Digester with improved vapor control

Abstract

A digestion apparatus is provided that include a vessel, a closure, and a fluid-transporting system. The vessel has a digestion chamber therein and an opening that provides access to the digestion chamber. The closure is adapted to interface with the vessel opening to form a fluid-tight seal against a digestion pressure and temperature within the chamber. The fluid-transporting system is adapted to direct fluid out of the digestion chamber back into the digestion chamber through an inlet port. A fluid transfer line may be interfaced with the closure, the line comprising a flexible hose and a quick-disconnect fitting, the fitting comprised of first portion associated with a self-sealing valve and a second portion that when mated downstream from the first portion allows fluid flow from the digestion chamber through the fitting.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A digestion apparatus comprising:
 a vessel having a digestion chamber therein and an opening that provides access to the digestion chamber;   a closure adapted to interface with the vessel opening to form a fluid-tight seal against a digestion pressure and temperature within the chamber;   a fluid-transporting system adapted to direct fluid out of an outlet port of the digestion chamber, through an inlet port, and into the chamber; and   a fluid transfer line interfaced with the closure, the line comprising a flexible hose and a quick-disconnect fitting, the fitting comprised of first portion associated with a self-sealing valve and a second portion that when mated downstream from the first portion allows fluid flow from the digestion chamber through the fitting.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a receptacle interfaced downstream to the fluid transfer line. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the receptacle comprises a tank of water. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the receptacle comprises a condenser. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a pressure-relieving means for relieving any excessive pressure buildup in the digestion chamber, the pressure-relieving means located downstream from the closure and upstream from the quick-disconnect fitting. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the pressure-relieving means includes a rupture disk and/or a pressure relief valve. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the receptacle is comprises of or is a component of a secondary vessel. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising a rinse line in fluid communication with the inlet port via a check valve. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a digestion fluid supply external to the digestion chamber for introducing additional digestion fluid into the digestion chamber. 
     
     
         10 . A digestion apparatus comprising:
 a vessel having a digestion chamber therein and an opening that provides access to the digestion chamber;   a closure adapted to interface with the vessel opening to form a fluid-tight seal against a digestion pressure and temperature within the chamber;   a fluid-transporting system adapted to direct fluid out of an outlet port of the digestion chamber, through an inlet port, and into the chamber; and   a receptacle interfaced with the digestion chamber in a manner that ensures receipt of any fluid vented from the chamber.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the receptacle is interfaced downstream to the digestion chamber via a flexible fluid transfer line. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the receptacle is interfaced downstream to the digestion chamber via a quick-disconnect fitting.