Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a fuel cell including a fuel desulfurization system. The method includes receiving fuel from a fuel source in a first phase and depressurizing the fuel in the first phase in a vacuum system to convert at least a portion of the fuel into a second phase. The method further includes reforming the portion of the fuel in the second phase to create a hydrogen enriched fuel in the second phase, and delivering the hydrogen enriched fuel in the second phase to a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a microwave flash evaporation process and apparatus and uses thereof. A microwave flash evaporation process, wherein the process makes integration of those technologies for liquid spraying, liquid droplet flash evaporation, microwave enhancement, vacuum steam discharge, and simulation and optimization of multi-mode resonant cavity, wherein through the coupling effect of the microwave, by means of one stage microwave flash evaporation, the effect normally achieved by multi-effect evaporation and flash evaporation is obtained and a liquid droplet micro-system with microwave energy transfer in situ is formed so as to prevent a circulation pump and a steam heat exchange system from being corroded under high temperature and high pressure, and prevent scaling on a heat exchanger, and improve evaporation efficiency.

Abstract: Electroplating techniques including a system for treating a solution for use in an electroplating application and a method for using the system are provided. The system can have: a gas dispersing portion configured to treat the solution by dispersing a gas into the solution to control a concentration of a predetermined cation of a metal to be electroplated in the electroplating application; a filter portion configured to treat the solution by filtering the solution to remove a quantity of metal residue; and a circulation mechanism configured to divert the solution to one of a plating tool and a combination of the gas dispersing portion and the filter portion based on a result of an analysis of the solution.

Abstract: Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling compositions comprising solid particulate compounds undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The compositions always include one or more compounds from a group consisting of endothermic compounds that contain potassium; one or more compounds from a group of endothermic compounds that contain nitrogen; and at least one compound from a group consisting of ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate and ammonium metaphosphate such that the compound or mixture of compounds in this group is at least 1% by weight of the final composition.

Abstract: An organic oil extraction device. The oil extraction device may comprise: one or more connection ports; a first chamber; a second chamber; a heat source; one or more vacuum pumps; and a burner assembly. The one or more connection ports may receive one or more sources of pressurized butane liquid. The first chamber may receive an organic matter and butane liquid from the one or more sources of pressurized butane liquid. The butane liquid may enter the first chamber, passes through the organic matter, and extracts an organic oil from the organic matter to create a butane liquid and organic extract. The butane liquid and organic extract may enter and accumulate in the second chamber. The heat source may heat the butane liquid and organic extract such that the butane liquid is converted into a butane gas. The one or more vacuum pumps may extract the butane gas from the second chamber, and the burner assembly may burn off the extracted butane gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for microwave assisted solid phase synthesis using solid-phase resin beads mixed with a liquid solvent comprising a generally cylindrical reactor made of microwave transparent material and having a central axis, the reactor having an inlet and an outlet; a porous frit associated with the outlet of the reactor, the porous frit preventing discharge of beads and allowing discharge of the solvent from the reactor; and means for concentric rotation of the reactor around the central axis in alternating clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. A method for microwave assisted solid phase synthesis using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of water desalination in a filter press may comprise: providing a chamber between two filter plates in the filter press, the chamber being lined by filter cloths; substantially filling the chamber with a plurality of beads; pumping water into the chamber filled with the beads; heating the water in the chamber; and collecting water vapor generated by the heating; wherein salts precipitate in the chamber during the heating. Furthermore, during the heating, the chamber may be vacuum pumped to facilitate removal of water vapor. The beads may be reused in the chambers of the filter press.

Abstract: An evaporator and a fuel reformer having the same. The evaporator includes a wall arrangement having a circumferential wall and a bottom wall, the circumferential wall and the bottom wall defining (or surrounding) an evaporation chamber; an inlet provided at one side of the evaporation chamber; an outlet formed in the bottom wall; and a barrier at (or surrounding) the outlet and projected from the bottom wall to the inside of the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: An evaporator for evaporating a liquid containing fluid, having an inlet and an outlet connected to an evaporation volume with an internal structure, the inlet and the outlet defining a main flow path there between and the cross-section of the evaporation volume is substantially constant along the main flow path is described. A method method for evaporating a liquid containing fluid by providing an evaporator supplying a liquid containing feed stream to the inlet; exerting heat; choosing the operating conditions so that an annular flow is created.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for treating fractionated water produced by a hydraulic fracturing process is provided. The method includes decanting a fractionated water stream in at least one decanter. The decanter is maintained at a temperature ranging from about 90° F. to about 120° F. The method also includes flashing the decanted water in at least one first flash tank and at least one second flash tank in fluid communication with one another to provide a residual concentrate stream. The first flash tank is operated at a temperature ranging from about 180° F. to about 200° F. and the second flash tank is operated at a temperature ranging from about 140° F. to about 160° F. Both the first flash tank and the second flash tank are maintained at a vacuum pressure. The method also includes evaporating the residual concentrate stream in at least one evaporator kettle to produce a concentrated brine.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering boric acid from a solution containing boric acid and at least one lithium compound. The method comprises (a) passing the solution through an ion exchange resin such that boric acid accumulates on the resin; (b) removing the boric acid from the resin with an aqueous alcohol solution, thus obtaining a first solution comprising an alcohol, boric acid, and water; (c) converting at least a portion of the boric acid to trimethyl borate, thereby obtaining a second solution; (d) distilling an azeotrope from the second solution, wherein the azeotrope contains trimethyl borate; and (e) recovering boric acid from the azeotrope.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of apparatuses for evaporative purification of a contaminated liquid. In each example, there is a vessel for storing the contaminated fluid. The vessel includes a surface coated with a layer of superhydrophobic material and the surface is at least partially in contact with the contaminated liquid. The contaminants do not adhere to the surface as the purified liquid evaporates, thus allowing the contaminants to be harvested.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and distributing a high-purity pressurized liquefied gas at a rate which is higher than or equal to 1 kg/h, said device having: a container comprising a liquefied phase of said gas in its lower part, and a gaseous phase of said gas in its upper part, a system for bleeding the gaseous phase of said gas, and a heating system used to maintain a constant pressure of the gas at the moment of use. The invention is characterized in that the heating system involves the circulation of a hot fluid in a circuit built into the surface of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled evaporation of a liquid drop (2) in a closed or confined type microfluidic device (1), enabling the concentration of analytes possibly present in the drop (2) to be increased. According to the invention, a drop (2) and/or a bubble (4) are brought into contact with each other, said contact enabling the drop (2) to evaporate in the bubble (4).

Abstract: A single chamber adsorption concentrator unit is described that utilizes low grade heat to drive an adsorbent/adsorbent working pair to separate a solvent from a solute/solvent mixture. One preferred application of the device of the present invention is separating water from the salt brine produced by the aluminum smelting industry. The brine solution is introduced into a single chamber shell proximate the concentrator evaporator where the water in the brine can freely evaporate and the resulting water vapor freely flow without inhibition to be either absorbed into the adsorbent modules or condensed by the condenser. The free flow of water vapor is facilitated by continuous operation of the condenser and by maintaining the brine solution at a higher temperature than the cooling fluid driving the condenser. A mist eliminator with a wash down feature located intermediate to the evaporator and the silica gel is provided to collect contaminants that may be carried from the evaporator by the vigorous boiling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to distillation systems and methods. The still may have an impermeable nonporous membrane that may be extruded, molded, vacuum formed or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner. The distillation system may also include a unique sealing system that may include a gasket with a cross-section shaped like the lowercase letter “e” and may include a trim piece that hold a basin casing and casing cover together. The distillation system may be designed in such a manner so as to make shipping and assembly easy and cost effective. For example, the distillation system may be constructed as a kit that all needed components and all the components are placed inside of a standard dimension box for shipping. In various embodiments, the distillation system may be a solar distillation system.

Abstract: The static devolatilisation apparatus serves to treat a liquid (7) containing polymers for the purpose of polymer devolatilisation. Volatile components are separated from the polymers in that the liquid standing under pressure is expanded in at least one phase separation chamber (2) in the upper regions of the container (10). A discharge pump (3) for the devolatilised polymer is located at the base of a sump region. An extraction line (4) for gases (8) is located in the upper region. The separation chamber includes an inlet (20) for the liquid to be treated, lower openings (210) for polymer discharge and at least a single upper opening (220) for gas discharge.

Abstract: The invention relates to an evaporator for evaporating a liquid containing fluid, having an inlet and an outlet connected to a evaporation volume, the inlet and the outlet defining a main flow path there between, wherein the evaporation volume is equipped with an internal structure and the cross-section of the evaporation volume is substantially constant along the main flow path. The invention further relates to a method for evaporating a liquid containing fluid comprising the steps of: providing an evaporator according to the invention; supplying a liquid containing feed stream to the inlet of the evaporator; exerting heat to the evaporator volume; choosing the operating conditions of the evaporator thus that an annular flow is created within the evaporator volume.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic washer system mounted within a maple sugar evaporator above the rear flue pan for removing niter and sediment built up during the boiling of sap. The evaporator comprises a furnace, a steam hood, a pan and a nozzle for washing the pan. The steam hood extends over the furnace. The pan is mounted to the furnace and under the steam hood. The nozzle is mounted over the pan. Cleaning fluid is sprayed from the nozzle to clean the pan by an automated process.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention, in the case of an apparatus in which a liquid containing material having a lower boiling point than that of the liquid is made to flow down along an external surface of a guide, during which time the lower boiling point material is evaporated, to provide a specific apparatus that can be operated stably for a prolonged period of time on an industrial scale such that not less than 1 ton/hr of the liquid is subjected to the evaporation, and furthermore to provide a specific industrial evaporation apparatus in which there are no problems due to degeneration caused by some of the liquid residing in the apparatus for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling the stripper solutions with higher recycling rate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stripper condenser; a first buffer tank; a second buffer tank connecting to said stripper condenser by a first pipe and connecting to said first buffer tank by a second pipe; a recycling device connecting to said first buffer tank by a fourth pipe; a first pump mounted on said first pipe; a second pump mounted on said second pipe; a concentration detector mounted in said stripper condenser; and a controller electrically connected to said concentration detector, said flow meter, and said liquid level sensor for receiving the signals therefrom, and electrically connected to said first pump and said second pump for sending on-off messages to said second pump.

Abstract: Element for heat exchanging between fluids, where the flowing canals for the fluids consist of slits on either side of a thin, folded sheet material (1), and that the ratio between the slit width (24) of the canals and depths (25) in the slits is less than 0.15 times the thickness of the sheet material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular evaporator for general use, consisting of two basic evaporator modules that are alternately coupled, their number depending on the capacity of the piece of equipment. The main characteristic of said modules is that their heat surface is formed by an open, descending channel in the shape of a circular or rectangular concentric spiral. In one of said modules, the channel extends from the periphery towards the central part. In another channel, it extends from the central part to the periphery. Coupling enables continuous liquid circulation on the heat surface of the modules, from the inlet of the diluted solution into the first module until the outlet of the concentrated solution in the last module. The heat transfer coefficient is increased owing to good conduction and natural convection, a large interface area and small thickness of the liquid flow that make it possible for evaporation to take place without necessarily heating the solution to its boiling point.

Abstract: A method for vaporizing a liquid in a microwave evaporator (19) by slowly evaporating the liquid from a liquid phase to a vapor phase below the boiling point of the liquid; and applying an effective amount of microwave generated by magnetron (21) to maintain the slow evaporation of the liquid to produce a purified liquid. The amount of liquid in the evaporator is monitored by a level transmitter (13) and controlled by a combination of controller (14) and control valves (12) and (16).

Abstract: An evaporation source of the present invention has; a storage receptacle for accommodating an evaporation material, a cover member arranged thereabove and provided with a through hole, and a protective plate arranged beneath the through hole, and positioned with a rim portion outside of the periphery of the through hole. The cover member and the protective plate can be heated together. Even if the evaporation material melts and flies out in droplet form or solid particle form, the droplets or solid particles which fly out adhere to at least one of the cover member and the protective plate, and are then heated and vaporized. Therefore, the evaporation material does not fly out to outside the evaporation source in droplet form or solid particle form. Consequently, there is no deterioration in film quality, and the interior of the apparatus is not contaminated with the droplets or solid particles.

Abstract: Recently developed proceedures refine home septic tank effluent to a clean, odorless liquid, but the problem of daily disposal of hundreds of gallons of efflluent remains. Currently this fluid is emptied into the soil, a stream, or slow-evaporation ponds. Frequently, none of these methods are possible at an otherwise desirable homesite. Therefore, a compact, relatively inexpensive, and above all, quick acting process is needed.

Abstract: Crystalline &agr;-lactose monohydrate is recovered frown a viscous lactose-containing aqueous liquid by subjecting said liquid to simultaneous heating, removal of evaporated vapor and mechanical agitation at high shear rate to provide a crystallization promoting decrease of the viscosity of the liquid with crystals formed and suspended therein to progressively concentrate the agitated liquid and simultaneously crystallize lactose therefrom. Subsequent cooling, drying, and disintegration yield particulate &agr;-lactose monohydrate.

Abstract: New designs, methods and processes are described that in which laminated devices and configured in a style named the “ortho” style. To form a device in the ortho style, plates or sheets are machined to have apertures and then stacked together such that the apertures connect and fluid can flow through the device in a direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of sheet thickness. Various laminated devices and processes using them are also described. For example, devices in which non-rectangular microchannels conform around reaction chambers or other bodies that need to be heated or cooled, are described. Features that separate or trip boundary layer and enhance heat transfer are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a reduced-pressure distillation system, which is relatively simple in construction, easy in operation without depending only on driving of a vacuum pump, and therefore can be manufactured and operated at low costs. The system includes an impure water tank, a separating tank, a drainage tank, and a collecting tank. The impure water tank, the drainage tank, and the collecting tank each has an outside pressure communicating chamber, which makes contact with outside pressure, and a cell, which communicates with the outside pressure communicating chamber corresponding thereto and is sealed with respect to the outside pressure during operation of the system. The separating tank is sealed with respect to outside pressure and has an evaporator provided therein. Impure water is fed from the cell of the impure water tank to the evaporator, by using an effective head between levels of the impure water in the impure water tank and priming supplied to the drainage tank.

Abstract: A thin film distiller is provided which applies distilland to an evaporative side by the use of wicks which work by capillary action. The evaporated vapor is transferred to the condensate side after being compressed to a higher pressure where it is condensed and removed by similar wicks. The condensing and evaporating surfaces are formed on opposing sides of a bellows-like sheet of heat conducting material. The sheet would preferably be formed into a cylindrical shape with the evaporative stage on the outside and the condensing stage on the inside of the cylinder. Either the wicks or the heat conducting material are moved with respect to the other such that the wicks place a thin film of distilland on the evaporative surface. Removal of condensate is performed in a similar manner by the wicks in the condensate stage.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for molding of polyester articles having low acetaldehyde content directly from a melt without intermediate solidification of the molten polyester. A melt to mold process is used wherein an acetaldehyde stripping agent is mixed into a polyester melt before devolatilization in a flash tank. The devolatilized polyester is pumped out of the flash tank and injected into a mold, thus forming a shaped article. The apparatus may include one or more flash tanks in one devolatilization line, or multiple devolatilization lines may be used stemming from one main polymerization reactor. The final shaped article should contain less than 10 ppm of acetaldehyde.

Abstract: A solution to be evaporated is passed through one or several evaporation stages. In each evaporation stage, the solution is circulated between a heat exchanger and an evaporating vessel, and steam is withdrawn from the evaporating vessel. For removing crusts, the evaporation in the respective evaporation stage is interrupted, and a cleaning suspension containing at least 3 wt % granular solids is circulated through the heat exchanger and the evaporating vessel. The solids, which have an abrasive effect, remove the crusts. Preferably, the solution to be evaporated is circulated through the evaporation stage for removing the crusts, where the heat exchanger is heated and the cleaning solution is evaporated to such an extent that solids crystallize out and a cleaning suspension is formed.

Abstract: The residual level of monomer in a polymer may be reduced by passing a melt of the polymer through a devolatilizer column which contains an array of two or more trays having voids comprising from 15 to 50% of the surface of the tray which are offset so the voids in the upper tray are spaced over the solid areas of the tray below.

Abstract: A process for preparing and/or extracting samples by heating them together with a solvent in a container under pressure, using a Soxhlet apparatus. The samples are dried by heating in a container; and the resultant vapors are drawn off to generate a vacuum in the container.

Abstract: There is disclosed an asphalt extracting apparatus of the Soxhlet type in which a solvent evaporated from a flask is condensed by a cooling device and then dropped into the inside of a filter device such that asphalt in an asphalt mixture inside the filter device is extracted through the filter device. With the flask and the filter device covered with a thermally insulating case, the flask and the filter device are heated and thermally insulated by the heat of a gas burner. To lower the boiling point of the solvent in the flask, each of the flask, the filter device and the cooling device is decompressed by a decompression device.

Abstract: A process for producing a homogeneous phase melt of polyacrylonitrile suitable for extrusion molding and melt spinning, by the steps of preparing polymer/water crumb containing 30-60 wt % of polyacrylonitrile and dewatering the crumb in a molten state with stirring at temperatures above 140.degree. C. and at pressures above autogenous pressure until the concentration of the polymer in the crumb exceeds 70% by weight.

Abstract: A true solution of up to about 15 weight % of polyphenylene ether (PPO) in a styrenic polymer may be prepared by dissolving the PPO in one or more of the monomers polymerized to form the styrenic polymer and polymerizing the resulting solution in the presence of a free radical initiator. The resulting polymer has a higher Tg than crystal polystyrene and is suitable for use in hot drink containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing molded polyester articles having a low acetaldehyde content bya) reacting a glycol and a dicarboxylic acid in the melt phase to form a polyester having an I.V. of about 0.65-0.85,b) solidifying and pelletizing said polyester,c) remelting said polyester in an extruder, and,d) forming said polyester into shaped articles, wherein the polyester is devolatilized during or following said polymerization in the melt, while it is being remelted, after remelting, or any combination by passing a purge gas over said molten polyester.

Abstract: An assembly for prepping sulfuric acid for spectrometric analysis comprised of a vessel member having sleeve members formed with channels disposed about an outer peripheral surface and a cap member including a disc shaped top portion and a lower body portion and further including a gasket member to be positioned between the cap member and the vessel member wherein the lower body portion extending into a chamber of the vessel member and wherein the top portion includes channels to be aligned with the channels of the sleeves of the vessel member for receiving mounting devices for rigidly mounting the cap member to the vessel member.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for distilling liquids in a vacuum, having a receptacle for a liquid that can be connected to a vacuum pump, a heating arrangement for heating the receptacle causing the liquid to evaporate, a condenser for condensing the vapour, and a collecting vessel for the condensate. To be able to handle the apparatus quickly and more simply and to make it overall more economical and make it possible to carry out continuous distillation, the heating arrangement includes a vacuum-tight receiving chamber (1) for the receptacle (2) and a microwave generator (13, 13.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a polymer of thermoplastic polycondensate in which the polymer is first treated in a screw extruder and then in a mixing tank. In the extruder the polycondensate is heated in a first zone to a temperature below its melting point and thereafter it is heated to a temperature above its melting point at a vacuum. Water and other volatile components are removed from the first and second zones of the extruder. In the mixing tank the polymer is maintained under vacuum conditions and is conveyed and mixed by spiral mixing blades to remove residual water and volatile components. The polymer is discharged at the bottom of the mixing tank by a melt pump after a residence time of between 5 and 60 minutes in the mixing tank.

Abstract: The concentrate holding lower portion of a sample and concentrate holding vessel has a jacket for shielding such concentrate holding portion from heat sufficient to volatilize appreciable solvent therefrom when the vessel is subjected to sufficient heat for effecting evaporative concentration of solution in such vessel.

Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes an air-tight outer container containing liquid therein, the liquid container having support legs adjacent the bottom surface thereof; an inner container mounted on the legs for partitioning the interior space of the outer container, the inner container having a wall made of insulating material; and a heater fixed to an upper portion of the outer container and positioned inside the inner container. The liquid evaporator may be combined with a deodorizing device for forming a urine treating device, wherein the urine treating device includes a deodorizing housing having an upper portion provided with a secondary heater therein, a catalyst surrounding the secondary heater, a blower provided outside the housing, and a diffusion pipe provided at the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: In concentrating polymer solutions up to a desired specification level of residual solvents, encrustations can be prevented and the yield and the degree of purity can be increased, when the product is heated up under pressure, expanded through a restrictor element (3) with vapor formation into a first, preferably coiled flow pipe (7) and concentrated therein as far as possible, the mixture of vapors and polymer solution is whirled at an angle into a second flow pipe (9) in a sloping arrangement and fitted with self-cleaning elements (11, 12) and concentrated therein up to the desired level, and vapors and concentrate are separately discharged only downstream thereof.

Abstract: A distillation purifying system including a section which creates a vacuum pressure that is transmitted throughout the system, a distillation/purification zone in which fluids to be distilled/purified are treated, and a collection zone in which the distilled/purified liquids are transferred. The system is effective for use with liquids, solutions, fluids and the like and can be used for water treatment as well as bodily fluid treatment.

Abstract: A method of extracting pure components from a multi-component structure by dissolving each component at an appropriate temperature and pressure in a supercritical fluid and then varying the temperature and/or pressure to extract particular components in sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a liquid from a workable mass of material includes a first screw section for transporting the material, a second screw section which applies a force on the material in a direction generally opposite that of the transport direction, and a second screw extruder at or near a liquid extraction location which provides a pinch point on the material. The pinch point substantially eliminates liquid flow countercurrent to the material transport direction.

Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes an air-tight outer container containing liquid therein, the liquid container having support legs adjacent the bottom surface thereof; an inner container mounted on the legs for partitioning the interior space of the outer container, the inner container having a wall made of insulating material; and a heater fixed to an upper portion of the outer container and positioned inside the inner container. The liquid evaporator may be combined with a deodorizing device for forming a urine treating device, wherein the urine treating device includes a deodorizing housing having an upper portion provided with a secondary heater therein, a catalyst surrounding the secondary heater, a blower provided outside the housing, and a diffusion pipe provided at the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for the treatment of black liquor from a kraft or soda pulping process which comprises forcibly conveying the black liquor through an elongate conduit containing at least one vent at a position along its length while subjecting the black liquor to a working action and maintaining the temperature of the black liquor at least about 80.degree. C. so that the black liquor is compressed and mixed as it is conveyed through the conduit to promote the separation of liquid components from the black liquor into the vent by expression and vaporization. As a result, the solids concentration of the material may be increased to provide an improved quality fuel for soda recovery boilers. The process is advantageously carried out using a vented screw extruder which is equipped to supply heat to the black liquor from the screw interiors and barrel housing to promote vaporization of volatiles and to maintain the flowability of the material as it is conveyed through the extruder.

Abstract: A method for reverse degassing a melt of thermoplastic plastics material and an extrusion device therefor. Thermoplastic plastics materials are fed into the extrusion device either in the form a melt or as a granulated, which latter is fused to form a melt. A portion of the melt is separated from the main melt stream. The extrusion device includes, in a downstream direction, a return-blocking zone, a degassing zone, a feed zone and a conveying zone. The separated portion is removed from the feed zone, the conveying zone or even a feed conduit leading into the feed zone if the material is already molten. The extrusion device also includes screw means rotating in a barrel. The screw has at least two different flight portions, one in the returning-blocking zone and the other in at least the degassing zone.