METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING SOLUTE FROM A SOLID SOLUTE-BEARING PRODUCT

摘要

A valve defining an inlet and outlet allows a solid product to pass therebetween while preventing fluid exchange. An inner channel extends therebetween. A fluid exhaust port in the inner channel communicates with a vacuum pump, and has a filter allowing fluid passage through the exhaust port but preventing passage of the solid product. A rotatable rotary valve member located in the inner channel includes a main body engaging the inner channel in a fluid-tight manner and having an elongated transversal channel, and can rotate between a first position wherein the transversal channel is coextensive and communicates with the inner channel and in which the main body obstructs the exhaust port, and a second position wherein the transversal channel is in facing register and communicates with the exhaust port and the main body obstructs the inner channel. A piston is longitudinally movable within the transversal channel between two limit positions.