The contacting device for countercurrent contacting of fluid streams and having a first pair of intersecting grids of spaced-apart and parallel deflector blades and a second pair of intersecting grids of spaced-apart and parallel deflector blades. The deflector blades in each one of the grids are interleaved with the deflector blades in the paired intersecting grid and may have uncut side portions that join them together along a transverse strip where the deflector blades cross each other or adjacent opposed ends of the deflector blades and cut side portions that extend from the uncut side portions to the ends of the deflector blades. At least some of the deflector blades have directional tabs and associated openings to allow portions of the fluid streams to pass through the deflector blades to facilitate mixing of the fluid streams.

A mixing unit (1) for mixing a liquid product (2) includes a tank (3) and a fluid nozzle (4) configured to inject a fluid flow (6, 7) of the liquid product (2) into the tank (3). The fluid nozzle (4) has a first outlet (20) that opens in a sideways direction (S), a second outlet (21) that opens in an upward direction (U), and a valve plug (14) configured to selectively open and close the outlets (20, 21). The mixing unit (1) is operable in a low stage operational mode (9) during which the first outlet (20) is open, the second outlet (21) is closed, and mixing occurs in a lower region (10) of the tank (3), and a high stage operational mode (11) during which the first outlet (20) is closed, the second outlet (21) is open, and mixing occurs in an upper region (12) of the tank (3).

The system for making suspensions includes a housing, with a platform mounted therein and a translating table slidably mounted on the platform for removably supporting a receptacle. A base fluid tank stores a base fluid, and a solid particle container stores solid particles. A rotating dispenser system is mounted within the housing, above the platform and the receptacle. The rotating dispenser includes a base fluid dispenser for dispensing a controlled mass of the base fluid into the receptacle, and a solid particle dispenser for dispensing a controlled mass of the solid particles into the receptacle. The base fluid dispenser is in communication with the base fluid tank, and the solid particle dispenser is in communication with the solid particle container. A mixer selectively and controllably mixes the controlled mass of the base fluid and the controlled mass of the solid particles in the receptacle to form the suspension.

The system for making suspensions includes a housing, with a platform mounted therein and a translating table slidably mounted on the platform for removably supporting a receptacle. A base fluid tank stores a base fluid, and a solid particle container stores solid particles. A rotating dispenser system is mounted within the housing, above the platform and the receptacle. The rotating dispenser includes a base fluid dispenser for dispensing a controlled mass of the base fluid into the receptacle, and a solid particle dispenser for dispensing a controlled mass of the solid particles into the receptacle. The base fluid dispenser is in communication with the base fluid tank, and the solid particle dispenser is in communication with the solid particle container. A mixer selectively and controllably mixes the controlled mass of the base fluid and the controlled mass of the solid particles in the receptacle to form the suspension.

A Cannabis trichome separator. At least one storage vessels are provided, each vessel having an open top and adapted to receive a plant material and chilled or ice water mixture. A mechanism for agitating the mixture is also provided. Another mechanism raises, lowers, and pivots the agitating mechanism, so the agitating mechanism can be placed over the open top of each of the at least one storage vessels. The mixture can be agitated in each of the storage vessels, seriatim. Also disclosed is a method for processing raw plant material. A plant material and chilled or ice water is introduced into each of at least one storage vessels. The agitating mechanism agitates the mixture in a first of the storage vessels, pivoting the agitating mechanism from a first position to a second position, and agitating the mixture in subsequent storage vessels, seriatim.

Apparatus and process for the conditioning of granules, powders and/or liquids, including: a hopper for containing the granules, powders and/or liquids equipped, on an external surface thereof, with at least one manifold defining a respective duct in fluid communication with the inside of said hopper; at least one blower member associated with said duct for delivering a flow of mixing gas or other gaseous mixing means of the granules, powders and/or liquids inside the hopper; and a first member for conditioning the flow of mixing gas arranged upstream of said blower member to adjust at least the pressure and/or humidity and/or temperature values and/or to supply the flow with an additive in a liquid or gaseous or vaporous form.

Apparatus and process for the conditioning of granules, powders and/or liquids, including: a hopper for containing the granules, powders and/or liquids equipped, on an external surface thereof, with at least one manifold defining a respective duct in fluid communication with the inside of said hopper; at least one blower member associated with said duct for delivering a flow of mixing gas or other gaseous mixing means of the granules, powders and/or liquids inside the hopper; and a first member for conditioning the flow of mixing gas arranged upstream of said blower member to adjust at least the pressure and/or humidity and/or temperature values and/or to supply the flow with an additive in a liquid or gaseous or vaporous form.

Methods and apparatuses for producing a substrate are described. A method and apparatus for introducing a component into a fluid supply is also presented. A method can include providing a first fluid supply. The fluid supply can be configured as a foam in some embodiments. The method can also include providing a component feed system and a supply of the component. The method can include introducing the component to a fluid supply in an eductor in some aspects. A resultant slurry including a fluid supply and the component can be transferred through a headbox. The resultant slurry can be dewatered to provide a substrate including the component.

Methods and apparatuses for producing a substrate are described. A method and apparatus for introducing a component into a fluid supply is also presented. A method can include providing a first fluid supply. The fluid supply can be configured as a foam in some embodiments. The method can also include providing a component feed system and a supply of the component. The method can include introducing the component to a fluid supply in an eductor in some aspects. A resultant slurry including a fluid supply and the component can be transferred through a headbox. The resultant slurry can be dewatered to provide a substrate including the component.

Provided is a slurry manufacturing method in which a decrease in slurry quality, an increase in running cost, and a decrease in maintainability are suppressed. A slurry manufacturing device includes: a mixing device (suction pump mechanism portion) that mixes a liquid and a powder to manufacture a slurry; a powder supply device that supplies the powder to the mixing device; and a powder dry box, in which an opening portion of the powder supply device is accommodated in the powder dry box.