US4127944A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for drying water-absorbent compositions
Assignee: Ingredion Inc
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Filing: 1977-10-17
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Granted: 1978-12-05
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Expires: 1997-10-17
Abstract
Abstract Improved particle agglomeration of water-absorbent compositions of matter together with improved "wet-out" and consequent absorbent properties are provided by a method for drum drying said compositions under controlled conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 Bartolo J. Giacobello
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 06:53
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B17/00; F26B17/28; F26B17/284
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for drying a water-absorbent composition comprising the steps of: (a) forming a slurry or wet cake of said composition with water and a water-miscible alcohol such that the slurry contains from 20 to 35% solids, by weight, and from 15 to 85% water on solids, by weight, and the wet cake contains 36 to 55% solids, by weight, and from 15 to 50% water on solids, by weight; (b) feeding the slurry or wet cake onto a heated drum dryer having a surface temperature of 250° to 380° F. at a rate to produce a film of from 10 to 100 mils in thickness; (c) recovering the dried product in flake form from the drum surface, whereby the dried product is obtained in granular, agglomerated form and has improved water dispersibility and absorbent properties.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for drying a water-absorbent composition comprising the steps of: (a) forming a slurry or wet cake of said composition with water and a water-miscible alcohol such that the slurry contains from 20 to 35% solids, by weight, and from 15 to 85% water on solids, by weight, and the wet cake contains 36 to 55% solids, by weight, and from 15 to 50% water on solids, by weight; (b) feeding the slurry or wet cake onto a heated drum dryer having a surface temperature of 250° to 380° F. at a rate to produce a film of from 10 to 100 mils in thickness; (c) recovering the dried product in flake form from the drum surface, whereby the dried product is obtained in granular, agglomerated form and has improved water dispersibility and absorbent properties.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the water-miscible alcohol employed in step (a) is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and butanol.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the water-miscible alcohol employed in step (a) is methanol and the slurry contains from 25 to 75% water on solids, by weight, and the composition is a water-swellable, water insoluble complex of an anionic polyelectrolyte and polyvalent metal cations having a valence of at least 3.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the surface temperature of the drum dryer is from 300°-350° F.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the water-miscible alcohol employed in step (a) is methanol and the wet cake contains from 20 to 40% water on solids, by weight, and the composition is a water-swellable, water insoluble complex of an anionic polyelectrolyte and polvalent metal cations having a valence of at least 3.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the surface temperature of the drum dryer is from 300°-350° F.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) is carried out in a vacuum chamber under reduced pressure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 where the composition is dried to a moisture content of less than about 14%, by weight.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the composition is dried to a moisture content of from about 2-6%, by weight.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-12-04 | 1982-06-05 | 1982-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-12-04 | 1986-06-05 | 1986-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-12-04 | 1990-06-05 | 1990-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |