Abstract: A system and method for extracting hydrocarbons utilizing recirculated washing medium to enhance efficiency. Some embodiments include a helical agitation member configured to promote extended contact between material containing hydrocarbons and a washing medium.

Abstract: A method for separating solids from liquids is disclosed. A double-roller system is provided. A process fluid is provided to the double-roller system. The process fluid comprises a suspended solid and a process liquid. The suspended solid comprises non-fibrous solid particles. A portion of the process fluid is compressed through the double-roller system to produce a compressed portion of the suspended solid. A product stream and a dilute fluid stream are separated. The product stream comprises a compressed portion of the suspended solid and a first portion of the process liquid. The dilute fluid stream comprises a second portion of the suspended solid and a second portion of the process liquid.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for separating a solute from a solute-bearing material. A substantial amount of solute is extracted from the solute-bearing material by contacting particles of the solute-bearing material with globules of an extraction solvent. The particle size of the solute-bearing material and the globule size of the extraction solvent are balanced such that little if any solute or extraction solvent remains in the solute-bearing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and a method for processing plastic material with at least one receiving container, wherein at least one mixing and/or comminution tool, rotatable about a rotation axis, is arranged, for mixing and warming the plastic material, and with at least one conveyor for discharging the plastic material from the receiving container, with at least one screw rotating in a housing, where the conveyor is connected, at its material inlet side via an opening which is formed in a side wall of the receiving container, with the interior of the receiving container. An imaginary extension of the central longitudinal axis of the conveyor extends, against the conveyance direction of the conveyor, past the rotation axis of the receiving container, without intersecting this axis, where the longitudinal axis of the conveyor is offset by a separation relative to the radial ray of the receiving container on the discharge side.

Abstract: A method for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals in a crystallizer is provided. First, a supersaturated BPA solution is introduced into a crystallizer that includes a cylindrical vessel and a concentrically-disposed draft tube that defines an annular space between the vessel and tube. Next, the BPA solution is circulated through the draft tube and annular space while a coolant is uniformly distributed in the circulating flow by radially injecting a volatile hydrocarbon compound at between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space of to form a BPA mixture. Phenol-BPA adduct crystals are produced in the vessel by evaporating the volatile hydrocarbon compound out of the BPA mixture. The method provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

Abstract: A crystallizer for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals is provided that achieves more uniform crystal growth while suppressing undesired crystal nucleation. The crystallizer includes a cylindrical vessel; a draft tube concentrically disposed within the cylindrical vessel such that an annular space is defined between the vessel and tube; an impeller that circulates liquid in the vessel through the draft tube and the annular space, and a plurality of nozzles mounted around an inner wall of said cylindrical vessel that introduce an evaporative coolant into the vessel. Each of the nozzles includes a discharge end disposed between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space, and is located below an upper end of the draft tube a distance of between about 50% to 150% of the diameter of the vessel. Such a nozzle arrangement provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous process for removing organic solvents from a marc including the steps of: continuously introducing the marc into a desolventiser; introducing an inert, gaseous stripping medium into the desolventiser; removing the organic solvents from the marc by maintaining a sub-atmospheric pressure inside the desolventiser, thus providing an organic solvent-desolventised material; and continuously extracting the organic solvent-desolventised material from the desolventiser; wherein step (a) and (d) comprise compacting the marc and the organic solvent-desolventised material into a first and second plastic, substantially gas-impermeable mass respectively and extruding the first and second plastic mass through an annular gap, the opening of which is controlled by the rate of supply of the first and second plastic mass. The invention also provides a device for compacting a moist organic material into a first plastic gas-impermeable mass which is useful for implementing this process.

Abstract: A control system for an oil sand processing apparatus and a method for controlling the apparatus. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum, an oil sand feed mechanism, a drive mechanism for rotating the drum, a first drum support and a second drum support. The control system includes a first drum load sensor associated with the first drum support for sensing a first drum load, a second drum load sensor associated with the second drum support for sensing a second drum load and an oil sand feedrate sensor associated with the oil sand feed mechanism for sensing a feedrate of the oil sand feed mechanism. A controller is provided for controlling a rotation speed of the drum and a feedrate of the oil sand feed mechanism in response to input data from the first drum load sensor, the second drum load sensor and the oil sand feedrate sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a filtration apparatus for volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin which can remove foreign matter contained in volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin by continuously and effectively filtering the volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin.

Abstract: A system for providing a chemical to a stream of a fluid. The system includes an elongate member with the chemical therein and moveable through the fluid to provide the chemical to the fluid. Optionally, the elongate member may be unwound from a first reel to a second reel through the stream of fluid to provide the chemical to the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing oil sand to produce a liquid stream comprising water and bitumen and a solid stream comprising solid particles, and a method and control system for controlling the apparatus. The apparatus includes a drum having first and second ends, a conditioning zone adjacent the first end, a compressing zone adjacent the second end and a processing zone therebetween. A rotatable spiral trough, having lifting members therein, extends through each zone for imparting a spiral rolling motion to the oil sand. An oil sand inlet communicates with the conditioning zone, while a water inlet communicates with the processing zone. A liquid stream outlet is located at the first end of the drum, while a solid stream outlet is located adjacent the second end. Preferably, the spiral trough has a width through the compressing zone less than through the processing zone and a height through at least a portion of the compressing zone greater than through the processing and conditioning zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the transfer between a solid matter and a liquid, comprising an outer drum and a perforated inner drum, means for commonly rotating the drums, and means situated inside the inner drum for moving the solid matter. In between the two drums, a number of troughs are formed which, during the rotation of the drums, bring up liquid and pour it out higher up through the inner drum. Along the front rim of each trough, the drum is provided with a drain opening, opposite to which means are provided for preventing, when the drain opening, during the rotation of the drums, is at the bottom, the penetration of solid matter through said opening.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sanitizing perishable goods by mixing the goods with sanitizing fluid for a suitable period of time followed by separating the fluid and substantially neutralizing any residual sanitizing agent left in the goods. In one instance, the sanitizing agent includes ozone and water, therefore separation of the ozonated water advantageously proceeds with a squeezing effect to more adequately remove the ozonated water from the goods.

Abstract: An axial conveyor is described, in particular for conveying gas/liquid dispersions, wherein the conveying elements comprise a wall-sweeping edge pointing in the direction of the pressure side of the conveying elements. The axial conveyor is particularly suitable as a circulating member in loop reactors. A process comprising conveying gas/liquid dispersions as well as a process for carrying out chemical reactions directly reacting gas with gases not completely dissolved in a liquid medium, or optionally in the presence of finely divided solids, through the use of an axial conveyor, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A waste plastic dechlorination system comprises a dechlorination furnace 1 for heating and thermally decomposing waste plastics, and a rotating cutter 4 provided in the dechlorination furnace 1. A pressure gauge 9, a flow meter 10 and an exhaust pump 12 are sequentially connected to the dechlorination furnace 1 via an exhaust pipe 7. The waste plastics heated and decomposed in the dechlorination furnace 1 are discharged into a discharge tank 15.

Abstract: A diffusion apparatus for extraction of sugar from sugar cane has a vertically-diposed annular extracting compartment including a revolving screen deck contained within a fixed inner shell and a fixed outer shell. The revolving screen is supported on rollers and driven by any suitable elements. The comminuted sugar cane is fed into the compartment and extracting liquid is moved countercurrent and exits through an outlet.

Abstract: A wet flue gas desulfurization process wherein sulfur dioxide present in flue gas is absorbed into a slurry containing a calcium compound, the slurry having sulfur dioxide absorbed therein is oxidized to form a gypsum slurry, and gypsum is separated and recovered from the gypsum slurry, which comprises the steps of dipping a part of a circulating filtering surface of a suction filter into the gypsum slurry so as to cause gypsum to adhere the filtering surface, carrying the gypsum-bearing filtering surface above the surface of the gypsum slurry, sucking out the liquid phase through the filtering surface to form a dehydrated gypsum layer thereon, and removing the gypsum layer from the filtering surface, as well as an apparatus for carrying out this process.

Abstract: Small particles and fines included along with larger subdivided solids are treated with water base liquid extraction medium to extract soluble solids therein in a process using milli-screens with milli-sized openings of less than about 0.095 inches across. The milli-screen openings may be kept open for the passage of liquids with specially-designed wipers and/or back-flushing from a liquid compartment and/or rotation of the milli-screen past the matrix of subdivided solids, the subdivided solids themselves acting as a screen cleaner. The invention is useful in batch or continuous diffusers for extracting soluble solids from subdivided solids containing small particles and fines.

Abstract: A hydrolyzer system, apparatus, and method for effecting the continuous conversion of offal, feathers, hair, and other keratinaceous material into usable protein products for further commercial usage. The hydrolyzer system includes a feed screw conveyor, transfer conduit, feed substrate expansion chamber, hydrolyzer, product expansion means, and dryer. The hydrolyzer utilizes direct steam injection heat transfer in combination with a feed expansion chamber means and means for agitation and mixing within the hydrolyzer to fluidize a plug of feather feed substrate formed in the transfer conduit by the feed screw conveyor. The apparatus provides a means for heating and fluidizing the feather feed substrate at elevated temperatures while mixing same to effect its hydrolyzation while preventing the escape of back pressure therefrom via a feed substrate plug formed by the feed screw conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for separating volatile from nonvolatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from the other, and for performing various chemical reactions. In particular, an apparatus which performs these functions utilizing a combination of above ambient temperatures and above one inch of mercury vacuum within a rotating vessel. The apparatus uses a conventional rotary vacuum seal. The apparatus, however, operates well above the maximum operating temperature of the conventional rotary vacuum seal by isolating and cooling the conventional rotary vacuum seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of waste materials including nuclear contaminated materials is disclosed. The method of the invention includes the steps of: grinding the base material until the maximum grain size is 50 millimeters; drying the ground material to a relative humidity content below 30%; distilling the material at a core temperature of 100.degree.-1200.degree. C. on a negative pressure from 200 N/m.sup.2 to an over pressure of 300 kN/m.sup.2 in an oxygen free, reducing, indirect heated environment; burning or cooling the vapors arising; treating the remaining solid materials by combustion, mineralization, vitrification, or solidification; and pelletizing or granulating the remaining ash. The apparatus of the invention includes a dry distillation reactor that has a rotary, closed, horizontally arranged cylinder with hollow axes on the ends. The axes are separated from input and output houses by seals. The input house is provided with a loading opening and a gas exit branch.

Abstract: An improved rotating basket extractor is provided having improved discharge means comprising a hopper section having a solid material entry and solid material exit end. The cross sectional area of the solid material entry end is smaller than the exit end so as to help prevent the agglomeration of solid material in the discharge hopper as it exits from the rotating baskets to a dual screw conveyor for subsequent travel to a discharge chute. The discharge hopper and the housing for the dual screw conveyor comprise slot means to provide for additional drainage of miscella therethrough. Additionally, the axially disposed rotatable shaft, supporting the rotating baskets, is journalled in upper and lower bearings located outside the outer housing member for ease of maintenance. The lower thrust bearing is mounted for direct support by the flooring substrate below the outer housing of the extractor to help minimize bearing contamination and corrosion.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separator comprising a first roller disposed on one side of a tank containing a slurry subjected to solid-liquid separation at such a height that the lower part thereof is immersed in the slurry, and driven rotationally in a direction which enables the slurry attached to its surface to be lifted up and discharged to the outside of the tank; and a second roller disposed above the first roller facing the first roller so that the second roller comes into pressure contact with the slurry attached to the first roller and lifted up so as to remove the liquid from the slurry; as well as a wet flue gas desulfurization apparatus using this solid-liquid separator.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for use in the separation of volatile from non-volatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from the other, and for performing various chemical reactions and, in particular, to an apparatus which performs these functions utilizing a combination of above ambient temperatures and above one inch of mercury vacuum within a rotating vessel fitted with or without an internal filter through which exiting gases and vapors must pass. Because of the compactness allowed by the present invention, the apparatus can also be configured to operate in a self contained mobile mode.

Abstract: An improved rotating basket extractor is provided having improved discharge means comprising a hopper section having a solid material entry and solid material exit end. The cross sectional area of the solid material entry end is smaller than the exit end so as to help prevent the agglomeration of solid material in the discharge hopper as it exits from the rotating baskets to a dual screw conveyor for subsequent travel to a discharge chute. The discharge hopper and the housing for the dual screw conveyor comprise slot means to provide for additional drainage of miscella therethrough. Additionally, the axially disposed rotatable shaft, supporting the rotating baskets, is journalled in a thrust bearing provided contiguous to the flooring substrate. Location of the thrust bearing there helps to minimize bearing contamination and corrosion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing oil from absorbent materials of the type used in components for absorbing oil and containing oil spills. The components are first passed through a press to squeeze some of the oil from the components. The components are then shredded to separate the components into separate pieces of the absorbent materials. An auger pushes the pieces of absorbent materials into an elongated tubular trommel having a perforated sidewall. The pieces of absorbent materials are sprayed with treatment fluids as the trommel is rotated to tumble the absorbent materials within the trommel. The oil and treatment fluids drain from the absorbent materials, and pass through the perforations in the trommel sidewalls and onto a collection trough. The collection trough directs the oil and treatment fluids through a separator to reclaim treatment fluids and oil for later use.

Abstract: A apparatus system is disclosed for time beneficiation of kish to produce coarse high purity graphite wherein a concentrate containing at least about 90% carbon is formed, treated with a dilute acid solution, and the pulp then subjected to an adjuvant-assisted attrition to form a novel synthetic flake graphite of 99+ wt. % carbon with at least 70% of the mass retained on +100 mesh, and an overall recovery of graphitic carbon from the feed of greater than 85% by weight.

Abstract: A solubilizing apparatus includes a fluid permeable sleeve having opposed openings therein wherein a spray nozzle is in flow communication with one opening and a second opening is disposed to receive solids. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fluid in a swirling spray sweeping the insides of the sleeve wall as it travels toward the opposite end. The solubilizing apparatus is specifically useful for dissolution of chemicals utilized in cleaning reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract: Apparatus for chemical reforming of organic materials comprises a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and an open-end tube rotatably positioned in the tubular housing generally parallel to the axis, which tube carries radially extending projections. Also, halogenated, organic compounds may be chemically reformed by the device of this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating liquid or slurry having a heat treating zone through which is provided counter current flow of heated gas and independently moveable bodies through the heat treating zone in contact with a feed stream. A steam reforming detoxification reactor is also provided and gas is circulated from the heat treating zone gas outlet, through the reactor and to the heat treating zone gas inlet.

Abstract: Small particles and fines included along with larger subdivided solids are treated with liquid to extract soluble solids therein in an apparatus and process using milli-screens with milli-sized openings of less than about 0.095 inches across. The milli-screen openings may be kept open for the passage of liquids with specially-designed wipers and/or back-flushing from a liquid compartment and/or rotation of the milli-screen past the matrix of subdivided solids, the subdivided solids themselves acting as a screen cleaner. The invention is useful in batch or continuous diffusers for extracting soluble solids from subdivided solids containing small particles and fines.

Abstract: A solubilizing apparatus includes a fluid permeable sleeve having opposed openings therein wherein a spray nozzle is in flow communication with one opening and a second opening is disposed to receive solids. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fluid in a swirling spray sweeping the insides of the sleeve wall as it travels toward the opposite end. The solubilizing apparatus is specifically useful for dissolution of chemicals utilized in cleaning reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract: A system for mechanically and biologically decomposing a garbage discharged from a house, a restaurant or the like at high operational efficiency is disclosed. The system includes a disposer for disintegrating the garbage into a large number of pieces, a solid/liquid separator for separating water from the disintegrated garbage and a garbage decomposing vessel for biologically dissolving the solid disintegrated garbage from which water has been substantially separated in the solid/liquid separator. To promote biological decomposition of the solid disintegrated garbage in the garbage decomposing vessel, pulverized wood is normally used instead of soil as a raw material for forming a decomposing bacillus growing bed in the garbage decomposing vessel. Prior to practical use, the pulverized wood is thermally processed.

Abstract: Continuous hydrolyzing of keratinaceous material is effected in an elongated hydrolyzing vessel (1) under suitable pressure and temperature which is established by direct steam injection through injection valves, whereby the product mass is heated, fluidized and agitated at one and the same time.An inlet chute (2), which is closed in a pressure-proof manner, leads the material in batches and at intervals into the vessel (1), and an outlet chute (3) at intervals leads the hydrolyzed material to an economizer (4) and further to a pressure-free removal vessel (10).The product mass in the hydrolyzing vessel (1) moves through the vessel as plunger flow established by the overpressure in the inlet chute (2).

Abstract: Gas reacting apparatus and method are described for wet mass transfer of solute gases from a gas stream with a liquid or slurry reacting medium capable of chemisorption of solute gases in the gas stream. The apparatus comprises an elongated conduit defining a primary reaction zone in fluid-flow communication with a fan defining both a secondary reaction zone and a spray coalescence zone, and a plurality of dual-fluid spray nozzles coaxially spaced in series within the conduit and countercurrently or cocurrently directed to the gas stream for spraying the liquid or slurry reacting medium into said conduit to form a plurality of spray contact zones of uniformly-distributed fine droplets wherein intimate contact of high interfacial surface area between the sprayed liquid or slurry and the gas stream is effected to remove solute gases from the gas stream.

Abstract: An improved countercurrent solid-liquid contacting apparatus, and more particularly an improved counter-current crystallizer column is disclosed. The present invention embraces the discover that column efficiency and product purity can be substantially enhanced by reducing axial liquid back-mixing by using stationary solid beds and transport means at spaced intervals along the column length.

Abstract: Gas reacting apparatus and method are described for wet mass transfer of solute gases from a gas stream with a liquid or slurry reacting medium capable of chemisorption of solute gases in the gas stream. The apparatus comprises an elongated conduit means defining a primary reaction zone in fluid-flow communication with a fan means defining both a secondary reaction zone and a spray coalescence zone, and plurality of dual fluid spray means coaxially spaced in series within the conduit means and countercurrently or cocurrently directed to the gas stream for spraying the liquid or slurry reacting medium into said conduit means to form a plurality of spray contact zones of uniformly-distributed fine droplets wherein intimate contact of high interfacial surface area between the sprayed liquid or slurry and the gas stream is effected to remove solute gases from the gas stream.

Abstract: Impurities are removed from pieces of sulfur by dropping the pieces directly into a bath of heated liquid sulfur disposed in a vessel. The liquid sulfur is heated externally of the vessel and conveyed thereto. The sulfur pieces melt in the bath. A movable element, such as a rotary screen drum or conveyor blades for example, is disposed in the bath for agitating the bath and entraining the impurities.

Abstract: Processing and outfit for the extraction of cane sugar by pressing canes and magma between several pairs of fluted rollers, wherein each pair of rollers is completely submerged in a tank (C) and fed through a hopper (13), and wherein a constant recirculation of the magma, from each tank towards the corresponding hopper, with a significant flow rate on the one hand, and a countercurrent circulation of the bagasse and the juice with a lower flow rate in the different tanks (C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3) corresponding to the different pairs of rollers on the other, are combined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically macerating and recovering soluble component from a solid material such as waste solid propellant that is semihard. The solid material is fed into a perforated enclosure where it is held until it is macerated such that it can pass through perforations in the enclosure. While held in the enclosure, the solid material is agitated and exposed to jets of liquid solvent under a pressure which is equal to at least about 1000 psig to thereby macerate the solid material and force it through the perforations and to dissolve soluble component such as ammonium perchlorate from solid propellant. In one embodiment, the propellant residue is conveyed to a residue discharge end of the apparatus by a sloping helical conveyor. The helical conveyor provides individual contact stages for counter-current extraction and washing of ammonium perchlorate from the residue with recycled solvent.

Abstract: A system for the solid/liquid extraction of in particular vegetable raw materials, such as oilseeds and oil-yielding plants, with low-boiling solvents, such as gasoline and the like, in continuous co-current manner.The equipment, which is also to be regarded as the actual extraction unit, is formed by the combination of a conveyor screw (1) having a screw flight pitch (3) which widens in the direction of the transport of material, and a screen-like or perforated bottom portion (4) provided at a short distance upstream of the discharge of the extracted material (6). The equipment is closed on all sides.Several individual sets of equipment of this type are combined in the installation and interconnected by a logical circulation system for the miscella in such a way that the extraction time is shortened, the extraction yield is improved and the residual solvent content in the fully extracted material (groats) is reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously treating solids, with at least one liquid includes a first screw conveyor having first agitators positioned along the peripheral margin of each section of the thread of the screw conveyor for agitating the solid pieces being conveyed in the area between adjacent sections of the conveyor, and second agitators positioned along the shaft of the first screw conveyor for mixing the liquid with the solids within the area between adjacent sections of the thread of the first screw conveyor, and a second screw conveyor having agitators positioned along the peripheral margin of each section of the thread of the conveyor for agitating the solids being conveyed thereby, in the area between adjacent sections of the thread of the second screw conveyor, and liquid passages associated with the peripheral margin of each section of the thread of the second screw conveyor for allowing liquid introduced to the second screw conveyor to pass through the sections of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a gravel type solid material with a liquid in a bath are described. The apparatus comprises means for supplying the solid material, means for transporting it through the bath and means for removing the processed solid material from the bath. The apparatus comprises further means for supply of liquid and tapping off of the liquor. The method comprises introduction of the gravel type solid material into the bath at its lower end and removal of the processed solid material at the upper end, the gravel type solid material being gradually transported upwards through the bath by means of rotating lifting members while liquid is introduced into the bath at its upper half while liquor is drained off at the lower half. The lifting member comprises at least one inclined plate which is rigidly fixed to a vertical tube through which the solid material is introduced into the bath or the tank.

Abstract: A pulp diluting apparatus has a cylindrical vessel having the top portion thereof covered with a lid having a pulp inlet, a bearing mounted on the center of the lid, a lower steady support bearing mounted on the center of a bottom end portion of the cylindrical vessel, a rotary shaft held between the top bearing and the lower steady support bearing and provided on the lower portion thereof with rods having scraper plates, a water supply pipe disposed on the bottom end portion of the cylindrical vessel for supplying water into the cylindrical vessel, a valve provided on the water supply pipe for controlling the amount of water to be supplied into the water supply pipe, a driving machine connected to the rotary shaft for rotating the rotary shaft, a torque detector for detecting the torque of the driving machine and controlling the valve of the water supply pipe, and an outlet provided in the lower portion of the cylindrical vessel for taking the diluted pulp out of the cylindrical vessel.

Abstract: A rotary digester comprises a shell having means at one end for entry of material to be digested and, at the opposite end, a liquids outlet surrounded by a solids outlets. The solids outlet has a screw which assists in preventing egress of unwanted liquid with the solids.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the continuous conversion of feathers, hair, and other keratinaceous material into usable products, including a first vessel, said first vessel being jacketed and capable of heating the material therein without subjecting it to pressure, and paddles disposed for violently agitating the material within the vessel while gradually traversing it therethrough, a second vessel, a pump interconnected between the two vessels and providing for the transfer of the now fluidized material from the first vessel and into the second vessel while preventing the escape of any second vessel pressure back into the first vessel, the second vessel being jacketed and capable of heating the fluidized and flowable material therein to elevate temperatures while agitating the same to effect its hydrolyzation, and another pump connecting with the outlet side of the second vessel to provide for continuous discharge of the now hydrolyzed material and some pressure while the second vessel continuously hydrolyzes

Abstract: A shale oil retort apparatus is provided for retorting oil shale under airtight conditions. The retort apparatus employs a split hub wheel device which allows for the axial feeding of crushed oil shale and the axial dispensing of spent oil shale. The retort apparatus utilizes a rotatable shaft on a stationary axle, said shaft containing three spokes that are set approximately equidistant apart. The spokes serve to feed raw oil shale, dip it into a hot oil bath and dispense spent oil shale out of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously providing countercurrent liquid-solid contact. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes an Archimedes' screw in the form of a spiral and a distribution system which includes a central tube disposed along the axis of the spiral. The central tube includes a plurality of weirs and is in open communication with the spiral through a plurality of hollow spokes fixed at one end to the spiral and at the other end to the central tube.Dissolving solution is distributed by the distribution system to the spiral where it encounters nuclear material moving upward due to the pumping action of the spiral. The dissolved material moves counter current to the nuclear material and removed near the bottom of the apparatus.