Abstract: An extracting apparatus includes: a first phase transition section that causes a phase transition of an extraction solvent from a gas to a liquid; a second phase transition section that causes a phase transition of the extraction solvent from a liquid to a gas; a treatment tank that stores a treated material, and receives an inflow of the extraction solvent that has been liquefied in the first phase transition section; a first valve that is provided between the second phase transition section and the treatment tank; and a second valve that is provided between the first phase transition section and the treatment tank. The second phase transition section is connected with a recovery valve.

Abstract: A membrane evaporative condenser (MEC) includes a repeating sequence of channels for evaporation and/or condensation are arranged, each sequence of channels includes a condensation channel for condensation of a vapor to a liquid, an evaporation channel, and zero to one hundred evaporation-condensation channels. The condensation channel has walls of a non-permeable material which exterior to the condensation channel share the wall with a liquid evaporative medium (LEM) conduit that contains a LEM. The LEM conduit includes a moisture transfer membrane (MTM), where the LEM can evaporate into an evaporation channel or an evaporation-condensation channel that can amplify the effect of the heat transfer for additional mass transfer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a desalination system, comprising a membrane distillation unit; a preheater having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the outlet being in communication with the inlet; an evaporator in communication with the liquid outlet of the MD, and having a fluid inlet configured to provide heat to aqueous liquid in the evaporator, the evaporator having a vapor outlet; at least one adsorption-desorption unit, having a vapor inlet in communication with the vapor outlet of the evaporator, the AD including a fluid inlet configured to receive either a heating or a cooling fluid and a fluid outlet, the AD having a vapor outlet and further including a fluid inlet in communication with the fluid inlet of the AD, a fluid outlet in communication with the heating fluid inlet of the preheater; and a condenser in communication with the permeate vapor outlet of the MD or the AD or both and having a condensation outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus that uses a brine from a well that is used to both generate electricity and recover valuable minerals present in the brine. The method and apparatus uses a hydrophobic membrane to separate water vapor from the brine to concentrate the brine that is then used to recover the minerals.

Abstract: The invention provides for the steam of a solvent to reach the space of an extractor following two possible routes thus exposing the sample to a continuous flow of fresh solvent, causing the extractant fluid to be fed through the sample by its upper and lower ends, which increases the extraction radius and as result a high percentage of the extracted component is obtained, reducing substantially the amount of solvent used and therefore reducing the processing time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing a desired xylene isomer. The method includes adsorbing the desired xylene isomer from a mixed xylene stream in an adsorbent chamber. The desired xylene isomer is desorbed with a desorbent to produce an extract stream with the desired xylene isomer and the desorbent, where the desorbent has a lower boiling point than the desired xylene isomer. The extract stream is fractionated in an extract fractionator to produce a low pressure extract overhead stream with gaseous desorbent. The low pressure extract overhead stream is pressurized to produce a high pressure extract overhead stream with a temperature greater than an extract reboiler temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy efficient process for the extraction of non-polar lipids from photosynthetically grown micro-algal biomass using low boiling point solvents and utilizing solar energy for heating as well as chilling operations. The invention also relates to improve energy output to input ratio which is the main hurdle in the micro-algal lipid extraction process. The present invention also relates to the recovery of the solvents used for the above processes via solar energy.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an automatic system for recovering protein powder meal, crude and pure omega-3 oil and purified distilled water from a mixture of animal tissue processed in a filter-drier-reaction tank. Animal tissue, for example fish, and organic solvent are directly or indirectly fed into the filter-drier-reaction tank. The filter-drier-reaction tank mixes, heats, and separates solid and heavy liquid portions of the mixture, the organic solvents are automatically recycled back in to the system after distillation. The solid portion is retained in the filter-drier-reaction tank and baked. Solid protein powder product (the protein powder meal) is thus recovered.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for reforming of hydrocarbons including recovery of products are provided. In one example, a method comprises separating a reforming-zone effluent into a H2, C6? hydrocarbon-containing gas phase and a C5+ hydrocarbon-containing liquid phase. The H2, (C1-C11) hydrocarbon-containing gas phase is partially condensed and separated to form a H2, C6? hydrocarbon-containing net gas stream and a C3+ hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream. The C5+ hydrocarbon-containing liquid phase, the C3+ hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream, and at least a portion of the H2, C6? hydrocarbon-containing net gas stream are introduced to a re-contacting recovery zone for forming a H2-rich stream, a C3/C4 hydrocarbon-rich LPG stream, and a C5+ hydrocarbon-rich reformate stream.

Abstract: A process and system for separating butenes and butanes by extractive distillation using a polar solvent is disclosed. The process may include: contacting a hydrocarbon mixture including butanes and butenes with a lean solvent mixture in an extractive distillation column to form an enriched solvent fraction comprising butenes; recovering an overheads fraction comprising butanes and a bottoms fraction from the extractive distillation column; feeding the bottoms fraction to a stripper including a stripping section and a wash section; recovering the lean solvent mixture as a bottoms fraction and a stripper overheads fraction comprising butenes and water from the stripper; condensing the overheads fraction to form a water fraction and a product butenes fraction; feeding water as reflux to a top of the stripper wash section; feeding at least a portion of the condensed water fraction intermediate the top and bottom of the stripper wash section as a second reflux.

Abstract: A process for recovering 1,3-butadiene from a C4 fraction, where the butadiene extraction processes may be operated at an intermediate pressure using a liquid ring type compressor. The use of a liquid ring compressor, among other process options presented herein, may advantageously reduce capital and operating costs, similar to the compressorless option, while mitigating the risks associated with the higher operating temperatures and pressures associated with the compressorless option. Thus, the embodiments of the processes disclosed herein encompass the best features of the conventional design (low pressure, with a compressor) with the advantages of the compressorless design (low capital and operating cost), as well as other advantages unique to the systems disclosed herein.

Abstract: A butadiene extraction processes designed for flexible operations, with or without a compressor, is disclosed. The ability to run at both high and low pressures provides added process flexibility.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming trimethylolpropane from purification residue includes hydrolyzing a purification residue with an aqueous medium in the presence of (i) an acid and (ii) an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A recovery method and a system for delivering extracted benzene, toluene, and xylene from a hydrocarbon gas stream is provided. The method includes introducing a feed stream of a BTX-rich hydrocarbon gas into an absorber. The method further includes combining, in the absorber, the hydrocarbon gas with an aprotic solvent, such that the hydrocarbon gas and the aprotic solvent are thoroughly intermixed so that the BTX is absorbed into the aprotic solvent, resulting in the production of a BTX-rich solvent and a substantially BTX-free gas. The method further includes vaporizing, using a vaporizer, the BTX-rich solvent to produce a vaporized BTX-rich solvent, and separating, using a distiller, the BTX from the vaporized BTX-rich solvent for delivering the extracted BTX from the hydrocarbon gas. The separation of the BTX from the vaporized BTX-rich solvent also produces a BTX-lean solvent that is recycled back into the absorber as the aprotic solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus according to various approaches includes separating a component from a feed stream using adsorption separation. The process further includes directing one of the extract stream and the raffinate stream to a high pressure distillation column. In addition, the process includes pumping the one of the extract stream and the raffinate stream to increase the pressure in the stream to flow the one of the extract stream and the raffinate stream into an inlet of the distillation column.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments relating to particular systems comprising a selective transfer membrane that can be utilized in material separation. In certain embodiments, the membrane assembly comprises part of a desalination, distillation, liquid purification, and/or heating and cooling system. Other particular embodiments allow for a high rate of thermal capture by way of the system utilizing a selective transfer membrane. Certain preferred embodiments include a selective transfer membrane comprising an ionomeric polymer that is permeable to high dipole materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils and essence and pigments from odorous raw materials by microwave radiation heating under sub-critical conditions, which has advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser unit is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas extractive flowing out of the extraction unit. Because both volatile aromatic compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave radiation heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method applied are really environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an apparatus and method for recovering acetic acid from an aqueous feed stream containing acetic acid, in particular a stream generated during terephthalic acid production. The apparatus includes: a liquid-liquid extraction column to which water-rich feed streams are fed, having a guard bed situated near the top and within the extraction column for conversion by reaction with acetic acid of alcohol within the mixture to the corresponding ester; and an azeotropic distillation column to remove residual water from acetic acid, to which water-poor feed streams are fed directly at a height of the azeotropic distillation column at which the mixture therein has a similar water concentration. The liquid-liquid extraction column produces an extract comprising an extraction solvent and acetic acid which is sent to the azeotropic distillation column to separate residual water and acetic acid.

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 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: This invention relates to a process for reducing the corrosion rate of iron-containing vessels within an ethylene glycol distillation system. The inventive process includes the addition of an additive component of sodium nitrite and sodium hypophosphite into such iron-containing vessels, to thereby react with iron of the inside walls and form a protective coating thereon. This process reduces the corrosion rate in iron-containing vessels of the apparatus, and reduces the catalytic effects of iron corrosion products within the system. Thus, not only is the on-stream time of the vessels extended, but also product quality is improved by reducing the aldehyde content of the final ethylene glycol product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments relating to particular systems comprising a selective transfer membrane that can be utilized in material separation. In certain embodiments, the membrane assembly comprises part of a desalination, distillation, liquid purification, and/or heating and cooling system. Other particular embodiments allow for a high rate of thermal capture by way of the system utilizing a selective transfer membrane. Certain preferred embodiments include a selective transfer membrane comprising an ionomeric polymer that is permeable to high dipole materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved systems for recovery of alkylene oxide from feed streams containing the same in an alkylene oxide recovery column. The invention also relates to improved processes for recovery of alkylene oxide from feed streams containing the same in an alkylene oxide recovery column.

Abstract: A top temperature T1 of a distillation tower 1 is held below a liquefying temperature of a light fraction by returning a part of an exhaust gas W, which is cooled by a condenser 5, to the upper zone of the distillation tower 1. A bottom temperature T2 is raised up to 300° C. at highest by returning a part of a liquid product P from a re-boiler 3 to a lower zone of the distillation tower 1. When a liquid hydrocarbon L comes in countercurrent contact with a stripping gas G inside the distillation tower 1 with the temperature profile that an inner temperature gradually falls down along an upward direction, mercury is efficiently transferred from the liquid L to a vapor phase without effusion of the light fraction in accompaniment with the exhaust gas W.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering 1-butene from a feed steam comprising n-butane, isobutane and butene isomers using a single, divided wall distillation column. The disclosed process includes introducing the feed steam into an inlet of a first side of a distillation column, wherein the distillation column comprises a top, a bottom and a center dividing wall extending between the bottom and the top of the column and dividing the column into the first side and a second side. The process includes taking off an isobutane stream from the top of the second side of column, taking off a 1-butene stream as a bottoms stream from the second side of the column, and taking off a combination 2-butene and n-butane stream as a bottom stream from the first side of column.

Abstract: A closed-loop biomass extraction apparatus using HFC solvents including an extraction vessel, an evaporator for the solvent, a compressor and a condenser connected in series in a closed loop extraction circuit; a solvent recovery loop constituted by a bypass line; a plurality of flow control valves that are selectively operable for connecting the solvent recovery loop in parallel with the closed loop extraction circuit; and at least one container containing an adsorbent for organic contaminants and a desiccant, the container being connected in the solvent recovery loop to which solvent in the extraction circuit may be supplied through selective operation of the flow control valves whereby solvent used in the extraction circuit may be supplied through the adsorbent and the desiccant.

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.

Abstract: In an apparatus capable of distilling and refining an easily polymerizable substance, piping is performed so that when a strainer in action is switched to a backup strainer, the strainer can be switched after removing the air in the backup strainer to replace the air in the backup strainer to a discharge liquid of a pump. According to the apparatus, switching the strainers installed on the upstream side of the pump for extracting a liquid of a vacuum distillation column which distills and refines the easily polymerizable substance can be performed with no trouble in the operation of the distillation column. When the apparatus comprises a means measuring a differential pressure between the upstream side and the downstream side of the strainer in action, the two or more strainers installed in parallel can be switched at proper times and the easily polymerizable substance can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: Discloses is apparatus for extracting biomass from a biomass supply, including a hollow vessel in which is established a countercurrent flow of biomass in the form of liquid or particles of biomass entrained in a liquid and solvent. The vessel includes an outlet for a solvent/extract mixture at a first vessel side and an outlet for biomass at a second vessel side. The solvent/extract mixture outlet is coupled to a closed loop circuit that includes at least a separator which encompasses a condenser having first and second stages connected in series with the second of such stages operating at a lower temperature than the first stage and both stages supplying substantially uncontaminated solvent to the hollow vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rectifying column for extractive distillation, comprising a column main section (204) and a raffinate section (205) above said main section, an evaporator (208) situated on the lower end of the column, an inlet (214) disposed between the main section of the column and the raffinate section and a solvent inlet (215) arranged on the top side of the raffinate section (205) for feeding an extracting agent. According to the invention, the main section (204) has two chambers (216, 217) connected in parallel. A stripping section (222) is disposed between the bottom of the column (221) and the main section (204), in which concentration of the extracting agent occurs from the top down. The bottom (221) is connected to the solvent inflow (215) by a device (223) for recycling the extracting agent.

Abstract: A process for the purification of crude N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), which comprises extracting crude DPPD with a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixtures thereby forming an extract solution containing DPPD, passing the extract solution over an adsorption layer, and recovering purified DPPD from the solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of crude N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD) in which there is an extraction unit containing a liquid permeable container and an adsorption layer downstream of the container, a solvent evaporator downstream of the adsorption layer, a filter unit, a line for returning the filtrate to the solvent evaporator, and a condenser for returning solvent to the extraction unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for condensing moisture from an air stream. The apparatus is a heating, extracting and condensing system and method for efficiently recovering an ingredient from a raw material. The condenser is a housing having one or more fins or the like that are efficiently cooled by one or more thermoelectric coolers. A plurality of condensers can be arranged in series to improve efficiency.

Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of aromatic compounds from a mixture containing aromatic and non-aromatic compounds and method for retrofitting existing equipment for the same is provided. The improved process comprises the steps of recovering aromatic compounds via parallel operation of a hybrid extractive distillation/liquid-liquid extractor operation and variations thereof. Methods of quickly and economically retrofitting existing recovery process equipment for use with the improved aromatics recovery process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for condensing moisture from an air stream. The condenser includes concentric cylinders having a common wall. The outer cylinder contains a cooling material, such as water, and upon contact therewith, the air stream is cooled and moisture contained therein is condensed.

Abstract: A solvent extraction apparatus which includes a heating plate, a vessel for containing a solvent, an extraction thimble to obtain a sample to be extracted from said vessel and a cooler for condensing evaporated solvent vapors. The cooler is connected to the vessel for containing the solvent, preferably by an adaptor. A lifting rod is provided which passes through the cooler which, at its lower portion, is provided with a drip rim on which the extraction thimble is detachably fixed. The thimble can be moved vertically by the lifting rod and the flow of solvent into and out of the cooler can be regulated by the lifting rod.

Abstract: Highly purified HCl for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing HCl vapor from a liquid HCl reservoir, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a low-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: Extractor (21) has extraction vessel (24) to which reflux line (26) is molded in one piece. Valve (1) which can be opened to allow the extract to flow back from extraction vessel (24) into distillation vessel (22) is sealed into reflux line (26). Valve (1) can be triggered depending on the height of the solvent level in extraction vessel (24).

Abstract: A method for continuously extracting a solute from a carrier medium. A volatile solvent is placed in a lower distillation chamber of a vessel, the vessel including a convergent baffle disposed to separate the vessel into a lower distillation chamber and an upper extraction chamber. The convergent baffle is contoured to converge to define a conduit riser projecting upwardly into the extraction chamber and terminating in a vaporized solvent port placing the distillation chamber in fluid flow communication with the extraction chamber. A carrier medium containing a solute to be extracted is placed in the extraction chamber. The volatile solvent in the distillation chamber is then vaporized. The vaporized solvent flows upwardly and is converged through the convergent baffle and conduit riser. The converged vapor stream passes through the vaporized solvent port into the carrier medium, flowing through the carrier medium and inducing a linear-torroidal flow in the carrier medium.

Abstract: A method of processing a test sample to concentrate an analyte in the sample from a solvent in the sample includes: a) boiling the test sample containing the analyte and solvent in a boiling chamber to a temperature greater than or equal to the solvent boiling temperature and less than the analyte boiling temperature to form a rising sample vapor mixture; b) passing the sample vapor mixture from the boiling chamber to an elongated primary separation tube, the separation tube having internal sidewalls and a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being angled between vertical and horizontal and thus having an upper region and a lower region; c) collecting the physically transported liquid analyte on the internal sidewalls of the separation tube; and d) flowing the collected analyte along the angled internal sidewalls of the separation tube to and pass the separation tube lower region.

Abstract: In a solvent recovery plant including a recovery or distillation tower from which solvent product is recovered overhead, an isothermal separator, preferably a cyclone, is used to separate liquid phase contaminant (i.e. oil in a lubricating oil extraction process) in overhead product and to feed the separated liquid to the recovery tower as reflux. In addition, a portion of the feed to the tower can be branched off and mixed with the overhead product to bring its temperature down to close to the dew point of the solvent vapor. In this way, flooding of the uppermost tower trays and distillation of oil overhead can be overcome.

Abstract: A method for recovering solvent vapor in a manner which requires less power using an apparatus which is smaller in size, has a longer life, and is capable of being operated without reducing recovering efficiency, including locating an inlet of a suction pipe at a position within the container between the liquid surface of the solvent and an upper edge of the container, wherein the opening of the suction pipe is open downward, and drawing the vapor from the upper surface of the solvent in the container.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for continuously extracting a solute from a carrier medium (102) is provided. The apparatus is formed from a vessel (12) including a convergent baffle (22) separating the vessel into a lower distillation chamber (24) and an upper extraction chamber (26). The convergent baffle is configured as an inverted funnel such that it defines a conduit riser (28) projecting upwardly into the extraction chamber and terminating in a vaporized solvent port (30) placing the distillation chamber in fluid-flow direct communication with the extraction chamber. A vapor rotating spheres-condenser (34) is mounted on the upper end of the vessel and opens into the extraction chamber. Solvent is placed in the distillation chamber while the carrier medium containing the solute is placed in the extraction chamber. Solvent is vaporized in the distillation chamber, rises upwardly through the conduit riser, and passes through the carrier medium, thereby extracting solute in a continuous linear-toroidal motion.

Abstract: A concentrator/extractor apparatus for employing solvent to extract a substance from a sample in order to increase the concentration of the substance in less time than prior art apparatuses is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus, and kits including the disclosed apparatus and compatabile components, is provided with a sample containing body in which a hydrophobic membrane is utilized to prevent the sample liquid from migrating to the concentrator portion of the combination extractor/concentrator apparatus. Solvents having densities greater than, or lower than, the sample may be used to process such samples by the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: A compact solvent reprocessing system for use in a limited physical area. Solvents to be reprocessed is contacted by deionized water in a water wash column and delivered to a distillation column where waste solvent is separated from materials that boil at a higher temperature than the waste solvent. Distilled solvent is delivered to a drying column and final filters for removal of any other foreign materials. The modular solvent reprocessing system to reclaim/recycle high purity solvents on-site at a manufacturing facility. A system includes a pumpless pressurized tank solvent transfer units, storage tanks, liquid-liquid extraction column, distillation columns, submicron filtration units, and water and acid adsorption columns arranged as necessary to produce ultra-high purity solvents from waste solvent streams. The systems are packaged in modular assemblies with secondary containment to meet U.S. EPA requirements.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to laboratory glassware apparatus and particularly to laboratory apparatus and kits thereof. Disclosed apparatus is used to extract and/or concentrate specific substances for analytical purposes from sample liquids by passing a predetermined solvent through the sample. The invention includes a modular sample container body for holding a sample to be processed. The container body has a variety of disconnect joints for receiving a variety of disconnectable attachments that are used in the extraction and/or concentration process of the specific substance. The invention also includes a universal modular container body having a variety of disconnect joints that may be used with solvents having a density lesser or greater than the density of the sample liquid being processed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to laboratory glassware apparatus and particularly to laboratory apparatus and kits thereof. The disclosed apparatus is used to extract and/or concentrate specific substances for analytical purposes from sample liquids by passing a predetermined solvent through the sample. The invention includes a modular sample container body for holding a sample to be processed. The container body has a variety of disconnect joints for receiving a variety of disconnectable attachments that are used in the extraction and/or concentration process of the specific substance. The invention also includes a universal modular container body having a variety of disconnect joints that may be used with solvents having a density lesser or greater than the density of the sample liquid being processed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture and recovery of alkali-metal tetraorganylborates. A mixed solvent and liquid/liquid contactor configuration is used in the system which aids in the recovery of the product.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing oil and other organic constituents from particulate, inorganic-rich mineral solids. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for removing oil from oil-contaminated drill cuttings. The solids to be treated are transferred into pressure vessel means wherein they are contacted with an extractant which is normally a gas but is under conditions of pressure and temperature to provide the extractant in a fluidic solvent state for the constituents to be removed, whereby the constituents are transferred to the extractant. The extractant containing the constituents is withdrawn from the pressure vessel and depressurized to render it a nonsolvent for the constituents and to form a two-phase system which can then be separated into extractant for repressurizing and recycling with proper handling of the constituents removed.

Abstract: A dirty or otherwise contaminated volatile solvent or other treatment fluid including relatively more volatile non-flammable and relatively less volatile flammable constituents is recovered or reclaimed by boiling it off from its impurities. As the remainder is concentrated, the evaporated vapor becomes increasingly flammable. In a work process, a treatment tank is used for chemically treating work pieces in a volatile treatment fluid which has a liquid phase and a relatively non-flammable heavier-than-air vapor phase. In this process, heat energy is added to the fluid to maintain the upper vapor phase surface at a substantial distance above the upper liquid phase surface in the tank. When the treatment fluid becomes sufficiently contaminated with dirt introduced by the work pieces or otherwise, it must be removed from the tank and replaced with clean treatment fluid.