A process and apparatus wherein a process material comprising two or more distinct phases are fed continuously to a tubular reactor containing an agitator wherein as the phases flow along the reactor the agitator displaces at least part of a first phase from its natural position to within a second phase where it is distributed within the second phase by the agitator and the agitator is designed to allow the first phase that is distributed within the second phase to flow naturally back towards its natural distinct position within the reactor as the phases pass through the reactor, useful for mixing and/or reacting liquid/liquid; gas/gas and liquid/gas mixtures as well as solid liquid mixtures.

The device (1) for bringing a gas and a liquid into contact includes an enclosure (E), first means (5) for introducing into the enclosure and circulating therein a gas stream (G), second means (6) for introducing into the enclosure and circulating therein a liquid stream (L) that circulates inside the enclosure (E) in the same direction as the gas stream (G), and means (4A) for mixing the gas stream (G) and the liquid stream (L). These mixing means (4A) are positioned inside the enclosure (E) in the path of the gas stream and liquid stream and are capable of locally deflecting upward, and/or of locally causing to rise, at least one portion of the gas stream and liquid stream, so as to locally create turbulences in the gas stream and in the liquid stream.

A mixing paddle specifically designed to produce pastry dough is disclosed. The mixing paddle is comprised of a shaft, a rim, a first plurality of parallel blades and a second plurality of parallel blades. The shaft bisects the rim, creating a first side and a second side. The first plurality of parallel blades is perpendicular to the second plurality of parallel blades.

A mixing paddle specifically designed to produce pastry dough is disclosed. The mixing paddle is comprised of a shaft, a rim, a first plurality of parallel blades and a second plurality of parallel blades. The shaft bisects the rim, creating a first side and a second side. The first plurality of parallel blades is perpendicular to the second plurality of parallel blades.

An apparatus for texturizing emulsified protein and/or carbohydrate containing food materials into a textured fibrous meat simulating product, said apparatus comprising a treatment assembly comprising: a first stationary disc having an inlet opening for receiving a food material slurry, a second stationary disc arranged underneath the first stationary disc with a predetermined distance between said first and second stationary discs defining a treatment space between the discs, wherein one or both of the first and second stationary discs are configured for being heated; and a rotary paddle wheel with spokes configured for rotating around a rotation axis, wherein the rotary paddle wheel is arranged between the first and second stationary discs for during rotation of the rotary paddle wheel transporting the slurry from the inlet opening to the periphery thereby heating and texturizing the slurry.

A system for continuously making-down a dry powder material is provided. The system may include a liquid supply system, a material feed system, a vessel, a filter, and an agitator. The vessel may receive a continuous supply of liquid from the liquid supply system and a continuous supply of dry powder from the material feed system. The liquid and material may be discharged continuously from the vessel. A filter may sealingly extend across the outlet to filter the solution exiting the vessel. The filter may include an upstream surface in contact with the inner volume of the vessel. The agitator may be disposed within the vessel and may be configured to agitate the contents of the vessel. The agitator may include a wiping member configured to contact the upstream surface of the filter while agitating the contents.

A system for continuously making-down a dry powder material is provided. The system may include a liquid supply system, a material feed system, a vessel, a filter, and an agitator. The vessel may receive a continuous supply of liquid from the liquid supply system and a continuous supply of dry powder from the material feed system. The liquid and material may be discharged continuously from the vessel. A filter may sealingly extend across the outlet to filter the solution exiting the vessel. The filter may include an upstream surface in contact with the inner volume of the vessel. The agitator may be disposed within the vessel and may be configured to agitate the contents of the vessel. The agitator may include a wiping member configured to contact the upstream surface of the filter while agitating the contents.

A mixer for recirculating ash from solid fuel combustion with hydrated lime and water and to feed the mixture into a desulfurization reactor. The mixer includes a housing having a front wall, two outer vertical sidewalls, a rear wall, a top, and a bottom, the top includes a feed chute configured for the entry and addition of product to the mixer, and the front wall includes an opening for the mixture of product to exit. The mixer also includes a rotatable vertical shaft having an impeller, the impeller having a plurality of blades disposed on the vertical shaft in the same horizontal plane and distributed equidistantly about the circumference of the vertical shaft. The mixer also includes a vertical wall disposed within the housing forming a mixing region and a feeding region that is operably connected to the opening of the front wall.

A mixer for recirculating ash from solid fuel combustion with hydrated lime and water and to feed the mixture into a desulfurization reactor. The mixer includes a housing having a front wall, two outer vertical sidewalls, a rear wall, a top, and a bottom, the top includes a feed chute configured for the entry and addition of product to the mixer, and the front wall includes an opening for the mixture of product to exit. The mixer also includes a rotatable vertical shaft having an impeller, the impeller having a plurality of blades disposed on the vertical shaft in the same horizontal plane and distributed equidistantly about the circumference of the vertical shaft. The mixer also includes a vertical wall disposed within the housing forming a mixing region and a feeding region that is operably connected to the opening of the front wall.

A capsule for preparing a beverage comprises a housing with an outlet, and a cavity for containing a powder, an inner membrane between the cavity and the outlet, an agitator, comprising a central shaft, and at least one blade attached to the central shaft. The at least one blade comprises at least one blade element for one or more of piercing and cutting the inner membrane. Further aspects of the invention are an apparatus and a method for preparing a beverage.