A wet material having at least a liquid portion is dewatered by providing one or more wicking members of wicking material arranged to transfer moisture passively by wicking therethrough from a contacting portion in contact with the wet material to an evaporating portion where the transferred liquid portion is arranged to be evaporated. In some embodiments conductive elements are included in the wicking member to assist in distributing heat across the wicking member which enhances the evaporation of moisture transferred therethrough from the wet material. In yet further embodiments, a condenser member is provided in proximity to the evaporating portion of the wicking member so as to be arranged to condense and collect at least some of the liquid portion evaporated from the wicking member.

A wet material having at least a liquid portion is dewatered by providing one or more wicking members of wicking material arranged to transfer moisture passively by wicking therethrough from a contacting portion in contact with the wet material to an evaporating portion where the transferred liquid portion is arranged to be evaporated. In some embodiments conductive elements are included in the wicking member to assist in distributing heat across the wicking member which enhances the evaporation of moisture transferred therethrough from the wet material. In yet further embodiments, a condenser member is provided in proximity to the evaporating portion of the wicking member so as to be arranged to condense and collect at least some of the liquid portion evaporated from the wicking member.

Synergy between component parts of desiccants is disclosed that teaches how to augment performance of desiccants in the reduction of humidity. Single component desiccants lack the synergistic effect. The problem of single component deficiency is solved by the disclosed methods that generally engage the synergy between humidity attracting substances and polymeric substances. Synergy is observed in the improved desiccation being greater than the sum of the desiccating effects of the component parts. Resultant products are dual purpose in that they can be used both as desiccants and component parts of packaging materials.

Synergy between component parts of desiccants is disclosed that teaches how to augment performance of desiccants in the reduction of humidity. Single component desiccants lack the synergistic effect. The problem of single component deficiency is solved by the disclosed methods that generally engage the synergy between humidity attracting substances and polymeric substances. Synergy is observed in the improved desiccation being greater than the sum of the desiccating effects of the component parts. Resultant products are dual purpose in that they can be used both as desiccants and component parts of packaging materials.

The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

A cathodic protection system for use with a wood veneer dryer is provided. The system includes a DC power supply and an anode mounted inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present inside the dryer. The electrolytic medium comprises a high-humidity atmosphere. A method for reducing the corrosion of metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer is further provided. The method comprises mounting an anode inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to the metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present. Wood veneer is conveyed through the dryer and heated to a temperature sufficient to produce a high-humidity atmosphere inside the dryer. A controlled amount of current is supplied by the DC power supply to electrolytically couple the anode to the metallic structures or surfaces.

A cathodic protection system for use with a wood veneer dryer is provided. The system includes a DC power supply and an anode mounted inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present inside the dryer. The electrolytic medium comprises a high-humidity atmosphere. A method for reducing the corrosion of metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer is further provided. The method comprises mounting an anode inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to the metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present. Wood veneer is conveyed through the dryer and heated to a temperature sufficient to produce a high-humidity atmosphere inside the dryer. A controlled amount of current is supplied by the DC power supply to electrolytically couple the anode to the metallic structures or surfaces.

A shoe care device includes an inner cabinet that has an accommodation space configured to accommodate shoes therein, an inlet defined at a first portion of the accommodation space and configured to supply air to the accommodation space, and an outlet defined at a second portion of the accommodation space and configured to suction air from the accommodation space. The shoe care device further includes a connection path configured to circulate air between the inlet and the outlet, a blowing fan disposed at the connection path and configured to blow air from the outlet toward the inlet, a dehumidifying material disposed at the connection path and configured to dehumidify the air blown by the blowing fan, a heater configured to heat the dehumidifying material, and a regeneration path configured to guide, to a location other than the inlet, the air having passed through the dehumidifying material heated by the heater.

The present invention, a carwash dryer apparatus and method, is detailed. The apparatus uses a plurality of drying scoop assemblies to remove water from a wet vehicle through contact. The drying scoops are made from 10-lb foam or felt. The apparatus is then dried by spinning until it has released the absorbed water. The scoop shape facilitates both quick drying of vehicles and the rapid elimination of moisture from the scoops, themselves. The method allows for the sensing of the water retained in the plurality of drying scoop assemblies and adjusts the voltage in order to eliminate the water.