Abstract: A process and a device for treating a liquid by separating out constituents contained in the liquid. Pollutants are removed or the liquid is sterilized by partial evaporization. The liquid is introduced into a vacuum tank in which a portion thereof is evaporated. The remaining liquid phase is discharged from the vacuum tank. The liquid in the vacuum tank flows under the effect of gravity on a fixed inclined or horizontal surface on which it forms a liquid film. The vapor phase emerges from the liquid film as a function of the vapor pressure defined relative to the prevailing temperature. The flow surface slopes downwardly away from the inflow of the liquid, it rises slightly or it extends horizontally.

Abstract: A method of distillation having the steps of drawing a volume of untreated water containing impurities into a container, applying a vacuum to the container, applying an oscillating electric charge to the untreated water thereby producing water vapor from the untreated water, capturing the water vapor in a vapor pipe, and condensing the water vapor back into a liquid form in a collecting chamber. An oscillating frequency of 2.6 gigahertz, either by sonic or electric charge, displaces the hydrogen bonding between water molecules. This displacement permits distillation at a low temperature without the infusion of large amounts of energy common in previously known methods.

Abstract: A deodorisation plant for treatment of fatty oils comprises a vessel (1) connected to a vacuum source. In the vessel there is a distillation column filled with structured packing material through which column the oil which shall be deodorised is brought to flow under influence of gravity and to meet a deodorisation gas in counter-current. In the vessel there is also a number of trays for collection of oil provided with drainage outlets in their lower part. The oil is treated with deodorisation gas in a batchwise way in these trays. The vessel is provided with an inlet (7) for oil and a connection (2) to a vacuum source in its upper part. In its lower part there is an outlet (9) for oil.

Abstract: A process for recovering processing liquids such as gas-treating liquids wherein a feed mixture containing the processing liquid and components or impurities that are more volatile and less volatile than the processing liquid is initially heated in a first heating zone to a temperature sufficient to volatilize at least one of the more volatile components and a portion of the processing liquid, the temperature being maintained below the decomposition temperature of the processing liquid to produce a vapor stream containing the less volatile component and the vaporized portion of the processing liquid and a residuum containing the processing liquid, a reduced concentration of the more volatile components and the less volatile components, the vapor stream being separated from the residuum in a first separation zone, a portion of the residuum being passed through a second heating zone at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the processing liquid to produce a first heated recycle stream, the heated

Abstract: An organometallic compound represented by the general formula (I) ##STR1## or the general formula (II)R-M.sup.2 -R (II)is evaporated, and then passed through the inner tube of a heat exchanger to be precipitated. The heat exchanger is then heated to re-evaporate the organometallic compound, and the re-evaporated organometallic compound is then precipitated in a filling container which is connected to said heat exchanger and cooled down to a prescribed temperature to fill the container.

Abstract: Distilling equipment including evaporation apparatus having a boiling chamber and equipment and conduits for supplying raw liquid to the boiling chamber, a plurality of cells with the first cell being connected to the top of the boiling chamber to receive gas therefrom and condense the gas by contact with cold recycled distillate from the first cell, with each stage having vertical vacuum producing bubble tubes through which distillate and gas bubbles pass downward to a collection chamber through the bubble tubes. Cell recycle conduits and pumps recycle fluid from collection chamber to condensing chamber. Distillate is drawn from the condensing chamber of the first cell only. Gas by-pass tubes connect the collecting chamber of a cell to the condensing chamber of the next cell and provide the only connection between the cells to sum the vacuum generated by each cell's bubble tubes.

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 separating inorganic salts from a solution of dimethyl sulfoxide, water and salts including feeding the solution plus a hydrocarbon based oil to a vacuum thin film evaporator. The DMSO and water are vaporized and condensed outside the evaporator for reuse or further purification. The salt and oil exit the evaporator as a liquid phase slurry. Water is added to the slurry to dissolve the salt and produce an aqueous phase and an oil phase which are separated. The oil phase is recycled to the thin film evaporator portion of the process.

Abstract: A process has been invented for removing contaminants (including solvent) from a flowing polymer, the process, in one aspect, including dissolving a sparingly soluble stripping agent into a flowing polymer, the sparingly soluble stripping agent stripping contaminants from the flowing polymer creating a mixture of contaminants and sparingly soluble stripping agent, which flows out from the flowing polymer, and separating the mixture from the polymer. In one aspect, recyclable sparingly soluble stripping agent is recovered and re-used.

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: A process for manufacturing improved granulated fatty alcohol sulfates. The process includes slowly drying and mechanically mixing the fatty alcohol sulfate.

Abstract: A large and economical type of multi-stack vertical tube evaporator (MS-VTE) having units of multiple stacks of vertical tube bundles or stages mounted in a single vessel, and having its liquid feed pumped to the uppermost VTE bundle stack or stage and having the feed then cascading downward through the lower bundle stacks in series flow, and wherein all the tube bundles are heated with the same waste steam of no or low $-value, e. g. with turbine reject steam in parallel flow under vacuum into the steam-sides of all tube bundles in the unit through a common steam conduit; and wherein the feed liquid is progressively evaporated from stage to stage or stack to stack and the vapors produced in the tubes of each bundle during the partial evaporation of the feed are separated between the stacks and condensed by parallel flow into one or more condensers.

Abstract: A device for processing water having high concentrations of scale forming compounds and high solids content in a high efficiency vapor compression distillation system wherein a plate-in-frame heat exchanger is submerged in a boiling solution contained in a boiler drum. An impeller in the drum continuously circulates the boiling solution through the heat exchanger at a velocity to prevent suspended solids from accumulating and to inhibit scale formation on the boiling surfaces of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Volatile components are eliminated from polyacrylate melts by distilling off the volatile components by a process in which the volatile components are distilled off under reduced pressure, entraining agents are added to the melts at above 100.degree. C. and the melts are simultaneously circulated.

Abstract: An evaporator flask for a rotary evaporator is formed in two portions: a substantially cylindrical bowl and a lid secured to the bowl by a connecting ring. The lid is connected to a rotary drive mechanism, and a conduit passes through a central aperture in the lid to provide fluid communication between the interior of the flask and a condenser. A mechanical scraper or stirrer is affixed to the end of the conduit within the bowl portion of the flask.

Abstract: An apparatus, e.g. centrifugal evaporator, has at least one rotary treatment surface, e.g. a heated evaporating surface, which rises outwards from the rotation axis, a liquid feed in the vicinity of the lowest point of the treatment surface close to the rotation axis and a product removal on the periphery of the treatment surface. Such an apparatus is characterized in that the treatment surface over at least part of its axial length has a stepped construction and each step has a step angle of approximately 90.degree.. Thus, as desired, a laminar or turbulent flow is possible. Through the construction of the steps it is possible to widely vary the nature of the flow and consequently the heat and material exchange, as well as the residence time of the liquid.

Abstract: An improved urea recovery process is presented. In the improved process, multiple vacuum rated surface condensers used to condense water vapor evolved during urea vacuum evaporation/concentration are replaced by a direct contact cooler/absorber to obtain substantial capital and utility cost savings. Improved heat exchange efficiency of the present process significantly reduces cooling water usage in comparison to the surface condensers.

Abstract: Process for vacuum-concentrating urea solutions in which the final step of evaporation of the urea solution under vacuum is carried out within the injection of overheated water vapor in the overhead portion of the concentrator, in order to counteract the formation and deposition of high-melting, fouling compounds derived from urea.

Abstract: A method of removing solvents from a paste includes introducing a heated paste into a channel of a dryer under pressure selected so as to avoid flashing of any of the components of the paste. At the inlet of the channel, the pressure is dropped, resulting in the flashing of selected components of the paste. As the paste advances through the channel heat is applied to the paste. Vapor liberated during the flashing acts as a motive force to convey the paste along the channel. The resulting concentrate is collected at an outlet of the channel.

Abstract: Aliphatic alcohols with up to 30 and especially with 6 to 18 carbon atoms are separated from a mixture of alkyl glycosides and alcohols which are unreacted during the production of these glycosides, by single or multi-stage distillation. The alcohols are distilled off by a drop film evaporator to impoverish the reaction mixture to residual alcohol contents of 5 wt % and under. The strip load of the drop film evaporator is set to at least 1.0 m.sup.3 /h m, especially at least 1.8 m.sup.3 /h m and preferably at least 3.0 m.sup.3 /h m. It is possible to reduce the alcohol content of the product to any value between 0.1 and 5 wt % at acceptable overall cost.

Abstract: An integral system and method for the separation and purification in a single operation of a heat or oxygen-sensitive liquid feed, such as a plant derived liquid feed mixture of fatty acids, tocopherol compounds and sterols, into a low boiling point purified fraction of Vitamin E tocopherol compounds and a high boiling point concentrate fraction of triglycerides, which system can be maintained in the presence of an inert gas to provide reduced degradation and increased purity of the Vitamin E fraction. The system includes a pre-evaporator, a vapor-liquid separator, a packed bed distillation column, a rotary thin film evaporator and an evaporator-stripper.

Abstract: An apparatus for desalination of sea water by the utilization of solar energy, advantageously accompanied by electric power generation, containing a heat caption unit (1) serving as a heat source, a sea water collecting tank (10), a pre-heating tank (11), a heat receiver (20), and evaporators (2,3,4) connected in line, and distilled water storage tanks (13). The sea water collecting tank (10) and the pre-heating tank (11) that pre-heats the sea water and cools the distilled steam are situated beside each other at different level, and the adjoining walls of the two tanks have an opening for through-flow (11a) or a through-flow tube; the discharge duct (8) of the pre-heating tank (11) is led into the evaporators where the first evaporator (2) is provided with a heater (72) heated by the heating agent, the second and the subsequent evaporators (3) are provided with a heating system consisting of pipe rings (73a) utilizing hot vapor and pipes connecting the pipe rings.

Abstract: A device for intercepting liquid obtained from a stream of mixed fluids contains an enclosure having an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is connectible to a source of suction while the lower opening is connectible to a source of the mixed fluids. A partition between the openings divides the enclosure into a liquid collecting section which includes the upper opening and a liquid discharging section which includes the lower opening. The partition has a liquid flow passage at the lower end thereof and an orifice at the upper end thereof, and the orifice provides a pressure drop between the two openings. A liquid collecting basin is formed at the bottom of the enclosure, and the lower opening is provided with an overflow for the basin. In operation, the suction source draws a stream of mixed fluids from the mixed fluid source. Liquid is derived from the stream in or above the liquid collecting section and forms a pool in the liquid collecting basin.

Abstract: A water distillation system (10) includes a boiling chamber (11) and a condensation chamber (12). Water is fed via an inlet pipe (13) to a degassing chamber (15) where volatile gases are removed from the water. The water is evaporated in the boiling chamber (11) and vapour is, in turn, condensed in the condensing chamber (12). Distilled water is collected in a water storage tank (30) and is used, with a pump (28) and entrainment device (27), to provide a substantial vacuum within the system (10).

Abstract: Spray drying system for drying a liquid feed which is made up of a solution or suspension of particles in a fluid medium. The system enables the spray drying of wet material and converting the material into powder by evaporation of a liquid medium at reduced pressure or at a vacuum. The system includes a heating chamber and an evacuation device, communicating with the interior of the heating chamber. This provision enables creation of reduced pressure within the chamber, accompanied by evaporation of the fluid medium at temperatures lower than needed for evaporation at normal pressure, and evacuation of the moisture vapor generated during evaporation.

Abstract: An ultraclean evaporation system which includes a vessel formed of a fluoropolymer inert to hydrogen peroxide and having an impurity level less than the impurity level of samples to be analyzed therein, preferably perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). A radiant heater is spaced from the vessel for uniformly heating the contents of the vessel. A shield, manufactured of aluminum and coated with a fluoropolymer encases the vessel alone or in conjunction with the heater. An inert gas supply is coupled to the vessel with a coupler of fluoropolymer inert to hydrogen peroxide, preferably PFA. An output is provided from the vessel formed of a fluoropolymer inert to hydrogen peroxide, preferably PFA. An orifice is provided which is formed of a fluoropolymer inert to hydrogen peroxide, preferably PFA, for controlling the flow rate of the inert gas supply. The tubing has a length of at least about 3 meters. The vessel has a side wall and a bottom forming a corner and is disposed so that the corner is the lowest region of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of evaporating liquid from a liquid and solid solution in a container within a chamber involves moving the container in an orbital motion such that the solution forms a vortex configuration within the container and also involves directing gas into the container. The gas is directed into the container from a point source above the liquid in the container to decrease the partial pressure on the solution thereby increasing the evaporation rate of the liquid from the solution. To further increase evaporation of the liquid, heat may be applied to the container. The temperature within the chamber may be regulated by sensing the temperature within the chamber and controlling the application of heat to the container in response to the temperature sensed within the chamber.

Abstract: A method for processing sewage eliminates chemical "treatment", or, the addition of chemicals that are as harmful or more so to the environment as raw sewage. The method of processing sewage disintegrates the generally solid components of sewage into a highly de-moisturized powder via alternative processes of either (i) a freeze-drying process, or (ii) a combination centrifugal separation and an evacuated "bake-out" process, both which substantially drive out the vaporizable components of the sewage. In consequence, there are no resultant effluent and/or exhausting vapors from this method which would impact the environment.

Abstract: A vapor compression distillation system including a boiler/condenser assembly wherein a portion of the condensate is redirected back to the condenser inlet to extract superheat from the compressed vapor and transfer it to the liquid in the boiler. The vapor entering the condenser is reduced to a saturation condition to prevent heat build up in the condenser to improve heat transfer efficiency. When the temperature of the incoming feed water is within the operating range of the boiler/condenser assembly, the system is operated under vacuum sufficient to match the boiler temperature with the temperature of the incoming feed water so that no preheater or waste heat recovery exchanges are required.

Abstract: A recycling method for photographic processing waste liquid is disclosed. The photographic processing waste liquid is subjected to evaporative concentration under a reduced pressure of not higher than 700 mmHg and at a temperature of not higher than 90.degree. C. The resulting distillate is used as a solvent for photographic processing agents or as an evaporation compensator for processing tanks of an automatic processing machine.

Abstract: A vortex evaporator having a holder for holding at least one container presents a chamber wherein liquid is evaporated from a liquid and solid solution in a container. The vortex evaporator also includes a drive mechanism, coupled to the holder, for moving each container in an orbital motion within the chamber to cause the solution in the container to form a vortex configuration. The vortex evaporator further includes a gas supply system for directing gas into the container to increase the evaporation rate of the liquid and a control system for controlling operation of the vortex evaporator. In an alternative embodiment, a vacuum supply system may be utilized instead of the gas supply system. Further, the vortex evaporator will preferably include a heater, at least one liquid level sensor, a heat sensor and a motion dampening assembly all located within the chamber.

Abstract: 1-aminopropanediol-2,3 containing 2-aminopropanediol-1,3 of less than 0.30% by weight can be prepared by the present purification process, which involves distilling a 1-aminopropanediol-2,3 containing at least 0.3% of 2-aminopropanediol-1,3 based on the weight of 1-aminopropanediol-2,3 using a distillation column, said distillation column having low pressure loss.

Abstract: 35% to 45% by weight concentrated aqueous solutions of ferric chloride, directly useful as flocculating agents in a variety of water treatments, are prepared by (a) digesting iron with a dilute aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid until such acid has essentially been consumed and thereby producing an aqueous solution of ferrous chloride; (b) reacting chlorine with such aqueous solution of ferrous chloride, in the presence of a recycled aqueous solution of ferric chloride; (c) decompressing the step (b) reaction product solution to vaporize water therefrom, thereby concentrating same; and (d) recycling a fraction of the decompressed liquid phase to step (b) and recovering remaining fraction as final product aqueous solution of ferric chloride.

Abstract: An evaporator flask for a rotary evaporator is formed in two portions: a bowl and a lid secured to the bowl by a connecting ring. The lid is connected to a rotary drive means, and a conduit passes through the lid to provide fluid communication between the interior of the flask and a condenser. A mechanical scraper or stirrer is affixed to the end of the conduit within the bowl portion of the flask.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from a solution of water and glycol solution. The apparatus finds application in recycling of glycol wherein a water and glycol solution having as much as a 95% water content when introduced to the apparatus leaves the apparatus with a water content in the order of 40% to 60%. The glycol concentrator has a packing medium made from glass shards that provide a labyrinth through which air is circulated in one direction and thin streams of glycol are circulated in generally the opposite direction. It is believed that mixing of the thin streams of solution and air flow steams in the labyrinth results in a thin film evaporation process. The glycol concentrator apparatus has reduced energy requirements when compared with a distilling process.

Abstract: A controlled bubble of cavitation is formed within the distilland by opposed centrifugal and centripetal forces in the plane of an afferent mesial passage. Thus a distilland surface forms around the axis of rotation, and saturated vapor is continuously stripped from this distilland surface by the work of a vapor pump, which also creates the centripetal force. The vapor vortex within this cavitation region ejects by centrifugal force whatever in it is denser than pure vapor, including any particles or droplets which may somehow become entrained in the vapor. Bubbling at the distilland surface, which might produce mist, is suppressed by centrifugal force. Vapor is compelled to follow an afferent flow path, and is scrubbed by cyclones in the afferent mesial passage. Scrubbed vapor is then withdrawn from within the distilland along the axis of rotation. No container is necessary for the distilland and no heat is added to produce evaporation.

Abstract: A solution of cellulose is formed by moving a premix of a tertiary amine N-oxide, water and cellulose through a thin-film evaporator using a bladed rotor under treatment conditions which specify, inter alia, an area of heated surface (1 m.sup.2 to 125 m.sup.2), a blade speed (2.5 to 8 m/sec), a pressure (25 to 100 mb) and a temperature (90.degree. to 135.degree. C.).

Abstract: 35% to 45% by weight concentrated aqueous solutions of ferric chloride, directly useful as flocculating agents in a variety of water treatments, are prepared by (a) reacting chlorine with an aqueous solution of ferrous chloride, in the presence of a recycled aqueous solution of ferric chloride; (b) decompressing the step (a) reaction product solution to vaporize water therefrom, thereby concentrating same; and (c) recycling a fraction of the decompressed liquid phase to step (a) and recovering remaining fraction as final product aqueous solution of ferric chloride.

Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of volatiles from a sludge containing about 1 to 80% by weight liquid solvents and 20 to 99% by weight solids, in which said sludge is fed with a reagent powder material in an amount effective to form a mixture having a high surface area to a distillation vessel, said mixture is heated to a temperature up to about 350.degree. C. while said mixture is advanced through the vessel for a time sufficient to distil a sufficient portion of the solvents to yield a solid residue powder, distilled solvents are condensed, and the solid residue powder recovered. The vessel preferably is a mechanical fluidized bed distillation vessel and said mixture is fluidized while being heated therein under a partial vacuum in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The effective amount of reagent powder material includes about 5 to 70 wt % of the reagent powder material.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting, concentrating, and separating biochemical compounds from plant or animal biological substances. It has a heating vessel for the substance to be treated, and is connected at its lower part to an evaporation circuit. The evaporation circuit is connected to the upper part of the heating vessel and, by a valve, to the bottom of a distillation column. A condenser is connected to a vacuum source and, by a valve to the top of the distillation column. A decanter is connected by a valve to the condenser and then successively to a first tank for recovering essential oil, a second tank for recovering aromatic water, and to the vacuum source. A dual discharge circuit has its first circuit connected by two valves to a third tank for receiving light aromatic compounds and to a fourth tank for receiving regenerated solvents.

Abstract: Reprocessing mixtures which contain organic solvents and constituents of low volatility and may contain water: includes introducing the mixture into a concentration apparatus of a solvent recovery system, concentrating the mixture in the concentration apparatus by evaporating off a portion of a readily volatile fraction and feeding this readily volatile fraction to a separation column. A portion of the concentrated mixture from the concentration apparatus is conducted away into a separation apparatus where the constituents of low volatility are separated off from the concentrated mixture and ejected from the solvent recovery system. The concentrated mixture is conducted away, freed from the constituents of low volatility, from the separation apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating a photographic processing solution in which there are provided an evaporation chamber, a heater for heating the solution to generate a vapor in the evaporation chamber, a condensation chamber communicated to the evaporation chamber for recieving the vapor, a cooling device for cooling the vapor to generate a condensation, and an ejector for reducing the pressure in the evaporation chamber and the condensation chamber. There is further provided a heat pump having a heat radiating portion used for the heater and a plurality of heat absorbing portions, one of which is used for the cooling device.

Abstract: Concentrated aqueous solutions of ferric chloride, directly useful as flocculating agents in a variety of water treatments, are prepared by (a) digesting iron with a dilute aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid until such acid has essentially been consumed and thereby producing an aqueous solution of ferrous chloride; (b) reacting chlorine with such aqueous solution of ferrous chloride, in the presence of a recycled aqueous solution of ferric chloride; (c) decompressing the step (b) reaction product solution to vaporize water therefrom, thereby concentrating same; and (d) recycling a fraction of the decompressed liquid phase to step (b) and recovering remaining fraction as final product aqueous solution of ferric chloride.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus by flashing and boiling of solution and condensing the resulting steam having a central rotating partitioned brine conduit with coupling to a two-disk centrifugal distributor and a wiping blade system in a chamber having at least one conically shaped wall heated by a condensing steam in a spirally formed conduit, and a surrounding annular spiral condenser. The vertical stacking of such conically shaped evaporators and annular spiral condensers with brine inflow and outflow through a central rotating partitioned tubular conduit make up the desalination tower. The solution flowing through the central tubular conduit to the centrifugal distributor is pressurized by the centrifugal force before flashing through spray nozzles. The flowing liquid film formed on the heated conical surface boils with further enhancement from thinning action due to a rotating wiping pivoting blade system.

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: The invention relates to a molecular distillation apparatus of the type comprising a metallic conical rotor (12) rotatably driven and fed in its center with a liquid to be distilled, a vacuum bell (10) defining an enclosure housing the cone and means for inductively heating the rotor which are located beneath and in proximity to the latter.According to the invention, the heating means comprise at least two concentric inductors (100a, 100b, 100c) supplying different thermal power densities to homologous regions of the rotor and an inner inductor (100a) supplies a greater thermal power density to the rotor than the power density supplied to the rotor by an outer inductor (100c).The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing an assembly of a rotor and inductors for such an apparatus.

Abstract: A vial holding a material such as an organic liquid-containing biological specimen is received in the receptor of a holder assembly, the assembly further including a centrifugal valve. The holder is mounted on a rotor in a centrifugal vacuum concentrator and the specimen is then subjected to a treatment such as drying in the vacuum chamber. Vapor from the drying vents into the concentrator vacuum chamber, the centrifugal valve which is a normally closed component opens due to imposition thereon of centrifugal force created during and attending rotor speed above a certain RPM. At completion of the treatment and before the rotor falls from its certain RPM, a dried material protective gas blanket can be flowed into the vial, the valve closing to seal the vial and protected contents when RPM of the rotor falls below the certain RPM.

Abstract: A distillation system for recovery of volatile components of contaminated liquids used in an industrial process includes a tube assembly including outer tubes to which hot bottoms liquids are supplied and inner tubes to which process liquids are supplied for transfer of heat from the bottoms to the process liquids. From the tube assembly the two liquids are discharged into the still through separate, elongated, parallel discharge pipes. The process liquids discharge pipe is positioned above the bottoms liquids discharge pipe and an elongated, metal, angle plate is positioned as an inverted V between the two discharge pipes. Efficiency is improved over prior systems wherein process liquids are added to the still without being preheated by the bottoms fluids, and without the unique still intake manifold.

Abstract: A waste photopolymer plate washout fluid solvent distillation apparatus includes a single enclosure enclosing a waste washout fluid container, a recovered solvent container, and a distillation unit in which waste washout is distilled by application of heat and vacuum pressure to the waste washout, and by supplying a metered supply of a surrogate solvent to the distilled waste washout as a desired solvent is distilled from the waste washout. The apparatus, by supplying the surrogate solvent to the waste washout as the desired solvent is distilled from the waste washout, enables a greater percentage of the desired solvent to be recovered from the waste washout than has been heretofore possible with prior art apparatus, and also enables the waste washout to be disposed of as a liquid.

Abstract: The apparatus is located almost completely under the surface of the sea. The vacua in the de-aeration and the evaporation chambers are generated by a vacuum pump and are maintained by the effects of a pressure reduction device at the inlet for warm seawater and a lifting pump at the outlet for brine. The de-aerator and the evaporator are laid out as heat exchangers and penetrated by heating tubes, which are flowed through passively by warm seawater. The immersion tube forming the steam compartment which is suspended vertically in the sea serves as a condenser. The condenser is cooled passively by cold seawater. The attachment to the bottom of the sea is performed by a single point mooring construction via an anchor chain at an anchor weight. The elevation of the water production unit is controlled automatically by means of an air chamber and an air compressor.