A method for drying at least one sample of material is provided. The method includes placing the at least one sample of material into a chamber and then sealing the chamber. The method includes applying a vacuum to the chamber in order to reduce the pressure therein. The method includes heating the at least one sample using electromagnetic energy while applying the vacuum to the chamber. The method includes measuring at least one condition of the chamber and determining that the sample is dry based on the at least one monitored condition.

A compact freeze dryer removes a liquid from a bulk powder product. The freeze dryer utilizes a single cryogenic vessel for both (1) freezing the liquid contained in the bulk product, and (2) condensing vapor resulting from sublimating the frozen liquid. A vacuum pump is connected to the cryogenic vessel for drawing a vacuum in the cryogenic vessel and in a drying vessel. Vapor resulting from subliming the frozen liquid in the drying vessel is drawn into the cryogenic vessel and condensed.

An apparatus and method for providing a simpler and more robust mechanism for transporting materials to be dried through a vacuum microwave chamber in rotating containers. The apparatus (20) has a vacuum chamber (22), an input end (26) to introduce a container (24) into the chamber, and a discharge end (28) to remove the container. The container has spur gear teeth (60) extending along its outer circumferential surface. The apparatus has a single roller (42) having spur gear teeth (46) extending along its outer circumferential surface. The spur gear teeth of the roller mesh with the spur gear teeth of the container such that rotation of the roller about its longitudinal axis rotates the container. The apparatus also includes means for holding the container on the roller, means for moving the container through the chamber, a microwave generator 76 arranged for transmission of microwave radiation from the generator into the chamber, and means for reducing pressure inside the chamber.

Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device.

Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device.

A process for drying granular polymeric material, comprising the steps of: dehumidifying the granular polymeric material by means of a first flow of gas at a first temperature of between 100° C. and 150° C.; heating the dehumidified granular polymeric material to a second temperature, greater than the first temperature; drying the granular polymeric material heated to the second temperature, by applying a predefined vacuum level; and transferring the dried granular polymeric material to a feed hopper (40) provided upstream of a working machine (100).

An apparatus for vacuum-drying an electrode in a roll-to-roll state according to the present technology includes a low-vacuum evacuation device configured to evacuate a vacuum chamber to a low vacuum level, a medium-high-vacuum evacuation device connected to the vacuum chamber by a medium-high-vacuum pipe separate from a low-vacuum pipe and configured to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a medium vacuum level or a high vacuum level; and a control unit connected to the low-vacuum evacuation device and the medium-high-vacuum evacuation device and configured to regulate a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber stepwise to dry the electrode.

An apparatus for vacuum-drying an electrode in a roll-to-roll state according to the present technology includes a low-vacuum evacuation device configured to evacuate a vacuum chamber to a low vacuum level, a medium-high-vacuum evacuation device connected to the vacuum chamber by a medium-high-vacuum pipe separate from a low-vacuum pipe and configured to evacuate the vacuum chamber to a medium vacuum level or a high vacuum level; and a control unit connected to the low-vacuum evacuation device and the medium-high-vacuum evacuation device and configured to regulate a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber stepwise to dry the electrode.

Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods of extracting liquid from empty barrels. In one aspect, a method includes heating a barrel with less than about 10 ml of free liquid disposed therein to expand pores in the barrel. The method further includes applying, after the heating, a negative pressure to an interior of a vessel in which the barrel is disposed, such that an amount of liquid is extracted from the barrel. The method includes collecting, after the applying, the amount of liquid within a collection container. In some embodiments, collecting the amount of liquid includes pumping the liquid through a tube that is disposed between an outer surface of the barrel and the collection container. In some embodiments, heating the barrel is via a heated blanket wrapped around the barrel. In some embodiments, heating the barrel is via placing the barrel in an oven.

A dry box and a control method therefor, and a preparation method for an organic electroluminescent device are provided. The dry box includes a cavity and a hot plate arranged in the cavity. The hot plate includes a plurality of heating spots, the plurality of heating spots being arranged towards the hot plate to support a surface of a device to be dried, and some of the temperature of the plurality of heating spots being different and the heating spots being insulated from each other.