Method for removing liquid from a liquid-solids mixture
First Claim
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1. A method for removing liquid from a liquid-solids mixture comprising the steps of:
- (a) introducing the mixture to a vessel;
(b) filtering the mixture within the vessel after step (a) so as to withdraw a substantial portion of the liquid from the vessel through at least one filter;
(c) withdrawing from the vessel, through a first conduit line, gases present in the vessel after step (b) so as to depressurize the vessel to predetermined pressure conditions whereby liquid remaining in the vessel after step (b) tends to vaporize;
(d) maintaining said pressure conditions for a period of time so that a substantial portion of liquid remaining in the vessel after step (b) vaporizes to a vapor;
(e) heating the contents of the vessel during step (d);
(f) agitating the contents of the vessel at least during step (d);
(g) withdrawing the vapor from the vessel through a second conduit line during step (d); and
(h) withdrawing substantially dry solids from the vessel after steps (d) and (g).
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided wherein liquid is removed from a liquid-solids mixture by employing both filtration and low pressures to achieve vaporization of liquid. The mixture is introduced to a vessel in which the mixture is filtered so that a substantial portion of the liquid is withdrawn from the vessel. The vessel is then depressurized to an extent necessary to vaporize a substantial portion of the remaining liquid. Such vapor is withdrawn from the vessel. During vaporization, the contents of the vessel are agitated and heated.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for removing liquid from a liquid-solids mixture comprising the steps of:
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(a) introducing the mixture to a vessel; (b) filtering the mixture within the vessel after step (a) so as to withdraw a substantial portion of the liquid from the vessel through at least one filter; (c) withdrawing from the vessel, through a first conduit line, gases present in the vessel after step (b) so as to depressurize the vessel to predetermined pressure conditions whereby liquid remaining in the vessel after step (b) tends to vaporize; (d) maintaining said pressure conditions for a period of time so that a substantial portion of liquid remaining in the vessel after step (b) vaporizes to a vapor; (e) heating the contents of the vessel during step (d); (f) agitating the contents of the vessel at least during step (d); (g) withdrawing the vapor from the vessel through a second conduit line during step (d); and (h) withdrawing substantially dry solids from the vessel after steps (d) and (g). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification