Process fluid distribution system for agitating retorts

An agitating retort, comprising:

• (a) a shell structure;
• (b) a drum assembly rotatable within the shell structure, said drum assembly adapted to receive containers of products to be processed within the agitating retort;
• (c) a process fluid distribution system positioned within the interior of the drum assembly to distribute processing fluid within the drum assembly;
• (d) a rotary coupling disposed within the shell structure and exterior to the interior of the drum assembly, the rotary coupling further in fluid flow communication with the distribution system to direct processing fluid from the exterior of the drum assembly to the distribution system within the drum assembly during rotation of the drum assembly within the shell;
• (e) wherein the drum assembly includes a hub sub-assembly coupled to one end portion of the drum assembly, said rotary coupling integrated into the hub sub-assembly;
• (f) wherein said rotary coupling comprising portions defining a fluid receiving annulus in fluid flow communication with a source of processing fluid and in fluid flow communication with a processing fluid distribution system, said fluid receiving annulus comprises a groove formed in the hub sub-assembly, said groove being open in the radial direction relative to the hub sub-assembly;
• and
• (g) wherein said rotary coupling further comprising:
• a collar closely engaged over said groove;
• a seal arrangement disposed between said collar and said groove, said seal permitting relative rotation between the collar and said groove while restricting passage of processing fluid between the collar and said groove;
• and
• a processing fluid receiving inlet, located in said collar in communication with the groove.

In an agitating retort having a shell structure and a drum assembly rotatable within the shell structure, the drum assembly configured to receive products to be processed within the agitating retort, an improved process fluid distribution system comprising:

• a plurality of process fluid distribution outlets disposable within a drum assembly and thereby carryable by a drum assembly, said distribution outlets configured and positioned to apply process fluid over products receivable within a drum assembly;
• and
• a rotary coupling disposable within a shell structure and exterior to an interior of a drum assembly, said rotary coupling in fluid flow communication with the plurality of process fluid distribution system outlets to direct processing fluid from the exterior of a drum assembly to the plurality of distribution system outlets located within a drum assembly during rotation of a drum assembly, said rotary coupling comprising:
• a substantially stationary section for receiving processing fluid from a supply source;
• a rotatable fluid receiving section for receiving processing fluid from the stationary section, and directing the process fluid to the plurality of process fluid distribution outlets, said rotatable section rotatable relative to the stationary section;
• and
• a seal arrangement disposed between the stationary section and the rotatable section to control leakage of processing fluid from the rotary coupling.

For an agitating retort having a shell structure and an elongate drum assembly rotatable within the shell structure, a process fluid distribution system comprising:

• a plurality of process fluid distribution lines disposable within the interior of the drum assembly and extendable longitudinally with the drum assembly, at least some of said plurality of distribution lines comprising a plurality of outlets capable of directing process fluid into the drum assembly;
• and
• a rotary coupling disposable exterior to the drum assembly in fluid flow communication with said plurality of distribution lines to direct process fluid to the distribution system lines locatable within the interior of the drum assembly during rotation of the drum assembly, said rotary coupling:
• defining an axis of rotation extendable longitudinally of the length of the elongate drum assembly;
• comprising portions defining a fluid receiving annulus in fluid flow communication with an inlet interconnectable with a source of process fluid, said inlet intersecting said annulus in a direction radially of the axis of rotation of the rotary coupling, said fluid receiving annulus in fluid flow communication with a plurality of passageways formed in the rotary coupling in a direction transversely to the annulus, said passageways in communication with the plurality of distribution lines;
• and
• further comprising a seal arrangement disposed between said inlet and said annulus.