Patent ID: 6432264
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: D21C

Abstract:
A method of making a vessel assembly for handling comminuted cellulosic fibrous slurry in liquid material comprising the steps of:(a) providing a cylindrical treatment vessel which includes substantially upright first and second vessel portions respectively having first and second cross-sectional diameters such that said second diameter is at least 20% less than said first diameter, wherein said second vessel portion having a substantially smooth interior surface and an outlet for discharge of the cellulosic fibrous material; (b) providing a substantially frusto-conical transition portion positioned between and joining said first and second vessel portions; (c) positioning an agitator in the outlet of said second vessel portion and in said transition portion, said agitator having at least two arms and being mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis substantially concentric with said second vessel portion, wherein (d) said agitator is operable by rotation of the at least two arms about said substantially vertical axis so as to agitate the material in said transition portion such that said agitator exhibits a power requirement that is at least 20% less than the power requirement of the agitator in the absence of the transition portion.