US1420647A - Apparatus for treating substances - Google Patents

Description

C. R. MABEE. APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES.

APPLICATION FILED FEB- 12, 1916. 1 420 647, Patented June 27, 1922.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

wmm

C. R. MABEE.

APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES.

AP LICATION FILED FEB- 12. 1916.

1,420,647. Patented J 11110 27, 1922.

3 SHEETSSHEET 2.

Q vi We/ao C. R. MABEE.

APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES- APPLICATION FILED ms. 12, 1916.

1,420,647. Patented June 27, 1922.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- iji ti'ii ii'i CHARLES R. MABEE, OF TOLEDO, OHIO.

APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTANCES.

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Application filed February 12, 1916.

To all 10. 10772 it may concern Be itknown that 1, CHARLES R. MABEE, a citizen of the United States. residing at Toledo, Ohio, in the county of Lucas and (4 l state of @1110, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Treating Substances, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to an apparatus for treating substances cmitaiuing liquid with a view of changing the consistency of the substances, more particularly with a view of e 'aporating the liquids. The invention is designed more particularly as an evaporator.

Heretofore, there have been numerous evaporating systems and apparatus proposed, but as far as now advised, the system which has been more largely employed, especially in the milk industry. is that known as the vacuum system. Such a system entails the reduction of the atmospheric pressure on the material, requires a large amount of water for condensing purposes, much time is required for desired evaporation to proper condensation, and it is generally recognized as necessitating an expensive equipment.

It has also been the practice to treat substances to evaporate the liquid therefrom lay placing the material in bulk or in mass in a heated container and to stir or agitate the material and cause it to alternately move into contact with and away from the heated surface. The action may be designated as the stirring action. In this type of apparatus, scrapers have been employed which remove the material bodily from the surface.

All apparatus heretofore proposed by others, as far as I am now advised, are expensive and slow in operation. The present apparatus is one wherein many of the objections found in the prior practices are avoided, the material is treated very rapidly; a very high temperature may be safely employed, the fluid or liquid is evaporated in whole 0 in part from the material economically and may be stated as one comprising generally the employment of the means whereby the material to be treated is Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 27, 1922.

Serial No. 77,996.

generated into a thin stratum or layer in proximity to a treating surface having a different temperature from that of the material which is projected in stratum or layer form rapidly over the surface; the vapors are permitted to escape without substantial impedence during the maintained continuity of movement of the material. The'invention comprehends also, means for treating the surface during the continuity of movement of the material thereover, in a manner to prevent any substantial or detrimental interruption to heat transference or continued movement of the material.

The invention may be further definitely characterized as an apparatus wherein arelatively shallow body of material in liquid form or material containing a liquid, is maintained in a substantially concave form, mo ed rapidly over a heated surface of substantially cylindrical section, while being subjected to the action of centrifugal force which maintains the substance in active proximity to the treating surface and at the same time maintains a free space into which the generated vapors or gases readily pass and escape.

in the hereinafter selected, illustrative apparatus, reference is made to its employment in connection with milk, although in this particular it is to be-urnlcrstood that the invention is useful for evaporating fluid, either in whole or in part, from other sill)- stanres. Milk is referred to in these speciiications, not with a view of limiting the use of the invention, but more particularly with a view of designating a special substance which rcqnircs delicate treatment and for which the use of the invention is well adapted.

in the accompanying drawing a convenient and satisfactory form of apparatus is shown, but it is to be understood that many variations and changes may be made therein without departing from the nature and principle of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a longitudinal section taken through the apparatus, showing parts in elevation Figure 2 is an end view looking from the left of Figure 1;

Cir

and is surrounded by a jacket 3. Tl e on of the drum are part1ally closed, conv .iently by end plates or caps d, 5 both of which are provided with openings therein, con venient above the center, as indicated at 4 and 49. The opening 4t may be closed by a removable cap t having a sight openingl therein. Communicating with the opening t", is a vapor outlet pipe (3, the same being shown as broken away at its upper end, and is designed hereinafter explained, to project the vapors away from the machine. On the inner walls of the end plates 4, 5, are flanges "i', 7, having; their innermost edges turned outwardly as shown. for purposes presently to be described. 8, 8, represent standards, located at opposite ends of the machine and provided at their upper ends with bearings in which a horizontal shaft 9 is mounted for rotation. This shaft 9 extends through the end plates and treating drum, suitable stul'ling boxes being provided, if desirable. One end the shaft Scarriesa driving pul y 9, over which a belt 9 passes, from a h l driving pulley 9 driven by any suitable power for ra idly driving the shaft.

fidounted on the shaft 9, adjacent the opposite ends of the treating drum, and. adapted to rotate therewith, are radiating carrier arms 10, 10, each of which is conveniently formed with outstamling POl'lpllOlttl flanges 10 positioned adjacent the wall of the drum. Fixedly secured to the flanges 10 of the carrier arms are longitudinally disposed metal angle bars 11, the outer or radial flanges of which lie in close 1 roximity to the wall of the cylindrical drum. These bars 11 extend from end to end of the treating drum. Seated on the angle bars, conveniently in a manner to permit a slight onward movement, are strips 12, the same being loosely held to the angle bars 11 by bolts 12 fixed in the strips and loosely ssing through perforations in the angle bars. This permits a relative movement between the bars and strips, as shown somewhat er.- aggerated in Figure 1 of the drawings, as but a very slight movement is necessary. Secured to the strips 12, are a series of brushes 13, having their tufts formeo convenieirtly of fibre, arranged to contact under centrifugal force with the walls of the cylindrical drum. The brushes are, by preference, extended the entire length of the strips, to wipe over the entire treating surface of the drum, and maintain the same in proper polished condition. The yielding nature of the wipers or brushes is important as they do not wear or mar the surface of the container. However, other material than fibre may be employed.

The movable part of the structure thus far described is properly characterized a conveyor, and the entire operating part of the structure is p sitioned, will be observed, closely adjacent the wall of the treat drum. The space between the two oppositely positioned conveyor members is unoccupied, as will be observer for purposes presently to be stated. Entering the treating crum, conveniently through one of the end caps, is the supply tube 14 havin its discharge end curved in the direction of themovement of the liquid being treated, the same being provider with a regj iiilating valve i l. The exit end f the supply tuliterminates adjacent the end wall within. the plane ot the flange '7 so that the milk, when the machine is used therewith, will he conducted into the Zone of operation.

Located at any convenient point at the extreme opposite end of the treating drum, is a tangentlally arrang ged outlet opening 15,

angent being in the direc e tion of move ment of the material so that the natural tendency of the material as it reaches tais opening will be to escape therethrough. ll ith this opening, a valved discharge conduit l6 communicates for leading the treated material. to any desired place of" deposit. The valve may, however, be omitted.

itable means for cxtericrly heating may be employed, but in the drawings is shown a valved steam supply, represented as a main supply pipe provided with a plurality of branch 2 cs l7 leadin' through the wal of the jacket at the top. The main pipe 17 is conveniently provided, with the pressure regulator 17" diagrannnatically shown, so rat a constant high pressure may be 1nain- .l. in the steam j ache-t. A temperature :;cess of 211 F. can be employed sucully in treating n ill: without injury to the product, in fact a temperature as high as 500 F. has been so employed. The water 0 condensation is allowed to escape through a steam trap 17 at the lower part of the jacket.

In treating certain materials, it is desirable to incorporate therewith steam, air or other treating substance, and with this in view, the apparatus above described is provided conveniently in its opposite side l lny su the treating drum walls with a series of oblique inlet openings 18, the inclination of the openings being in the direction of movement of the conveyors. Each opening communicates with a supply pipe 19, leading from a suitable source, as for instance, a supply of steam, when steam is employed as the treating agent. If air is employed, the pipe 19 will be coupled with a suitable air supply, conveniently under suitable pressure. It has been ascertained, however, that in the treatment of milk for condensation or evaporation, an imperil'orate treating cylinder is advantageous, and such a structure is illustrated in Figure -15, wherein the treating cylinder wall 2 is shown as imperforate. It has also been ascertained that in many cases the apparatus can be used effectively with the described brushes omitted, in which event the radial flanges of the angle bars 11 may be carried in close proximity to the treating surface, as shown in Figure t. In this construction the angle bars constitute the conveyors.

In treating substances containing a large percentage of fluid, it has been ascertained that the vapors entering the unoccupied space within the center of the treating drum will readily escape through the end openings, in which particular both of the openings in the ends of the apparatus may be left uncovered. However, it is sometimes desirable to remove the vapor, to a point somewhat remote from the machine, and for that purpose the conductor pipe 16 is employed, and with a view of projecting the vapor through the pipe rapidly, any convenient form of vapor propeller, such as the fan 20, may be used. This fan may be mounted on a shaft 21, supported in a depending bracket 21 and having its end passed through an opening in the curved side wall of the pipe 6. The end of the shaft 21 is provided with a small pulley 21 which is bolted to a driving pulley 21, keyed to the main shaft 9, as shown.

The machine can be used and the process practiced, as stated, by removing the closure for the opening at the left hand end plate, thus establishing a free circulation of air throughout the machine. The curved deecting plates 7, 7, within the machine at the ends are useful in conducting to the brushes any material that may flow down the end caps or plates without material agitation.

It will be observed that the interior of the machine is perfectly smooth, presenting no obstruction to the free movement of the material, and this enables the material, especially if milk is employed in the machine, to move rapidly without impedance. By this means foaming is obviated and a disruption or breaking up of the iilm or layer is prevented. This is important in that it minimizes the danger of the entrainment of valuable constituents of the material and the passing thereof out of the machine with the vapors. It will be observed also that the wipers which are shown in the form of brushes in the present instance, are employed as wipers, as distinguished from what is known in the art as scrapers, the latter being employed to remove the entire bulk of the material from the surface and deposit it at different points free fnon'i the surface or proximity thereto. It has thus been ascertained that by the use of the brushes or wipers a perfect continuity of action is maintained, and a concaved layer is formed and projected over the surface in substantial uniformity throughout the treatment. The surface is thereby kept in a polished condition so that very rapid heat transference is secured.

In Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a to rm of apparatus in longitudinal and cross section respectively. wherein the brushes or wipers are omitted. in the particular construction, while designed for the treatment of certain materials, as for instance tomatoes, or other vegetables or fruit, brewers slop and refuse from mamifacturing plants, the steam jacket which is indicated at 20, has a supply 20 and exhaust 20 The iiiterior of the cylindrical drum is supplied with the material to be treated through the supply 21 having a control valve 21. The outlet for the treated material is located diagonally opposite the inlet, as at 22, and this outlet may be supplied with a valve 22, if desired. The cylinder is provided with a closed head 23 at one end and at the opposite end there is a head 23, provided with a nozzle 23", which may be carried to any suitable piont of discharge. Surrounding the exhaust outlet and secured to the head 23 is a deflecting flange 24, the purpose of which is to prevent the material from entering the discharge and for conducting the same down the end to a point where the inaterial will be caught up by the rapidly revolving carriers. A shaft 25 is extended through the machine, being suitably mounted in the heads and provided with a pulley or other mechanism for driving the same. On the shaft at opposite ends are keyed spiders or arms 25 which carry at their outer ends propelling or carrying blades 26. These are conveniently of L shape in cross section, their radial portions or flanges extending in proximity to the walls of the drum, as shown in Figure '7. The material introduced into the drum is caught up by the conveyors or carriers, projected onto the wall in layer formation and rapidly moved over the heated surface. The material gradually works its way to the far end of the cylinder and escapes through the discharge 22, by which time it has been properly treated. By opconstructed and arranged to leave between them and the axis an open pathway for vapors communicating with said large vapor opening and extending from end to end of the container to maintain an approximately cylindrical stratum of the fluid around the said pathway.

3. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus the combination with a container having an operating surface which is circular in cross section and from end to end intersects axial planes on straight lines, and having a relatively large opening for copious discharge of vapors from the interior, means for introducing fluid at a point near one end of the container, means for permitting discharge of treated material at a point near the other end of the container, means for rel.- atively highly heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of vapors and gas. means remote from the axis rotating rapidly near said surface for positively engaging the material and for forcing it radially outward, and cooperating with the container to force the material circularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructed and arranged to maintain an approximately hollow,cylindrical stratum of the fluid with a quiet central zone communicating with the said discharge opening, and positively-acting means for causing the escape of the vapors and gases from the container through said opening.

In an evaporating or condensing apparatus the combination with a container having an operating surface which from end to end intersects axial planes on straight lines, means for introducing fluid at a point near one end of the container, means for permitting discharge of treated material at a point near the other end of the container, means for relatively highly heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of vapors and gas, and radially narrow means continuously rotating rapidly near said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward, cooperating with the container to force the material circularly and longitudinally of the axis. said rotating means comprising devices yieldingly contacting with the said surface and adapted to clean it and assist in imparting to the material the movements aforesaid.v

5. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus the combination of the container having an operating surface which is circular in cross section and from end to end intersects axial planes on straight lines, means for introducing fluid at a point near one end of the container, means for permitting discharge of treated material at a point near the other end of the container, means for relatively highly heating the wall of the container, and continuously acting powerdriven means for forming a centrally open cylindrical stratum of material on the con tainer surface comprising brushes rotating rapidly in contact with said surface while the material forming said stratum is also contacting therewith.

6. In an apparatus for treating a substance containing liquid to change its consistency, the combination of a horizontally disposed cylindrical container, means for applying to the wall thereof a temperature different from that of the material to be treated, said container having a vapor escape opening and conveyor mechanism within the container extending longitudinally thereof and adapted to engage the interior surface of the container, said mechanism including a plurality of independently detachable brush sections, and means for rotating the conveyor mechanism at a high speed.

7. In an apparatus for treating a substance containing liquid to change its consistency, the combination of a horizontally disposed open ended cylindrical container; means for applying to the wall of the container a temperature different from that of the material to be treated, conveyor mechanism within the container, said conveyor mechanism including longitudinally extending members adjacent the inner surface of the wall of the container, and adjustable supporting means for said members whereby the latter may be supported in adjusted position with respect to said inner surface of the wall of the container, and means for rotating said conveyor mechanism at a high speed.

8. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with a container having an operating surface substantially circular in cross-section, and having a relatively large opening at one end for the copious discharge of vapors from the central region of the container, means for introducing vaporizable material at a point near one end of the container, means for permitting the discharge of treated material at a point near the other end of the container, means for heating the wall of the container sufficiently to rapidly form large volumes of vapors and gas, means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward and 00- operating with the container to force the material circularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructed and arranged to maintain an approximately hollow, cylindrical stratum of the material in contact with the surface with a quiet central zone communicating with the relatively large discharge opening, and means for regulating the thickness of the stratum.

9. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with a container having an operating surface which is submg a relatively large opening at one end for the copious discharge of vapors from the circular region of the container, means for introducing vaporizable material at a point near one end of the container, means for permit-ting the discharge of treated materialat a point near the other end of the container, means for heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of vapor, means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it outward into contact with the surface and cooperating with the container to force the material circularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructed and arranged to maintain an approximately hollow, cylindrical stratum of the material with a central quiet zone communicating with the relatively large discharge opening, and means for regulating the thickness of said stratum, said means including manually-controlled valve mechanism.

10. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with a container having an operating surface substantially circular in cross-section and having a rela tively large opening at one end for the copious discharge of vapors from the central region of the container, means for introducing vaporizable material tangentially into the container in contact with the treating surface adjacent one end of the container, means for permitting the discharge of treated material at a point near the other end of the container, means for heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of vapors and gas, means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent the treating surface for positively engaging the material and cooperating with the container to force the material circularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructed and arranged to maintain an approximately hollow cylindrical stratum of the material with a quiet central zone communicating with the relatively large dis charge opening.

ll. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with a container having an operating surface which is circular in cross-section, and having a relatively large opening at one end for the copious discharge of vapors from the central region of the container, means for introducing a vaporizable material at a point near one end of the container, a tangentially disposed outlet permitting the continuous discharge of treated material at a point near the other end of the container, means for heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of vapor, and means designed to continuously rapidly rotate adjacent said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radially out-- ward and cooperating with the container to force the material circularly and longitudinally f the axis, said means being constrrutcd and arranged to maintain an ap proximately hollow cylindrical. stratum of the material with a quiet central zone comnnmicating with the relatively large discharge opening.

12. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination of a tubular containcr forming a heating surface, means for uniformly heating said container, said container having an inlet adj acent one end for the material to be treated, means engaging the material as supplied to form a thin layer upon the interior surface of the container and cooperating with the surface to cause the material to move circularly and endwise of said surface, means for permitting the rapid discharge of the vapors from the central zone of the container formed by said layer, means for maintaining a pressure less than atmospheric within the container, and means permitting the discharge of the treated material from a point adjacent the opposite end of the container.

13. In an evaporating or condensing ap paratus, the combination with a container having an operating surface which is circu lar in cross-section, and having a relatively large opening adjacent one end thereof for the copious discharge of vapors from the central region of the container, means for introducing vaporizable material adjacent one end of the container, means for permitting the discharge of treated material at a point near the other end of the container, n'icans for heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of vapor, means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward and cooperating with. the container to force the material circularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructed and arranged to maintain an ap proximately hollow cylindrical. stratum of the material with a quiet central zone communicating with the relatively large discharge opening, and means for creating a partial vacuum in the container during the operation.

14-. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with a horizontally disposed container havin an operating sur face which is circular in cross-section, means for introducing vaporizable material at a point near one end of the container, means for permitting the discharge of treated material at a point near the other end of the container, means for container to rapidly form large volumes of vapors and gas, means designed to continuheating the wall of the ously rotate rapidly adjacent said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward and cooperating with the container to force the material circularly and longitudinally of the axis, said means being constructed and arranged to maintain an approximately hollow cylindrical stratum of the material with a quiet central zone, and means for rapidly witl1- drawing the separating vapors in a direction at substantially right angles to the force of graflty.

15. in an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination of a container having an operating surface which is circular in cross-section, and having a relatively large opening adjacent one end for the copious (lischarge of vapors from the central region of the container, means for introduo ing fluid at a point near one end of the container, means for permitting the continuous discharge of the treated material at a point near the other end of the container, means for relatively highly heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of vapors, power-driven means designed to continuously rotate rapidly near said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward from the axis and cooperating with the container to force it circularly and longitudinally Off the axis. said means being radially narrow and remote from the axis, whereby they are adapted to maintain an approximately hollow cylindrical stratum of the fluid with a quiet central zone comnmnicating with the said relatively large discharge opening, and positively-acting means for causing the escape of vapors and gases from the container through said large discharge opening.

16. In an evaporating or corulensing agparatus, the combination of a container having an operating surface which is circular in -t'()SS-SQLtl0I1, and having a relatively large opening at one end for the copiousdischarge of vapor from the central region of the container, means for introducing vaporizablc material at a point near one end of the container, means for permitting continuous discharge of the treated material at a point near the other end of the container. means for heating the wall of the container to rapidly form large volumes of apor, and means designed to continuously rotate rapidly adjacent said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward and cooperating with the container to force the material circularly and longi tudinally of the axis, said means including yieldahle surface-engaging parts whereby to maintain the treating surface in a cleansed or polished condition, and said means being municating with the relatively large discharge opening.

17. In an evaporating or condensing apparatus, the combination with a container having an operating surface which is circular in cross-section, said container having an inlet at one end and an outlet adjacent its opposite end for the material, and said container also having at one end a relatively large discharge opening in communication with the central region of the container for the rapid discharge of vapors, means for applying heat to the treating surface, and combined conveyor and wiper members designed to rapidly rotate near said surface for positively engaging the material for forcing it radially outward and cooperating with the container to force the material circularly over the treating surface and simultaneously maintaining the latter in a cleansed or polished condition.

18. In an apparatus for treating a substance to change its consistency, the combination of a tubular container, means for imparting to the wall of the container heat sufficient to vaporize liquid constituents of the material to be treated, said container having an inlet for the material at one end and an outlet for the treated material at its oppositc end, means for causing the material as introduced into the container to be applied under centrifugal force to the inner surface of the container in the form, of a circular layer and subjected to rapid rotatable movement while in Contact with the tubular wall, and associated means for continuously maintaining the: interior wall of the container free from adhering particles of the material, and said container having a copious discharge opening for the free and rapid escape of vapors arising from the layer of material in the central zone of the container.

19. In an apparatus for treating a substance containing liquid to cluinge its consistency, the combination of a container having a tubular treating surface, means for applying heat to the surface, said container having an inlet for the material at one end and an outlet at its opposite end, said contaiuer also having a relatively large discharge opening for the rapid escape of vapors, rapidly movable means positioned. within the container adjacent the treating surface, cooperating with the walls of the container whereby to form a continuously movable centrally open cylindrical stratum of the material on the container surface. and associated means for maintaining said surface in a cleansed or polished condition dur ing the movement of the material thereover.

20. In an apparatus for treating a substance containing liquid to change its consistency, the combination of a container having a tubular treating surface, means for applying heat the surface, aid container having an inletfor the mat rial at one end and outlet at its V pposite end, said container also having a relatively large dis charge opening for the rapid escape of vapors, and rapidly movable means positioned within the container adjacent the treating surface, cooperating with the walls of the container whereby to form a continuously movable centrally open cylindrical stratum of the material on the container surface said means including supporting devices and yield-able surtace-contacting means nioi'ahly mounted on said supporting devices whercby move outwardly into cent-act with the tseating wall under centritt igal force in tne rotatable movement of said supporting devices.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature in the resence of two witnesses.

CHARLES} R. MABEE.

Witnesses:

CALVIN T. MILANS. CARRIE A. KREY.

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