Importance

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Abstract

A conditioning system for particulate matter comprising a vertical conditioning vessel adapted for the counter-current flow of particulate matter and treatment fluid therethrough. The particulate matter such as grain, is fed into an upper region of the vertical vessel while treatment fluid such as steam and non-condensible gases is fed into a lower region of the vessel. A plurality of paddles adapted for rotation through the counter-current flow of particulate matter and treatment fluid are provided among a plurality of stators. The rotation of the paddles about the stators creates a plurality of notional mixture planes facilitating homogenous interaction between the treatment fluid and the particulate matter thereby providing control of temperature and/or moisture levels therein. In this manner, heat may be added to particulate matter such as grain to alter the molecular structure thereof and/or increase lubricity for subsequent operations such as pelletizing.

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First Claim