Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for re-circulating high viscosity liquids. The apparatus comprises a recirculating probe coupled to a fluid storage and dispensing vessel by a connector, and the recirculating probe comprises: (a) a dip tube defining an output flow path; (b) an output port; (c) a recirculating port; and (d) a return flow path. The output flow path and the return flow path preferably have substantially equal cross-sectional areas, which reduce or eliminate the unbalance between the discharge pressure in the output line and that in the re-circulation line, and prevent premature wearing-out of the dispensing/recirculating pump.

Abstract: A primary-secondary pumping system for HVAC systems wherein the common pipe is configured so that there is at least a 4 ft pressure drop across the length of the common pipe and that all thermal plants see the same temperature of water entering the thermal plants and that return water sees the pressure drop of the common pipe before it sees the chilled (or heated) water leaving the thermal plant and the suction of the secondary pumps.

Abstract: The invention recirculates and/or recycles fluids normally lost down the drain during the time it takes for a desired temperature to be attained for usage of the hot fluids. A recirculating/recycling valve, through which hot fluids may flow, has an additional port fitted to the valve body, which by positioning the handle in a singularly unique position, fluids not at the desired temperature are sent back to the source from which they came, to a recycling toilet tank system or to a recycling standpipe at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for use with a drum with a bung, and a drum insert that includes a downtube that inserts into the bung. A dispense head has provision for a return flow line that discharges recirculated fluid into the annular space around the drum insert downtube. A foaming reduction device minimizes foam created from the recirculation. The invention includes a spring-loaded poppet that closes when the dispense head is removed from the bung opening. The poppet is configured such that the engagement member is a ring shaped with support members extending axially. The engagement member seats on and couples with a nipple on the drum insert. The nipple has a seating portion to engage the engagement member of the poppet. The invention also includes a seal verification conduit in fluid communication with a space intermediate two seals at a junction between the dispense head and the drum insert.

Abstract: A gas-circulating processing apparatus which comprises a processing chamber, a gas feeding piping, a gas supply piping, a first exhaust mechanism discharging a gas from the processing chamber, a second exhaust mechanism discharging a portion of a gas discharged from the first exhaust mechanism, a back pressure adjusting mechanism interposed between the first exhaust mechanism and the second exhaust mechanism to adjust a back pressure of the first exhaust mechanism, and a gas circulating piping which is configured to combine another portion of the gas that has been discharged from the first exhaust mechanism with a processing gas supplied from the gas supply piping, wherein the gas feeding piping has a larger inner diameter than that of the gas supply, or the processing gas is introduced into the first exhaust mechanism, or a first heater is provided to heat at least part of the circulating route.

Abstract: A self-contained water display. The water display includes a cylindrical fountain housing. The fountain housing contains at least one fountain nozzle extending vertically upwardly, and at least one pump adapted to supply water to the nozzle with sufficient volumetric throughput to cause a vertical water stream to be ejected therefrom. A vertically disposed transparent cylindrical cover surrounds the fountain housing with the fountain housing being located in a lower portion of the transparent cylindrical cover. The transparent cylindrical cover has a height above the nozzle that is at least as great as the height of the vertical water stream generated by the fountain nozzle. The fountain housing and the lower portion of the transparent cylindrical cover are surrounded by a lightweight shell simulating a rock. The water display may include a transparent aquarium surrounding the fountain housing and transparent cylindrical cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for circulating water in a potable water piping network to prevent the stagnation of water in this piping network. Several systems are disclosed wherein partitioned pipes, pumps, partitioned headers, check valves, and scoop inserts are used to keep the water in movement inside the pipes. The present invention comprises several pumping arrangements for circulating water inside fire hydrant laterals and inside the branch pipes along dead-end streets where most of the water stagnation occurs. Although partitioned pipes are used and opposite flows are induced in opposite pipe halves, full pipe flow to each hydrant is maintainable in case of emergency. Inside buildings, the water is kept in movement inside a loop pipe that extends close to each water outlet such that the water is maintained fresh at each outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chemical supply apparatus including a first tank in which at least two chemicals supplied from each supply bath are mixed, circulating means for circulating the chemicals in the first tank to uniformly mix the chemicals therein, a second tank for storing the mixed solution provided from the first tank, a distributor for distributing the mixed solution to supply the mixed solution to each processing unit, and a heating unit mounted upon a supply line for supplying the mixed solution to the distributor to heat up the mixed solution.

Abstract: A water supply sub-system for connection to a main water supply system includes a storage tank having an inlet with a flow control valve for connection to the main water supply system. The sub-system may be disconnected from the main system and configured as a closed system for disinfecting the sub-system. An outlet line connects the storage tank to a pump that pumps water from the tank to a sub-system supply line. One or more branch connections may connect the sub-system supply line to high-demand water using devices, such as dialysis machines. The supply line may be a feedback loop. A shunt feedback loop parallel to the feedback loop of the supply line has a pressure control valve that regulates pressure in the supply line feedback loop. A filtration device may also be included to ensure the purity of the water circulating through the sub-system.

Abstract: A hot water circulating system to provide instant hot water including a hot water source connected to one or more fixtures and a hot water return line from the fixture to the hot water source including a check valve and a continuous circulation pump in the return line.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid storage vessel that feeds a first pipe work loop having a first pump that urges fluid through the first loop at a first pressure and which returns to the vessel. At least one pipe work branch is fed from the storage vessel or the first pipe work loop. The pipe work branch includes a second pump that urges fluid through the pipe work branch at a second pressure. The fluid having flowed through a return manifold is returned to the vessel when the offtakes are closed. Opening of one or more offtakes opens the system to atmospheric pressure and causes the direction of fluid flow to reverse in one or more hoses that connect the one or more opened offtakes with the return manifold. The one or more opened offtakes is supplied with fluid from both the branch manifold and return manifold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for circulating water in a potable water piping network to prevent the stagnation of water in this piping network. Several systems are disclosed wherein partitioned pipes, pumps, partitioned headers, check valves, and scoop inserts are used to keep the water in movement inside the pipes. The present invention comprises several pumping arrangements for circulating water inside fire hydrant laterals and inside the branch pipes along dead-end streets where most of the water stagnation occurs. Although partitioned pipes are used and opposite flows are induced in opposite pipe halves, full pipe flow to each hydrant is maintainable in case of emergency. Inside buildings, the water is kept in movement inside a loop pipe that extends close to each water outlet such that the water is maintained fresh at each outlet.

Abstract: A gas recirculation flow control method and apparatus for use in an evacuation system having a vacuum chamber into which a gas is introduced, a first vacuum pump for exhausting the gas from the vacuum chamber and reducing the pressure in the vacuum chamber to a desired pressure, a second vacuum pump for performing evacuation to lower the back pressure of the first vacuum pump below an allowable back pressure, and a gas recirculation line for returning a part of gas exhausted from the first vacuum pump to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The unit of the invention comprises a motor-driven high pressure pump (11) having a delivery side (13) and a suction side (14), and a delivery gun (15) connected to the pump delivery side (13) by a delivery conduit (16) having a flow on-off valve. The valve unit comprises a by-pass valve (25, 33) arranged to close or alternatively, when in the open state, to enable direct flow passage between the delivery side (13) and the suction side (14), and having a control means (31, 32) sensitive to the liquid pressure in the delivery conduit (16); said control means comprises two valving elements (31, 32) which are normally joined together to form one piece in contact with the liquid of the delivery conduit (16), but which separate when the pressure in the delivery conduit (16) exceeds the normal delivery value (P1) following flow interruption by the delivery gun (15), to hence provide direct passage for the liquid from the delivery conduit (16) to the suction side (14).

Abstract: A domestic water distribution system that continuously delivers heated water to one or more hot water faucets. The system utilizes a convective return loop from the desired faucets, which is regulated by a flow control device. The control device is specifically designed to allow unhindered flow during circulation without allowing reverse flow when a faucet is opened. The flow control device has an easily accessible handwheel adjustment that is used to select the three modes of operation and the flow rate. These modes are called: HELD-ON, HELD-OFF, and NORMAL-OPERATION. With the first two modes being used to fill and flush the system as is necessary with new installation and recreation vehicles. Also, a lighter-than-water checking element is used, which allows the system to function in single-level plumbing installations without the need for inclined supply and return routing.

Abstract: An apparatus to dispense water soluble compositions into a process stream involves recirculating water through the water soluble chemical held in a tank. The recirculating water is heated to establish a defined temperature and repeatedly recirculated through the bed of chemical to achieve relative saturation concentration of the recirculating water. The water is dispensed from the recirculating unit thereby achieving a consistent concentration of chemical in the dispensed water.

Abstract: Water is supplied to a water user outlet facility by maintaining a tappable flow of water in a recirculating loop that includes a pump such as a centrifugal pump driven by a substantially constant speed motor to establish the flow, a water delivery path that extends from the pump to the outlet facility, and a water return path that extends from the outlet facility back to the pump. The flow is permitted to be controllably tapped at the facility by a water user while directing any untapped portion of the flow into the water return path. Such recirculation avoids stagnation and thereby impedes deterioration in the potability of the water. Further such recirculation makes the recirculating loop and water within the loop less sensitive to the temperature of the surrounding environment. The recirculating loop may include a water purifier such as an ultra-violet lamp source to kill organic contaminants and, as well, may include a filter to remove inorganic material.

Abstract: A system for producing and distributing compressed air that comprises at least one compressor (1) having connected thereto a suction pipe (2) for the intake of air and an output pipe (3) for air compressed by the at least one compressor, and distribution piping (4) connected to the output pipe (3) for distributing air to sites of use (5, 6). The system further comprises a return pipe (7) arranged between the suction pipe (2) and at least one site of use (5) for receiving air reduced in pressure in it and feeding it back to the at least one compressor (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for circulating water in a potable water piping network to prevent the stagnation of water in this piping network. Several systems are disclosed wherein partitioned pipes, pumps, partitioned headers, check valves, and scoop inserts are used to keep the water in movement inside the pipes. The present invention comprises several pumping arrangements for circulating water inside fire hydrant laterals and inside the branch pipes along dead-end streets where most of the water stagnation occurs. Although partitioned pipes are used and opposite flows are induced in opposite pipe halves, full pipe flow to each hydrant is maintainable in case of emergency. Inside buildings, the water is kept in movement inside a loop pipe that extends close to each water outlet such that the water is maintained fresh at each outlet.

Abstract: An excavationless geothermal system for heating and cooling applications includes a potable water storage container that receives water from a water supply through a supply line and a reversible water meter. The water in the storage container is circulated through a heat pump, and when the temperature of the water in the container is increased or decreased by the heat pump, the water is returned to the supply through the reversible meter.

Abstract: To provide a power steering device capable of increasing the degree of freedom in the layout of the various elements, stabilizing the surface of the oil and preventing air from being included or mixing foreign materials with the oil in the oil tank. The power steering device includes a power assist cylinder arranged between a steering shaft and a chassis frame. A control valve is operated by the steering shaft to control the power assist cylinder. An oil pump pressurizes operating oil supplied to the power assist cylinder. Furthermore, an oil tank stores the operating oil, wherein the oil tank is of a closed type and integrally arranged in the oil pump.

Abstract: A solution delivery system for a processor holds and delivers the processing solutions at working temperature. The solutions are held in an airtight chamber in which they are heated to the correct temperature. The solution is then transferred to a holding chamber until released into the processor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a storage tank for a viscous oil containing easily polymerizable compounds. The storage tank of the present invention for storing viscous oil containing easily polymerizable compounds comprises a bottom plate, a side wall, a draw-off pipe and an inlet pipe. The bottom plate slopes downwardly toward the draw-off pipe, and an angle of downward inclination of the bottom plate is a gradient of at least 1/200. It becomes possible because of the storage tank to effectively prevent polymerization of easily polymerizable compounds contained in waste oil within the storage tank, and clogging of a pipe is suppressed considerably.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a tank for storing an easily polymerizable compound, the tank fitted with a liquid inlet pipe 3, a liquid draw-off pipe 4 and a liquid recirculating pipe 5, is characterized in that, assuming terminal ends of the individual pipes 3-5 are located at the same height, the apex angle formed by a line joining the central points of the end openings of the pipe 3 and the pipe 4 at the central point of a horizontal cross section of the tank, or the apex angle formed by a line joining the central points of the pipe 5 and the pipe 4 at the central point of the horizontal cross section of the tank, is equal to or larger than 90°. A method of storing an easily polymerizable compound of the invention utilizes the aforementioned tank for storing the polymerizable compound.

Abstract: A hot water heating system, and kit for installing such a system, that utilizes male and female union connections for all main heating system components allows the system to be completely installed using only two ordinary wrenches. The system includes a first isolator valve, a flow control valve, a circulator and a second isolator valve. Each of these components is equipped with one male union type connection on one side of the component and one female union type connection on the other side. The system may be an installed system or may entail a kit of parts for installation.

Abstract: A closed fluid transfer system is provided including a fluid source in fluid communication with an inlet of a hollow body. The hollow body includes a flexible and expandable wall, typically composed of elastomeric material, at one end thereof. An outlet is formed distal from the flexible and expandable wall. Fluid is transported from the fluid source to the hollow body through a tube by a pump or the like. The hollow body may constitute a fluid conditioning chamber. Alternatively, the hollow body serves as a fluid source for an energy production device. The hollow body may also be fluidly connected to a vehicle for use as a fuel tank.

Abstract: In the apparatus or method in accordance with the present invention, an ultra-low temperature liquefied gas is circulated in a flow path from a storage element 101 to the storage element 101, the loading quantity of flow and the return quantity of flow to the storage element 101 are measured by at least two flowmeters 103 and 104 provided in the flowpath, and the ultra-low temperature liquefied gas is supplied to a transportation element 105 through a flow path provided between the two flowmeters 103 and 104.

Abstract: A method of reducing the volume of a processing tank by only filtering processing solution when it is either drawn into the tank and circulation system or when it is returned to the supply container.

Abstract: Water is supplied to a water user outlet facility by maintaining a tappable flow of water in a recirculating loop that includes a pump such as a centrifugal pump driven by a substantially constant speed motor to establish the flow, a water delivery path that extends from the pump to the outlet facility, and a water return path that extends from the outlet facility back to the pump. The flow is permitted to be controllably tapped at the facility by a water user while directing any untapped portion of the flow into the water return path. Such recirculation avoids stagnation and thereby impedes deterioration in the potability of the water. Further such recirculation makes the recirculating loop and water within the loop less sensitive to the temperature of the surrounding environment. The recirculating loop may include a water purifier such as an ultra-violet lamp source to kill organic contaminants and, as well, may include a filter to remove inorganic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for circulating water in a potable water piping network to prevent the stagnation of water in this piping network. Several systems are disclosed wherein partitioned pipes, pumps, partitioned headers, check valves, and scoop inserts are used to keep the water in movement inside the pipes. The present invention comprises several pumping arrangements for circulating water inside fire hydrant laterals and inside the branch pipes along dead-end streets where most of the water stagnation occurs. Although partitioned pipes are used and opposite flows are induced in opposite pipe halves, full pipe flow to each hydrant is maintainable in case of emergency. Inside buildings, the water is kept in movement inside a loop pipe that extends close to each water outlet such that the water is maintained fresh at each outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warm drinking water conduit system, with at least one drinking water heater/storage tank for warm drinking water, with a fresh water supply conduit for supplying cold drinking water into the tank and with a heat exchanger connected to a heating circuit and intended for heating the supplied cold drinking water in the tank to a predetermined temperature and for maintaining the warm drinking water temperature in a conduit system connected to the tank and having tapping points for the extraction of warm drinking water, the warm drinking water circulating in the conduit system by means of a pumping device, wherein the drinking water heater/storage tank is tied into the warm drinking water circulation circuit, the circulation temperature in the entire conduit system being maintained at a level such that the warm drinking water is largely free of microorganisms, in particular legionellae, and that the tank is thermally disinfected of microorganisms in rota in a largely reduced conduit bran

Abstract: The invention relates to a warm drinking water conduit system, with at least one drinking water heater/storage tank for warm drinking water, with a fresh water supply conduit for supplying cold drinking water into the tank and with a heat exchanger connected to a heating circuit and intended for heating the supplied cold drinking water in the tank to a predetermined temperature and for maintaining the warm drinking water temperature in a conduit system connected to the tank and having tapping points for the extraction of warm drinking water, the warm drinking water circulating in the conduit system by means of a pumping device, wherein the drinking water heater/storage tank is tied into the warm drinking water circulation circuit, the circulation temperature in the entire conduit system being maintained at a level such that the warm drinking water is largely free of microorganisms, in particular legionellae, and that the tank is thermally disinfected of microorganisms in rota in a largely reduced conduit bran

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine, having a unit, such as a pressure regulator, mounted in electrically insulated fashion and including an electrically conductive housing, and the housing is connected via an electrical connection to a defined electrical potential. As a result, static charging of the unit, which could become dangerous, is precluded. The fuel supply system is intended in particular for pumping fuel to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in operating a lined cavern provided for the storage of gas coming from a pipeline. During filling of the cavern with gas to a nominal pressure, at least a portion of the gas is withdrawn from the cavern and recirculated to the cavern under cooling and without substantial compression. The method also includes recirculating the gas under heating and without substantial compression.

Abstract: A device for preventing freezing of a pipeline has a pipe bringable into contact with the pipeline and having a supply branch and a return branch, a container for accommodating a heating medium, a unit for supplying the heating medium into the supply branch and returning the medium from the return branch back into the container, and a heating unit for heating the container and therefore the heating medium so that the heated medium is supplied from the container into the supply branch, transfers heat to the pipeline and returns through the return branch back into the container for further reheating.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for removing a slurry having shear-thinning visco-plastic rheological properties from a reservoir containing a body of the slurry of such high viscosity that removal is impractical by conventional means, such as gravity flow or suction. The method comprises creating a flow of shear-thinned slurry in a submerged region of the body of slurry to entrain adjacent slurry of high viscosity, and then transferring some of the reduced viscosity slurry from the reservoir.

Abstract: Water is supplied to a water user outlet facility by maintaining a tappable flow of water in a recirculating loop that includes a pump such as a centrifugal pump driven by a substantially constant speed motor to establish the flow, a water delivery path that extends from the pump to the outlet facility, and a water return path that extends from the outlet facility back to the pump. The flow is permitted to be controllably tapped at the facility by a water user while directing any untapped portion of the flow into the water return path. Such recirculation avoids stagnation and thereby impedes deterioration in the potability of the water. Further such recirculation makes the recirculating loop and water within the loop less sensitive to the temperature of the surrounding environment. The recirculating loop may include a water purifier such as an ultra-violet lamp source to kill organic contaminants and, as well, may include a filter to remove inorganic material.

Abstract: In the apparatus or method in accordance with the present invention, an ultra-low temperature liquefied gas is circulated in a flow path from a storage element 101 to the storage element 101, the loading quantity of flow and the return quantity of flow to the storage element 101 are measured by at least two flowmeters 103 and 104 provided in the flowpath, and the ultra-low temperature liquefied gas is supplied to a transportation element 105 through a flow path provided between the two flowmeters 103 and 104.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump device which can facilitate the assembly of a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure regulator by standardizing a pump body or a valve housing. The pump body of the high-pressure pump has a high-pressure valve connection portion on the exterior side including a high-pressure passage which is used to connect the high-pressure regulator, the valve housing of the high-pressure regulator has a high-pressure pump connection portion on the exterior side including a high-pressure passage which is used to connect the high-pressure pump, and the high-pressure valve connection portion and the high-pressure pump connection portion are connected to each other to assemble the high-pressure pump and the high-pressure regulator together.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for removing a slurry having shear-thinning visco-plastic rheological properties from a reservoir containing a body of the slurry of such high viscosity that removal is impractical by conventional means, such as gravity flow or suction. The method comprises creating a flow of shear-thinned slurry in a submerged region of the body of slurry to entrain adjacent slurry of high viscosity, and then transferring some of the reduced viscosity slurry from the reservoir.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a tank for storing an easily polymerizable compound, the tank fitted with a liquid inlet pipe 3, a liquid draw-off pipe 4 and a liquid recirculating pipe 5, is characterized in that, assuming terminal ends of the individual pipes 3-5 are located at the same height, the apex angle formed by a line joining the central points of the end openings of the pipe 3 and the pipe 4 at the central point of a horizontal cross section of the tank, or the apex angle formed by a line joining the central points of the pipe 5 and the pipe 4 at the central point of the horizontal cross section of the tank, is equal to or larger than 90°. A method of storing an easily polymerizable compound of the invention utilizes the aforementioned tank for storing the polymerizable compound.

Abstract: The processing installation comprises a processing machine 12 provided with a tank 14 and a recycling device 22 linked to the tank 14 by a feeding pipe 26 enabling a first pump 24 firmly attached to the recycling device 22 to take the liquid from the tank with a set flow rate, to treat the liquid taken and to send the treated liquid back to the tank through a return pipe 28. The feeding pipe has at least one zone that is situated at a lower level than the tank level and that is provided with two conduits 30 and 32 arranged parallel, and a second pump 34 arranged on one of the two conduits 30 as to automatically un-primed the first pump 24.

Abstract: A mechanical fluid controller incorporates a float assembly which is disposed within an auxiliary reservoir. An outlet of the auxiliary reservoir is coupled to a U-shaped conduit, which is in turn coupled to an inlet of a primary reservoir. At least one one-way check valve is disposed in the U-shaped conduit. The auxiliary reservoir also has an inlet that is coupled to a pressurized fluid source. The fluid level in the auxiliary reservoir is initially set approximately equal to the desired upper level of the fluid in the primary reservoir. As the fluid level in the primary reservoir drops, the auxiliary reservoir “sees” this as a drop in the hydrostatic pressure at the outlet side of the U-shaped tube, and fluid automatically flows through the tube into the primary reservoir.

Abstract: A recirculating system including a fluid supply tank with a plurality of flow sites for directing flow in and out of the tank along with a pump for driving the fluid flow and a set of fluid connectors providing fluid communication between such tank and a medical image processor which is particularly useful for sustaining prolonged operation of such processor during times of inadequate water supply.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved injector/valve combination which permits nearly immediate response time to an actuator signal. Such a combination is particularly suited for injecting colorants into polyurethane slabstock foam and permits a substantial reduction in foam waste due to low colorations during an on/off cycle. Specifically, this invention combination comprises a novel ball valve which allows for instantaneous shut-off and -on without appreciable leakage or pressure drop and without the need to utilize a high throughput flow rate. Such a ball valve is used in combination with an injector which is actually attached to the valve, the configuration which permits continuous use and instantaneous on/off without a deleterious pressure drop and minimizes the possibility of turbulence as the liquid polymeric colorant flows through the injector.

Abstract: A pool, spa, hot tub or the like having a basin capable of retaining water, a first pump for recirculating a portion of the water within the basin to inlet jets within the side walls of the basin and a second pump for recirculating water from the basin to additional inlet jets in the side walls of the basin. Both the first pump and the second pump are driven by a single double-shaft electric motor.

Abstract: An ozone-water feeding facility is able to feed ozone-water at a highly-accurately controlled concentration from an ozone-water producing apparatus to a remote service location even under an intermittent usage condition. The facility includes an ozone-water producing apparatus disposed remote from an ozone-water service location; a circulating pipeline extending outwardly from the ozone-water producing apparatus and returning thereto by way of a neighborhood of the service location; and a short branch pipe branched from the circulating pipeline at the above neighborhood. The ozone-water is intermittently introduced from the branch pipe, to thereby supply the ozone-water at a specific concentration to the service location. The facility may preferably include a discharge side ozone-water conditioning portion for diluting the ozone-water intermittently introduced from the short branch pipe into a specific concentration before the supply of the ozone-water to the service location.

Abstract: A water recirculation system is disclosed for moving water from a hot water tap to a cold water tap. The recirculation system includes a water manifold that houses a pump, solenoid, check valve and temperature switch. Water is moved between these components within the water manifold so that external piping is unnecessary.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing a low vapor pressure gas to one or more points of use in which a recirculation path and a recirculation device are provided. The recirculation path includes a distribution conduit in communication with the point(s) of use to allow the low vapor pressure gas to continually circulate to and from the point(s) of use. The recirculation device is positioned within the recirculation path to circulate said low vapor pressure gas continually through said recirculation path. In such manner, the low vapor pressure gas may be circulated at low pressure to prevent condensation. Further, the low vapor pressure gas may be circulated as a saturated gas mixture with a carrier gas. This may be effectuated by sparging the carrier gas through a vessel containing a liquid phase of a substance making up the low vapor pressure gas. Further the temperature of such liquid phase may be controlled to prevent condensation of the low vapor pressure gas.

Abstract: A drain valve for a hot water heater includes a hollow tubular portion having a tapered first end with an externally threaded neck extending therefrom. The tubular portion includes a pair of diametrically opposed internally threaded ports each having a plug received therein. Either plug may be removed allowing a hot water recirculation line to be conveniently attached to the valve. The opposing end of the tubular portion includes a downwardly depending nozzle having a valve means therein operable with an externally mounted handle. The nozzle includes an externally threaded circumferential rim to which a drain conduit may be coupled for conveniently draining the water heater. Accordingly, the threaded neck may be coupled with a tap on a conventional hot water heater allowing a recirculation line to be conveniently added at a later date with minimal reconstruction of the existing piping.