Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing fluids, gases and solids together where the apparatus includes at least two mixing head sections that are mirror images of each other and have abutting surfaces that are abutted together. The at least two mixing head sections have a first bore that extends therethrough from an inlet to an outlet, and at least one second bore whose length is longer than the first bore that extends from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Aspects involve estimating transitions in properties of a concrete mixture prior to batching and during transport of the mixture from a first location, such as a concrete batch plant, to a second location, such as a job site and controlling a mixture of ingredients for concrete in response. A tool may execute a method for estimating an initial temperature at batching and a change in temperature of the concrete mixture during transport due to the exothermic reaction of the mixture, percentages and types of ingredients of the mixture, and/or environmental factors along a transit route. A control system at the concrete batching plant may control one or more components of the concrete batch plant in response to the estimated temperature change, such as a dispenser of an ingredient of the mixture and/or a heating or cooling mechanism to adjust the temperature of an ingredient of the concrete mixture.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system including an asphalt sealer vessel having an agitator, a water source and an additive vessel remotely controllable so as to permit selective distribution of fluid to a customer vessel.

Abstract: A system for mixing ortho-xylene with an oxygen-containing gas such as air comprises an evaporator vessel fed with the gas and having a lance projecting into the gas. The lance is provided with a metal spray nozzle for injecting droplets of hot liquid ortho-xylene into the gas stream, concurrently with the direction of flow of the gas. The metal at the surface of the spray nozzle, that in use is in contact with the liquid ortho-xylene, has a high surface hardness to resist erosion, particularly by cavitation. The system is useful in the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, whereby the risk for deflagrations is reduced. A soft metal seal is the preferred gasket between the spray nozzle and the lance.

Abstract: A liquid can be used for emulsifying oil. The liquid includes water, a first additive within the water and a second additive within the water. The first additive includes a metal hydride, where a negative hydrogen ion (H?) is bound to the metal hydride. The second additive includes a hydroxide, a second type of metal hydride with a negative hydrogen ion (H?) bound thereto, a hydride, a mineral, hydrogen gas, or a metal within the water.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for producing a predispersed wax product comprising: operating a high shear device having at least one rotor/stator, configurable for a shear rate of at least 20,000 s?1; introducing wax and a carrier liquid into said high shear device; and forming a dispersion of wax in a carrier liquid, wherein the wax comprises globules with an average diameter less than 5 mm.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus required for creating a mixture of dry proppant and liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) for fracturing oil and gas formations is presented. The operation includes making a mixture of dry proppant and liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) for use in a fracturing operation by supplying dry proppant that is pressurized to between 75 and 600 psia with a gas; further supplying a stream of sub-cooled LCO2 having a pressure substantially equal to that of the pressurized dry proppant; and adding dry, pressurized proppant to the stream of sub-cooled LCO2, thereby forming a mixed LCO2 and proppant fracturing slurry.

Abstract: A gas injection heating probe, where the probe has a hollow injection channel, a heating media inlet, a heating media outlet, a gas injection fitting and heat exchange area. The gas injection heating probe is connectable to a heated media and a source of gas, so that when connected and inserted into a container having product, the probe provides for gas injection and heating of the product to assist in mixing the product for discharge.

Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.

Abstract: A method includes directing first and second fluids into a plurality of first ports fluidly connected to a mixing chamber disposed between a first plate and a base plate, guiding the first and second fluids into a mixing chamber, directing the first and second fluid into a plurality of second ports fluidly connected to the plurality of first ports, guiding the first and second fluids from the plurality of second ports into another mixing chamber disposed between a second plate and the first plate and fluidly connected to the mixing chamber, activating a heating element to heat one of the first and second fluids entering the mixing chamber, creating a temperature gradient between the first and second fluids entering the mixing chamber, and operating a diaphragm operatively associated with the mixing chamber and the another mixing chamber to agitate the first and second fluids to form a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for inducing the separation of constituent elements from a microfluidic sample by introducing phase changes in the microfluidic sample while contained in a microfluidic channel in the device. At least a portion of the microfluidic sample is frozen to cause fractional exclusion of the constituent element from the frozen portion of the microfluidic sample. Different portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in different sectors and at different times in order to cause movement in a desired direction of the separated constituent element. Portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in a sequential order of adjacent sectors within the microfluidic channel in order to cause sequential movement of the excluded constituent element toward one portion of the microfluidic channel. The frozen portion of the microfluidic sample is then thawed, wherein the separated constituent element remains substantially separated from the thawed, purified microfluidic sample.

Abstract: A system for mixing ortho-xylene with an oxygen-containing gas such as air comprises an evaporator vessel fed with the gas and having a lance projecting into the gas. The lance is provided with a metal spray nozzle for injecting droplets of hot liquid ortho-xylene into the gas stream, concurrently with the direction of flow of the gas. The metal at the surface of the spray nozzle, that in use is in contact with the liquid ortho-xylene, has a high surface hardness to resist erosion, particularly by cavitation. The system is useful in the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, whereby the risk for deflagrations is reduced. A soft metal seal is the preferred gasket between the spray nozzle and the lance.

Abstract: A cavitation system in which a source gas, e.g., a reactant, is loaded into the cavitation medium prior to cavitation is provided. The cavitation system includes a cavitation chamber with suitable cavitation drivers and a cavitation medium reservoir, the chamber and reservoir being flexibly coupled together via a pair of conduits. The conduits can be fabricated from a plastic or, as is preferred for higher temperature liquids, a metal. Typically metal conduits are formed into a coil, thus providing the desired flexibility. Flexibility is required in order to allow the relative positions of the cavitation chamber and the cavitation medium reservoir to be varied.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus, puncturing mechanism, and cartridge are disclosed. The mixing apparatus has a housing and a drawer with a recess. Corresponding cartridges may be inserted into the drawer and slid into the housing to facilitate mixing a liquid with contents of the cartridge. The liquid may originate from a reservoir in the mixing apparatus or a direct line. Also inside the housing of the mixing apparatus is the puncturing mechanism. The puncturing mechanism has a nozzle configured to puncture a lid of a cartridge and inject liquid to mix with the contents of the cartridge. The puncturing mechanism is further configured to drive an internal puncturing unit inside of the cartridge through a lower portion of the cartridge to allow liquid from the nozzle and contents of the cartridge to be dispensed into a receptacle.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a water mixing system that can include a mixing valve associated to an accumulation system allowing water savings in domestic systems. If the water at the inlet is not hot, it will be directed to the accumulation reservoir. If the water at inlet is hot or the accumulation reservoir is full, the water flowing through inlet will be directed to the discharge valve zone. While water is present in the accumulation reservoir it is directed to the cold water inlet preferably to the water distribution system cold water, thus promoting potable water savings. The presently disclosed subject matter is designed for civil construction industry, and more precisely for water systems for domestic use.

Abstract: A mixing head assembly includes a mix head with ejection piston, and multiple hydraulic (or pneumatic) control valve assemblies (up to eight) each with a double-needle subassembly for feeding controlled amounts of material to the mixing chamber of the mix head in predetermined ratios and controlled quantities and at high pressures. The double-needle subassembly accurately and independently controls material flow within the control valve assembly and operates independently from other valve assemblies, thus permitting timed opening for optimal mixing during initiation, continuous mixing, and termination phases. The ejection piston is modified to eliminate longitudinal grooves for recirculating materials. The mixing head assembly is a closed loop system for controlled high pressure impingement mixing of multiple components and includes material recirculation.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for adding a liquid in a mixing process. The apparatus in the described embodiments includes a liquid inlet, a continuous flow heater, a holding tank, a support structure, and a metering device. The continuous flow heater is coupled to the liquid inlet. The holding tank is adapted to be coupled to the continuous flow heater and to receive heated liquid from the continuous flow heater. The support structure is configured to support the holding tank at a height greater than approximately four feet above a ground level. The metering device is coupled to the holding tank and has an indicator for identifying an amount of liquid dispensed from the holding tank.

Abstract: Mixing device for two gases/vapours (hereinafter gases) comprising: a) a plurality of tubes arranged in a bundle (1), each provided, in its initial portion, with a plurality of side holes (5); b) a first feeding system of one of the two gases, comprising a first tubular body (6) situated on the inlet side of the tubes, and c) a second feeding system of the other gas comprising a second tubular body (7) that envelopes in a gas-proof way the tube bundle (1) and at least a portion of the first tubular body (6); characterized in that: d) the first feeding system of one of the gases comprises a plurality of fins (8), inside the first tubular body (6), which allow a uniform distribution of the feeding gas to the single tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for introducing and/or adding non-dry-powder additive materials and/or coating materials with a liquid, solid, semi-solid, or paste-like consistency or in suspended or emulsified form, for example, peroxides, fats, waxes, IV improvers, polymers, or similar materials, to an existing lumpy or particulate material which is moved and mixed, and optionally warmed and reduced to small pieces in a receptacle and/or compressor (1), said material being in particular polymer particles and/or flakes, wood fibers, paper cuttings, or similar materials. According to the invention, the additive material is introduced below the level of the material and/or material particles already in the receptacle (1).

Abstract: A multi-functional mixer comprises a housing, the housing having a containing space in which a container is placed; a motor device mounted on the housing; a stirring device connected to the motor device, wherein the stirring device comprises a stirring body and a frothing body driven by the motor and can mix the materials contained in the container. The multi-functional mixer of the present invention can be used for making milk shake and making milk frothing, which offers not only convenience, but also cost saving in making milk shake and milk frothing. The mixer has a steam function as well and can blow steam into the milk shake or the milk frothing, which steam flow can be adjusted through a steam control knob, which can control the temperature of the milk shake or milk frothing, and help frothing formation.

Abstract: A machine for making ice-cream products comprises at least a motor operatively connected to a rod-shaped element so as to drive the rotation of the latter about its own axis of extension, grip means for moving the motor and/or the rod-shaped element at least along the axis of rotation of the rod-shaped element so that the rod-shaped element is at least partly immersed in a containment tank. The machine comprises means for activating the motor, preferably contact sensors, positioned on the grip means.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including a mixing chamber comprising two intersecting housing bores and an inlet positioned to receive material into the mixing chamber. Two screw shafts are supported for rotation about respective generally parallel axes and include respective screw sections positioned for co-wiping intermeshing rotation within the respective housing bores of the mixing chamber. The apparatus supports screw shaft rotational speeds greater than approximately 800 rpm and includes screw shaft conveying portions that are rotatably cantilevered for self-journaled support within respective separate conveying chambers arranged generally parallel to one another downstream of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a non-Newtonian fluid product including a non-Newtonian fluid base product including at least one second phase is disclosed. A second phase dispersion apparatus is disclosed which receives the at least one second phase and the non-Newtonian fluid base product and disperses the at least one second phase within the non-Newtonian fluid base product to produce the non-Newtonian fluid product.

Abstract: A lignocellulose-based molded product is made by mixing furan resin with steam-treated lignocellulose-based material, and molding the resulting mixture by applying heat and pressure.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for inducing the separation of constituent elements from a microfluidic sample by introducing phase changes in the microfluidic sample while contained in a microfluidic channel in the device. At least a portion of the microfluidic sample is frozen to cause fractional exclusion of the constituent element from the frozen portion of the microfluidic sample. Different portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in different sectors and at different times in order to cause movement in a desired direction of the separated constituent element. Portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in a sequential order of adjacent sectors within the microfluidic channel in order to cause sequential movement of the excluded constituent element toward one portion of the microfluidic channel. The frozen portion of the microfluidic sample is then thawed, wherein the separated constituent element remains substantially separated from the thawed, purified microfluidic sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for thermally treating flour, especially middlings, for hygienic purposes. The device includes modules which are a first, heatable batch mixer (4) with a pre-mounted depot (1). The batch mixer is connected to a drier/cooler (8) via a lock-like flap system (3). A second batch mixer (12) includes a device (14) for adding additives and a discharge device is mounted behind an additional flap system (11) that is mounted behind the drier/cooler (8).

Abstract: Coating production systems and methods which include ultrasonic dispersion and active cooling. The system includes a mixing reservoir and an ultrasonic disperser for ultrasonically dispersing an additive with another coating component within the mixing reservoir. The system also includes a heat exchanger in communication with the mixing reservoir to receive a mixture of the additive and another coating component from the mixing reservoir. The mixture is cooled by thermal energy transfer from the mixture to the heat exchanger. The cooled mixture is returned to the mixing reservoir.

Abstract: A process plant comprises a tank (1), an outlet conduit (2), a reservoir of cleaning agent (12), or feedstock(s) of additive(s) (13), a loop conduit (3) for returning liquid into the tank, valve means (9) for controlling admission of liquid into the loop conduit and a pump (4) for driving liquid through the loop conduit. Returning of the liquid takes place through a jetting device (5) adapted for introducing jets of liquid into the body of liquid inside the tank in order to cause stirring to the body of liquid. The jet nozzle is adapted for powered rotation about a first axis and about a second axis perpendicular, or non-perpendicular, to the first axis. The jet nozzles may be embodied in a flat jet rotating around one axis only. Upon emptying the tank, the jetting device may serve for cleaning the tank by spraying liquid onto the tank walls. The invention provides a method for treating liquid as well as a process plant.

Abstract: A container for homogenizing and heating or cooling a liquid working medium is disclosed. The container includes a tubular heat exchanger disposed in the interior space of the container, with the liquid working medium flowing through flow-through tubes of the heat exchanger that are in contact with a heat-exchange medium, A cup-shaped baffle which Is formed of a partition wall and a cover secured to an end of the partition wall proximate to the medium outlet of the flow-through tubes surrounds the heat exchanger and subdivides the interior space of the container between the tubular heat exchanger and the container wall in at least two concentric annular spaces, with each of the concentric annular spaces containing the working medium. The container is suitable for homogenization and heating of polyol components in a polyurethane injection molding apparatus.

Abstract: Method for moistening or wetting bulk material The invention concerns a method for moistening or wetting bulk material. The fluids or pastes are thereby cooled down below their solidification point before being mixed with the bulk material to be wetted. During mixing or after mixing with the bulk material, moistening or wetting is carried out through re-liquidization of the solidified fluids or pastes. This method permits uniform and agglomerate-free moistening or wetting of bulk material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for melting and processing a high molecular weight elastomeric material for a gum base or chewing gum product is disclosed. The solid elastomeric material, which preferably is polyisobutylene, is heated and melted into a liquid material which is then transported to an extruder. The apparatus has a heated housing section which includes sets of heated plate members arranged in fan-type groupings. Heated diverter members are positioned beneath the sets of fan-type plates. A heated angled conduit section is positioned below the housing section and a heated storage section is attached to the angled conveyance section. A valve and pump system is used to discharge the liquid elastomeric material from the holding section to the gum base or chewing gum extruder. Accurate metering and feeding of the liquified elastomeric material to a continuous extrusion process is achieved.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for melting and processing a high molecular weight elastomeric material for a gum base or chewing gum product is disclosed. The solid elastomeric material, which preferably is polyisobutylene, is heated and melted into a liquid material which is then transported to an extruder. The apparatus has a heated housing section which includes sets of heated plate members arranged in fan-type groupings. Heated diverter members are positioned beneath the sets of fan-type plates. A heated angled conduit section is positioned below the housing section and a heated storage section is attached to the angled conveyance section. A valve and pump system is used to discharge the liquid elastomeric material from the holding section to the gum base or chewing gum extruder. Accurate metering and feeding of the liquified elastomeric material to a continuous extrusion process is achieved.

Abstract: This invention describes a heating system for use with a mortar mixing unit. The heating system is comprised of a series of heat exchanging portions used to inhibit freezing of the materials used to prepare mortar in extremely cold weather conditions. The first heat exchanging portion is used to heat the water used to mix mortar. The second heat exchanging portion is used to warm the mixing unit, which contains the water, aggregate, and sand. The third heat exchanging portion is used to warm the aggregate, which is contained in a silo.

Abstract: The apparatus for making cooled concrete of this invention produces cooled fresh concrete by cooling the aggregate (or gravel). The aggregate is cooled by immersion in a cooling water bath accommodated in a cooling water tank. The cooling water in the tank is cooled by a heat exchanger, which in turn is cooled by a forced cooling device. The aggregate is immersed into the cooling water bath by a supply and ejection apparatus, which also removes the cooled aggregate from the cooling water bath. The cooled aggregate is supplied to a cement mixer where it is mixed to become cooled fresh concrete.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing concrete by mixing concrete materials including a cement, aggregate, admixture and at least one of water and ice. The aggregate is moved prior the mixing and a low-temperature liquid is sprayed on the aggregate for cooling while the aggregate is being moved.

Abstract: A devolatilizer, especially suitable for high viscosity polymers, comprising a vacuum chamber into the top of which the polymer is introduced after having passed through a tubular or equivalent heat exchanger, with a low shear mixer located in the vacuum chamber and a pumping device for removing the devolatilized polymer from the bottom of the vacuum chamber. Devolatilization of high viscosity polymers is achieved in this apparatus and method without severe degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stirring apparatus for mixing, with metallic iron masses, a concentrated strongly acidic ferric chloride waste fluid containing iron and one or more other heavy metals in which the content of nickel is highest, the stirring apparatus being characterized by comprising a rotating mechanism for rotating a container, and a passage which is disposed in a rotary shaft and through which excess gas and liquid generated during stirring is discharged into the outside.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aggregate drying apparatus and method where the dried aggregate is particularly useful for making hot mix asphalt. In accordance with the system, heat typically lost in exhaust gases and moisture evaporated in a heater is recovered to dry and preheat the aggregate. The invention also relates to novel components used in the system, including an improved aggregate dryer and an improved mass flow apparatus for use in an aggregate dryer or otherwise in aggregate feed bins.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus used to produce a suspension of cyanuric chloride in water, or to react cyanuric chloride with ammonia or with amines. It is possible to produce cyanuric chloride suspensions in water which have a mean particle size of below 20 .mu.m, and a concentration of higher than 20% by weight of cyanuric chloride.

Abstract: Evaporating and cooking of toffee in a closed vessel having an inlet at the base thereof and an outlet towards the top and at one side of the vessel. A toffee premix liquor is continuously fed in the inlet and discharged through the outlet. High speed counter rotating stirrers are provided in the vessel to agitate the liquor in a vigorous and turbulent manner, such as to form the liquor into a vortex, the extremities of which are urged towards the outlet. The vigorous and turbulent agitation of the liquor assists the production of high quality toffee as a continuous process, at a relatively high throughput rate.

Abstract: A solid circular plate mounted above the existing stirrer in a melt grid spinning apparatus provides a positive hold-up time for melting flake descending from the melt grid to the melt pump beneath the grid.

Abstract: A concrete production apparatus produces concrete within a selected temperature range. Ground water is circulated through a heat exchanger in the apparatus to provide a heat source or a heat dump. Concrete water is circulated through another heat exchanger and is heated or cooled to a predetermined temperature. The concrete water at the predetermined temperature is mixed with cement and aggregate to produce a concrete mix within the selected temperature range.

Abstract: A mixture which is used for the manufacture of electrodes and comprises dry material and electrode binding agent. The mixture is prepared in a system which is at least in part dust and gastight and such that the mixture is simultaneously stirred up or fluidized, degassed and homogenized, and treated thermally. In the course of such treatment further additions can be made to the mixture. The described procedure takes place mainly in mixers operating continuously or discontinuously, various arrangements and designs of mixer being possible.Fundamental to the thermal treatment is that the mixture can be cooled in a mixer such that the coolant vaporizes completely during the mixing.The thermal treatment is regulated by way of given operational parameters.

Abstract: In a method and installation for providing a stable mixture of heavy oil and water to an oil burner, heavy oil is supplied from a storage tank to an oil tank where it is maintained at a selected pressure and a temperature of 35.degree.-45.degree. C. Water is supplied from a water source to a water tank where it is maintained at a selected pressure and a temperature of 30.degree.-40.degree. C. Oil from the oil tank and water from the water tank are pumped into and through an agitator at a pressure of 3.5-5.5 kg/cm.sup.2 while maintaining the temperature of the oil and water above 30.degree. C. The agitator comprises a cylindrical casing containing a first set of static disc-like elements having inclined holes to produce a swirling motion of the oil-water and a second set of static disc-like elements each having a central protruding dome portion surrounded by a rim portion.

Abstract: The disclosure refers to a method and apparatus for the preparation of PVC powder and the processing thereof to form plastic products, with care being paid to the material and also energy-saving. The PVC powder with additives is brought very quickly to a temperature between 340.degree. K. and 420.degree. K. through frictional heat and is then further heated only with thermal energy, without intermediate cooling, to a temperature at which the mixture is still just pourable. It is then immediately fed to the further processing.

Abstract: For the purpose of admixing hot water with a water soluble extract the end of a motor driven beating shaft is immersed in and removed from the water contained in a cup during that portion of the cycle of operation when the beating shaft is not rotating. The beating shaft is spring biased on a pivotal arm to a normally raised position. A thermostat controls the heating of the water which is discharged from a tank by means of a spigot.

Abstract: An automatic cooking apparatus wherein a rotating wide-mouthed vessel closed with a lid is supported in a stationary, handle-equipped basket frame by the frame and the lid which engages driving means. Heating means are provided along a portion of the vessel circumference and are controlled to maintain food contained within the vessel at a predetermined temperature for a preset time. Means are provided to sense the temperature of the cooking food and to generate a signal to which both temperature controlling and timing means are responsive. In one embodiment of the apparatus microprocessing control means are used to achieve a desired cooking protocol.

Abstract: A flashing reactor wherein the initial single pipe carrying the ingredients within the flasher shell is connected within the shell to a flow splitter which in turn is connected to at least two other pipes arranged for parallel flow. In order to avoid an abrupt change in pressure and flow rate downstream from the splitter, the cross-sectional area of the branch pipes immediately adjacent the splitter is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the single pipe feeding of the splitter. The branch pipes are then increased in diameter until the combined cross-sectional area of the branch pipes is increased to up to twice the area of the single pipe feeding the splitter.

Abstract: A fuel is prepared for efficient combustion in an oil burner by mixing fuel oil with from 30 to 60% by volume of water. The apparatus for mixing the oil and water include turbulence created by fluid flow and turbulence created by mechanical agitation. Compressed air used to create turbulence and mixing provides better combustion and less pollution when burning the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A mix for batch mixing a treatment agent and a particulate material comprises a mixing chamber having at least one mixing member rotatably mounted therein. Outlet means is positioned to receive the mixed batch of material from the mixing chamber. The mixing member may be rotated at a first speed of rotation effective to mix materials within the mixing chamber without discharging from the outlet means. The mixing member is also rotatable at a second speed of rotation effective to discharge the charge or batch of material through the outlet means after it has been treated during the initial mixing step. The rotation of the mixing member at a higher rate of speed at the second speed of rotation effects discharge through the outlet means by centrifugal force.