GB900367A - Improvements in and relating to the steam-baking of cork - Google Patents

Abstract

900,367. Treating cork. CORK GROWERS TRADING CO. (1931) Ltd. Dec. 6, 1960 [May 11, 1960], No. 16611/60. Class 140. A process for producing cork articles comprises compressing granulated cork into a mould, suspending said mould in a closeable container and passing steam at a pressure not exceeding 15 lbs./sq. inch excess pressure, and at least 550‹ F., into said container and through the cork granules to the atmosphere. As shown, hollow cylinders 1, Fig. 1, packed with cork granules 5 compressed by tamping, preferably mechanically, are detachably attached to the lid 2 of container 3. Steam is passed through the inlet 4 into container 3, thereby preheating the cork granules 5, through the cork granules and finally through perforated plates 6 to the atmosphere. The cylinders 1 are subsequently removed from the container 3, and the cork articles pushed from the cylinders by means of a ram pushing the plate 6 along the cylinder. Alternatively, the cork granules are compressed into cylinders 12, Fig. 3, the curved walls of which have perforations 9, and the ends of which are sealed by removable plates. The cylinders are joined by imperforate metal sheets 13, to form an assembly which is sealed at the lower end by an imperforate metal plate and at the upper end is detachably attached to the lid of container 8. Steam admitted to the annular space between the assembly and the container passes through the cork in the perforated cylinders 12 into the central space, and escapes through a hole in the centre of the lid of the container.