Abstract: A storage tank for liquids is provided with a vertically movable horizontal deck which separates a liquid above the deck from a liquid below the deck. The deck and tank have line and pulley mechanisms to prevent the deck from skewing or tilting during vertical displacement. The liquid above the deck can be the same or different than the liquid below the deck but generally they have different densities so that the deck can float at the interface between the liquids.
Abstract: A feed liquid, which can be aqueous, is frozen in tubes of a freeze exchanger by indirect cooling with a cold liquefied refrigerant to form a solid tubular shaped product. A warm liquefied refrigerant is used to indirectly melt a thin layer of the frozen tubular product to release it from the tubes. The freed tubular product is cut into pieces which can be used for cooling purposes and, in the case of ice, to give potable water.
Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for concentrating aqueous liquids which increase in viscosity with concentration using three stages employing screw concentrators in series which separate ice crystals from the liquid.