Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing microparticles comprising pharmacologically active agents and biodegradable polymers. The apparatus includes a spinning disk containing a reservoir in the center thereof and a flat inclined surface. The apparatus optionally includes serrations and/or a flat surface beneath the periphery of the disk that is parallel to the rotational axis of the disk. The invention is also directed to a method for producing microparticles containing pharmacologically active agents, using the spinning disk apparatus. Formulations containing ophthalmically active agents are provided. Formulations exhibiting zero order release rates are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for producing nanoparticles, especially pigment particles, comprising the following steps: i) bringing a base substance (1) into the gas phase, ii) generating particles by cooling or reacting the gaseous base substance (1), and iii) applying electrical charge to the particles during particle generation in step ii) in a nanoparticle generation apparatus. The invention further relates to apparatus for producing nanoparticles, having a feed line (28) for transporting the gas stream (29) into the apparatus, a particle generation and charging area for substantially simultaneous generation and charging of nanoparticles, and a takeoff line (30) for transporting the charged nanoparticles from the particle generation and charging area.

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing solid particles at a nano level includes a chamber for isolation from an external space, a monoaxial rotary disk disposed in the chamber, a receiving surface at one end of the rotary disk, a material supply mechanism for supplying the material to the receiving surface, a rotary mechanism for applying a centrifugal force to the rotary disk so that the raw material supplied to the receiving surface is produced into a thin film and atomized and scattered from the outer peripheral edge, and a control mechanism for the temperature in the chamber that controls the temperature at least at the outer peripheral edge of the receiving surface and on the side nearer to the center of rotation to a temperature lower than a volatilization temperature of a volatile solvent and the temperature at the outer side therefrom to the volatilization temperature of the volatile solvent or higher.

Abstract: A pelletizing die plate is useful with a main die body with passageways. The pelletizing die plate includes a die plate body, which is made of a hard composite material. The hard composite material contains a low thermal conductivity matrix of hard matrix particles and an infiltrant alloy bonded to the hard matrix particles to form the hard composite material. The hard matrix particles includes between greater than zero and up to about 20 weight percent titanium carbide particles and the balance cast tungsten carbide particles. The infiltrant alloy contains at least one or more of nickel and copper. The hard matrix particles are between about 50 weight percent and about 70 weight percent of the hard composite material and the infiltrant alloy are between about 30 weight percent and about 50 weight percent of the hard composite material. The hard composite material has a thermal conductivity less than or equal to about 25 Watt/m° K.

Abstract: A fine channel device capable of producing fine particles in an industrial scale, hardening the fine particles immediately after the production and recovering the fine particles from a medium without collapsing the shape of the produced fine particles, a fine particle producing method using the fine channel device and a solvent extraction method using the fine channel, are presented. The fine channel device comprises a fine channel provided with an inlet port and an inlet channel which feed a dispersion phase, an inlet port and an inlet channel which feed a continuous phase, and an outlet channel and an outlet port which discharge fine particles produced by the dispersion phase and the continuous phase, wherein the inlet channel for feeding the dispersion phase and the inlet channel for feeding the continuous phase are joined at an arbitrary angle, and the two inlet channels are connected to the outlet channel at the arbitrary angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of production of tubes comprising, on an extruder, extruding molten plastics through die formations of a die head so as to extrude tubes each including at least one internal longitudinal web, and subsequently cooling the extruded tubes. In addition, when advancing molten plastics through a die hole (110) of the die head, the die head includes a die mandrel (122) having a first portion (124) attached to the die body and a second portion (126) extending in the die hole (110) so as to extrude the tube with at least one internal longitudinal web, the advancing including conveying molten plastics along a flow passageway (134) in the first portion (124) of the die mandrel (122) towards a central longitudinal region of the die hole at the second portion (126). The die body advantageously has a die mandrel locating device (118) arranged at the upstream side of the die body for locating the die mandrel (122) centrally of the die hole (110) of the die body.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing nitrate granules includes a first fluidized bed which is supplied with air that has been conditioned to a relative humidity of less than 30% at 40° C. and heated to a temperature of 40° C. to 100° C. One or more spray nozzles are provided for spraying a nitrate melt into the first fluidized bed to form nitrate granules. The apparatus also includes a second fluidized bed which is in direct communication with the first fluidized bed. Nitrate granules formed in the first fluidized bed flow directly to the second fluidized bed where they are cooled to a temperature of less than 60° C. The nitrate granules produced by the apparatus and process of the invention are spherical in shape, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling. The apparatus according to the invention is compact, capable of very high product rates, and can be operated by one operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing plastic granulate, having a granulator which breaks up essentially continuously conveyed plastic mass flow into granulate particles, the granulator (17, 40) comprising a cutting unit (21, 22; 32, 33, 34), whose cutting elements engage on the plastic mass flow when breaking up the plastic, and the device (1, 31) comprising at least one oscillation sensor (24, 25; 60, 61), using which oscillations occurring on the device (1, 31), in particular on the granulator (17, 40), may be detected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing toner are provided. A fluid comprising a resin and a colorant is supplied to a retention member that includes a film on which multiple discharge openings are formed. The fluid which is supplied to the retention member is resonated so that liquid droplets thereof are discharged from the multiple openings. The liquid droplets which are discharged from the multiple openings are solidified to form mother particles of a toner.

Abstract: In a process for the manufacture of beadlet preparations of fat-soluble substances in a water-soluble or water-dispersible non-gelling matrix, an aqueous emulsion of the fat-soluble substance(s) and the matrix component are fed through a spray nozzle in the upper section of a vertical spray tower. Through separate inlets powderous starch and a stream of hot air are also fed in the upper section of the vertical spray tower. A stream of cold air is fed in the lower section of the spray tower so as to form a fluidised bed of starch-covered beadlets comprising the matrix component as well as the fat-soluble substances. The beadlets are collected from the fluidised bed and are discharged to a dryer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray drying system provided with a neutralizing system, which system is intended for use in the pharmaceutical industry or in other industries, where the product is e.g. infectious, toxic or highly reactive and constitutes a risk for the surroundings and/or a health risk to people handling the product. The spray drying system comprises a spray drying chamber (1) comprising a drying chamber (1) provided with an atomizer device (17), followed by units (2, 3) for collecting of product powder and means (8) for cleaning the exhaust gas, wherein an atomization device (16) connected to a vessel (13) containing a neutralizer agent is placed upstream of the drying chamber (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a toner, wherein a liquid drop forming part including a storage part configured to store a toner composition liquid in which a toner composition including at least a resin and a coloring agent is dispersed or dissolved, a thin film on which a nozzle facing the storage part is formed, and a vibration generating part configured to vibrate the thin film via the toner composition liquid in the storage part are used, wherein plural storage chambers partitioned by a partition wall(s) are formed in the storage part and a width of each storage chamber in a direction of arrangement of the plural storage chambers and a width of each storage chamber in a direction orthogonal to the direction of arrangement of the storage chambers are formed to be one-half or less of a wavelength ? of a sonic wave generated in the storage part.

Abstract: A sensor producing apparatus comprised of an extractor for extracting a nano fiber from a solution and a driving device to relatively move the substrate and the extractor, a method for forming a sensor, and a sensor with a nano structure are provided.

Abstract: An insulated die plate assembly for use in underwater pelletizing and other granulation processes includes a thin, continuous air chamber formed across the plate assembly generally parallel to the die face such that the heated upstream portion of the die plate assembly is thermally insulated from the downstream portion. The air chamber is atmospherically equilibrated by venting the air chamber to the atmosphere. The plurality of extrusion orifices, either individually or in groups, are formed in extrusion orifice extensions that extend through the insulation chamber so that the process melt to be granulated can pass therethrough. The orifice extensions and the components forming the air chamber around the orifice extensions are specially configured to channel heat along said extensions to maintain the process melt therein at a desired temperature, to help rigidify the die plate assembly and to better seal the air chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing super high fluidity urethane-based spherical fine powder for powder slush molding by melting and mixing a super high fluidity urethane-based thermoplastic resin at high temperature, passing the thermoplastic resin through micro-sized fine holes to be extruded into a fine diameter, cutting the extruded thermoplastic resin into spherical fine powder having a uniform particle size, and drying the cut spherical fine powder.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing an inorganic spheroidized particle, wherein an inorganic powder is fed from a feed pathway for an inorganic powder to a combustion flame in a powder melting furnace, and melted or softened and spheroidized, and wherein the apparatus comprises a powder dispersing plate in the feed pathway for an inorganic powder; and a process for preparing an inorganic spheroidized particle comprising the step of preparing inorganic spheroidized particles with the apparatus for preparing inorganic spheroidized particles as defined above. The inorganic spheroidized particle prepared by the above process and apparatus can be suitably used for a spherical molding sand, a filler, a pigment or the like, especially in the case where the inorganic spheroidized particle is a ceramics particle.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for forming fine particles of a substance in a precipitation chamber, in which the apparatus has means to convey the fine particles from the precipitation chamber to at least one particle collection chamber, downstream of the precipitation chamber, the particle collection chamber having an inlet and an outlet separate from the inlet. The invention also provides a method of forming fine particles of a substance, the method comprising contacting a non-gaseous fluid containing the substance with a dense fluid to expand the non-gaseous fluid in a precipitation chamber, conveying a resulting mixture of fluid and the fine particles from the precipitation chamber to a collection chamber, the collection chamber having an inlet and an outlet separate from the inlet.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets are contacted with a temperature adjusting fluid in a crystallizer. The fluid adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: Relatively uniform spherical shaped solid pellets (prills) may be created by passing molten sulfur through a nested strainer to remove particles that would otherwise become trapped in the system, a drip tray with a heating channel attached on its underside, an injection conduit for delivery of a cooled zone of water to create solid prills, and thereafter moving the prills through a stationary curved screen to remove most of the excess water and a vibrating screen.

Abstract: A toner manufacturing method, a toner manufacturing apparatus, and a toner are disclosed. The toner manufacturing apparatus includes a droplet generating unit that includes a thin film in which plural nozzles are formed, and an annular vibrating unit that is arranged at a perimeter of a deformable domain of the thin film for vibrating the thin film; a storage unit for storing a toner-containing liquid that includes at least a resin and a colorant, and for supplying the toner-containing liquid 10 to the droplet generating unit; and a granulating unit for solidifying droplets that are periodically breathed out from the nozzles of the droplet generating unit to form toner particles.

Abstract: A method for producing a toner, including ejecting a toner composition liquid containing at least a resin and a colorant periodically from a plurality of nozzles into a chamber using a vibration unit, so as to form droplets in a gas phase; and solidifying the droplets, wherein the droplets are transported by transport air flow selected from at least one of vertical downward air flow and rotational air flow, and the method can prevent toner particles from aggregation.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for micron and submicron particles formation of a substance using the GAS process, comprising a particles formation vessel (22) and means for introducing a solution of the substance and a supercritical fluid into the particles formation vessel (22), wherein said means comprise a nozzle (27) having a central orifice (39) serving to carry a flow of solution, and a plurality of separate outer orifices (41) serving to carry a flow of pure supercritical fluid or a flow of supercritical fluid mixed with a modifier, such that the solvent is extracted from the solution by the supercritical fluid and precipitation of micron and submicron particles occurs. Also a process is described, carried out with such an apparatus.

Abstract: A micro (thin film type) valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow and its rate using a microbead and a method for controlling the apparatus are provided. The microbead is moved by the magnetic forge generated by upper and lower electromagnets disposed on the top and bottom surface of the body or by the electric field generated by upper and lower electrode plates disposed on the top and bottom surface of the body, thereby interconnecting or blocking flow channels in the body. The micro valve apparatus and the method for controlling the same are suitable for thin film type diagnostic assay devices, such as lab-on-chips, protein chips, or DNA chips, for detecting small quantities of analytes in fluids, and more suitable for interconnecting or blocking channels formed in thin disk type apparatus including general CD-ROMs, DVDs, bioCDs, and bio DVDs.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for making nanopowder includes a reaction chamber (22), a first sprayer (25, 27), a second sprayer (26, 28) and a centrifuge (24). The reaction chamber includes a top portion (224); a bottom portion (227) opposite to the top portion; a peripheral sidewall (220, 223) interconnecting the top portion and the bottom portion; an inlet (222) formed in the top portion configured for introducing a solvent; and an outlet (229) formed in the bottom portion. The first sprayer is formed on the peripheral sidewall of the reaction chamber configured for spraying a first reactant into the reaction chamber. The second sprayer is formed in at least one of the top and bottom portions of the reaction chamber configured for spraying a second reactant into the reaction chamber. The centrifuge is connected with the outlet of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: One non-limiting embodiment of an apparatus for forming an alloy powder or preform includes a melting assembly, an atomizing assembly, and a field generating assembly, and a collector. The melting assembly produces at least one of a stream of a molten alloy and a series of droplets of a molten alloy, and may be substantially free from ceramic in regions contacted by the molten alloy. The atomizing assembly generates electrons and impinges the electrons on molten alloy from the melting assembly, thereby producing molten alloy particles. The field generating assembly produces at least one of an electrostatic field and an electromagnetic field between the atomizing assembly and the collector. The molten alloy particles interact with the at least one field, which influences at least one of the acceleration, speed, and direction of the molten alloy particles. Related methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A nanopowders synthesis apparatus includes a reaction chamber; a first sprayer communicated with the reaction chamber and configured for spraying a first reactant into the reaction chamber along a first direction; and a second sprayer communicated with the reaction chamber and configured for spraying a second reactant into the reaction chamber along a second direction. A nanopowders synthesis method is also provided.

Abstract: A nanopowders synthesis apparatus includes a reaction chamber, the reaction chamber having a top portion, a bottom portion opposite to the top portion, a sidewall adjoining the top and the bottom portion, and an inlet and an outlet; a first sprayer formed in the sidewall configured for spraying a first reactant into the reaction chamber therefrom; and a second sprayer formed in the bottom portion configured for spraying a second reactant into the reaction chamber therefrom. The inlet formed in the top portion configured for injecting a liquid medium, and the outlet formed in the bottom portion configured for releasing the liquid medium. A nanopowders synthesis method is also provided.

Abstract: An underwater pelletizer for cutting extruded plastic into a flow of liquid is disclosed. The pelletizer includes a cutter hub (90) carrying at least one cutter blade (96), a cutter shaft (60) for rotationally driving the cutter hub, and a flexible torque converter (80) for connecting a motor to the cutter hub. In one embodiment, the torque converter has a first set of bushings (82) that is fastened to a face (98) of the cutter hub and a second set of bushings that is fastened to a face (64) of the cutter shaft. The disclosed pelletizer has a shaft extension (20) configured to engage a motor shaft, the shaft extension having an outer diameter having formed thereon a splined portion (38) and first (26) and second (28) sealing surfaces. A disclosed motor adaptor (40) has a seal surface (44). A water chamber plate (50) may also have a seal surface (52).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a toner includes preparing a droplet forming device, comprising a storage portion to store a toner composition solution, a thin film formed from a rigid material, bonded to the storage portion by a bonding material, and provided with a nozzle and an oscillation device including an oscillation generation device configured to generate an oscillation upon the thin film and an oscillation amplification device which has an oscillation surface including a position that is parallel and opposite to the thin film and is configured to amplify the oscillation, periodically forming a droplet of the toner composition solution including at least a resin and a coloring agent to be supplied between the thin film and the oscillation surface and discharging the droplet via the nozzle, and solidifying the droplet of the toner composition solution discharged via the nozzle, and forming a toner particle.

Abstract: A method of nanofibers production from a polymer solution uses electrostatic spinning in an electric field created by a potential difference between a charged electrode and a counter electrode. The polymer solution for spinning is supplied into the electric field using the surface of a rotating charged electrode. On a part of the circumference of the charged electrode near to the counter electrode, a spinning surface is created for attaining a high spinning capacity. In a device for carrying out the method, the charged electrode is pivoted and part of its circumference is immersed in the polymer solution. The free part of the circumference of the charged electrode is positioned opposite the counter electrode.

Abstract: A dryer system configured for use in a polyester polymer production process. In one embodiment, the dryer system can be utilized in a non-solid-state polymer production process to dry the polymer particles prior to crystallization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of crystallizing polymers to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating is shown in FIG. 5. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line (120) toward the dryer near the pelletizer exit (102) at a flow rate of from about 100 to about 175 m3/hour, or more. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the polymer pellets leave the dryer with sufficient latent heat to cause self-crystallization within the pellets. A valve mechanism in the slurry line (150) after the gas injection further regulates the pellet residence time and a vibrating conveyor after the dryer helps the pellets to achieve the desired level of crystallinity and to avoid agglomeration.

Abstract: A process for producing inorganic spheres, which comprises injecting an aqueous liquid containing an inorganic compound into a laminar flow of an organic liquid which runs at a flow rate of from 0.001 to 2 m/s in a flow path compartmentalized by a partition wall through a plurality of inlet holes formed in one partition wall to form a W/O type emulsion containing the organic liquid as a dispersion medium and the aqueous liquid containing the inorganic compound as a dispersed phase, and solidifying the aqueous liquid containing an inorganic compound in the W/O type emulsion, wherein the partition wall having a plurality of inlet holes is made of a metal sheet having a surface subjected to water repellent treatment.

Abstract: A sphering apparatus includes a sphering furnace on a body of which a plurality of adhesion preventing air-introducing holes is formed and at a lower position of which a carrier air-introducing hole and a carrier air-withdrawing hole are formed; an air blower introducing both an adhesion preventing air and a carrier air; a first pipe one end of which is connected to a discharging part of the air blower and the other end of which is biforked, one biforked end being connected to the carrier air-introducing hole and the other biforked end being connected to a manifold bundling the plurality of adhesion preventing air-introducing holes; a first damper provided in any one of two pipes in the biforked part of the first pipe; a cyclone connected to the carrier air-withdrawing hole through a second pipe; and a bag filter connected to the cyclone through a third pipe.

Abstract: A fabrication method and apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: providing a liquid precursor over a surface of the substrate; and irradiating at least a region of the surface of the substrate with a light beam such as to fabricate a structure thereon from the liquid precursor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described in which a polymer feed is pelletized by introducing the polymer feed to an extruder, removing heat from the polymer feed in the extruder, and extruding the polymer feed through a pelletizing die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for pelletizing polymer melts comprising blowing agent in a pelletizing chamber through which a liquid flows, its pressure being above the ambient pressure. In a first step, the polymer melt is injected into the pelletizing chamber, in a second step the polymer melt is cut via a cutting apparatus into individual pellets and, in a third step, the pellets produced in the pelletizing process are discharged with the liquid from the pelletizing chamber and are then isolated from the liquid.

Abstract: A system including a mold having a fluoropolymer wherein the mold defines a plurality of cavities having a predetermined shape and a cross-sectional dimension less than about 100 micrometers; a roller; a surface in cooperation with the roller to form a nip point configured to receive the mold, wherein the nip point is further configured to receive a substantially liquid composition and accelerate entry of the substantially liquid composition into the cavity.

Abstract: A method for producing resin particles using a dispersion liquid in which a dispersoid mainly made of a resin material is finely dispersed in a dispersion medium, the method comprising a dispersion liquid ejecting step for ejecting the dispersion liquid in the form of droplets and a dispersion medium removing step for removing the dispersion medium from the dispersion liquid in the form of droplets, wherein a granulation prevention agent for preventing or suppressing fine particles derived from the dispersoid from being agglomerated and then granulated is applied to the dispersion liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for pelletizing polymer melts, at above ambient pressure, in a pelletizing chamber into which a cutting apparatus has been inserted. In a first step, the pelletizing chamber is flooded with a gas which is inert toward the polymer melt and whose pressure is that at which the pelletizing process is carried out. The polymer melt is then injected into the pelletizing chamber. Finally, the gas is displaced from the pelletizing chamber via a liquid as soon as the polymer melt begins to flow through the cutting apparatus, this melt being cut into pellets.

Abstract: The invention relates to kits and methods for assessing susceptibility of a human to abnormal lipid metabolism and disorders associated therewith, such as obesity and diabetes. The methods involve assessing occurrence in the human's genome of one or more polymorphisms (e.g., single nucleotide polymorphisms) that occur in one or more genes associated with leptin-mediated lipid metabolism and that are associated with a disorder in humans. Preferred assessment and scoring methods are disclosed, as are kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a method for producing, by a simple method, drug-containing wax matrix granules, particularly drug-containing wax matrix granules having an average particle diameter of 1 mm or lower, while avoiding liquid blockage due to the recrystallization of a molten drug during the period from a melting step to a spray step.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter describes the use of fluorinated elastomer-based materials, in particular perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based materials, in high-resolution soft or imprint lithographic applications, such as micro- and nanoscale replica molding, and the first nano-contact molding of organic materials to generate high fidelity features using an elastomeric mold. Accordingly, the presently disclosed subject matter describes a method for producing free-standing, isolated nanostructures of any shape using soft or imprint lithography techniques.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for purifying microparticles. These microparticles are prepared in a liquid medium and are recovered free from impurities and undesirable reaction products in a particular way. In addition, an apparatus has been claimed to carry out the method of the invention. Since the microparticles are essentially intended to carry drugs or other biologically active compounds, the entire process can be carried out aseptically.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a toner, including periodically forming liquid droplets of a toner constituent liquid comprising a resin and a colorant by vibrating a thin film having a plurality of holes provided on a retention part thereof to discharge the liquid droplets of the toner constituent liquid from the plurality of holes and forming toner particles by solidifying the liquid droplets discharged from the plurality of holes. In periodically forming the liquid droplets of the toner constituent liquid, a flow of gas in a direction of discharge of the liquid droplets is formed by a gas flow generation unit provided downstream from the thin film relative to the direction of discharge of the liquid droplets, including a tapered part forming an aperture corresponding to a hole formation area of the thin film.

Abstract: Method for preparation of an aqueous emulsion from a curable silicone composition consisting of (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups, (B) an organohydrogensiloxane, and (C) a curing catalyst, said method being characterized by (i) continuously supplying component (A), component (B) and component (C), or a mixture of components (A) and (B) and component (C) through individual inlet ports into a continuous mixer and mixing said components at a temperature not exceeding 10° C., (ii) continuously supplying the obtained mixture and (D) an aqueous solution of a surface-active agent to an emulsifier, and emulsifying the components at a temperature not exceeding 20° C. An apparatus for the preparation of an aqueous emulsion of a curable silicone composition comprising of a continuous mixer for mixing components (A) through (C), a distribution unit connected to the lower part of the mixer, and an emulsifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing spherical particles from a melted mass of plastic. According to the invention, said melted mass is transformed into droplets by means of a droplet-forming nozzle (10); after falling a certain distance, the droplets are crystallised at least on the surface thereof; the droplets are then supplied to a crystallisation stage in which they are fully crystallised; and are then supplied to an postcondensation stage wherein solid phase polycondensation takes place. In order to ensure surface crystallisation without the risk of adhesion both among the drops and to parts of the device, the drops fall in a crystallisation stage (45) having a cloth element or a sheet metal element comprising openings or a fluidised bed chamber through which gas flows in order to swirl the drops.

Abstract: The present invention relates the manufacture of metal powders, non-oxidic ceramic powders and reduced metal oxide powders using an improved flame spray pyrolysis (“FSP”) process. The invention further relates to an apparatus specifically adapted to said process, to powders/naoncomposites obtained by said process and to the use of said powders/nanocompsites.

Abstract: Particulate chemical substances and method of manufacturing thereof wherein the resultant particles have a narrow particle size distribution and sufficient hardness to ensure that particles can withstand intact being driven through pneumatic transportation equipment. The method comprises granulating raw material using a spray granulation apparatus having a nozzle plate equipped with nozzle pipes having a length in the range of 2-100 mm.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polyester processes that utilizes a pipe reactor in the esterification, polycondensation, or both esterification and polycondensation processes. Pipe reactor processes of the present invention have a multitude of advantages over prior art processes including improved heat transfer, volume control, agitation and disengagement functions.