Abstract: Equipment and procedure for extraction of solids from contaminated fluids whose basic purpose is to obtain the crystallised solids from the contaminated fluids, without any type of rejection in order to valorize them and to obtain purified water in a single stage, all in a continuous adiabatic/sonic process with evaporation/crystallisation and with low energy consumption and where the procedure is characterised by being constituted basically by at least three circuits fully interconnected as a single piece of equipment where the first circuit, the principal circuit, is constituted by an inlet duct of the contaminated fluid to be treated (1) followed by a pre-filter (2) followed by a filter for fine particles (3), a heat exchanger of preheated contaminated fluid (5) in the heat exchanger (4), followed by a fluid feedback pump (6) to a nozzle formed by an injector (7) and an ejector (8), which introduce the fluid to an evaporation chamber (9), where the steam that exits is introduced into a closed-loop electrom

Abstract: A water processing system includes a pretreatment system disposed within the water processing system. The pretreatment system may treat a feed stream including oil and brine and to generate a first brine stream. The pretreatment system includes a first filtration system that may receive the feed stream, the first filtration system may separate the feed stream into a hydrocarbon stream and an intermediate brine stream, the intermediate brine stream includes a plurality of minerals, and the hydrocarbon stream includes water, the oil, and suspended solids. The water processing system also includes a mineral removal system fluidly coupled to and disposed downstream from the first filtration system. The mineral removal system may receive and remove the plurality of minerals from the first brine stream output from the pretreatment system.

Abstract: A method and system for treating and purifying saltwater contaminated by volatile compounds. The saltwater is evaporated resulting in a gas composed of water vapor and gaseous volatile compounds. The gas is condensed into a condensate containing the contaminated volatile compounds which is biologically treated to remove the volatile compounds thereby producing purified water. The latent heat released by condensing is used to evaporate the purified water into the atmosphere in an energy efficient manner.

Abstract: A method and system of wastewater evaporation uses a turbine-based wastewater evaporation system to convert wastewater to steam. The wastewater evaporation system includes a wastewater heating track disposed in the interior of the exhaust collector of the turbine in the flow path of turbine exhaust. The wastewater fluidly communicated therethrough is heated by the turbine exhaust and fluidly communicated to a plurality of atomization nozzles. The plurality of atomization nozzles direct atomized wastewater into the interior of the exhaust port of the turbine that is converted to steam in the presence of turbine exhaust within the exhaust port. The system may be disposed on a mobile trailer or skid to facilitate disposing the system on a job site and may be remotely controllable by a remote operator.

Abstract: Combined apparatus (1) for the synthesis of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide, comprising an internal wall (3) which delimits two coaxial zones (4) inside the apparatus, operating respectively as reaction (4) and condensation (5) zones, and optionally also comprising a stripping zone and/or a scrubber integrated in the same apparatus.

Abstract: An autonomous self-powered system for cooling radioactive materials comprising: a pool of liquid; a closed-loop fluid circuit comprising a working fluid having a boiling temperature that is less than a boiling temperature of the liquid of the pool, the closed-loop fluid circuit comprising, in operable fluid coupling, an evaporative heat exchanger at least partially immersed in the liquid of the pool, a turbogenerator, and a condenser; one or more forced flow units operably coupled to the closed-loop fluid circuit to induce flow of the working fluid through the closed-loop fluid circuit; and the closed-loop fluid circuit converting thermal energy extracted from the liquid of the pool into electrical energy in accordance with the Rankine Cycle, the electrical energy powering the one or more forced flow units.

Abstract: A contaminant control system for an evaporative water purification process as deployed in a steam assisted gravity drainage process facility for in situ heavy oil recovery, The contaminant control system is specifically designed to simultaneously control silica, hardness and oil contaminant present in the evaporator feed water to prevent fouling of heat exchange surfaces and improve system reliability and can be applied to many evaporator designs available on the market.

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: A contaminated solvent recycling system is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a distillation vessel having an upper distillation zone and a separate, lower, waste collection zone. A heater heats contaminated solvent feed within the distillation zone to distill off the solvent. By separating the distillation zone from the waste collection zone, the distillation zone can process consecutive batches of contaminated solvent feed. The waste collection zone can accommodate waste accumulating from the distillation process for extended periods of time between waste removal operations.

Abstract: A system and method for decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing contaminated water in to a vessel. The water is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the water to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or water input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated water may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.

Abstract: Device for desalinating sea water comprising a unit (10) for spraying sea water in the form of droplets, a unit (20) for vaporizing the droplets into steam, a unit (30) for separating steam from salt particles, and a unit (40) for condensing steam into fresh water. The spraying unit comprises a sea water entry (12), an ambient-temperature dry air entry (14), and a device for generating acoustic waves at a frequency greater than 1 MHz focused by means of nozzles (17) receiving the sea water coming from the sea water entry so as to obtain microdroplets having a diameter comprised between about 2.5 microns and about 5 microns.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enhanced process for separating dissolved and suspended solids from valuable or harmful liquids and more particularly to improving the operational aspects and separation efficiency of treating certain water miscible fluids including those used for oil and gas processing such as glycols, as well as automobile and aircraft fluids, that have become contaminated with dissolved and/or suspended solid matter.

Abstract: A system and method for decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing contaminated water in to a vessel. The water is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the water to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or water input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated water may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.

Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a recycler module including a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit that includes a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating brine effluent from desalination plants by distillation, is disclosed. To eliminate the brine the salt is converted into a solid and all of the water in the brine is converted to distilled water. The key to achieving this is reducing or eliminating the scale formation in the heating chamber. In one embodiment the process can be used to reduce or eliminate scale formation in a vapor compression sea water desalinization system and there-by use this system to produce drinking water. This process requires no chemical additives but relies entirely upon separation of the process of vaporization of the fluid involved, from the process of heating of the fluid. In one embodiment of this apparatus sea water can be desalinated and the resulting products can be dry salt and pure water leaving no brine return to the ocean.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided for supplying a fluid mixture to a distillation column or reactor. The apparatus can be used to enhance the heat duty, the flow and/or the flow stability of an existing thermosiphon reboiler which supplies a heated fluid to the column or reactor. The apparatus includes an integrated eductor which receives and increases the fluid velocity of a supplemental fluid into which the heated fluid is aspirated to form a fluid mixture then delivered to the column or reactor. A process and a system utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed, as well as a method of retrofitting an existing system with the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for recycling cutting fluid includes preparing and processing a cutting fluid of silicon including a silicon mixture and a cutting fluid at an anoxic circumstance of 150° C. to 350° C. in a container, to obtain a vaporized cutting fluid and a silicon slurry; and condensing the vaporized cutting fluid to obtain a recycling cutting fluid.

Abstract: A distillation assembly that reduces malodors resulting from a process of recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution that includes a distillation chamber defined by a top wall, a side wall and a bottom wall, a heating element disposed in the distillation chamber including an active portion and an inactive portion. The contaminated solvent solution disposed at a level within the distillation chamber such that the active portion always disposed below the level.

Abstract: An assembly for removing contaminants from objects and recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a parts washer assembly including a container for a contaminated solvent solution and a recycling assembly that includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: A total evaporator for fluids, including a cold chamber to prevent pre-evaporation, an evaporation region connected thereto having narrow flow cross-section for fast evaporation of the fluid, and a subsequent vapor chamber for pulsation damping and the controlled superheating of the vapor, the evaporation region being formed by a gap between concentrically nested cylindrical and/or conical tube sections and heat required for the evaporation and superheating processes is supplied by electric heating and/or by hot fluid and/or by catalytic or homogeneous combustion via the wall of the concentric tubes.

Abstract: Mixtures containing high boiling and low boiling components, at least one component being dissociatable into ions, are separated effectively by heating by passing an alternating electrical current through the mixture. The process is particularly effective in the workup of crude alkylchlorosilanes from the direct synthesis.

Abstract: A vacuum dehydrator for processing an oil containing entrained contaminants such as water, air, and particulates comprises a tower enclosing upper and lower chambers. A random packing is contained in the upper chamber. The oil is preheated to a temperature above the boiling point of water and is introduced into the upper chamber for downward flow through the random packing into the lower chamber. Entrained air and water is retained as water vapor in the upper chamber, and particulates are retained in the random packing. Heated ambient air is introduced into the lower chamber for upward flow through the random packing into the upper chamber, and the upper chamber is cooled to condense the water vapor. Oil and condensed water are pumped respectively from the lower and upper chambers.

Abstract: A vessel-based system and method for disposing of wastewater including bilge water from a bilge of the vessel. The system including a treatment unit for receiving and treating the wastewater to produce a substantially oil-free treated water and, an evaporator for receiving the treated water from the treatment unit. In an embodiment, the evaporator having an evaporation element for transferring heat to the treated water to evaporate the treated water.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for recovering an acrylic acid from a mixture containing acrylic acid, acrylic acid dimer and impurities with high boiling point, including: an acrylic acid recovering device that comprises an acrylic acid distillation unit being present within an acrylic acid dimer pyrolysis tank, and is operated under reduced pressure; a separation column for removing impurities with high boiling point from the mixture which is introduced into the acrylic acid recovering device; and a line for introducing the mixture into the acrylic acid recovering device.

Abstract: A distillation column is disclosed. The column includes a plurality of rectification zones and corresponding stripping zones. Each rectification zone is linked to a heat pump or a stage of a heat pump. Overhead material from the top rectification zone is compressed and used to heat bottoms liquid from the bottom stripping zone. Similarly, overhead material from a lower rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid taken from the uppermost or top stripping zone. Optionally, overhead material from a middle rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid from a middle stripping zone. A single multiple stage heat pump compressor may be utilized as opposed to a plurality of heat pumps. Because the heat exchanger from each rectification-stripping zone pair has a lower duty, economical stab-in heat exchangers may be utilized.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus and method with stair-like heat treatment tanks for performing a breakdown process are disclosed, in which the apparatus comprises: a mixing tank, for evenly mixing wastewater with reaction agents and thus forming a mixed solution; a plurality of heat treatment tanks, for enabling the mixed solution to circulate therein while being heating for a period of time so as to perform an organic destruction process upon the mixed solution and thus cause a discharging liquid to be formed; a heat exchanger, for enabling a heat exchanging process between the discharging liquid and the mixed solution to be performed therein; a condensation tank, for receiving and cooling the discharging liquid; a water purifier, for purifying and thus separating the discharging water into a cleaned water and a concentrated liquid for outputting; an agent recycling unit, for electrolyzing the concentrated liquid so as to recycle the reaction agents.

Abstract: A process for treatment of an aqueous stream to produce a low solute containing distillate stream and a high solute/solids containing blowdown stream utilizing a method to increase the efficiency of an evaporator while providing an essentially scale free environment for the heat transfer surface. Multi-valent ions and non-hydroxide alkalinity are removed from aqueous feed streams to very low levels and then the pH is increased preferably to about 9 or higher to increase the ionization of low ionizable constituents in the aqueous solution. In this manner, species such as silica and boron become highly ionized, and their solubility in the concentrated solution that is present in the evaporation equipment is significantly increased. The result of this is high allowable concentration factors and a corresponding increase in the recovery of high quality reusable water with essentially no scaling.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a solar distillation system capable of recovering potable water from non-potable water. In certain embodiments, the system includes a substantially air tight solar still having a roof top composed of a solar light-transmitting material. The solar still includes a tube positioned below and running underneath the roof top, the tube having an exit end. Additionally, the solar still includes a heating surface positioned below the roof top and adapted for receiving at least a portion of the non-potable water exiting the tube at the exit end. Non-potable water on the heating surface is solar heated and a portion of the non-potable water evaporates and condenses on the outside of the tube to be collected as potable water.

Abstract: A system and method for removing water from a liquid desiccant such as a glycol used to dry cooled air in order to restore the desiccant to a purity up to around 97% in a closed continuous flow process. Liquid desiccant can be sprayed into cooled air in a conditioner where it gains moisture. The wet or gained desiccant can be optionally preheated in an economizing heat exchanger and then routed into a concentrator. Desiccant pure to around 97% can be removed from the concentrator, passed through an economizing heat exchanger to provide the preheating and returned to the conditioner holding area. The concentrator can be heated by steam or other means such as natural gas to boil the wet desiccant causing mixed vapor to enter a vertical distillation column where most of the glycol condenses out on the column packing or plates and returns to the concentrator.

Abstract: A liquid condensation system heats a liquid raw material under a decompressed circumstance and evaporates a volatile component from a liquid surface to condense the liquid raw material. Therefore, the liquid condensation system includes: liquid condensers, each of which condenses the liquid raw material; a vacuum pump that is in communication with the liquid condensers; and a warm water circulation system as a heating source that heats the liquid raw material in the liquid condensers. The volatile component evaporated in the liquid condensers is led to the outside of the liquid condensers through vapor lines. The condensed liquid that is not evaporated in the liquid condensers is led to the outside of the liquid condensers through condensed-liquid lines. Condensed-liquid-line adjusting valves are interposed on the condensed-liquid lines, and heaters are attached to the condensed-liquid lines. A control unit controls the heaters and the condensed-liquid-line adjusting valves.

Abstract: A system for distilling sea or brackish water includes a feed water arrangement for supplying feed water from a feed water source to one or more flashing stages. Each flashing stage has a water flash evaporator for vaporizing at least part of the water therein, and a condenser for receiving the vapour and converting at least a part of the vapour into distilled water. A heat storage arrangement provided with a heat generating source for storing heat energy is used to heat a fluid medium flowing through it. A heat exchange arrangement receives the hot fluid medium and transfers heat to a stream of vapour flowing under pressure from each flashing stage. The vapour leaving the heat exchange arrangement being at a raised temperature is arranged to be condensed into water at the condenser and to transfer some of its latent heat to the evaporator.

Abstract: Dry pond water evaporation systems and methods are used to evaporate large quantities of water from industrial waste water sources, such as water produced by oil and gas wells. Dry pond systems include a water evaporation system that emits waste water into the air as a fine spray or mist to promote evaporation. Water that falls to the ground and any initially dissolved solids are captured in a water capture depression. Water and solids are transferred from the water capture depression to a water collection pool. Water from the water collection pool is recirculated through the water evaporation system to further concentrate the total dissolved solids (TDS). When the TDS are sufficiently concentrated, they may be harvested, such as by evaporating off the water and recovering salts or minerals as a solid.

Abstract: A glycerol preparation method for preparation of medical grade glycerol from a by-product of a bio-diesel process includes a first stage phosphoric acid chemical reaction process and a posterior by-product centrifugal separation process to have the phosphoric acid chemical reaction by-product be separated into free fatty acid, potassium phosphoric acid, and a crude glycerol and methanol mixture. The crude glycerol and methanol mixture is further processed through a first step of thin film evaporation process where methanol is reclaimed, a second step of thin film evaporation process where the mixture is dehydrated, a third step of molecular distillation process where an industrial grade glycerol of purity over 95% is extracted, and a fourth step of molecular distillation process where a medical grade glycerol of purity in exceed of 99.75% that meets USP/BP standards is extracted.

Abstract: A method of recovering a liquid medium from a mixture containing the liquid medium, the method including: (a) blowing a first gas into the mixture containing the liquid medium to vaporize the liquid medium, in a first vaporizing means, thereby to form a second gas containing which is a mixture of the first gas and vaporized liquid medium; (b) continuously dropwise feeding the mixture containing the liquid medium into a second vaporizing means and counter-flowingly contacting the mixture containing the liquid medium, with the second gas to vaporize additional liquid medium to form a third gas which is a mixture of the second gas and additional vaporized liquid medium; and (c) feeding the third gas into a condensing means to condense the vaporized liquid medium into a liquid and separate the first gas, which is then blown into the first vaporizing means in step (a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid radioactive waste treatment system. The liquid radioactive waste treatment system includes a plurality of evaporation plates and each of the evaporation plates has an uneven surface, in a housing comprised of a glass. A liquid radioactive waste is dispersed via a liquid waste dispersing unit to the evaporation plate, and the liquid radioactive waste is evaporated using solar heat and airflow in the housing.

Abstract: A process for conditioning of wastewater treatment brines for deep well injection during recovery of heavy hydrocarbon oils in situ. High pressure steam is used to mobilize oil, which is recovered in a mixture of oil and produced water. The produced water is pre-treated by removing residual oil. The remaining water is acidified and steam stripped to remove non-hydroxide alkalinity and non-condensable gases, and is then fed to a crystallizing evaporator, where it is evaporated from a circulating brine slurry to produce (1) a distillate stream having a trace amount of residual solutes, and (2) evaporator blowdown stream containing, as dissolved or suspended solids, substantially all of the solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate stream is used as boiler feedwater, either directly or after polishing. The evaporator blowdown is conditioned to remove substantially all suspended solids and to produce a clear brine solution for deep well injection.

Abstract: A devolatilizer apparatus and method for devolatilization of viscous polymer liquids yields polymer products with very low levels of residual volatile components. A stream of liquid polymer is dropped through a first vacuum chamber, thereby removing a portion of the volatile components. The stream is collected at the bottom of the first chamber, and is re-circulated to a manifold and liquid distributor assembly in a second chamber in the same vessel. The stream flows by gravity through the second chamber, which is maintained at a higher level of vacuum than the first chamber. Improved devolatilization is accomplished by exposing the polymer liquid to multiple stages of vacuum in a single vessel. The first chamber may be located generally above the second chamber, but in the same vessel, with the stream falling through the second chamber a first time before re-circulation to the manifold.

Abstract: Purified water for special purposes is produced using a falling-film multieffect evaporator. From the feed water, each effect produces a steam phase and a water phase. The steam phase is used for heating in the subsequent evaporating step, whereby the steam phase condenses to product water, and the water phase becomes feed water for the subsequent evaporation step. According to the invention, the product water may be wholly or partly recycled to the initial feed water, allowing process startup and sterilisation of the plant without conducting hot product water to the drain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of pure steam. A falling-film evaporator is used. Of the water-steam mixture leaving the evaporator unit, part of the water is collected at the bottom of the device, and a fraction mainly consisting of steam enters a rising spiral channel for the separation of impurities. In the periphery of the spiral channel apertures are provided for separating impurity-containing droplets, which condense on a surface outside the apertures. The liquid formed is removed from the device. The water phase collected at the bottom enters a recycle line connected to the feed end of the evaporator unit. Feed water is supplied to the recycle line to compensate for pure steam consumption.

Abstract: A system that treats wastewater by subjecting it to a heat source and destroying the microbes present therein and disposes of the wastewater to the atmosphere through evaporation. The components of the system are designed for in-ground or below-grade placement for aesthetic purposes and to eliminate a need for separate structures for housing or enclosing the system. The system does not generate a discharge as part of its regular operation and thus eliminates the need for disposal to an on-site feature or public sewer utility.

Abstract: A plant for tomato juice concentration uses a falling-film evaporator with an external sleeve which surrounds a vertical bundle of tubes divided into a plurality of sectors in which the tomato juice circulates in succession, and which is combined with a heat exchanger which is arranged externally of the evaporator and which is divided into a plurality of sectors in each of which the tomato juice is circulated and heated as it exits from a sector of tubes of the evaporator before being introduced into a successive sector. The plant also includes a compressor that aspirates steam from a bottom zone, being a separation chamber of the evaporator, compresses it and reintroduces it into the central part of the evaporator.

Abstract: A decomposition reaction apparatus or distillation apparatus for acrylic acid in which a column bottom liquid heated in a reboiler (5) is supplied from a supply port (1a) provided on a side wall of a column body (1) having: a top plate (12a) above the supply port (1a); and an impingement plate (12b) provided vertically to the top plate (12a), for preventing scattering of the column bottom liquid to a supply direction. The top plate (12a) is provided such that the top face of the top plate (12a) is inclined downward from a base end to a tip end. The present invention allows: suppression of formation of a polymerized product due to flowing of a liquid or gas heated in a reboiler into a column with a simple structure; and a stable continuous operation of column equipment over a long period of time.

Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Feedwater is then acidified and steam stripped to remove alkalinity and dissolved non-condensable gases. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.

Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum distillation plant and a process for concentrating organic aqueous solutions, especially spissum extracts, using said plant. The vacuum distillation plant of the invention comprises a flash evaporator, a means for vapor concentration and a multi-stage condenser positioned down-stream of said means for vapor concentration, means for recycling at least part of the condensate from a condensation stage into the bottoms product being provided. In addition, the present invention relates to a process for concentrating organic aqueous solutions such as concentrated extracts using said plant.

Abstract: A flameless evaporator for vaporizing a liquid, comprising a tank for receiving the liquid to be vaporized thereinto; a manifold disposed in the tank for the flow of hot gas therethrough, the manifold having an inlet for the supply of the hot gas and an outlet for the discharge of the hot gas from the manifold; an inlet into the tank for the supply of the liquid thereinto for thermal contact with the manifold for heating and vaporizing the liquid; and a vapour outlet for the discharge of the vapour from the tank.

Abstract: Vaporization chambers (distillation “pots”) are disclosed in which the liquid contained in such a pot is heated and circulated to establish thermal uniformity of the liquid and to route the circulated liquid past a thermally conductive member that contacts the liquid. The thermally conductive member extends from a location on a wall of the pot in a portion of the pot that holds the liquid as the liquid is being heated in the pot and conducts thermal energy directly from the liquid to a location outside the pot corresponding to the location on the wall. The pot desirably is divided into an upper portion and lower portion, wherein the liquid circulates from the lower portion to the upper portion and from the upper portion to the lower portion during heating. During this circulation, bubbles formed in the liquid can be routed into the upper portion in a manner resulting in fracture of the bubbles and recovery of liquid entrained in the bubbles, thereby preventing foam accumulation in the pot.

Abstract: A process to isolate dianhydride from an exchange reaction comprises extracting a bisimide/anhydride exchange reaction aqueous phase with an organic solution comprising an exchange catalyst at a first temperature and pressure to form an extracted aqueous phase comprising water, exchange catalyst and a dianhydride precursor; removing water from the extracted aqueous phase at a second temperature and pressure to form a molten phase, wherein the second pressure is less than the first pressure; removing water and exchange catalyst from the molten phase at a third temperature and pressure to form an isolation mixture; and converting the dianhydride precursor in the isolation mixture to dianhydride at a fourth temperature and pressure, wherein the fourth temperature is greater than the second and third temperatures and the fourth pressure is less than the second and third pressures.