Platen for multistage panel press

A press comprising:

• at least two rigid, generally rectangular, and generally platens each having a pair of generally planar and parallel faces, a pair of generally parallel longitudinal edges, and a pair of generally parallel transverse edges bridging ends of the longitudinal edges, the platens each being formed with
• a plurality of parallel longitudinally throughgoing treatment-fluid bores having ends open at the transverse edges of the platen,
• an array of orifices opening at at least one of the faces of the platen and communicating with the treatment-fluid bores between the ends thereof,
• at least one manifold passage extending transversely in the platen adjacent one of the transverse edges and intersecting all of the treatment-fluid bores, and
• a plurality of parallel transversely throughgoing heat-exchange bores offset perpendicular from the platen faces from the treatment-fluid bores and manifold passage and having ends open at the longitudinal edges of the platen;
• means for passing a heat-exchange liquid through the heat-exchange bores;
• plugs closing the ends of the treatment-fluid and heat-exchange bores;
• and
• means for injecting a treatment vapor into the manifold passages and thereby expelling the vapor from the platens via the orifices.