CPC B09B 3/45 (2022.01) [B02C 19/186 (2013.01); B02C 23/24 (2013.01); B09B 3/00 (2013.01); B09C 1/00 (2013.01); B09C 1/06 (2013.01); D21B 1/026 (2013.01)] | 12 Claims |
1. A method for treating process material using a plurality of autoclaves, the method comprising:
introducing steam into a hollow interior of a first autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves;
increasing the temperature within the hollow interior of the first autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves by adding heat to the hollow interior of the first autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves using an indirect heat source;
reducing the temperature and pressure within the hollow interior of the first autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves by flashing a portion of the steam within the hollow interior of the first autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves to a second autoclave of the plurality autoclaves;
increasing the temperature within the hollow interior of the first autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves by continuing to add heat to the hollow interior of first autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves using the indirect heat source; and
reducing a moisture content of a process material in the hollow interior of the first autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves to a predetermined value by venting a remaining portion of the steam from within the hollow interior of the first autoclave into a third autoclave of the plurality of autoclaves.
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