Abstract:
A target object to be irradiated is transported into an irradiating chamber through a transport inlet for irradiation with an active energy beam under an inert gas atmosphere in an active energy beam irradiating section included in the irradiating chamber and, then is transported out of the irradiating chamber. When the object is subject to above steps, the gas flow resistance at the transport outlet is controlled such that the active energy beam irradiation is carried out under the condition of X/Y≧1, where X represents the gas amount passing through the transport inlet, and Y represents the gas amount passing through the transport outlet.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic wave applying apparatus having an electromagnetic wave source (13) such as an ultraviolet lamp or the like, a cylinder (15) surrounding the electromagnetic wave source, a liquid retention tank (16) disposed around the cylinder, and an inlet portion (17) for introducing a liquid overflow from the liquid retention tank as a thin film flowing down an inner wall surface of the cylinder, which is irradiated with an electromagnetic wave from the ultraviolet lamp (11). The electromagnetic wave applying apparatus also has swirling flow forming means for causing the liquid introduced from the inlet portion (17) onto the inner wall surface of the cylinder to flow as a swirling flow down the inner wall surface. The electromagnetic wave applying apparatus allows a large amount of liquid to be stably treated by the application of an electromagnetic wave without causing the electromagnetic wave source such as an ultraviolet lamp or the like to be contaminated.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for processing materials employ two cylindrical members, one mounted within the other, defining an annular processing chamber. Preferably, the outer member is stationery (stator), while the inner rotates (rotor). The radial spacing between the stator inner surface and the rotor outer surface is equal to or less than the back-to-back radial thicknesses of the two laminar boundary layers formed on the two surfaces by the material being processed. The surfaces are made smooth, as by buffing to a finish of not more than 10 microinches. This structure inhibits formation of Taylor vortices in the processing passage, which cause unstable flow and consequent incomplete mixing. Preferably, the relative velocity between rotor and stator surfaces is at least 1.2 meters per second. The surfaces may be coated with catalysts. Transducers may be provided to apply processing energy, such as microwave, light or ultrasonic waves, through the stator wall.
Abstract:
A window allows the introduction of radiation energy into an annular processing chamber filled with a material to be processed. The chamber is formed from coaxial cylinder members rapidly rotating relative to one another. The chamber can be thin enough so that it is short compared to the penetration depth of the radiation through the material, providing even exposure of the material to the radiation. Also, eddies created in the material by the relative rotation enhances the even exposure. When the material inside the annular processing chamber is opaque, resulting in an insignificant penetration depth, the eddies still insure that the material is evenly exposed to the irradiation.
Abstract:
A wide variety of chemical processes using thin films of reactants are carried out on the surface of a body rotating at high speed and the products are readily isolated (for example as fine particles or fibres) by using centrifugal force to fling the products from the rim of the body.
Abstract:
A universal chemical processor (UCP) including a reactor vessel having a central longitudinal axis and main chamber comprises a first inlet port for a main feedstock, a second inlet port for a fluidizing medium and a third inlet port for one or more reactants. The UCP also includes a reactive radioactive chemical processor (R2CP) that contains a radioactive element positioned extending along the longitudinal axis in the main chamber. In operation, a fluidized bed can be supported in the main chamber when a fluidizing medium and feedstock are supplied to the main chamber through the first and second inlet ports and the radioactive element of the R2CP emits ionizing radiation that is capable of ionizing feedstock and reactants, inducing chemical reactions, and sterilizing and decomposing any organic materials within a radiation zone.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for enhancing the effectiveness of products generated from ionization, photon-enhanced thermionic emission, multi photon absorption, photo-oxidation, photocatalytic, and/or photochemical reactions utilize an oxidizing agent and photon emissions at wavelengths in a range from 0.01 nm to 845 nm, wherein wavelengths that photo-dissociate trioxygen are excluded.
Abstract:
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, while cooling equipment and the biomass to prevent overheating and possible distortion and/or degradation. The biomass is conveyed by a conveyor, which conveys the biomass under an electron beam from an electron beam accelerator. The conveyor can be cooled with cooling fluid. The conveyor can also vibrate to facilitate exposure to the electron beam. The conveyor can be configured as a trough that can be optionally cooled.