Abstract: A system and method for separating at least a part of the solids from brine having an initial temperature T1, the system comprising a crystallizer comprising a crystallizer inlet for receiving therein said brine, a crystallizer first outlet for discharging vapor having a first pressure P1, evaporated from at least a part of said brine, and a crystallizer second outlet for discharging a slurry having a final temperature T2 lower than said initial temperature T1; a separator comprising a separator inlet for receiving therein said slurry, a separator first outlet for discharging therefrom said part of the solids separated from said slurry, and a separator second outlet for discharging therefrom a remaining liquid having a temperature substantially equal to T2; a compressor comprising a compressor inlet for receiving therein said vapor, and a compressor outlet for discharging therefrom a compressed vapor having a second pressure P2 higher than said pressure P1; and a condenser comprising a condenser first inlet f

Abstract: A gas turbine engine valve is disclosed. In one form the valve includes two inlets in fluid communication with an outlet. The valve can include a spool having two lands capable of selectively closing either of the two inlets. The valve can include energy storage devices that initially position the spool within a valve housing. A temperature motor is provided to position the spool based upon a temperature of a mixture of working fluid from the two inlets. A working fluid flowing into the first inlet can be in fluid communication with a second end of the valve; and a working fluid flowing into the second inlet can be in fluid communication with a first end of the valve. A relatively high pressure condition at one or the other of the inlets can be used to alter a position of the valve.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described for devices for cooling using electrocaloric material as refrigerant and methods for cooling using electrocaloric material. An example cooling system may comprise a refrigerant unit having an electrocaloric membrane disposed between a heat sink and a cooling load. The electrocaloric membrane may alternate between thermal contact with the heat sink and cooling load. The electrocaloric membrane may also be subjected to alternating electric fields for polarizing and depolarizing the electrocaloric membrane in a manner that promotes heat transfer from the cooling load to the heat sink.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for removing carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to intermediate pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower at a top column feed position. The tower overhead vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure and cooled to partially condense it, forming a condensed stream. The condensed stream is expanded to intermediate pressure, used to subcool a portion of the tower bottom liquid product, then supplied to the tower at a mid-column feed position. The subcooled portion of the tower bottom liquid product is expanded to lower pressure and used to cool the compressed overhead vapor stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the carbon dioxide is recovered in the tower bottom liquid product.

Abstract: A thermally conductive cup and holder for maintaining a temperature of a cold or hot beverage in the cup includes a thermally conductive cup or mug having an open or closed top, a closed bottom and an upper and lower portion between the top and bottom. The lower portion and bottom of the cup are made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum while the upper portion includes a ceramic layer or coating. The cup holder includes a heat conductive liner engaging the bottom and lower portion of the cup and an on/off switch and a polarity switch to select heat or refrigeration. A thermal electric device maintains a hot or cold beverage at a pre-selected temperature and is connected to a computer or other source of electric power.