Still And Feed-water Heater Patents (Class 202/167)
  • Patent number: 10928097
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water system that generates heated water and distilled water. The water system has a boiler configured to boil water to produce steam. The water system also has a condensing conduit to receive the steam, wherein thermal energy is removed to condense the steam into distilled water and to cool the distilled water. A heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the condensing conduit to remove a first portion of the thermal energy. The heat exchanger has a heating conduit configured to receive water and to heat the water using the first portion of the thermal energy to produce heated water. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the water system also has a heat remover thermally coupled to the condensing conduit to remove a second portion of the thermal energy thereby cooling the distilled water in the condensing conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Defang Yuan
  • Patent number: 8877016
    Abstract: Systems and methods for solar steam generation are described. The systems and methods include moving at least one frame mounted optical focusing lens to track the sun in two axes and disposing a water boiler at a focus of each optical focusing lens. Raw water is pumped through an inlet at a bottom of each boiler and solar energy is concentrated, using each optical focusing lens, on each boiler, heating the raw water in each boiler and evaporating steam from the raw water. The steam exits each boiler, via a steam outlet pipe. Remaining salts and solids in each boiler are ground by rotation of salt grinding-cleaning gears. These ground salts and solids are drained and/or pumped out of each boiler from an exit in the bottom of each boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Mazen A. Ba-abbad, Hany A. Al-Ansary, Essam A. Al-Ammar
  • Publication number: 20140190817
    Abstract: A method for purifying water involves heating impure water in a first reboiler, a second reboiler and a combustion steam generator to ultimately produce about 3 parts by weight of clean water and about 1 part by weight of clean steam for every 4 parts by weight of the impure water. A water treatment system includes a gas-fired combustion steam generator that is operable to produce a hot steam stream. A reboiler is connected in receiving communication with the gas-fired combustion steam generator to receive the hot steam stream. A separator is connected with the reboiler and is operable to separate an output stream from the reboiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY ROCKETDYNE, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Mays
  • Patent number: 8623174
    Abstract: A liquid evaporation system for evaporating clean water from a reservoir of wastewater includes a liquid evaporator to evaporate and separate water vapor from the wastewater in a confined space, an air blower to supply air to the liquid evaporator, and a wastewater heating system arranged to collect heat to heat the wastewater in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Craig Clerkin
  • Patent number: 8496787
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Michael John Lord
  • Patent number: 8449726
    Abstract: A solar thermal system for the partial desalination of sea water and for generating electricity includes a mass of black top material such as asphalt or the like used in paving roadways, parking lots and the like. The system also includes a network of interconnected conductive conduits such as a serpentine array of copper tubing and a pump for pumping seawater through the copper tubing that is in contact with or surrounded by the black top or asphalt portion of a roadway. The asphalt layer acts as a black body for absorbing heat from the sun and converts solar energy to thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Fahad Alawadi
  • Patent number: 8419904
    Abstract: Systems and methods for solar water purification are described. In one exemplary aspect, the system includes a sun-tracking reflecting mirror unit, and a two-axis Fresnel concentrator mirror unit to collect sunlight reflected from the sun-tracking reflecting mirror unit and focus the sunlight. A central water purification boiler module includes a heating zone upon which the sunlight is focused by the two-axis Fresnel concentrator mirror unit. The focused sunlight heats the water contained therein to create steam which is redirected to heat water coming into the boiler and to condense as purified water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Mazen Ba-abbad, Hany Al-Ansary, Essam Al-Bahkali, Essam Al-Ammar, Ibrahime Al-Olayan, Davinder Surah
  • Patent number: 8394241
    Abstract: A distillation-type drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having a liquid-incoming end, a liquid-outgoing end and a heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit. The body has a heating room communicating with the liquid-outgoing end. A steam pipe has a first end and a second end, with the first end communicating with the heating room. A condensing unit has a condenser tube having one end communicating with the second end. A water-collecting container has a water-storing room communicating with another end of the condenser tube. An energy-saving heating unit includes an energy-saving heat-exchanging tube and a heating device. The energy-saving heat-exchanging tube includes a water-incoming end, a water-outgoing end and an energy-saving heat-exchanging room. An outlet valve communicates with the water-outgoing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Ariba Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Long-Ming Wang
  • Publication number: 20120279903
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for steam production for oil production. The method includes generating hot driving fluid, indirectly using the hot driving fluid to heat water containing solids and organics, separating solids, and using the steam for generating hot process water or for underground injection. The system includes a non-direct contact heat exchanger connected to a separator for collecting and separating the solids from the gas. The water feed of the present invention can be water separated from produced oil and/or low quality water salvaged from industrial plants, such as refineries and tailings from an oilsands mine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Maoz BETZER TSILEVICH
  • Publication number: 20120267231
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and related methods of water purification by distillation that will operate in a self-contained mode using a passive heat source, such as, without limitation, solar heat, air conditioning waste heat, or waste heat from the exhaust or cooling systems of an internal combustion engine, which may be used to desalinate sea water, saline water, or saline water containing contaminants. The present invention may also be used to distil sewage water, creek water, swamp water or water containing contaminants or used to cleanse or purify water contaminated with mud, chemicals, minerals, or bacteria in a local environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Rahmi Oguz Capan
  • Patent number: 8268132
    Abstract: A distillation drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having liquid incoming and liquid outgoing ends and a heat-exchanging room, wherein the liquid providing unit connects to the liquid incoming end and communicates with the heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit, wherein the body has a heating room connecting to the liquid outgoing end and communicating with the heat-exchanging room; a steam pipe having first and second ends, wherein the first end communicates with the heating room, and a part of the steam pipe is received in the heat-exchanging room; a condensing unit having a condenser tube, wherein the condenser tube has one end communicating with the second end; a water-collecting unit having a water-storing room connecting to another end of the condenser tube; and an outlet valve communicating with the water-storing room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Long-Ming Wang
  • Publication number: 20120193213
    Abstract: A modular portable evaporator system for use in a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) systems having an evaporator, with a sump comprising an oil skimming weir, a short tube vertical heat exchanger including an outer shell containing the short tubes provided for lower water circulation rate. A system further having, external to the evaporator, a compressor 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 demister protecting the compressor from liquid impurities. The evaporator system receives produced water from the process into the sump and provides cleaned hot water to the boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: KemeX Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth James
  • Publication number: 20120000762
    Abstract: A solar thermal system for the partial desalination of sea water and for generating electricity includes a mass of black top material such as asphalt or the like used in paving roadways, parking lots and the like. The system also includes a network of interconnected conductive conduits such as a serpentine array of copper tubing and a pump for pumping seawater through the copper tubing that is in contact with or surrounded by the black top or asphalt portion of a roadway. The asphalt layer acts as a black body for absorbing heat from the sun and converts solar energy to thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Fahad Alawadi
  • Publication number: 20110284362
    Abstract: Systems and methods for solar water purification are described. In one exemplary aspect, the system includes a sun-tracking reflecting mirror unit, and a two-axis Fresnel concentrator mirror unit to collect sunlight reflected from the sun-tracking reflecting mirror unit and focus the sunlight. A central water purification boiler module includes a heating zone upon which the sunlight is focused by the two-axis Fresnel concentrator mirror unit. The focused sunlight heats the water contained therein to create steam which is redirected to heat water coming into the boiler and to condense as purified water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: King Saud University
    Inventors: Mazen Ba-abbad, Hany Al-Ansary, Essam Al-Bahkali, Essam Al-Ammar, Ibrahime Al-Olayan, Davinder Surah
  • Publication number: 20110233044
    Abstract: A multi-effect evaporator, having an upstream and a downstream end, adapted for distillation of water. It comprises a plurality of effects connected in a series manner and arranged into groups. Each group has a common parallel water feed inlet adapted to supply all effects in the group with feed water. The evaporator further includes a main feed water line in fluid communication with the most upstream group. An array of heaters is disposed along the line, adapted for heating the feed water before its entry into the effects of the latter group. Each effect comprises means for forwarding the second outlet vapor into one of the heaters for heating the feed water. Each group comprises a pump adapted to extract the concentrate from the effects of the group and pump it into the common parallel water feed of an adjacent downstream group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: I.D.E. TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Joseph WEINBERG, Avraham OPHIR
  • Publication number: 20110198208
    Abstract: For desalinating saline water, a solar energy collector plant comprising parabolic trough collectors is used as a heat generator. With the generated heat, a heat engine is driven by steam, wherein the heat engine drives a generator to generate electricity. The residual steam of the heat engine is used to heat a distillation device in which a first partial flow of the saline water is distilled. A second partial flow of the saline water is fed to a reverse osmosis device that is supplied with the electricity of the generator to generate pressure. After both partial flows are desalinated or partially desalinated, the two partial flows are mixed in a mixing device which thereby produces drinking water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Deutsches Zentrum Fur Luft-Und Raumfahrt E.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Olwig, Christian Sattler, Klaus Hennecke, Klaus Pottler
  • Publication number: 20110155556
    Abstract: A buccal delivery system capable of being blended in a normal dry powder process and compressed using a standard tabletting machine, said buccal delivery system comprising a matrix of: (a) an effective amount of one or more active ingredients; (b) an amount of one or more polyethylene glycols or derivatives thereof having a molecular weight between 1000 to 8000 sufficient to provide the required hardness and time for dissolution of the matrix; (c) 0.05-2% by weight of the total matrix of one or more suspending agents; (d) 0.05-2% by weight of the total matrix of one or more flowing agents; and (e) 0.05-2% by weight of the total matrix of one or more sweeteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: AQUAMILL FIVE STAR PTY LTD
    Inventor: Frederick William Millar
  • Publication number: 20110147195
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for improving the efficiency of a combined-cycle power generation plant and desalination unit. The process includes supplying exhaust gases from a gas turbine set used to generate electrical power to a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and then directing the steam from the HRSG to a steam turbine set. Salinous water is supplied into an effect of the desalination unit. Steam exhausted from the steam turbine set is utilized in the effect of the desalination unit to produce a distillate vapor and brine from the effect by heat exchange. Additionally, steam is introduced steam from at least one additional heat source from the combined-cycle power generation plant to the effect to increase the mass flow rate of steam into the effect. In one embodiment, the additional heat source is an intercooler heat exchanger. Heated water from the intercooler heat exchanger is provided to a reduced atmosphere flash tank, and the steam flashed in the flash tank is provided to the effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew Philip Shapiro, Nishith Vora, Ching-Jen Tang, AliciA Jillian Jackson Hardy, Douglas Westerkamp
  • Publication number: 20100314238
    Abstract: A hydro-thermal exchange unit (HTEU) for desalinating feed water in accordance with a humidification-dehumidification includes feed water, fresh water and gas conduit circuits for transporting feed water, fresh water, and gas, respectively. The unit also includes an evaporator through which a portion of the feed water conduit and the gas conduit pass. The evaporator causes evaporation of a portion of the feed water to produce vapor that is transported through the gas conduit. The unit also includes a condenser through which a portion of the gas conduit and the fresh water conduit pass. The condenser has input and output ports for coupling the gas and fresh water conduit circuits. The condenser extracts moisture from the vapor transported therethrough by the gas conduit. The extracted moisture is discharged through the fresh water conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SUNLIGHT PHOTONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sergey Frolov, Michael Cyrus, Allan James Bruce
  • Publication number: 20100294645
    Abstract: A distillation system for distilling influent liquid includes a counterflow heat exchanger for receiving and heating the influent liquid. A heater is coupled to the counterflow heat exchanger for receiving the influent liquid from the counterflow heat exchanger and heating the influent liquid. An evaporation unit is coupled to the heater and to a sump for receiving the influent liquid from the heater and for receiving liquid from the sump and forming a vapor from at least a portion of the influent liquid and the liquid received from the sump. The evaporation unit returns unevaporated liquid to the sump. A condensation unit is coupled to the evaporation unit for forming a condensate from vapor received from the evaporation unit. The condensation unit is coupled to the counterflow heat exchanger for transferring the condensate to the counterflow heat exchanger. The heater simultaneously heats the liquid in the sump and the influent liquid received from the counterflow heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ZanAqua Technologies
    Inventors: William H. Zebuhr, Arthur E. Ruggles
  • Publication number: 20100065414
    Abstract: A water heating and distillation arrangement including a low-pressure steam generator boiler system including at least one boiler and adapted to produce steam at a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure; a hot water tank; a composite, low-pressure condenser having condenser tubes for condensing steam into distilled water; the condenser being adapted to transfer heat of condensation of the steam to heat water in the hot water tank in which the condenser tubes are located; at least one steam pipe for transporting steam from the boiler system at low pressure loss to the condenser; means for processing, collecting and distributing the distilled water flowing out of the condenser; supply means for supplying the hot water tank and boiler system with feed water, and of distributing the hot water for use; and an integrated sensing, control, safety, and diagnostic system for controlling and integrating functions of the boiler system, the condenser and associated components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Willem Luloff Rautenbach, Sarel Johannes Rautenbach
  • Publication number: 20100059358
    Abstract: A distiller to be used for water purification, said distiller comprising a condenser, an evaporation pan, means for allowing heated air to enter below said pan and joining an airflow above the pan, and an evaporator for collecting water from the airflow The method for purifying water using this distiller is to draw airflow above the evaporation pan containing contaminated water, passing the airflow across a cooling element, into a heat pipe, through a condenser and through the evaporation pan Purified water is collected from the airflow when it is passed across the cooling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: FREEDOM WATER COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ritchey, Richard Weisbeck
  • Publication number: 20090308727
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinating seawater which uses an ammonia bicarbonate forward osmosis desalination process. Seawater is pumped through one side of a membrane assembly. A draw solution is pumped through the other side of the membrane assembly. The draw solution withdraws water molecules from the seawater through the membrane into the draw solution. A draw solution separator receives a heated draw solution which then decomposes into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. Potable water is separated from ammonia has and carbon dioxide gas. The ammonia gas and carbon dioxide gas are recombined with a portion of the potable water stream to reform the ammonium bicarbonate draw solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Eugene Kirts
  • Publication number: 20090077969
    Abstract: A means is provided to produce fresh water from seawater on both the boiler side and the condenser side of an OTEC power plant. Part of the warm ocean surface water is evaporated, and its vapor transfers heat to the working-fluid boiler as the vapor condenses. The condensation of the vapor provides fresh water. On the condenser side, the condensation of the working-fluid vapor from the turbine in the condenser releases heat that evaporates seawater that runs down the outside of the condenser surfaces. The vapor from the seawater is condensed by a heat exchanger that uses input from colder seawater. As the cold seawater accepts heat from the condensing vapor, it becomes slightly warmer and provides the source of seawater that accepts heat from the condenser. The condensing vapor on the heat exchanger becomes fresh water that is drawn out as potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Melvin L. Prueitt
  • Publication number: 20080277263
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for treatment of impotable water and for optionally simultaneously creating surplus electricity. Briefly, water is marshaled through a series of chambers by variances in pressure which are created as the water changes state from liquid to gas and from gas to liquid. The source or input water moves through the system, first heated, then vaporized where the impurities fall out, then pushed and pulled through a nozzle where it turns the blades of a turbine-type generator, and finally condensed where the newly-distilled water is removed from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Helmer C. SWENHOLT
  • Publication number: 20080164136
    Abstract: A multi-effect evaporator (10), having an upstream and a downstream end, adapted for distillation of water. It comprises a plurality of effects (20a a20d) connected in a series manner and arranged into groups. Each group has a common parallel water feed inlet adapted to supply all effects in the group with feed water. The evaporator further includes a main feed water line (11) in fluid communication with the most upstream group. An array of heaters (24) is disposed along the line, adapted for heating the feed water before its entry into the effects of the latter group. Each effect comprises means for forwarding the second outlet vapor into one of the heaters for heating the feed water. Each group comprises a pump (21) adapted to extract the concentrate (23) from the effects of the group and pump it into the common parallel water feed of an adjacent downstream group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Avraham Ophir, Joseph Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20040007451
    Abstract: An evaporation system that uses the weight of condensed liquid as an energy source. An inlet feed is introduced into an enclosure through an inlet. The inlet feed is vaporized in an evaporation region of an enclosure, and condensed to a liquid in a condensation region of the enclosure. The condensed liquid collects in a liquid region of the enclosure. The liquid region has an outlet. A blower between the evaporation region and the condensation region maintains the condensation region at a higher pressure than the evaporation region. The level of the liquid in the liquid region defines the volume and pressure of the evaporation and condensation regions, such that as the liquid is drained from the outlet, at least in part by the weight of the liquid, the pressure in the evaporation region decreases. The flow through the inlet and the outlet is regulated to maintain the pressure in the evaporation region at a pressure that tends to vaporize the inlet feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Lynn L. Northrup
  • Publication number: 20030057084
    Abstract: A solar distilling apparatus employs anthracite coal as a heat-absorbing medium. Greenhouse roof elements rest over a gutter that is isolated from the water-holding container to prevent deposit formation and algae growth from reaching the gutter. Bacterial growth is inhibited by ventilation and the use of titanium-laden magnetite mixed with the anthracite particles. The gutter is also isolated from the exterior of the unit, which prevents contamination from outside sources. The exterior side of the roof elements resting on the gutter are fitted with a metal skirt that provides a heat sink preventing the re-evaporation of condensation flowing toward the gutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: David M. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6113744
    Abstract: A water distillation apparatus includes a degasification chamber having a top and a bottom. A liquid inlet is positioned adjacent to the bottom. A gas outlet is positioned adjacent to the top. A liquid outlet is positioned intermediate the top and the bottom. A float/valve assembly is provided for controlling the level of liquid within the chamber. A boiling chamber is provided having a top and a bottom. A liquid inlet is positioned intermediate the top and the bottom connected by a first transfer conduit to the liquid outlet of the degasification chamber. A steam outlet is positioned adjacent the top. A heating element is disposed within the boiling chamber whereby liquids within the boiling chamber are heated to the boiling point with the resulting steam passing out through the steam outlet. A condensation chamber is provided having a steam inlet and a liquid outlet. The steam inlet is connected by a second transfer conduit to the steam outlet of the boiling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: James Munro
  • Patent number: 6099693
    Abstract: A movable water distiller capable of use in conjunction with a water heater includes a frame having a top which supports the water heater. The distiller components are supported on a tray having a guide assembly engaging a track assembly horizontally positioned in the bottom region of the frame. The guide assembly allows the distiller components to be inserted within, and extracted from, the frame interior while the track assembly maintains alignment of the tray. Alternatively, the guide assembly may be attached to the top surfaces of the track assembly. Paneling surrounds the sides and back of the frame, while a front cover is attached to the front of the tray. The front cover and the paneling enclose the interior of the frame and prevent access to the distiller components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Pure Water, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Palmer, Mark W. Napier
  • Patent number: 6071383
    Abstract: A distillator has an outer casing, a boiling device disposed in the outer casing, a hot water box disposed in the outer casing, a cold water box disposed in the outer casing, a first faucet disposed on the hot water box, a second faucet disposed on the cold water box, a first vapor pipe connected to the boiling device and the hot water box, a second vapor pipe connected to the hot water box and the cold water box, a water pipe connected to the boiling device and the cold water box and passing through the hot water box, the water pipe inserted in the first vapor pipe and the second vapor pipe, a heating device disposed on the boiling device, and a heater disposed on the hot water box. A connection is disposed on an end of the water pipe and passes through the cold water box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Chren Tsai
  • Patent number: 5705036
    Abstract: A water distilling apparatus includes a preheat tank having an inlet and an outlet for storing water from a water source via the inlet, a boiling tank formed of a conductive casing connected to a ground potential and having an inlet in connection with the outlet of the preheat tank, a heater located within the boiling tank to boil water thereby generating steam, and an outlet flue extending from the boiling tank through the preheat tank as to condense the steam and preheat the water within the preheat tank, a heat dissipation coil connected with the outlet flue out of the preheat tank, a fan blowing air against the heat dissipation coil, a cool water tank connected with the heat dissipation coil for storing condensed water therefrom, an electrode vertically extending into the boiling tank, electrically isolated from the case of the boiling tank and connected to a positive voltage source, a control circuit electrically connected to each of the electrode, the fan, and the heater for disconnecting the fan and th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventors: Yueh-feng Wu, Mu-huo Chen
  • Patent number: 5630913
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Davoud Tajer-Ardebili
  • Patent number: 5348623
    Abstract: An automatic water heating and distilling apparatus is provided having a hot water reservoir, an evaporator tank, a condenser, a distilled water reservoir and a control mechanism. Water is boiled within the evaporator tank generating steam which is condensed in the condenser to form distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is transferred into the hot water reservoir. The distilled water reservoir has an input coupled to the condenser, an output for distilled water, and an overflow so that excess distilled water is returned to the evaporator tank. The control mechanism automatically regulates the operation of a heater within the evaporator to maintain the water in the hot water reservoir within a selected operating range. Various alternative embodiments are also described including a hot water heating apparatus utilizing an enclosed heat transfer device partially filled with liquid having a boiling point above the selected temperature for the water to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 5304286
    Abstract: To provide a balanced supply of distilled water and undistilled hot water for a household, a condenser coil communicates at one end with a steam generator located above a hot water heater and at its other end well the holding tank of a distilled water system, with a condenser entering the hot water heater near the bottom. The steam generator power input matches the power needed to meet the recovery rate to satisfy undistilled hot water demand under normal conditions. The condenser includes a plurality of loops grouped together so a line drawn from top to bottom through them is no longer than 5 inches. The length of the loops is at least 6 inches and the tubes have inside diameters between 1/4 inch and 5 inches and a total area of at least 25 square inches. Near the outlet of the condenser, the tube bends upwardly by approximately a diameter to create a water holding portion in the lower most loop of the condenser to restrain condensate and maximize heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: David G. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5286351
    Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 5037510
    Abstract: An integrated system provides combined space heating, water heating and water distillation. The system is adapted for supplying combined services to residential and commercial buildings. The system may be used in retrofitting existing space heating furnaces and/or water heaters to provide an energy and cost efficient combined system. A portable water heating/water distilling unit can be used with an existing portable self-contained heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Nils Nygards
  • Patent number: 4946558
    Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 4906337
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying both hot water and distilled water includes a water distillation unit having a steam generator, a condenser connected with the steam generator for converting steam into distilled water and a holding tank for receiving distilled water from the condenser. The condenser is in heat transfer relation to the interior of a water heater tank. Water level monitors are provided for monitoring the level of water in the steam generator and the holding tank and temperature sensors sense the temperature of water in the steam generator and water heater tank. When the level of water in the holding tank is above a predetermined value, the steam generator is de-energized and feed water is admitted to the steam generator to dilute the contents to a safe temperature before the contents are discharged to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: David G. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4601789
    Abstract: A water purification and hot water supply apparatus is provided including a feed water intake providing water in excess of the distilled water output, a heater controlling the quantity of water boiled, a waste water exit port to remove accumulated water above a certain level, a distilled water exit port in the vapor space, a condensing device to transfer the heat of condensation to a hot water tank and a waste water heat exchange device to transfer heat from the waste water to the hot water tank. A volatile organic compound removing tank to heat and vent off the contaminants is positioned to receive heat from the water in the still section of the apparatus which then feeds water to the feed water intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignees: John G. Bjorklund, Shirley W. Bjorklund, Leona House, Leonard J. House
    Inventor: John G. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 4549936
    Abstract: A combined distillation apparatus and hot liquid system having a hot liquid heater connected to a cold liquid storage tank and in which the distilled liquid delivers its heat to the cold incoming liquid within the cold liquid storage tank so that the cold incoming liquid is preheated for subsequent delivery to the hot liquid heater. A heat dissipation coil located within or closely adjacent to the cold liquid storage tank has a first coil being filled with a coolant, which is the cold incoming liquid captured from the cold liquid storage tank, and a second coil being filled with the distilled liquid so that the distilled liquid may be cooled before re-entering the condenser and mixing with the steam and vapor entering the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Inventor: James L. Erickson
  • Patent number: 4390396
    Abstract: An apparatus for the distillation of vaporizable liquids, for example alcohol, solvents used for the degreasing of metal and the like, comprises a distillation chamber, a heating unit in the region of the bottom of the distillation chamber, a cooling and condensation unit at an upper portion of the distillation chamber and a cold-generating unit. According to the invention, the cold-generating unit is formed as a heat pump with a circulating refrigerant and has a compressor, a cold branch and a hot branch. The cold branch is connected to the cooling and condensation unit of the distillation chamber while the hot branch transfers heat via a heat exchanger to a heat storage device, e.g. a utility water reservoir from which hot water is drawn to heat the heating unit of the distillation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Langbein-Pfanhauser Werke AG
    Inventor: Heinz Koblenzer
  • Patent number: 4035240
    Abstract: The water purification apparatus of this invention is used in combination with a domestic hot water heating tank and comprises a water container mounted on top of the tank. Hot tank water is supplied to the container through a passage controlled by a float-actuated needle valve. Water in the container receives additional heat from a heat-radiating pipe which extends from the tank through the container and back to the tank to maintain a continuous circulation. Water vapor formed in the container is carried away through a duct and condenses. A receptacle is provided for receiving condensate from the discharge outlet of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1977
    Inventor: Peter James McLean