Abstract: Disclosed is a developing device for developing a substrate, comprising: a developing tank, a recovery box and a conveying unit provided right above the developing tank and configured to convey the substrate; wherein the developing tank comprises a first tank, a second tank and a third tank, which are spaced and are sequentially arranged; the recovery box comprises a first box and a second box; the first tank is communicated with the first box; as the substrate is arranged in the second tank, the second tank is communicated with the first box; as the substrate is arranged in the third tank, the third tank is communicated with the second box. The developing device can solve the technical problems of separately recovering the developers doped with different photoresist concentrations during the development of the substrate to reduce the cost of diluting the developer concentration in the recovery box.

Abstract: A method of operating an evaporator is described. In evaporator feed water, a Taylor bubble is developed which has an outer surface including a thin film in contact with an inner surface of an outer wall of an evaporator tube. The Taylor bubble is heated as it rises within the evaporator tube so that liquid in the thin film transitions into vapor within the bubble.

Abstract: A modular portable evaporator system for use in a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) systems having an evaporator, with a sump including an oil skimming weir, a short tube vertical falling film heat exchanger including an outer shell containing short tubes provided for lower water circulation rate. The system further having external to the evaporator, a compressor for compressing evaporated steam from the tube side of the heat exchanger and routing to the shell side of the same exchanger, a distillate tank to collect hot distilled water, a recirculation pump to introduce liquids from the sump into the heat exchanger and an external suction drum protecting the compressor from liquid impurities. The evaporator system receives produced water from the SAGD process into the sump and provides cleaned hot water to a boiler.

Abstract: An improved water desalination system is disclosed, in which contaminated water such as seawater or brackish water is preheated and fed into a primary pressure vessel through a distribution head. The seawater is distributed from the distribution head over a non-adherent surface such as a plurality of silicone chords hanging below a distribution tank or a cone- and cylindrical-shaped surface. The water is exposed to a high temperature steam environment in the chamber to cause at least a portion of the water in the contaminated water to evaporate, while the remaining concentrated salts from the contaminated water fall to the bottom of the chamber. A portion of the steam in the primary pressure vessel is withdrawn to be condensed into fresh water. The energy withdrawn with the steam extracted from the primary pressure vessel is made up by a supplemental energy apparatus, such as a steam generator.

Abstract: The solar-powered distillation system is particularly adapted for small scale seawater distillation to produce fresh water. The system includes a single heat-absorbent evaporation panel having mutually opposed evaporation surfaces, the panel being contained within a single housing. Each side of the housing includes a lens panel. The lenses of each panel focus solar energy onto the respective surfaces of the evaporation panel. A mirror is positioned to each side of the housing to reflect solar energy onto the respective lens panels. Contaminated water enters the top of the housing to run down the surfaces of the evaporation panel. A fresh water collection pipe extends from the top of the housing to a collection tank. A scraper mechanism removes salt and/or other residue from the surfaces of the evaporation panel to allow the residue to be removed periodically from the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A self-contained evaporation system for use in disposing of excess water from oil and gas drilling operations is provided. The system includes a water holding tank in which the wastewater is preheated, an evaporation chamber mounted over the holding tank and having an open top, a nozzle system located within the chamber for producing a fine liquid mist, and fans disposed within the chamber for producing an air flow that carries the mist out the open top of the chamber. The system can be set up and taken down by one person in an hour or less, can be used with pond or tank operations, and is capable of operating in high winds and sub-zero temperatures. The system can be carried and mounted on a trailer for easy transport to and from various drilling sites.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a comprehensive, efficient, and cost effective portable evaporator unit, method, and system for the treatment of brine. The evaporator unit, method, and system require a pretreatment process that removes heavy metals, crude oil, and other contaminates in preparation for the evaporator unit. The pretreatment and the evaporator unit, method, and system process metals and brine at the site where they are generated (the well site). Thus, saving significant money to producers who can avoid present and future increases in transportation costs.

Abstract: In a drying or cooling chamber (1) having a mainly cylindrical upper section (2) joining an underlying mainly conical or frusto-conical lower section (3), an inlet (6) for processing gas is provided at the upper end of the cylindrical section (2) and an outlet (7) for the processing gas at the lower or upper end of the chamber. Deposition of products on the inner surfaces of the chamber is minimized by injection by nozzle means (8) of at least one jet of pressurized gas at a high flow velocity but a low flow rate compared to the flow velocity and the flow rate of the processing gas at a level of the cylindrical section (2) remote from the processing gas outlet (7) and at a point close to a circumferential wall (9) of the cylindrical section (2).

Abstract: A compact, transportable and self-contained apparatus for treating wastewater containing as impurities and pollutants various non-volatile (at water boiling points) fluids such as greases, oils and soaps, having a vessel/evaporator for receiving the wastewater, a heater below the evaporator to heat the wastewater admixture and boil off the water, a collector to draw off the non-volatile fluids from substantially the entire height of the water evaporator, and automatic refill/shutdown control devices for the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved salt basket for dewatering solids, particularly salts resulting from evaporation of industrial wastewaters. The salt basket system includes a pressurizable vessel having a screen floor situated above a bottom liquid collection head, an inlet for the brine/solids slurry from which solids are to be separated and dried, an inlet for air, an inlet for steam (the latter two inlets may be combined, where convenient), an inlet for solids free feed, and a drain outlet (these two may be combined where convenient into a combination feed/drain connection). Preferably, an automated system for introducing feed brine and for removing the solids product is provided. For safety, a pivotally attached lower door has a hydraulic failsafe closure mechanism and locking safety latches to prevent the door from inadvertently opening.

Abstract: A method for use in an evaporator for selectively controlling the flow of solid particles within the evaporator. The method provides for the separation of solids from a liquid through the use of a separation chamber having a plurality of apertures, each of which has a critical size. In the separation chamber, solid particles which are larger than a critical size are separated from the remainder of the solution. The separated particles exit the separation chamber via a bypass conduit for circulation directly to the sump of the evaporator for recombining with the separated liquid portion which passed through the separation chamber and was subsequently concentrated in the heat exchange tubes. The method prevents solid particles from clogging the system and allows for continuous circulation of the solution and solid particles.

Abstract: An improved salt basket for dewatering solids, particularly salts resulting from evaporation of industrial wastewaters. The salt basket system includes a pressurizable vessel having a screen floor situated above a bottom liquid collection head, an inlet for the brine/solids slurry from which solids are to be separated and dried, an inlet for air, an inlet for steam (the latter two inlets may be combined, where convenient), an inlet for solids free feed, and a drain outlet (these two may be combined where convenient into a combination feed/drain connection). Preferably, an automated system for introducing feed brine and for removing the solids product is provided. For safety, a pivotally attached lower door has a hydraulic failsafe closure mechanism and locking safety latches to prevent the door from inadvertently opening.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a substantially dry particulate solid in the form of particles with a narrow particle size distribution which comprises atomising a feedstock comprising a solution or dispersion of the solid in a liquid medium into droplets with a narrow size distribution and a volume median diameter from 100 to 250 micrometers in a spray dryer whereby the droplets are converted into the dry particulate solid within the spray dryer.

Abstract: A film-type evaporator has a vapor chamber, a rotor rotating therein, at least one evaporating surface extending outwards from the rotor axis and a heating chamber rotating therewith and sealed with respect to the vapor chamber. The starting product is fed onto the evaporating surface close to the rotor axis and spreads outwards in film-like manner due to the centrifugal force on the evaporating surface. A uniform film thickness is achieved in that the evaporating surface is a curved blade surface, which is formed by a generatrix substantially parallel to the rotor axis and whose axial extension is limited by upper and lower stop ledges, and that the concave side of the evaporating surface is directed in the circumferential direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A nozzle unit having a pressure nozzle for spraying feed liquid and a cylindrical outer tube disposed around the pressure nozzle for high-speed gas blowing. The tip of the nozzle unit is of converging construction. When the feed liquid water is sprayed at low pressure in the nozzle unit, the feed liquid is atomized to fine droplets.

Abstract: An elongated, generally vertically extending cocurrent reactor vessel for the production of hypochlorous acid by the mixing and reaction of a liquid alkali metal hydroxide and a gaseous halogen is provided wherein a nozzle is mounted near the top of the reactor vessel beneath the gas injector to spray the liquid alkali metal hydroxide in droplets so that the halogen gas can be absorbed into the surface of the droplets simultaneously with water evaporation in the vessel. The vessel has a spraying and reaction zone immediately beneath the atomizer and a drying zone beneath the spraying and reaction zone.

Abstract: A spray dryer which has a tank for receiving batches of differing materials to be spray dried. The tank is rotatable about a horizontal axis. The tank has an open top and a cover which is hinged on an axis perpendicular to the tank axis. The cover carries atomizer which has a shaft extending through the cover into the tank when the cover is closed. A spray disk is attached to the atomizer shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an evaporator for selectively controlling the flow of solid particles within the evaporator. The apparatus includes a separation chamber having a plurality of apertures, each of which has a critical size. In the separation chamber, solid particles which are larger than a critical size are separated from the remainder of the solution. The separated particles exit the separation chamber via a bypass conduit for circulation directly to the sump of the evaporator for recombining with the separated liquid portion which passed through the separation chamber and was subsequently concentrated in the heat exchange tubes. The apparatus prevents solid particles from clogging the system and allows for continuous circulation of the solution and solid particles.

Abstract: Agglomeration is improved in a straight-through spray drying process by adjusting the location for introduction of recycled fine particles to the atomization zone. The fine particles are dispersed in a minor portion of the drying air and adjustment of the location for the introduction of the fine particles is made so as to change the average distance from the wheel to the area where the fine particles meet atomized droplets or partly dried particles. A spray drying apparatus in which the fine particles are recycled through the use of turnable deflectors, telescopic connections or swivel joints which are suitable for achieving the improved agglomeration.

Abstract: Distillers syrup or similar liquid solutions or suspensions of organic solids and oil and water is dried to obtain granular solids with improved syrup content by continuously spraying the syrup or liquid onto the upper surface of a previous bed of granular solids while passing air through the previous bed to dry the syrup from the bottom of the bed upwardly. The upper surface layer of the previous bed is maintained at near saturation temperature of the air entering the bottom of the bed due to the cooling effect of evaporation. The syrup or liquid is continuously mixed into the upper surface layer of the granular solids to significantly increase the dried syrup or liquid content. The bottom layer of the graular solids is continuously cut and continuously removed.

Abstract: A spray drying chamber with a head section and a heat-resistant porous membrane, the porous membrane being detachable and the head section being displaceable vertically, whereby microdrops are sprayed into a spray drying chamber together with hot air, and whereby the microdrops are dried momentarily and a fine powder is produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an evaporator for selectively controlling the flow of solid particles within the evaporator. The apparatus includes a separation chamber having a plurality of apertures, each of which has a critical size. In the separation chamber, solid particles which are larger than a critical size are separated from the remainder of the solution. The separated particles exit the separation chamber via a bypass conduit for circulation directly to the sump of the evaporator for recombining with the separated liquid portion which passed through the separation chamber and was subsequently concentrated in the heat exchange tubes. The apparatus prevents solid particles from clogging the system and allows for continuous circulation of the solution and solid particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a photographic process waste liquor in which the photographic process waste liquor stored in an evaporating device is heated and concentrated by evaporation with use of a heating device provided in the evaporating device, in that the evaporating device is provided with a precipitate separating device capable of separating a precipitate generated in a concentrated liquid to be formed through concentration by evaporation; a circulation system to feed again the concentrated liquid to the evaporating device through the precipitate separating device; and a discharging device for discharging the precipitate separated at the precipitate separating device.By use of the apparatus for treating photographic process waste liquor, thermal decomposition of the precipitate generated by concentration by evaporation of the photographic process waste liquor and generation of bad odor can be inhibited.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a waste solution generated when a photosensitive material is processed by an automatic developing machine includes a waste solution reservoir which is maintained at a constant level. A drum, partially immersed in the waste solution, is rotated to coat its surface. The drum is heated to produce a waste vapor. The waste vapor is condensed by a condenser and filtered and solid wastes are scraped from the surface of the drum. The condenser has a drain tank for collecting condensate and a non-condensable gas component. The interior of the drain tank is sealed to form an air tight seal and has a vent for exhausting the non-condensable gas component from the interior portion to the outside. The air vent includes an absorption tower to treat the non-condensable gas component.

Abstract: A brine concentrator utilizing two separate concentrating devices in combination wherein a first concentrating device comprises a plurality of serpentine pipes interposed within a concentrator tank containing a dilute brine solution and a second concentrating device, including a venturi, is attached to the upper end of the concentrator tank and connected to receive exhaust gases from an exterior source. The brine solution which has been concentrated by the first concentrating device exit the tank through an output opening and is introduced into the venturi via a plurality of nozzles where it is mixed with the exhaust gases.A venting stack is also attached to the upper end of the tank for venting the exhaust gases emitted from the venturi and pre-heating dilute brine solution, which is introduced into the tank through the venting stack. As the solution travels down the stack and into the tank, it comes into contact with the exhaust gases exiting the tank from the venturi.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and system for treating waste water. More specifically, for the removal of a floating component of the waste water from the remaining water relatively free of the floating component. The apparatus includes a separating chamber having a movable flow gate disposed at one side thereof. A preferred embodiment of the present apparatus includes a skimmer that is movable in both horizontal and vertical directions for facilitating the removal of the floating component of the waste water from the separating chamber. The present system includes an apparatus for treating waste water and sludge.

Abstract: In a falling film exchanger, a screen arrangement for preventing solid particles in the liquid to be heated from plugging liquid distribution outlets of a perforated liquid distributing tray or reaching the heating surface of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A spray absorber in which a rotary sprayer is centrally disposed adjacent to the top is provided with a cover cap which is adapted to be raised and is laterally pivotally movable and adapted to close the shaft opening for the rotary sprayer when the latter must be replaced without an interruption of the gas flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing the vapor includes at least one chamber in which the liquid is vaporized and in which the vaporized liquid is condensed. The vaporizing chamber contains a heat emitting device providing a surface temperature above the vapor temperature for substantially instantaneously vaporizing the liquid condensate maintaining a predetermined vapor level in the vaporizing chamber, and a heat absorbing device for condensing the vaporized liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of flue gases is provided having an upright vessel with a generally cylindrical wall, two spaced cooling circuits, the inner surface of the wall, an inlet port for introducing flue gases into the vessel, a fan for forcing the introduced flue gases radially outwardly against the inner surface of the vessel, and an outlet port for outletting the dedusted flue gases. The force of the impact of the introduced flue gases against the inner surface of the vessel causes dust particles in the flue gases to remain on the inner surface while the dedusted gases are outletted through the outlet port. The outlet port has an inlet opening located substantially centrally of the vessel and spaced relatively closely below the fan. The upright vessel can be provided with a number of cooling fins which extend helically in the same direction as the direction of rotation of the fan.

Abstract: An atomizer wheel for use in a spray drying apparatus comprises an interior annular liquid supply chamber, from which a number of substantially radial ejection ducts extends towards the external surface of the wheel through a length constituting a considerable portion of the radius of the wheel. The ducts discharge into a downwardly open annular discharge slit at a comparatively short distance from an external wall connected with a wheel cover and whose inner wall surface forms an axial-symmetrical surface of revolution with a substantially linear generatrix forming an angle of not more than 15.degree. with the axis of revolution.

Abstract: A drive shaft comprising an elongated inner drive shaft having an end connected to a drive device and an opposite end engaged with a work piece. A hollow outer shaft extends circumferentially about and coaxially with the drive shaft in a spaced-apart relationship thereto, and is connected to the drive shaft. A bearing carrier member extends circumferentially about and coaxially with the outer shaft. First and second springs inhibit movement of the outer shaft and the bearing carrier member respectively. A bearing is located intermediate the bearing carrier member and outer shaft. The assembly further includes a support structure provided with a bore which circumferentially surrounds the bearing carrier member and second springs. An outer surface of the bearing carrier member and an inner surface of the bore cooperatively form a fluid passageway which is bounded on either side by barriers which form restricted fluid flow paths.

Abstract: A method of treating a polluted gas e.g. desulphurizing a sulphur dioxide-containing flue gas is carried out by spraying the flue gas with a slurry of e.g. calcium hydroxide, under spray drying conditions. The spray device comprises a rotating cup comprising an extended surface on which a film of slurry is formed. On leaving the surface the slurry is immediately impacted with a high velocity stream of air supplied through an annular orifice.Arrangements for supplying the slurry to the rotating cup comprises a stationary distribution device adapted to direct the slurry onto the surface with a swirl component of motion.

Abstract: A solar crystallizer and a process for producing solar salt adaptable for use in climates heretofore believed unfavorable for solar salt production. The invention employs a solar crystallizer defining a shallow pond of salt solution the level of which is carefully monitored and controlled by withdrawing unsaturated solution from the upper stratum of the pond such as produced from rainfall and introducing substantially saturated brine into the pond at a lower stratum overlying the salt crop on the bottom thereof providing a continuous protective saturated brine layer and enhancing the efficiency of water evaporation by a comparatively shallow depth.

Abstract: Sulfur oxides and other acid gases are removed from hot flue gases by dispersing and suspending an absorption agent and water, preferably Ca(OH).sub.2 suspended in water, in a rising stream of hot gas at the lower part of a reaction chamber, where the hot gases are subjected to a rapid reduction in velocity. Sulfur oxides and other acid gases are absorbed on and reacted with the absorption agent in the presence of evaporating water producing a dry powder which is separated from the flue gas in a particle precipitator and partially recirculated to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a granular, free-flowing detergent component which dissolves rapidly in water and which has a powder density of from 550 to 900 g/l, consisting of synthetic, essentially nonionic surfactants, inorganic supports, other organic washing aids, and water bound by adsorption and in hydrate form. The detergent component is produced by spray-drying, and more than 50% by weight thereof consists of droplet-like to rodlet-like particles having an average diameter of from about 0.02 to 1.5 mm, an average length of from about 0.1 to 5 mm, and a ratio of average diameter to average length of from about 1:1.2 to 1:10, optionally coated with a finely divided water-soluble or water-dispersible solid material as a fluidity improving agent.

Abstract: An evaporator apparatus (10) and method for converting a contaminated fluid including mostly water and water soluble substances into a vapor and a residue. Apparatus (10) includes a container (11) for retaining the fluid. A heat source (17) is utilized for supplying heat to evaporate the fluid. A flue assembly (18) positioned in the fluid conveys the heat from the heat source (17) through the fluid. A draft mechanism (20) draws off the resulting vapors as they are formed.