Abstract: Polymer filtration apparatus comprising a body having a pair of upstream passages each terminating at a slide channel and a pair of downstream passages respectively opposing the upstream passages, and a slide member in the channel having apertures for a pair of replaceable filters each normally communicating between an upstream passage and a downstream passage. The extents of the channel surfaces between the pairs of passages and between each passage and the exterior of the body, and the extents of the filter apertures on the slide member are related so that one filter remains active when the slide member is in position for replacing the other filter. After a filter has been replaced the new filter may be prefiled without pressure loss in the polymer or excessive leakage thereof.

Abstract: A polymer filtration system comprises plural passages each having therein a filter selectively removable for cleaning and replacement. A single valve controls the closing off of the passages from an inlet to the filters, and check valves in each of the passages downstream of the filters prevent backflow. By adapting the system to permit simultaneous flow in plural passages between filter changes, the filters may be changed in staggered sequence at intervals chosen to attain optimum system performance.

Abstract: Condensation polymer coatings are removed from various objects to permit their reuse. Superheated water vapor flows in contact with the coating surfaces, excluding air therefrom while heating them to temperatures above the melting point of the polymer. The water vapor further enters into an hydrolysis reaction with the polymer to decompose it.

Abstract: Flowable material is pumped between upstream and downstream passages in a body through an aperture portion formed in a side member that communicates between the passages. An annular seal member engages the slide member under the urging of a Belleville spring. The slide member, formed as a filter, has a region of uniform porosity that is moved progressively through the path of flow of the material for changing the filter.

Abstract: Flowable material is pumped between upstream and downstream passages in a body through an aperture portion formed in a slide member that communicates between the passages. An annular seal member engages the slide member under the urging of a Belleville spring. The slide member, formed as a filter, has a region of uniform porosity that is moved progressively through the path of flow of the material for changing the filter.

Abstract: Polymeric organic compounds are pyrolyzed to remove them from objects by heating in a first vacuum chamber to render flowable such polymers as are fusible at a temperature below that at which appreciable degradation is initiated. The fused polymer drops by free fall from the first chamber to a second vacuum chamber through a conduit connecting the two without contacting any intervening structure. The second chamber is maintained at a substantially lower temperature, where the polymer resolidifies. Upon further heating, polymer remaining in the first chamber is volatilized and withdrawn from the chamber to a water mist scrubber where it is largely trapped. Remaining vapors in the scrubber are drawn through a vapor separator to a vent stack.