Abstract: A method of producing self dispersible organic pigment particles stabilized by the method. The method includes modifying organic pigment particles and then contacting the surface modified particles with an aqueous vapor entrained in a carrier gas to produce the stabilized organic pigment particles. Typically the pigment particles are modified by exposing their surfaces to ozone or a plasma-activated process gas. The surface stabilizing method prevents the violent exothermic reaction, which occurs when surface modified pigment particles are exposed to ambient air. The method is accomplished in a device, which includes a reactor, means for introducing in the reactor aqueous vapor entrained in a carrier gas and an agitator assembly for deagglomerating during surface modification the pigment particles placed in the reactor.

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a pressurized feed system. The diffuser introduces a carbonic acid solution into water to be treated. The carbonic acid solution within the diffuser is maintained at an elevated pressure. As the carbonic acid solution passes to the exterior of the diffuser, the pressure drop causes an effective mixing of the carbonic acid solution and the water. The carbonic acid solution mixes with the water and the pH of the water is reduced.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mixing device includes a nozzle that is disposed tangent to a wall of a chamber. Gas flowing from the nozzle rotates in the chamber forming a vortex. Another gas may be flown near a middle portion of the chamber, thereby uniformly mixing the two gases. In another embodiment, an evaporation and mixing device includes a nozzle configured to impart rotation to a gas flowing into a chamber. An injector flows a liquid material near a middle portion of the chamber, thereby mixing the gas and the liquid material. A heater may be employed to help evaporate the liquid material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing product components. The methods include directing a first jet of fluid along a first path and directing a second jet of fluid along a second path to cause interaction between the jets that forms a stream oriented essentially opposite to one of the jet paths.

Abstract: A method of producing self dispersible organic pigment particles stabilized by the method. The method includes modifying organic pigment particles and then contacting the surface modified particles with an aqueous vapor entrained in a carrier gas to produce the stabilized organic pigment particles. Typically the pigment particles are modified by exposing their surfaces to ozone or a plasma-activated process gas. The surface stabilizing method prevents the violent exothermic reaction, which occurs when surface modified pigment particles are exposed to ambient air. The method is accomplished in a device, which includes a reactor, means for introducing in the reactor aqueous vapor entrained in a carrier gas and an agitator assembly for deagglomerating during surface modification the pigment particles placed in the reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a corrosive mixture is provided. The apparatus having a lid for sealing an opening to the mixing vessel. The lid easily and quickly operated in addition to providing a secure pressure tight seal. It is necessary for the lid to be easily and conveniently operated to assure use of the lid.

Abstract: A fluid bed processing system for particles with an agitation system includes a product chamber with an interior and a plurality of elongated structures. The elongated structures extend at least partially across the interior of the product chamber and are positioned in the product chamber where the particles are located. The fluid bed processing system also includes a system for engaging the elongated structures to agitate the particles in the product chamber.

Abstract: A method of mixing including providing a slurry (26, 126) having a first fiber (14, 114) into a container (20, 120), introducing an agitation fluid (31, 138) into the slurry to cause a mixing motion (38, 138) within the slurry, and delivering a second fiber (16, 116) into the slurry, whereby the mixing motion mixes the first and second fibers to create a fiber mixture.

Abstract: A system for treating waste water includes a dry-feed hopper and a wetting flume for receipt of dry flocculant and waste water. The dry-feed hopper includes a container with a volume of dry flocculant therein. A manifold receives a nozzle connected to an air source to periodically deliver dry flocculant to the wetting flume. An inline static mixer is provided after the wetting flume. The output of the inline static mixer is introduced into an agitation stage via a constricting nozzle which includes a base support and a cylindrical housing with an outer wall and an, inner wall and is resiliently mounted to the top surface of said base support. A downward spiraling length of corrugated hose is positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall. Waste water from the inline static mixer is introducing into the top entry port of the length of corrugated hose to exit at the bottom exit port of the corrugated hose.

Abstract: Non-Newtonian fluids, such as partially polymerized monomers or solutions of polymer in monomer may be pressure atomized below the free surface of a continuous liquid phase to produce a dispersed phase. A uniform or customized droplet size distribution can be obtained by imposing a required pressure pulsation on a flowing monomer upstream the atomizer inlet. This initial particle size distribution can be maintained or modified during subsequent polymerization process in a low shear, controlled turbulence flow pattern, created without mechanical agitation within the continuous liquid, by continuously or periodically injecting an inert gas at selected locations within the reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for nucleating a bubble using a discrete heat source, such as a resistor, and moving the bubble in the fluid by creating a temperature gradient, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: A container for pneumatically stirring a beverage. Current flow displaced from a flexible member, such as a depressible bulb, is regulated through an outlet optionally containing a one-way valve into an opening in a liquid receptacle. The resultant current flow in the receptacle initiates a stirring motion in the beverage. Air expelled from the depressible bulb may be replenished through an inlet in the bulb.

Abstract: A static foam generating apparatus including a pipe having an inner diameter, an axis, an input end, and an output end is disclosed. A plurality of perforated discs are disposed in the pipe, the discs positioned parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pipe axis. A plurality of spacer rings are disposed within the pipe, a spacer ring separating each perforated disc from each adjacent perforated disc. Additionally, a method for generating foam including the steps of providing a static foam generating apparatus including a pipe having an inner diameter, an axis, an input end, and an output end, supplying feed water to the pipe, supplying surfactant to the pipe, and supplying air to the pipe is disclosed.

Abstract: A drum cooker for cooking granular products comprises a vessel mounted to rotate about an axis. At least two nozzle groups are provided opening into said vessel. One of said nozzle groups is arranged in that it opens into a first area of said vessel covered by that granular product. A second nozzle group opens into a second area of said vessel not covered by said granular product. For enhancing the quality of the cooking process, a control means is provided for supplying said gaseous heat-carrying medium at any time to said nozzle group only that opens into that first area covered by said product.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a variety of processes especially those involving bacterial activity such as slurry digestion comprises an elongate stationary container (10) having a cardioid cross-section with an upstanding partial partition (16) projecting upwardly from a lower region and providing a linear array of outlets (15) for the introduction of gas bubbles to the interior of the container. The cardioid container wall comprises a continuous double-lobed curve from an upper region (19) having gas escape outlets (17) to a lower region where the wall curves into tangential relation with the partial partition (16) A modular array of containers in cascade or parallel connection can be interconnected by pipework with valves, pumps and flow sensors for automatic or programmed operation.

Abstract: A preassembled fluidizing device that incorporates an expansive air passage that stimulates the enhanced flow of granular materials to the discharge port of a tank trailer, vessel, bin, or other container, during usage. The fluidizing device includes an aerator housing having affixed thereto a wear plate, the upper end of the housing having a mount to which a resilient gasket may be applied, and prestressed against the wear plate, once assembled. A fastening rod extends from the aerator housing and mounting boss, and a positioning or clip secured thereto provides an initial fastening of the preassembled device in place, once installed. A nut or other fastener connects with the opposite end of the fastening rod in order to tightly secure and seal an air distributor in place, for final assembly of the fluidizing device of this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for making drinks such as cappuccino, latte, espresso, coffee or filtered water which comprise a cold water filter system for purifying water for either direct consumption or use in extracting flavor-containing materials like coffee, a hot water filter assembly located on the brew head for removing impurities originated from both water itself and the parts of the apparatus in contact with water, and/or an automatic milk frothier for frothing the milk. The cold water filter system comprises a removable water container having at its bottom a water flow passageway, a filter cartridge removably mounted in the water flow passageway, a containing chamber for receiving filtered water, and a valve in the water flow passageway for automatically closing the passageway when the container is removed from and opening the passageway when placed onto the chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of producing polyester and charging apparatus therefor capable of producing a high quality polyethylene naphthalate usable for photographic purpose from recovered polyethylene naphthalate which comprises subjecting an ester-forming derivative consisting essentially of naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or its lower alkyl ester and a diol compound consisting essentially of ethylene glycol to ester exchange reaction or esterification to produce polyethylene naphthalate, wherein recovered polyethylene naphthalate resin is charged before beginning of effusion of alcohol or water which is a by-product of the ester exchange reaction or esterification, and a charging apparatus comprising a slidable inner pipe capable of penetrating through a supply valve.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system including a liquid mixing device and method for generating and maintaining a substantially uniform, horizontal velocity profile in a liquid circulation system, such as a plug flow reactor, which requires less horsepower than conventional liquid mixing systems without losing mixing effectiveness. The liquid mixing device employs a top-entry, vertically-oriented impeller and a housing that directs the pumped flow in a generally horizontal direction. The liquid mixing module may be positioned in close proximity to an aeration source within a channel.

Abstract: A pair of concentric tubes having an inlet and an outlet with the outer tube being closed at either end and the inner tube having a plurality of holes with compound angles designed to impart a swirling motion of the air admitted into the interior of the inner mixing tube. The holes are judiciously located around the inner tube for creating a swirling pattern. The inlet of the tubes leads the dry particles of two different compositions intended to be mixed into the mixer and the outlet leads the mixture to the next station utilizing the mixture. Air admitted internally of the outer tube feed the plurality of holes and the force of the air can be controlled to control the transport of the mixed particles.

Abstract: A device and method for holding a predetermined volume of liquid having suspended particles. The device includes a container for holding the predetermined volume of liquid, the container having a tapered neck and a flat bottom. At least one conduit having a first end extending out a the tapered neck and the second end terminating at the flat bottom is disposed in the container. The conduit defining two chambers communicating with each other through a first passage formed at the bottom of the container and communicating with the atmosphere outside of the container by at least two openings. A pressure in a gas circuit flowing through the device is alternated between a positive pressure and a negative pressure using the two chambers.

Abstract: The present invention, a submarine-type liquid mixer provides a mixing device that contains a gas-trapping component in the shape of a cap or umbrella with an open bottom, which is centered upon, and slides up and down along a vertical pole-like structure within a vessel containing liquid. When gas is formed naturally in the vessel and is caught under the opening of the cap-shaped component, or is directly pumped into the same, it displaces the liquid volume under the cap-shaped component to the extent that the cap-shaped component, which is also generally the mixing device, has the buoyancy to rise to the top of the vessel. The gas is then released through valving installed on top of the cap-shaped component, causing it to lose it's buoyancy and sink back to the bottom of the tank. This process then repeats itself, the up-and-down movement of the cap-shaped component mixing the liquid. The gas-trapping component may alternately be a mainly closed gas container.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus and process for the dilution and delivery of both high-purity chemicals as well as slurry chemicals from one or more bulk sources to an end-user. The present system utilizes two or more metered vessels which are connected to bulk chemical sources via intake lines. Each metered vessel contains an adjustable, swingable angle pipe, which drains any excess chemical by gravity flow from the metered vessel so as to adjust the chemical amount to a predetermined desired level. As the chemicals exit the angle pipes, sensors located at the end of the angle pipes sense the chemical being discharged and trigger the feed pump and valve to shut off, whereby the excess chemicals will continue to drain out until the chemical levels reach the same level as the vent port of the pipe attached to the metered vessels. The chemicals are drawn into the metered vessels from the bulk sources via a feed pump or pressure mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit being adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through the conduit; a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle being adapted with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver; a conveyor locat

Abstract: Shear mixing apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for producing small gas bubbles of a diameter of less than about 0.1 millimeters in a liquid, whereby mass transfer of the gas into the liquid is improved (as compared to the mass transfer achieved by conventional large bubble generators under the same circumstances) in applications benefiting by such improved mass transfer, involving injecting a gas under pressure via one or more orifices into a liquid that is flowing at a velocity sufficient to cause bubbles formed at the orifice(s) to subdivide to the desired small bubble size.

Abstract: A fluid valve and bin aerator for discharging fluid into a chamber while preventing backflow of fluid through the fluid valve with the fluid valve including a resilient member having a set of annular sealing lips located in concentric alignment and at an angle to a sealing surface to provide lips that will cantilever away from the sealing surface and unseal if the pressure on the interior of the fluid valve is greater than on the exterior of the valve to allow fluid to be discharged from the valve, and will cantilever against the sealing surface if the pressure on the exterior of the valve is greater than the pressure on the inside of the valve to seal the fluid valve and inhibit backflow through the fluid valve.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for roasting raw coffee beans includes a main housing (10) having an air inlet (24). A blower assembly (18,20,22) is disposed within the housing (10) and is in fluid communication with the inlet (24). The blower assembly has a discharge location (32) whereat an electric heater (34) is located. A coffee bean receiving vessel (12) is removably mounted on the main housing (10) and in turn, a hull collector (14) disposed on the vessel (12). A control (FIG. 3), including a sensor (38,136), is located in the air stream upstream of the inlet (56,58) to the vessel (12) and downstream of the electric heating element (34).

Abstract: A preassembled fluidizing device that incorporates an expansive air passage that stimulates the enhanced flow of granular materials to the discharge port of a tank trailer, vessel, bin, or other container, during usage. The fluidizing device includes an aerator housing having affixed thereto a wear plate, the upper end of the housing having a mount to which a resilient gasket may be applied, and prestressed against the wear plate, once assembled. A fastening rod extends from the aerator housing and mounting boss, and a positioning or clip secured thereto provides an initial fastening of the preassembled device in place, once installed. A nut or other fastener connects with the opposite end of the fastening rod in order to tightly secure and seal an air distributor in place, for final assembly of the fluidizing device of this invention.

Abstract: A foam-dispensing device includes a main tubular housing which houses a material cartridge. Several chambers are formed within the material cartridge with each chamber containing a separate material. A motionless mixer is attached to the dispensing end of the cartridge. The motionless mixer includes a tapered rear end into which the materials flow exposing the materials to one another, and a front end containing a helical mixing element. A hole is formed transversely in the motionless mixer between the rear end of the mixer and the helical mixing element for receiving a supply of pressurized gas therethrough. The materials flow out of the cartridge and into the rear end of the motionless mixer. After the materials have been exposed to one another, the materials pass by the hole and are injected with the supply of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas is injected into all of the materials after the materials have contacted one another but before the materials are mixed together by the helical mixing element.

Abstract: Device for frothing and heating liquids such as milk (3) and the like, comprising a substantially cylindrical intermediate body (10) which has sealingly engaged on it an upper body (20) connected to the steam supply pipe (22a) of a machine for preparing hot drinks and provided at the bottom with a nozzle (23), the nozzle (23) being arranged above an internal constriction (10b) which is followed by a coaxial cylindrical duct (12d) in which there emerge radial holes (12a) supplying air for frothing the milk (3), wherein the intermediate body (10) has fixed to it at the bottom a cylindrical body (30) onto which there is coaxially fitted a tubular element (40), wherein said cylindrical body (30) has projections (31) extending longitudinally from its external surface and designed to be engaged with corresponding seats (41) of the tubular element (40) in order to retain the latter, and wherein the tubular element (40) has recesses (51) extending longitudinally and forming longitudinal ducts supplying the frothing a

Abstract: Shear mixing apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for producing small gas bubbles of a diameter of less than about 0.1 millimeters in a liquid, whereby mass transfer of the gas into the liquid is improved (as compared to the mass transfer achieved by conventional large bubble generators under the same circumstances) in applications benefiting by such improved mass transfer, involving injecting a gas under pressure via one or more orifices into a liquid that is flowing at a velocity sufficient to cause bubbles formed at the orifice(s) to subdivide to the desired small bubble size.

Abstract: A system for portably mixing the contents of a transport tank in an inexpensive, portable manner which is adaptable for use in conjunction with non-specialized container tanks and the like, providing a temporary system to convert a container tank into a sparger tank.

Abstract: A fluid bed for producing and/or processing a particulate material, said bed comprising a container constituted by two convex parts, through which a perforated plate for supporting a fluidized particle layer is fixed. Nozzles for injection of a treatment liquid are provided in the perforated plate and above the plate filtering means are provided for removal of particles entrained by the fluidizing gas.

Abstract: Internal condenser system for discharging vapor from a circuit into a tank or pool to reduce pressure in said circuit.The internal condensation conduit (47) comprises a diaphragm (52) just upstream of a cold liquid feed orifice (55); the jet of vapor passing through orifice (53) of the diaphragm creates a zone of significantly negative pressure around this jet and downstream of the diaphragm causing cold liquid to be sucked up. This causes the vapor to condense in the mixing chamber (56).One possible application relates to primary circuits of a nuclear reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for mixing a liquid with another liquid or a solid material by blowing a gas onto the surface of the liquid. The invention further relates to a system for implementing said method. Gas is blown onto the surface of the liquid from a distance which can be adjusted by determining the level of the liquid. A system of the invention, hence, comprises a device for blowing a gas onto the surface of a liquid and a device for detecting the level of a liquid.

Abstract: A steam outlet tube assembly for preparing beverages includes a steam tube having a terminal length portion including an outlet end. The outlet end of the first conduit is located at the terminal length portion of the steam tube. There is further provided a second conduit having an outlet end communicating with the steam tube at the terminal length portion thereof; and a mechanism for selectively placing the second conduit into an unblocked position and into a blocked position. In the unblocked position the steam passing through the steam tube draws liquid through the first conduit and draws air through the second conduit to effect a discharge of a steam/liquid/air mixture through the outlet end of the steam tube. In the blocked position the steam passing through the steam tube draws liquid through the first conduit, to effect a discharge of solely a steam/liquid mixture through the outlet end of the steam tube.

Abstract: The present invention, a submarine-type liquid mixer provides a mixing device that contains a gas-trapping component in the shape of a cap or umbrella with an open bottom, which is centered upon, and slides up and down along a vertical pole-like structure within a vessel containing liquid. When gas is formed naturally in the vessel and is caught under the opening of the cap-shaped component, or is directly pumped into the same, it displaces the liquid volume under the cap-shaped component to the extent that the cap-shaped component, which is also generally the mixing device, has the buoyancy to rise to the top of the vessel. The gas is then released through valving installed on top of the cap-shaped component, causing it to lose it's buoyancy and sink back to the bottom of the tank. This process then repeats itself, the up-and-down movement of the cap-shaped component mixing the liquid. The gas-trapping component may alternately be a mainly closed gas container.

Abstract: In a drinking water reservoir, a draft tube is positioned above an inlet pipe to carry fresh water and water stored in a lower reservoir portion to an upper reservoir portion where the drinking water is mixed and stagnation of the reservoir contents is reduced. The draft tube can be used with a recycling pump and/or a mechanism for providing compressed gas to create a gas lifter to mix water in the lower storage portion with water in the upper storage portion when fresh water is not being added.

Abstract: A powder feeding method includes the steps of injecting a gaseous medium into a powder material held in a hopper from a porous wall forming a funnel at a bottom part of said hopper, such that the injection of the gaseous medium is carried out intermittently.

Abstract: A juice mixing nozzle, which provides for the mixing of juice concentrate with water, includes a head which receives a manifold, a diffuser, and a cap to enclose the head. A supply of water, concentrate and air are directed through the cap and manifold into a mixing area where the water velocity is greatly increased to provide a "slicing" action to cut the concentrate and blend it with the water to make juice. After mixing, the juice is deflected by the diffuser to reduce the velocity thereof. The head also has a collection area to further reduce the velocity of the juice and minimize the splashing of the juice as it exits the head. The unique mixing action provided by the juice mixing nozzle allows for a mixing ratio of about five parts water to about one part concentrate.

Abstract: A vessel for steeping grain having a tank (12). A central column (44) is disposed in the center of the tank (12) having transport lines (42) with air lifts (46) on the lower end of the lines for the transporting of grain and steeping fluid from the bottom of the tank to the top of the tank. Air for the air lifts (46) is introduced to the air lifts along line (50). Air is withdrawn from the tank by line 25 and compressed for the line (50) by air compressor (27).

Abstract: A foam generating apparatus can be attached to a water bearing hose and comprises an eductor nozzle to receive water and foam concentrate, and a foam generating nozzle to discharge a foam/water mixture therethrough. A foam concentrate conduit delivers concentrate to a manifold extending peripherally around a suction port of the eductor nozzle, and foam concentrate is drawn into the eductor nozzle to mix with water and to be discharged as a foam/water mixture to the foam generating nozzle. The nozzle has an agitator jet orifice for agitating the mixture, and an air entrainment opening to admit air into the agitated mixture. The agitator jet orifice has inlet and outlet jet openings interconnected in series, the outlet jet opening being larger than the inlet jet opening to provide a diverging passage with at least one step between the inlet and outlet jet openings to agitate the flow.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus capable of saving calorie necessary for cooking and generating desired convection in to-be-treated materials and stirring them during cooking are disclosed. The cooking method sends a gas into the to-be-heated materials inside the cooking container to generate bubbles, and heats and cooks the to-be-heated materials while fluidizing and stirring them by ascending streams of the bubbles. According to this cooking method, the heating temperature and the intensity of the stirring stream can be combined freely under the most suitable condition for respective cooking, and freedom of cooking can be drastically improved.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing and blending fluids within a vessel includes a passageway through which fluid is dispensed within the vessel and a flow diverter spaced from the passageway. Fluid impinges on the flow diverter and is directed toward the walls of the vessel. The diverter includes holes that produce jets of fluid generally parallel to the walls of the vessel to induce shear and turbulence within the fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus provides for dosing a particulate phase within a free flowing two phase flow of a gas phase and the particulate phase, wherein the two phase flow leaves a fluidized bed. The apparatus includes, at its bottom, a gas inlet mechanism to supply the gas via an orifice, and an outlet orifice with a discharge pipe. Control of the gas flow to maintain a predetermined level of the bed is attained by weighing the contents of the bed or by use of sensors within a treatment space of the apparatus. Widening mechanism may be located subsequent to the outlet orifice for widening the stream of particulate phase for exposing an enlarged surface area of particles for treatment.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing vessel having an air space above the liquid near the top of the vessel has a fluid pump with a suction inlet and a pressure outlet. The pump is operable in a first mode to pump liquid and in a second mode to pump air. There is a first conduit coupling the suction inlet and liquid near the bottom of the vessel, a second conduit coupling the suction inlet and the air space above the liquid near the top of the vessel, a third conduit coupling the pressure outlet to a dispensing device, and a fourth conduit coupling the pressure outlet to liquid near the bottom of the vessel. A valving arrangement is effective to block both the second and fourth conduits for operating the pump in the first mode, and to open the second and fourth conduits for operating the pump in the second mode. The valving arrangement is preferably formed by valves in the second and fourth conduits and an arrangement which is common to the two valves for contemporaneous opening and closing both valves.

Abstract: A sparger system for mixing a solid/liquid suspension in a cylindrical container comprises a sparger pipe which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. The sparger pipe is separated from an inner wall of the container by a first distance and a first end portion of the sparger pipe extends through a side wall of the container. A first flange member is releasably coupled to the first end portion of the sparger pipe so that, when the first flange member is coupled to the first end portion of the sparger pipe, the first end of the sparger pipe is sealed. The flange member may be removed from the first end portion of the sparger so that pressurized liquid may be introduced directly into the sparger pipe to clean the sparger pipe and the container. A fluid passage is coupled to the sparger pipe and extends to an opening which is above a maximum level of liquid to be stored in the container.

Abstract: Apparatus meters solid present in the gas/solid stream from a fluidized-bed apparatus, in which gas and solid are present as a prehomogenized, free-flowing mixture in a fluidized bed and in which at least one outlet orifice for removal of the gas/solid stream is provided in an outflow pipe. The metering apparatus has a discharge pipe with a gas injection nozzle for establishing a time-constant, emerging mass flow and for establishing the homogeneity of the emerging gas/solid stream. The pipe and nozzle are coordinated with an outlet orifice of the bed apparatus, and/or at least one device for influencing the prehomogenization.

Abstract: A gas conditioning vessel for bulk solids undergoing mass flow. The gas is introduced into the solids through an open bottom distributor forming a plenum. The plenum opens into the vessel at its bottom, the injection sites being bounded by vertical walls of the distributor. The vertical configuration optimizes solids pressure at these sites to suppress localized fluidization and flow instability due to stress conditions.

Abstract: Particles of spray solution are given with an electrostatic charge by applying voltage of 300 to 800 V thereon as the solution passes through the tip of the spray nozzle of an electrostatic spray dispenser.