

Abstract: A device is provided for separating beads from a carrier fluid, the device comprising: a bead-receiving means for receiving beads dispersed in a carrier fluid, a fluid removal means operable to remove fluid from the bead-receiving means in a first fluid removal zone by the application of reduced pressure, and a bead collection means operable to remove beads from the bead-receiving means in a bead collection zone by the application of reduced pressure, the bead-receiving means being movable so that beads are movable from the first fluid removal zone to the bead collection zone.

Abstract: This application discloses devices, articles, and methods useful for producing lyophilized cakes of solutes. The devices and articles provide for a method of freezing liquid solutions of the solute by the top and the bottom of the solution simultaneously. The as frozen solution then provides a lyophilized cake of the solutes with large and uniform pores.

Abstract: A coalescing dryer passes air downwardly through items to be dried in a container. The air can be diverted to change direction following passage of the air through the items to be dried. The moving air causes liquid on the surface of items to be dried to coalesce and travel downwardly and from the items being dried. A vacuum dryer applies a vacuum to the container of items to be dried when placed in a vacuum chamber after pre-drying by the coalescing dryer so as to evaporate liquid in the items to be dried that has not been removed by the coalescing dryer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for conductively heated vacuum-based drying of portable electronic devices. For example, a portable electronic device that has been exposed to excessive liquid is placed inside a drying chamber. The drying chamber is closed and a drying routine commences. During the drying routine, the chamber is pressurized to a vacuum level sufficient to gasify liquids inside the device, and the device is conductively heated at least to replace latent heat of vaporization lost during the pressurization. Some embodiments include techniques relating to payment processing, monitoring and feedback control, decontamination, and/or other functionality.

Abstract: A vacuum kiln apparatus and method of using same are disclosed for use in drying corn, other grains, seeds and legumes. The vacuum kiln apparatus can include a support base, a wall, a vacuum pump system, a pressure valve, a top hatch, a machinery access hatch, an anti-overload baffle, a conveyor system, a motor, a chamber vent valve, an air outlet manifold and an air compressor. The wall defines an internal chamber for receiving the grain. The vacuum pump system is used to draw down the pressure within the internal chamber which drives moisture out of the corn while maintaining the integrity of the corn, i.e., drying the corn with little or no cracking. The air outlet manifold along with the air compressor are used to flush high pressure air through the piles of corn to strips off any residual water that may be clinging onto the exterior of the corn grains.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods of using modified placental tissue to achieve endogenous and exogenous therapeutic effects. When applied to an injured or diseased organ or body part, the modified placental tissue elicit stem cell recruitment and/or localization directly to or proximate to the site of application. Also described is a novel vacuum drying device and the use thereof.

Abstract: A freeze dryer shelf with opposed, parallel first and second plates is disclosed. The plates have at least one flow channel located therebetween for conveying a diathermic fluid between the plates. One of the plates has a surface treated to inhibit the sticking to the shelf of a rubber stopper pressed against that surface during the application of pressure to the stopper to push the stopper into a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for delamination drying a substrate is provided. A chamber for receiving a substrate is provided. A chuck supports and clamps the substrate within the chamber. A temperature controller controls the temperature of the substrate and is able to cool the substrate. A vacuum pump is in fluid connection with the chamber. A tilting mechanism is able to tilt the chuck at least 90 degrees.

Abstract: A device for large-scale lyophilization of pharmaceutical solutions in medical hollow bodies, includes a lyophilization device and at least one camera. Images of at least one pharmaceutical solution to be lyophilized are recorded by the at least one camera. The images may be used for controlling and/or monitoring the lyophilization process.

Abstract: This work is in simplifying the freezing and heating process required for a typical lyophilization process. From a liquid nitrogen supply tank called LIN tank, calculated quantity of vaporized nitrogen is transported the use point where a heater that uses heating media heats up nitrogen to a desired temperature and pass into the annular space of the steel plate where lyophilized solvent such as water of solvent is deposited on the outer surface of the plate. The heated nitrogen temperature will dictate the rate at which the solvent or water will be thawed. This unique process offer simplicity, safety and ease operation allowing the user to avoid heating oil as heating media, a common practice in the industry.

Abstract: An installation for drying organic matter, especially kitchen and food wastes or other biological matter, including matter that contains packaging residues, napkins, straws or the like. The installation comprises the following components: (a) a vacuum mixer (M) having a closable charging opening for introducing the organic matter and a closable discharge opening, disposed at the bottom or laterally towards the bottom, for the dried matter, (b) at least one vacuum pump (VP) for evacuating the air in the mixer to generate the vacuum, the pump being connected to at least one evacuation tube mounted above the maximum filling level in the housing of the mixer (M), (c) a heater (H) for heating the organic matter, (d) at least one condenser (K), connected to the air evacuation duct (AL) of the vacuum pump (VP) and having a cooling unit (KA) connected thereto to condense the evacuated air, and (e) a discharge duct (AW) for the condensate obtained from the evacuated air by cooling in the condenser (K).

Abstract: A whole impregnated freeze dried food product for delivering a material of interest comprising; a. moisture content of less than about 5%; b. a material of interest; and, c. taste additives; wherein, the food product is maintained in it's whole original structure, volume and shape; further wherein the food product is functionally impregnated with the material of interest in an amount equivalent to the removed moisture residual, and methods for obtaining same.

Abstract: A device for supporting at least one vessel containing a target material to be lyophilized generally includes a support panel, a central region, a perimeter region, a thermal shield, and at least one shielding cavity. The support panel has a support surface. The central region is defined by the support panel for supporting the at least one vessel. The perimeter region is also defined by the support panel and surrounding the central region. The thermal shield is positioned about the perimeter region and extends transverse to the support surface of the support panel such that the thermal shield and the support panel define a storage space for accommodating the at least one vessel. The at least one shielding cavity is defined by the thermal shield and contains a shielding material during a lyophilization process. The shielding material is distinct from the target material.

Abstract: A technology for protecting a valve seat inside a collection tank from the adherence of frozen particles in a vacuum freeze-drying apparatus and a frozen particle manufacturing method. The inside of a vacuum tank and a collection tank are vacuum evacuated; a raw material liquid is injected into the vacuum tank to produce frozen particles; and the frozen particles are piled up on a surface of a heating/cooling shelf. When the frozen particles on the heating/cooling shelf are transferred into the collection tank through the inside of an auxiliary pipe, the frozen particles do not adhere to a valve seat which surrounds an opening of a main pipe inside the collection tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for removing a solvent from a solvent wetted surface of a heat exchange tube. The method includes placing the heat exchange tube in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the vacuum chamber to a lower pressure at which the solvent boils to a vapor, and reclaiming the solvent vapor. The method may include heating the heat exchange tube within the vacuum chamber to a temperature of at least room temperature, but below the solvent's flash point temperature. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum chamber and a solvent reclaimer for recovering solvent vapor. The apparatus may also include an infrared heater, a radiant heater or other non-flame heater. The method and apparatus may be used for removing solvent from a heat exchange tube having an inside surface wetted with a solvent carrying a dry lubricant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat. Other embodiments include a desiccator for removing moisture from the air being evacuated from the electronic device prior to the air reaching an evacuation pump. Further embodiments detect humidity within the low-pressure chamber and determine when to increase and/or decrease pressure based on the humidity. Still further embodiments determine that the device is sufficiently dry to restore proper function based on the detected humidity, and in some embodiments based on the changes in humidity while pressure is being increased and/or decreased. Still further alternate embodiments automatically control some or all aspects of the drying of the electronic device. Additional embodiment disinfect the electronic device.

Abstract: A [lacuna] principally for loading and unloading the utility surface (3?) of the drying chamber (2) of a freeze drying system, which utility surface is located at a defined height position, the unloading position, is characterized by a carriage (8), which is disposed slightly above said utility surface and extends, during loading or unloading, transversely with respect to a movement direction (8?) and in parallel with the utility surface and which forms a movable guiding edge for the drying vessels (5), and by guides (7), which are disposed on both sides of the utility surface (3), extend in parallel with the said movement direction and form fixed guiding edges for the drying vessels (5). The carriage (8) is driven by two linear motors, the respective secondary parts (18) of which are fixedly connected to the ends of the carriage (8) on both sides and are supported on the guides (7) which at the same time accommodate the primary parts.

Abstract: A low pressure dryer for granular or powdery material includes a plurality of hoppers rotatable about a common vertical axis serially among material filling and heating, vacuum drying and material discharge positions; pneumatic piston-cylinder means for rotating the hoppers about said axis among said filling and heating, vacuum drying and discharge positions; means for heating contents of a hopper at said filling and heating positions; means for sealing a hopper at said vacuum and drying positions; means for drawing vacuum within a hopper at said vacuum drying position and means for selectably permitting downward flow of dried granular or powdery material out of a hopper at said discharge position where said hoppers move collectively and unitarily one with another.

Abstract: A low pressure dryer for granular or powdery material includes a plurality of hoppers rotatable about a common vertical axis serially among material filling and heating, vacuum drying and material discharge positions; pneumatic piston-cylinder means for rotating the hoppers about said axis among said filling and heating, vacuum drying and discharge positions; means for heating contents of a hopper at said filling and heating positions; means for sealing a hopper at said vacuum and drying positions; means for drawing vacuum within a hopper at said vacuum drying position and means for selectably permitting downward flow of dried granular or powdery material out of a hopper at said discharge position where said hoppers move collectively and unitarily one with another.