Abstract: In the distillation of fresh water from sea water, the sea water is passed ownwardly in a falling film evaporator through a multiplicity of vertical tube evaporator (VTE) stages and multiple stage flash (MSF) evaporators. After the sea water passes through the first VTE stage where it forms a liquid component and a steam component, the liquid component is distributed evenly into the next VTE stage while the steam component enters an adjoining MSF stage. Condensed fresh water flows downwardly from one MSF stage to the next and experiences flash evaporation. The sea water or brine component and the fresh water distillate flow downwardly through the VTE and MSF stages so that the brine component can be removed from the final VTE stage and the fresh water distillate from the final MSF stage.

Abstract: In the distillation of fresh water from sea water, the sea water is passed ownwardly in a falling film evaporator through a multiplicity of vertical tube evaporator (VTE) stages and multiple stage flash (MSF) evaporators. After the sea water passes through the first VTE stage where it forms a liquid component and a steam component, the liquid component is distributed evenly into the next VTE stage while the steam component enters an adjoining MSF stage. Condensed fresh water flows downwardly from one MSF stage to the next and experiences flash evaporation. The sea water or brine component and the fresh water distillate flow downwardly through the VTE and MSF stages so that the brine component can be removed from the final VTE stage and the fresh water distillate from the final MSF stage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating at least one component of a mixture from another without the aid of gravity comprises, in one embodiment, a heat pipe structure having an inlet and spaced outlets, a wick element disposed within the heat pipe for inducing a capillary flow of condensed phase mixture in liquid form therealong and spaced heating and cooling elements for creating zones of higher and lower temperature, respectively, within the heat pipe structure. In an alternate embodiment, a sorbent column is provided having an inlet and spaced outlets, a sorbent material disposed along the inner wall of the column for inducing a flow of adsorbed mixture therealong and spaced heating and cooling elements for creating zones of higher and lower temperature.

Abstract: An automated solar still is disclosed which incorporates a system of valves and other controls that halts production when the level of solar insolation is not adequate to support evaporation, admits water for treatment only when the still requires resupply, operates at nominal pressure by gravity flow and flushes out suspended and dissolved contaminants automatically. Production is halted under conditions of inadequate solar insulation by means of a temperature sensitive valve which is exposed to the received sunlight. In one embodiment, heating and evaporation occur directly in a central chamber. In another embodiment heating occurs in external panels and evaporation occurs from trays in an evaporation chamber. With changes in dimensions and proportions the system of controls may be used in solar stills for desalinating sewater.

Abstract: A conventional cross-flow or paired-stage multi-stage flash evaporator plant is provided with duct means for collecting distillate from collection trays in the successive evaporator units in the plant. Distillate from individual units is diverted to a bypass flow path from the duct means when it is detected to be contaminated with brine.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid containing radioactive contaminants to produce a vapor containing a reduced amount of radioactive contaminant wherein continuous evaporation is effected in a vessel comprising two interconnected sections, one surrounding the other, the degree of evaporation in the inner section being greater than in the outer section thereof resulting in a greater concentration of radioactive material in the inner section.The outer evaporation section acts as a shield to reduce the release of radiation from the concentration of radioactive materials in the inner section.

Abstract: A membrane distillation module is provided with a thin, flexible microporous membrane positioned against an impermeable condensor sheet that is stiffer in bending than the membrane. Distillate vapor diffuses through the membrane from the hot feed flowing rapidly past the membrane, and condenses and collects between, and in intimate contact with, the membrane and the condensor sheet. The condensed distillate is stripped by forces exerted by the hot feed acting on the distillate across the membrane, and flows toward a distillate outlet located in the downstream direction of the hot feed flow. Cold feed flows past the condensor sheet in the counter direction to that of the hot feed for absorbing the latent heat of condensation, and is subsequently additionally heated and introduced into the hot feed channel. Expanded microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the preferred membrane material, and a spiral-wound assembly is the preferred configuration.

Abstract: A heat-transfer medium is heated by a solar heat collector and then adiabatically compressed. The heat-transfer medium thus compressed exchanges heat with the seawater to heat it, and is then adiabatically expanded with the heated seawater being evaporated and the steam thus produced, upon heat exchange with the seawater, changed into fresh water.

Abstract: A novel fractional distillation process and applications thereof to the production of thermal or mechanical energy from two low level heat sources wherein a mixture of two highly non-ideal reactive solutions such, for example, as of the water/ammonia type, is separated into its water and ammonia components in an apparatus comprising a cascade of condensers and evaporators operating respectively at the temperature of the cold source and at the temperature of the hot source and at staggered pressures. The residue and distillate formed are remixed in a mixing apparatus when it is desired to recover the thermal energy of dilution of the solutions.The invention is applicable, in particular, to the heating of buildings from low level thermal energy and from the thermal energy of "cold wind".

Abstract: Block short-way evaporator with wiped-off film for vacuum and molecular distillation which is suitable for large-scale production. The evaporator is composed of one or more vacuum chambers in which parallel vertical double-sided flat evaporators with wipers for wiping evaporating areas and double-sided flat condensers are alternately located so that they form a continuous block. On the bottom of each chamber distillate collecting troughs with distillate tubes are formed alternately below double-sided flat condensers using separating partitions, and below double-sided flat evaporators residue collecting troughs with residue outlet tubes are formed, feed tubes being led through the bottom and the double-sided flat evaporators into separating troughs in the upper part of the double-sided flat evaporators.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing vinyltoluene comprising passing ethyltoluene through a dehydrogenation zone to form vaporous crude vinyltoluene, adding from about 50 to about 100 parts per million by weight of a polymerization inhibitor such as a nitrated phenol to the vaporous crude vinyltoluene at a temperature between about 200.degree. and about 300.degree. C., condensing the vaporous crude vinyltoluene, maintaining the pH of the aqueous phase of the condensed crude vinyltoluene at a value between about 5.5 and about 6.

Abstract: Solar distillation apparatus is disclosed in which the released heat of condensation of the condensing liquid is recovered in a transparent conduit disposed over the liquid to be distilled. Solar energy passes through the transparent conduit and is received on an undulated plate system over which the liquid to be distilled is conducted. A cooling fluid is circulated through the conduit to absorb heat released by the condensing liquid. In one embodiment, the conduit does not concentrate the solar energy. The conduit is preferably disposed at an angle of up to about 25.degree. with the horizontal so that the system is subjected to minimal pressure. In another embodiment the conduit defines a fluid lens system which concentrates the solar energy on the plate system. Provision is also made to recover heat from the condensate and a concentrate of the liquid to be distilled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple-stage flash devolatilization process, and apparatus for use therein, for recovering volatiles from mass processable polymers, which enables optimally low pressures to be employed without the necessity for refrigeration to condense the volatiles recovered thereby, comprising separating the volatiles from the polymeric material by flashing in a first flash devolatilization zone to remove the majority of the volatiles and then flashing in at least one additional flash devolatilization zone maintained at a lower pressure, preferably as low as practically possible, to remove residual volatiles, and then recovering the volatiles for further use by feeding the volatiles recovered from the additional flash zones back into the stream of volatiles leaving the first flash zone, the higher pressure of which allows the combined free volatiles present therein to then be condensed in a conventional non-refrigeration cooling process.

Abstract: An energy efficient falling film evaporator having a plurality of substantially vertical and equidistant heat exchange elements made of a synthetic polymeric material. Each evaporating surface is in contact with a liquid spreading means, and each heat exchange element is heated by steam having a condensation temperature slightly higher than the boiling point of the aqueous solution from which water is being evaporated. Steam formed by evaporation of water either is recompressed and reintroduced as heating steam in a single-stage process or is used as heating steam for another stage, operating at a lower temperature and pressure, in a multistage process. Heating steam condenses to fresh water, which is recovered. This process is operated at a lower temperature and pressure, in a multistage apparatus. Heating steam condenses to fresh water, which is recovered.

Abstract: An improved distillation method and apparatus are provided for recovering anhydrous ethanol from fermentation or synthetic feedstocks. The system includes at least one stripper-rectifier tower, a dehydrating tower, and an azeotropic agent stripping tower. Substantial energy savings are realized by operating the dehydrating tower, and preferably also the azeotropic agent stripping tower, at a higher pressure than the stripper-rectifier tower and by condensing the overhead vapors from the dehydrating tower (or dehydrating tower and azeotropic agent stripping tower) to provide the heat required in the stripper-rectifier tower. In a preferred embodiment, two stripper-rectifier towers are used, one operating at a higher pressure than the other, in which case the higher pressure tower is heated as just described and the overhead vapors from the higher pressure tower are condensed to supply the heat required in the lower pressure tower.

Abstract: A mechanical energy conversion method and system for the restoration of dissipated heat energy, contained in natural or artificial water bodies at or near ambient temperatures, to industrial process heat, mainly in the form of steam up to 200.degree.-400.degree. C. The sensible heat contained in a water body is concentrated as latent heat in low pressure water vapor which is thermo-compressed by steam ejection to an intermediate pressure level, wherefrom mechanical compression takes over, generating highly superheated output steam. The ejecting steam is not generated in a boiler, but is continuously regenerated by the compressor and routed back for repeated ejection. The compressor is driven by a heat engine whose reject heat is collected and upgraded as well. The output of heat energy is essentially equal to the sun of the heating value of the fuel consumed and the intake of latent heat and amounts thus to substantially more than the heating value of the fuel alone.

Abstract: An arrangement for permitting a first liquid to flow close to a second liquid, but without being intermixed therewith, includes a first plurality of plates (12) and a second plurality of plates (12), which are located between plates in the first plurality of plates but spaced therefrom by means of separating pieces. Each separating piece includes a frame formed about plate-shaped plane-parallel partial pieces, viz. an outer porous and hydrophobic plastic disphragm, an intermediate distance network of plastic and an outer thin plastic foil. The frame includes infeed holes for air and outfeed holes for water.The voids of the plastic diaphragm have a radius within the range of 2 to 5 .mu.m. The distance network has a thickness of 1 to 2 mm and consists of intersecting strips. The plastic foil has a thickness of about 0.1 mm.The plates include a frame with four through holes, of which two holes have connection to a recess in the plate, while the other two holes have no such connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple-stage flash devolatilization process, and apparatus for use therein, for recovering volatiles from mass processable polymers, which enables optimally low pressures to be employed without the necessity for refrigeration to condense the volatiles recovered thereby, comprising separating the volatiles from the polymeric material by flashing in a first flash devolatilization zone to remove the majority of the volatiles and then flashing in at least one additional flash devolatilization zone maintained at a lower pressure, preferably as low as practically possible, to remove residual volatiles, and then recovering the volatiles for further use by feeding the volatiles recovered from the additional flash zones back into the first flash zone, the higher pressure of which allows the combined free volatiles present therein to then be condensed in a conventional non-refrigeration cooling process.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for extracting an organic liquid from an organic liquid solute/solvent mixture. The mixture is contacted with a fluid extractant which is at a temperature and pressure to render the extractant a solvent for the solute but not for the solvent. The resulting fluid extract of the solute is then depressurized to give a still feed which is distilled to form still overhead vapors and liquid still bottoms. The enthalpy required to effect this distillation is provided by compressing the still overhead vapors to heat them and indirectly to heat the still feed. The process is particularly suitable for separating mixtures which form azeotropes, e.g., oxygenated hydrocarbon/water mixtures. The energy required in this process is much less than that required to separate such mixtures by conventional distillation techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing fresh water from sea water in which a vertical accumulator utilizes the sensible heat of sea water so as to evaporate said sea water to a temperature above 100.degree. C. under pressure, a heat-exchanger connecting between the upper and lower portions of said accumulator causes a high temperature liquid to effect heat-exchange with sea water to be evaporated, a fresh sea water feed line connected to the lower portion of said accumulator adjusts the pressure within the accumulator and an evaporator receives higher temperature sea water. The accumulator accumulates heat in such a manner that the upper portion of said accumulator holds higher temperature sea water and the lower portion of the accumulator holds lower temperature sea water so that when heat is accumulated, the amount of said higher temperature sea water increases and when heat is radiated, the amount of higher temperature decreases whereby sea water evaporates at all times.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of adding CO.sub.2 to softened water flowing through a series of interconnected flash chambers after the softened water has been directed out of a settler. The inlet of the settler receives preheated hard water after the hard water has passed through a series of interconnected preheating chambers, there being a preheating chamber for each flash chamber, respectively. Each preheating chamber and the corresponding flash chamber comprise a stage of a multi-stage water softening system, the preheating and flash chambers of each stage being separated by a partition defining an opening near the top portion of the stage to place the respective first and second chambers of each stage in fluid communication with each other and to allow flashed, heated water vapor from the flash chamber to pass into direct, admixing contact with cooler, hard water sprayed into the preheating chamber to preheat the hard water.

Abstract: A contaminated solvent is first distilled in a distillation chamber (12) to drive off a substantial portion of the solvent which is condensed and recovered leaving a residual slurry (18) consisting of some solvent and the contaminants. A metering device (21) is cyclically operated to transfer precise amounts of slurry to a second distillation chamber where the slurry is deposited in an annular trough (26) formed in a heat plate (25). A spreader including a number of blades (27) moves the deposited slurry charge along the trough to an exit opening (44). The residual solvent in the slurry charge is vaporized, condensed and fed back into the first chamber (12). The remainder of the charge is exited through the trough opening (44) into a collection barrel (50) which is vented to pass back any solvent vapors to the second distillation chamber.

Abstract: A paired stage flash evaporator unit is provided with an elongated shell having respective higher temperature and lower temperature evaporation chambers extending along a bottom portion of the shell space and separated from each other by an interstage elongated partition wall. A condenser tube bundle extends longitudinally between opposite shell end walls in an upper portion of the shell space. A transverse interstage partition separates the tube bundle into separate condenser chambers. Each condenser chamber is paired with an evaporation chamber by means of shroud and other isolation structure thereby forming two paired stages in the unit.In each stage, a liquid separator mesh extends coextensively with the evaporation chamber and both condenser chambers to direct vapor from the evaporation chamber into a flow path above the mesh.

Abstract: A liquid seal for a multistage molecular evaporator which is in the form of an elongated vessel having convex evaporating surfaces for carrying out a continuous redistillation. The evaporator includes at least two vacuum stages superposed one over the other in the vessel. The upper stage has two inwardly extending troughs one superposed over the other. An overflow tube extends from the upper trough into a collecting trough of the adjacent lower vacuum stage to form a first liquid seal. A collecting member in the upper stage extends into the lower trough of the upper stage to collect distillate therein and to form a second liquid seal therein. The upper and lower vacuum stages have evaporator bodies which are connected to each other by sealing means.

Abstract: A paired stage flash evaporator unit is provided with an elongated shell having respective higher temperature and lower temperature evaporation chambers extending along a bottom portion of the shell space and separated from each other by an interstage elongated partition wall. A condenser tube bundle extends longitudinally between opposite shell end walls in an upper portion of the shell space. A transverse interstage partition separates the tube bundle into separate condenser chambers. Each condenser chamber is paired with an evaporation chamber by means of shroud and other isolation structure thereby forming two paired stages in the unit.In each stage, a liquid separator mesh extends coextensively with the evaporation chamber and both condenser chambers to direct vapor from the evaporation chamber into a flow path above the mesh. A distillate collection tray is supported beneath the tube bundle and it is divided into stage-separated tray portions by the transverse interstage partition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high volume distillation of impure liquid comprises evaporating the impure liquid in an evaporator to form a vapor at a temperature above the freezing point and below the boiling point of said liquid at atmospheric pressure and at a pressure not exceeding a pressure corresponding to the evaporation temperature under saturated conditions; compressing the vapor; passing a portion of the compressed vapor through an expansion engine to do work upon and motivate the engine and to produce shaft energy, whereby the vapor expands and cools; bypassing the expansion engine with the remainder of the compressed vapor and admixing the remainder directly with the expanded vapor from the expansion engine in a mixing chamber; adding work to the expansion engine to supplement the work done by the vapor expanding therethrough to make up for work lost when the remainder of the compressed vapor bypassed the expansion engine and for other work lost; cooling the admixed vapor in heat transfer relation wi

Abstract: A desalinazation apparatus has the bulk of its piping circuitry composed of black iron pipe, or similar pipe, which is normally subject to corrosion by sea water. Heat transfer to a salt water still includes indirect heat transfer by a thermal oil which is contained in the black iron pipe. A solar collector heat source is used to heat the heat transfer oil. The heat transfer rate from the heat transfer oil is maintained by using turbulence inducing fins in the interior of the heat transfer tubes in the salt water still and by directing high pressure gas at the exterior of the heat transfer tubes in the salt water still. A manifold of jets placed beneath the heat transfer tubes in the salt water still projects the high pressure gas, such as high pressure high temperature steam, onto the exterior of the heat exchange tubes.

Abstract: Direct contact heat transfer process and system for recovery of energy from geothermal brines or other hot aqueous solutions of a non-volatile solute, or for desalination, using staged evaporator-condenser units operating with a low boiling water-immiscible liquid hydrocarbon. Each stage comprises a closed vessel divided into two compartments, an evaporator and a condenser, by a bubble cap tray similar in construction to those used in distillation. In one embodiment, hot geothermal brine or other hot aqueous liquid is introduced into the liquid hydrocarbon contained in the lower compartment of each stage, causing boiling of the hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbon vapors pass from the evaporator compartment through the bubble caps to the upper condenser compartment where they are condensed in contact with a cooler water stream. The heated water stream under substantial pressure is fed to an expander or turbine to produce work.

Abstract: An improved multistage flash evaporator comprises a plurality of cylindrical shells parallelly and horizontally extending in spaced relation, tube sheets in pairs supported by opposite end portions of the cylindrical shells, each pair of the sheets holding a bundle of cooling tubes therebetween, a top plate connecting the upper portions of the shells to one another, internal bulkheads connecting the lower portions of the shells to a bottom plate, and demisters mounted between the shells, whereby the bulkheads are reduced in height and wall thickness to an economic advantage as compared with the conventional bulkheads, and the demisters are made adjustable in surface areas according to the evaporation loads to be encountered.

Abstract: A vertical multistage expansion evaporator comprising contiguous vertically arranged evaporator compartments, passages permitting communication between contiguous compartments and flow control apparatus positioned at each passage which is adjustable simultaneously by a single adjusting operation from outside the compartments. The contiguous compartments have a common ceiling and floor defining a passage therebetween. Each compartment further comprises a vertical separating wall extending partially the distance from the floor to the ceiling to divide the compartment into liquid and vapor sections so that liquid in the bottom of one compartment flows into the vapor section of the compartment next below.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the adiabatic flashing of liquids and more particular, to flashing in a series of sequential stages to obtain vapor at successively lower pressure for each succeeding stage. A common application of such flashers is in the multistage flash process for desalination of sea water and brackish water.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing concentrated alcohol from beer comprises a plurality of concentrator cells and a plurality of salvage cells arranged in a line in side-by-side relation. Liquid beer, supplied to the first upstream concentrator cell through a supply conduit, flows through passages between adjacent cells in response to the volume of beer reaching a predetermined level in the adjacent upstream cell. A microwave ignition bulb is positioned in each cell to heat the liquid beer and boil or vaporize the alcohol content thereof. The gaseous alcohol is serially bubbled through a fluid passage from each concentrator cell to the next adjacent upstream cell until the gaseous alcohol reaches the first concentrator cell where the gaseous alcohol is concentrated and condensed in a column to a liquid solution containing approximately 95% alcohol and approximately 5% water.

Abstract: A mechanical energy conversion method and system for the restoration of dissipated heat energy, contained in natural or artificial water bodies at or near ambient temperatures, to industrial process heat, mainly in the form of steam up to 200.degree.-400.degree. C. The sensible heat contained in a water body is concentrated as latent heat in low pressure water vapor which is thermo-compressed by steam ejection to an intermediate pressure level, wherefrom mechanical compression takes over, generating highly superheated output steam. The ejecting steam is not generated in a boiler, but is continuously regenerated by the compressor and routed back for repeated ejection. The compressor is driven by a heat engine whose reject heat is collected and upgraded as well. The output of heat energy is essentially equal to the sum of the heating value of the fuel consumed and the intake of latent heat and amounts thus to substantially more than the heating value of the fuel alone.

Abstract: In recovering the multi-solvent portion of the oil solvent mixture in a solvent dewaxing process, decomposition of a thermally unstable, lower boiling solvent component is substantially avoided by recovering the solvent in a series of controlled evaporations whereby the major portion of the lower boiling solvent component is removed from the mixture prior to the removal of the remaining portion of the solvent. The solvent removal may be conducted in a high pressure evaporator having an upper section and a lower section separated by an annular tray.

Abstract: A vapor compression distiller having a shell for enclosing a pair of heat exchange tube bundles each having one end connected to a steam chest and its other end connected to a condensate collecting chamber. A vapor compressor has its inlet connected to the shell and the outlet to one steam chest which is coupled to a second steam chest through a steam ejector for elevating the inlet pressure to the second heat exchange tube bundle. A half partition extends across the lower end of the vessel and between the wells to divide the lower portion of the vessel into two sections which are in communication across the upper end of the vessel. One well is connected to receive fresh feed liquid and the other includes a density sensor to discharge a portion of the concentrate to therein maintain a desired concentrate level and each well is connected to a spray nozzle manifold disposed in its respective shell section.

Abstract: Water containing dissolved compounds is preheated, and is then pressurized in stages of water pressure, while receiving a quantum of steam. Scale-forming compounds in the water are thermally precipitated, and clarified post-thermal water is formed. This is flash vaporized in stages corresponding to the stages of water pressure, and the flashed vapors are compressed to form each said quantum of steam. Alternately, the flashed vapors themselves comprise each said quantum of steam, by being induced into the water as it flows through an eductor means. Flash-cooled, post-thermal water, substantially devoid of scale-forming compounds, is employed as such, or more generally is evaporated to form fresh water and an end concentrate of dissolved compounds.

Abstract: A process and system for obtaining fresh water from salt water such as sea water, by direct contact heat transfer using staged evaporator-condenser units operating with a low boiling water-immiscible liquid hydrocarbon. Each stage comprises a closed vessel divided into two compartments, an evaporator and a condenser, by a bubble cap tray similar in construction to those used in distillation. Relatively hot fresh water is introduced into the liquid hydrocarbon contained in the lower compartment of each stage, causing boiling of the hydrocarbon at a temperature difference of 2.degree.-4.degree. F. Hydrocarbon vapors pass from the evaporator compartment through the bubble caps to the upper condenser compartment where they are condensed in contact with a colder saline stream, and the condensed hydrocarbon is returned to the lower compartment.

Abstract: An improved solvent recovery process comprising distilling soiled solvent in a main still and conducting hot solvent vapor through a heat exchanger associated with a tank in which an azeotropic mixture of water and soiled solvent is maintained, which mixture boils at a temperature lower than the boiling point of the solvent alone. A series of tanks feed soiled solvent to the azeotropic mixture tank and then to the main still, and heat exchangers fed by the vapor from the main still and the vapor from the azeotropic mixture tank pre-heat the soiled solvent. Automatic control of water injection into the azeotropic mixture tank in dependence upon the temperature of conductivity of the tank contents maintains the composition of the azeotropic mixture, the injected water being taken from separators which separate water from condensate of the main still and azeotropic mixture tank vapors.

Abstract: Aqueous saline solutions are converted in part to potable water by passing a compressed aqueous saline solution through one or more beds of contained pellets of higher temperature to heat the aqueous solution to a flash vaporization temperature, then passing the solution to one or more flash vaporization zones. Vaporized potable water from each vaporization zone is separately passed to contained bed of pellets where water is condensed and pellets heated. Simultaneously, a bed of pelletized solids is heated to supplant the highest temperature bed in the system used for heating. By selective switching of beds, the system is kept in continuous operation with a heated bed of pellets replacing the highest temperature bed previously used to heat the aqueous saline solution. The bed used for water condensation is transferred to the heating cycle for subsequent introduction to the system.

Abstract: A vapor compression distiller has a vertically oriented cylindrical tank and a heat exchanger having a plurality of groups of heat exchange tubes disposed one above the other. Internal baffling channels vapor through the groups of heat exchange tubes in a serial relation commencing with the vertically lowest group. Feed liquid is distributed from the upper end of the vessel downwardly over the surfaces of the tubes. This causes the evaporation of a first portion of the feed liquid and a condensation of the vapor. The evaporated and unevaporated portions of the feed liquid pass downwardly past the heat exchange tubes with the unevaporated portion collecting in a liquor well at the lower end of the vessel and the vapor passes upwardly along the sides of the vessel heat exchanger and outwardly to a compressor, the outlet of which is connected to the vapor inlet of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heat exchange between two liquids without solid matters contained in the liquids. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel which is divided into a plurality of compartments, each compartment comprising an inner space having an open end and an outer annular space. A baffle having a closed upper end is provided around the upper portion of each inner space with an annular slit between the baffle and the wall of the inner space. The baffle extends to a level below the upper end of the inner space. Injection nozzles for the heat-receiving liquid are provided in the upper portion of the outer space of each compartment, and an outlet pipe is connected to the lower end of the outer space. Inlet and outlet pipes for the heat-delivering liquid are connected to the upper and lower ends respectively of the inner space.

Abstract: Apparatus for the distillation of styrene from hydrocarbon feedstock incorporating a system for injection of gaseous polymerization inhibitor.

Abstract: A solar energy collector floating on water is supported by fluid cushion and comprises elements each of them consist of a solar energy absorbing layer arranged between two heat insulating layers.

Abstract: Installation and process for multi-flash evaporation, in particular for the desalinization of sea water, in which the liquid to be evaporated is led through at least one passage channel which is constituted by a series of alternately snail-shell-shaped or volute spaces in which evaporation takes place and buffer spaces acting as a liquid slot or syphon for transporting liquid from a snail-shell-shaped space to the next snail-shell-shaped space.

Abstract: The invention provides unusally efficient distillation apparatus configured into a compact structure which conserves material in its construction and power consumption in its operation. The present structure particularly provides horizontally disposed flash effect distillation chambers coupled "back-to-back" across a common wall, the chambers being operable as a distillation system for water purification and/or solute concentration or as a sub-system in multi-effect distillation systems.

Abstract: A fluid medium is conveyed along a conduit. During its passage through the conduit, the fluid medium undergoes temperature change. The change in temperature of the fluid medium is performed in a step-wise manner by indirect heat-exchange with a fluid flowing countercurrent to the fluid medium, that is, by means of a plurality of heat-exchangers arranged along the conduit. The fluid medium forms incrustations and the rate at which incrustations form is different at different temperatures. This is taken into account by providing for the ratio between the lengths of any two heat-exchangers to approximate the ratio between the rates at which incrustations form at the temperatures of the respective heat-exchangers. Of particular interest is the extraction of bauxite with sodium aluminate lye.

Abstract: There is provided a distillation plant of the multiple stage flash distillation type. The plant comprises a reinforced concrete shell which is divided into a large number of flash chambers and a heat supply chamber by means of partitions. A bundle of condensation tubes, preferably of plastic, extend throughout all of the chambers. The inlet and outlet manifolds for the tube bundle are defined by an end of the shell and an adjacent partition. The shell has preferably a plastic coating or consists of a polymer concrete. Preferably, the partitions consist of or comprise plastic so that a bundle of plastic tubes may be sealed to openings in the partitions by gluing or welding.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously generating power and recovering potable water from a source of salinous water -- e.g. sea water. Salinous water, from a locus which is proximate to the surface thereof and at a relatively high temperature -- e.g. about 85.degree. F. -- is increased in temperature via indirect contact with a vaporous phase, derived from the surface water at an elevated temperature and a subatmospheric pressure. The preheated salinous water is exposed to radiant solar energy, in a solar radiation heat sink, to further increase the temperature thereof. Thus-heated salinous water is introduced into a first flash separation zone, maintained at subatmospheric pressure, to provide a first substantially non-salinous vaporous phase and a first salinous liquid phase. The first vaporous phase is passed into and through a turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously generating power and recovering potable water from a source of salinous water-- e.g. ocean and/or sea water. A first portion of salinous water, from the surface of the source, or from a colder, deeper depth, is increased in temperature via indirect contact with a plurality of non-salinous vaporous phases (i) derived from the salinous water and, (ii) obtained therefrom at an elevated temperature and a subatmospheric pressure. The warmed salinous water is further increased in temperature by being maintained in a solar radiation heat sink and exposed therein to radiant solar energy to increase its temperature to a level within the range of about 135.degree. F. to about 210.degree. F. Heated salinous water is introduced into a plurality of vacuum flash separation zones, each succeeding one of which is maintained at a lower absolute pressure. At least one of the resulting vaporous phases is passed into and through a turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated.

Abstract: A flash evaporator to be used for purposes such as distilling sea water has a series of evaporator stages in which vapor derived from liquid flowing through the successive evaporator stages is condensed to form a distillate. A wall structure situated in each evaporated stage defines therein an elongated narrow gap the length of which is substantially greater than the width of each evaporator stage with this gap forming an orifice through which the liquid is compelled to issue while flowing from an inlet to an outlet of each evaporator stage. Between the inlet and the gap in each evaporator stage the wall structure defines an upstream flow path the cross section of which decreases from the inlet toward the gap. From the gap toward the outlet of each stage the wall structure defines a downstream flow path the cross section of which increases from the gap toward the outlet.