Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of withdrawing liquid from first and second vertically spaced annular screens in a vertical vessel in which material is treated utilizing high pressure steam, each having an annular header associated therewith and first and second circumferentially spaced liquid outlets associated with each header, the first outlet for the first screen being generally vertically in line with the first outlet for the second screen, and the second outlet of the first screen being generally vertically in line with the second outlet of the second screen; comprising the steps of sequentially: (a) simultaneously withdrawing liquid from the first outlet of the first screen and the second outlet of the second screen; (b) terminating the withdrawal in step (a); (c) simultaneously withdrawing liquid from the second outlet of the first screen and the first outlet of the second screen; (d) terminating the withdrawal in step (c); and (e) repeating steps (a)-(d) with an appropriate frequency and so as to minimize abrupt variations in high pressure steam flow.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of withdrawing liquid from first and second vertically spaced annular screens in a vertical vessel in which material is treated utilizing high pressure steam, each having an annular header associated therewith and first and second circumferentially spaced liquid outlets associated with each header, the first outlet for the first screen being generally vertically in line with the first outlet for the second screen, and the second outlet of the first screen being generally vertically in line with the second outlet of the second screen; comprising the steps of sequentially: (a) simultaneously withdrawing liquid from the first outlet of the first screen and the second outlet of the second screen; (b) terminating the withdrawal in step (a); (c) simultaneously withdrawing liquid from the second outlet of the first screen and the first outlet of the second screen; (d) terminating the withdrawal in step (c); and (e) repeating steps (a)-(d) with an appropriate frequency and so as to minimize abrupt variations in high pressure steam flow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
A method as recited in claim 1 comprising the further step (f) of dividing each header into two substantially equal volumes, the circumferential center of each volume being one of the outlets associated with that header, so that liquid withdrawal from the header takes place from only about one half the total volume of the header at any given time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as recited in claim 2 wherein steps (a)-(f) are practiced during the digestion of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as recited in claim 3 comprising the further step (g) of causing any material that passes through the screens to flow under the force of gravity from the circumferential ends of each header volume to the outlet associated with that header volume.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as recited in claim 4 wherein step (g) is accomplished by providing downwardly sloping bottom portions from each circumferential end of each volume to the outlet associated with that volume.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as recited in claim 2 comprising the further step (g) of causing any material that passes through the screens to flow under the force of gravity from the circumferential ends of each header volume to the outlet associated with that header volume.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as recited in claim 6 wherein step (g) is accomplished by providing downwardly sloping bottom portions from each circumferential end of each volume to the outlet associated with that volume.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as recited in claim 1 wherein steps (a) and (c) are each practiced for about three-five minutes each.