Abstract: Devices and methods for water purification are provided. An improved demister (70) for removing liquid or other particles from steam is disclosed. The demister can have adjustable outlets. In other embodiments, a demister apparatus is placed, at least partially, inside a boiler apparatus (310). Additionally, a filter flow indicator (401) that provides an optical indication of the efficiency of a water filter is also provided. The filter flow indicator has a viewable side passage that connects the input and output sides of a filter unit. A weighted object, such as a ball (440), can move up and down the side passage in response to the pressure differential in the filter system. The user can determine the status of the filter by viewing the location of the weighted object in the side passage. Additionally, a device and method of adding various minerals back to purified water in order to improve the flavor of the water is described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and apparatus for utilization of waste heat of flue gas liberated from different heat sources to provide high quality water from sea/brackish.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing an exhaust stream containing a recyclable component mixed with other components and impurities to produce a high purity product that contains all of the recyclable component. One or more waste streams containing none of the recyclable component are also produced. The present invention particularly relates to the recovery of valuable recyclable components used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Garbage and waste of all types that includes or comprises organic matter, particularly including medical waste, plastics, paper, food waste, animal by-products, and the like, can be economically recycled into petroleum products, including oil. Machinery performs a method that mimics natural processes but accomplishes the task in minutes, at rates of about 15 tons per day in a typical processing machine, rather than taking hundreds of thousands of years in nature. The process and apparatus of the invention may chop the waste into small pieces, under negative pressure if appropriate, and then pass the waste into first and then second augers for compression and heating. Destructive distillation occurs, in which large molecular weight hydrocarbons and petrochemicals are heated by hot oil passing through the hollow shaft and by circulating hot, dense, hard material, such as steel balls or fragments or hard rock pieces and such, under pressure with steam, to produce low molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Provided is a novel on-site system and method for providing ultra-high-purity nitric acid to a point of use. The system includes a source of nitric acid at a concentration greater than 68 wt %; a reflux distillation column having an inlet in communication with the nitric acid source for introducing nitric acid into the column, a reboiler, and a condensate outlet to provide a flow of nitric acid condensate from the column; a reservoir in communication with the condensate outlet for receiving the flow of nitric acid condensate; and piping for delivering nitric acid from the reservoir to a point of use. The system and method can be used as an on-site subsystem, in a semiconductor device fabrication facility for supplying the nitric acid condensate to points of use in the semiconductor device fabrication facility.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the coke dust in the decoking effluents of the hydrocarbon cracking ovens according to the invention provides means for the condensation of the effluent, means for collecting a liquid condensate, means for filtering said liquid condensate, and means for washing the residual vapours and gases that cannot be condensed by using the same condensate suitably filtered from coke, the filtered condensate being evaporated for the following discharge to the atmosphere by using the thermal content of the input decoking gases. A process for reducing the coke dust in the decoking effluents of the hydrocarbon cracking ovens according to the invention consists in that the solid content in the gaseous effluent from the decoking is removed by filtration of the condensate from said gaseous effluent and by washing of gases and vapours contained therein that cannot be condensed.

Abstract: The amount of limonene produced during pyrolysis of scrap tire carcass or polyisoprene rubber can be increased by decreasing residence time of the isoprene gas produced during the thermal degradation of polyisoprene rubber in the high temperature reactor region of an oven. This is achieved by using a novel oven design which permits rapid expansion of the isoprene gas away from the high temperature reactor region of the oven to a cooler region where the gas forms limonene and condenses. This pyrolysis method also decreases the amount of soot produced while increasing the amount of limonene produced. Furthermore, this system readily enables separation of the solid, liquid and gas phases produced during pyrolysis.

Abstract: A system for the vacuum distillation of contaminated solvents incorporates a tank for holding a liquid contaminated solvent, a heating chamber surrounding the tank for heating the liquid contaminated solvent into an evaporated solvent, a drift elimination and fractionation device for separating contaminants out of the evaporated solvent, a heat exchanger circuit for cooling the evaporated solvent from the drift elimination and fractionation device, a pump circuit connected to receive the evaporated solvent from the drift elimination and fractionation device and to circulate the evaporated solvent through the heat exchanger circuit, and a control circuit connected to at least the heating element and the pump so as to control operation their based on parameters of a solvent selected to be processed. The control circuit includes a plurality of sensors for monitoring operating conditions of at least the tank, the heating chamber and the heat exchanger circuit.

Abstract: A solvent recovery method and apparatus recover waste wash liquid generated in automatic washing of a printing machine so as to enable a printing machine washing of high productivity, excellent safety and health effect, and low cost. The solvent recovery apparatus has a gravity separation tank (1) for receiving waste wash liquid used for washing of the printing machine and separating it by a specific gravity difference. A vaporizer (2) receives, heats and vaporizes the separated liquid from the tank (1) in order from a lower layer liquid (H) to an upper layer liquid (L). A condenser (3) receives, cools and condenses, by water (W), the vapor from the vaporizer (2). A distillate gravity separation tank (4) receives liquid from the distillate gravity separation tank (4) receives liquid from the condenser (3) and holds it statically to separate the liquid into organic solvent (S) and water (W).

Abstract: A water purifier which purifies water by superheated steam. The water purifier includes a raw water reservoir for contaminated water; a heater at least partially disposed within the raw water reservoir and including a heat source, an inlet for steam and an outlet for superheated steam; an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the inlet of the heater for transporting steam produced by boiling said raw water; and a condenser in fluid communication with the outlet of the heater. The heater both boils the raw water to produce a substantially saturated steam and superheats the substantially saturated steam. The water purifier can further include a purified water reservoir in fluid communication with the condenser.

Abstract: An improved vapor compression distillation process and apparatus are provided having a container with a substantially horizontal longitudinal center axis, two opposing end plates closing each end of the container, a first and second passage area defined within and on opposing ends of the container, each adjacent one of the end plates, a collecting chamber defined within the container between the first and second passage areas, a plurality of generally horizontal tubes spacedly exposed within the collecting chamber generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, each of the tubes having two opposing ends which open into the first and second passage areas respectively, two opposing plates positioned on opposite ends of the horizontal tubes, each plate engaging similar ends of the horizontal tubes, a vapor compressor attached to the container such that the vapor compressor communicates with an upper area of the collecting chamber and communicates with the first passage area, at least one passage fo

Abstract: The water distillation system according to the invention recaptures and utilizes the inherent heat of transformation in converting from the vapor to the liquid states. The water distillation system efficiently removes volatile gases and impurities from the distillate and recaptures and reuses the heat from the impurities. A water seal is created to seal the drive shaft aperture of the compression housing and the rotating drive shaft of the compression rotor. In addition, the compression rotor is assembled of ultra-light, strong member in such a manner to significantly reduce the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the compression rotor drive mechanism.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber. Improved techniques are also provided for periodically dumping a portion or all of the water in the heating pan to reduce contamination of the system.

Abstract: A water purification method and apparatus is described which distills a contaminated water supply having contaminants dissolved therein with electrically powered spaced apart immersion electrodes. When connected to a source of alternating electrical current, the electrode members cooperate to distill water by heating while concurrently removing the contaminants as solid precipitates in the contaminated remaining water.

Abstract: A distilled water supply device including a stand, a condensing unit mounted on the stand and separated by a partition wall into an upper chamber, which receives water from an external water source, and a bottom chamber, which condenses steam into distilled water, a heating unit detachably mounted inside the stand below the condensing unit and controlled to heat water from the upper chamber into steam, permitting steam to be guided into the bottom chamber for condensing, a vertical guide pipe for guiding water from the upper chamber to the heating unit, a vertical steam pipe for guiding steam from the heating unit to the bottom chamber for condensing.

Abstract: An improved desalination system includes a transfer conduit between a pool of salt water and a pool of desalinated water. The transfer conduit is initially filled with water and is elevated so that a portion of the conduit is above the siphon height of water at atmospheric pressure with the open ends of the conduit submerged below the respective pools. Using solar heat to create a temperature differential in the transfer conduit, desalinated water vapor is transferred across a partial vacuum volume formed in the transfer conduit. Salt water is replenished in the transfer conduit from an elevated storage tank, resulting in a constant reduced salt concentration and transfer vacuum at the evaporation surface, reducing the need to repeatedly lower, recharge and raise the system. Various mechanisms are provided for improving heat transfer and condensation and for eliminating movement of the transfer conduit.

Abstract: A distilling apparatus for distillation of water, including a condensing chamber divided into an upper holding space for receiving water from a water source and a lower holding chamber for condensing steam into water, a heating chamber controlled to heat water from the upper holding space into steam and having a steam outlet connected to the lower holding space for guiding steam into the lower holding space for condensing, a hot water chamber, which receives condensed water from the lower holding space of the condensing chamber, and a cold water chamber, which receives distilled water from the hot water chamber and cools it down by an electronic cooler.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a fluid distillation system wherein each embodiment uses a primary container or chamber for water or fluid to be distilled and a secondary water container or chamber. The two chambers are adjacent to each other, and the secondary chamber cooperates with the primary chamber to direct water vapor generated in the system to travel to a reservoir for collection. The primary chamber has a heater therewithin near the upper surface of the water carried thereby. The heater is provided for generating water vapor from aerated water, whereby the water vapor when heated will pass out of water at the upper surface of the water and into fluid passages for flow to the reservoir. The secondary container or chamber has no heater but carries aerated water before the water moves out of the secondary container or chamber and into and downwardly along a passage which lead eventually to the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for ensuring the sterility of distillate in a multi-stage distilling machine. All feed water of the multi-stage distilling machine flows through a first column operating at the highest temperature so that the temperature of the feed water is equal to or greater than about 121.degree. C., about 131.degree. C., and about 141.degree. C., respectively, and the delay time after the feed water is removed from the first column and before its entry into the first column is at least about 8 minutes, about 0.8 minutes, 0.08 minutes, respectively. The delay produces the result that the distillate of every column of the multi-stage distilling machine is sterile, including that of the last column operating at the lowest temperature. The feed water flows through a first flow line from a second column to the first column, from the first column through a second flow line to a heat exchanger and returns from the heat exchanger through a third flow line to the first column.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: A home water distillation device for converting tap water to distilled water largely free of dissolved minerals and gases. A tubular shaped boiler with an electrical heating unit provides steam to a condensation coil immersed in an open top reservoir into which tap water is admitted under the control of a standard metering valve. The unit utilizes condensation heat to drive off chlorine and the like into the atmosphere, so that the steam is free of dissolved gases and the distillate product is corresponding free and therefore of increased palatability.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus includes a cylindrical housing with a first cover thereon, a pair of spaced apart funnel-shaped partitions, a second cover on the uppermost partition and a skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the cover and the uppermost partition to a location above the bottom of the housing, the partitions and skirt dividing the interior of the housing into an inlet reservoir chamber for cold water above the first partition, a lower boiling chamber beneath the second partition and an inclined condensation passage between the partitions. Cold water is introduced through a pipe and solenoid valve into the bottom of the reservoir chamber for overflow through an opening in the second cover into the boiling chamber. A heater in the boiling chamber heats the water to produce steam which rises, passing into the condensation passage and flowing downwardly to a central drain for discharge into a distilled water reservoir beneath the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved solar water purification system and process wherein the evaporating, condensing and distillate collecting chambers are located underground to assist in the evaporation and condensation process. The system includes three computer controlled preheaters which are constantly monitored to determine the temperature of the load therein. The cycling and recycling of the load relative to the load tank and the three preheaters is controlled by the computer for optimum system efficiency. One of the three preheaters is located underground, while a second preheater is located externally as a solar preheater and the third preheater is an outside gas, oil or waste heat fired preheater. In addition to producing pure water through the evaporation process, there is disclosed a system and process whereby various contaminants may be captured for further processing, storage and exploitation.

Abstract: In a method for producing fresh water using solar energy, the method involving the use of an installation comprising a structure oriented toward the sun and permeable to solar radiation, forming a greenhouse including a preheating and reheating chamber and an evaporation chamber into which water containing impurities is introduced to be evaporated by the indirect influence of the solar radiation in the air trapped under the structure, the air being conveyed to a temperature exchanger such that the vapors carried thereby will be condensed and collected, the improvement comprising evaporation of the water containing impurities on mounds of capillary material scattered and distributed over the entire span of the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: A distilled water fountain which is capable of supplying the users with purified icy, warm and hot drinking water and composed of a pre-heating exchanger, a condensing-and-heating exchanger, a distilled water tank, a steam generator, and an electronic chilling device. Running water flows into the pre-heating exchanger through water intake pipe, and further flows through the condensing-and-heating exchange into a steam generator wherein the water is vaporized and then condensed into distilled water for storage in the distilled water tank. The distilled water may be made available directly in warm water condition, or may be cooled into icy water through electronic chilling device, or heated into hot water through steam generator for drinking by users.

Abstract: A water distiller includes a raw water chamber for storing raw water, a main vaporization tank coupled with the raw water chamber for vaporizing raw water, a condensation device coupled with the main vaporization tank for condensing steam from the main vaporization tank, and a distilled water chamber communicated with the condensing conduit unit for accepting and storing distilled water. An auxiliary vaporization tank is communicated with the main vaporization tank and is mounted on the top end portion of the main vaporization tank. Each of the main and auxiliary vaporization tanks has a generally conical top wall which has a lower end portion that is provided with an annular water collecting groove formed in the inner surface thereof. Each of the water collecting grooves has a bottom wall which has a discharge opening formed therethrough.

Abstract: A method for water degasification and distillation in an apparatus having a container for a reservoir of water to be degasified and distilled, a relatively small boiler adjoining the container and having a feed water conduit connecting the container and boiler so that a selected water level in the container will fill the boiler to the same level, a coiled tube condenser within the container immersed in the water therein, the condenser coil having a vertically disposed longitudinal axis, a second conduit in the boiler connecting the space above the water level therein to the inlet of the condenser so that steam flows from the boiler to the condenser, an outlet on the condenser extending through a container wall for discharging the condensed steam as degasified distilled water, a heater in the boiler for heating the water therein, and a motor driven stirrer axially of the coiled tube condenser for generating a swirling movement of the reservoir water with formation of steam bubbles therein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved solar water purification apparatus. More specifically, it relates to a solar water purification apparatus that includes a first and second preheater, an evaporation load tank, condenser, and pure distillate collecting tank. The condensing surface is a domed upper structure which includes a corrugated inner surface to increase the condensing surface. The outersurface of the domed upper structure is likewise corrugated and completely enclosed by a first preheater chamber the permit efficient cooling of the domed upper structure and encourage rapid condensation, thus transferring heat from the interior corrugations to the exterior corrugations of the first preheater chamber, further adding to the overall thermal efficiency.

Abstract: When regenerating gas treating chemicals such as diethanolamine solution, the usual practice is to subject the chemicals to steam stripping. Ultimately such action is ineffective, and it is necessary to discard the chemicals. The waste chemical can be reclaimed by preheating the chemical in a countercurrent heat exchanger, in which heat is recovered from an already processed product; using a still to separate the preheated, partially vaporized chemical from the remainder of the chemicals; i.e. impurities or still bottoms; heating the still bottoms and recycling such bottoms for mixing with partially vaporized chemical immediately upstream of the still; returning the separated vapor product from the still to the heat exchanger for heating feed chemical; and separating the thus partially condensed product in a separator to yield reclaimed gas treating chemical.

Abstract: An improved glycol dehydration apparatus with a condenser on the reboiler water vapor vent to condense volatile carbon compounds, said condenser comprising a countercurrent flow shell-and-tube condenser with an annular space of at least three-quarters of an inch, said shell inlet in fluid communication with the glycol dehydration apparatus at a first location between the pressure reduction pump and the glycol reboiler and said shell outlet in fluid communication with the glycol dehydration apparatus at a second location between the glycol reboiler and the first location.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fluid distillation in general, and in particular, of water, adapted for consumer or home use, but capable of being made and operated so that it is suitable for separating solvents and solutes and other industrial use. The apparatus includes a housing having divider structure to form one or more compartments for receiving water to be distilled. The divider structure also presents a fluid passage for receiving water vapor which is formed when the upper portion of the water in the housing is boiled by a heater. An aerator is provided in the housing below the heater and in a location within the water compartment. The aerator operates to direct air under a slight pressure into the water so that air bubbles can be generated in the water. The air bubbles will rise and break the surface of the water as the upper part of the water is being boiled by the heater.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid distillation in general, and in particular, or water, adapted for consumer or home use, but capable of being made and operated so that it is suitable for separating solvents and solutes and other industrial use. The apparatus includes a housing having divider structure to form one or more compartments for receiving water to be distilled. The divider structure also presents a fluid passage for receiving water vapor which is formed when the upper portion of the water in the housing is boiled by a heater. An aerator is provided in the housing below the heater and in a location within the water compartment. The aerator operates to direct air under a slight pressure into the water so that air bubbles can be generated in the water. The air bubbles will rise and break the surface of the water as the upper part of the water is being boiled by the heater.

Abstract: Process for the evaporative concentration of liquids. Vaporization is carried out by indirect heat exchange with a heating fluid in an evaporator. The vapor produced in the evaporator is thereafter condensed in a condenser by indirect heat exchange with a cooling liquid which is mainly composed of the liquid to be concentrated or the liquid which has already been concentrated in the evaporator. The vapor pressure over the cooling liquid in the condenser may be lowered by causing gas to flow in contact with the cooling liquid.

Abstract: A distilling apparatus includes an evaporation section which heats raw water and causes the generation of vapor from said raw water, and a hydrophobic porous film through which the thus generated vapor is filtered. Because vapor separated from the raw water is supplied to one surface of the hydrophobic porous film, the proportion of the vapor relative to the fluid supplied to that surface of the film can be increased, thereby enabling the efficient filtering of a large amount of vapor through the film. In addition, because the temperature of condensed water obtained by cooling the vapor can be kept in the vicinity of the boiling point thereof, any gases and volatile substances contained in the raw water are prevented from dissolving in the distilled water, thereby enabling the production of extremely pure distilled water.

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.

Abstract: A vertically extending distillation cylinder has a closed top and an open bottom having an electric heating element disposed therein to form a closure. Adjacent to the top of the distillation cylinder is connected a condensing tube. The condensing tube extends down through a condenser having a cooling water inlet at the bottom and a water discharge at the top. A throttle valve regulates the flow of cooling water. From the water discharge, a trough carries the water to impinge on the distillation cylinder causing pollutants to vaporize. The water collects below in a basin surrounding the distillation cylinder. A feed tube carries water from the basin to the bottom of the distillation cylinder. A discharge tube also connected to the bottom of the distillation cylinder carries water up to where it makes a U-turn. This regulates water height in the distillation cylinder. The discharge tube and an over flow tube from the basin discharge into a funnel from which water is conveyed to a sewer.

Abstract: A potable water dispenser includes a first reservoir for storing raw water, a second reservoir for storing boiled hot water, and a third reservoir for storing boiled warm water. The second reservoir is surrounded by the raw water in the first reservoir so as to effect a heat exchange therebetween. A condenser is disposed on the top end of the second reservoir. A heating device is interposed between the first and second reservoirs so as to vaporize the raw water from the first reservoir. Then, the vapor flows into the condenser so as to form boiled hot water which falls into the second reservoir. The boiled hot water will flow from the second reserovir into the third reservoir through a water duct so as to form boiled warm water. Two water tap units are respectively communicated with the second and third reservoirs so as to supply hot and warm water.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus having a distilled water storage tank and a water boiling tank. Components associated with the boiling tank control the level of water therein and production of steam from the water contained therein. A steam flow line permits steam flow from the boiling tank into the storage tank. A distilled water cooling coil disposed in the storage tank at a lower region below the distilled water level is connected with a cool water infeed flow line. A steam condensing coil disposed in the storage tank at an upper region thereof above the desired water level and the cooling coil is connected with the cooling coil. Steam which enters the storage tank can directly contact the condensing coil exterior surface for causing the steam to condense into distilled water in the storage tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of regenerating an alcohol-based antifreezing liquid, and more particularly to a method of concentrating and regenerating an alcohol-based antifreezing liquid diluted through water absorption by removing water therefrom.The antifreezing liquid containing water is introduced into an evaporation vessel. The liquid is then heated to a temperature at which components other than alcohol of the liquid are unlikely to be affected in their properties while air is fed thereinto. Thus alcohol and water vapors are generated. These vapors are first cooled to a temperature at which only water is condensed. After water is removed, cooling is effected at a lower temperature. At this stage, the alcohol vapor is condensed, and thus concentrated alcohol, almost water-free, is collected.The alcohol thus collected and nonfreezing and high boiling-point components other than alcohol in the evaporation vessel are again mixed into a concentrated antifreezing liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for desalinating sea water, comprising a distillation unit which includes a porous hydrophobic membrane which is pervious to steam but impervious to water, and a condensation surface arranged at a distance from the membrane, the distillation arrangement also including a first unit for heating and conducting the water to be distilled on one side of the membrane, and a second unit arranged to conduct a liquid which is colder than the water, on the side of the condensation surface remote from the membrane, distilled water being collected and drawn-off between the membrane and the condensation surface.

Abstract: A water distiller apparatus for purifying and degassing domestic water supplies is provided which is constructed for easy cleaning of all parts and in which inflowing water is preheated by condensing steam within a condenser which preheating allows dissolved gases to dissipate through a vent before the inlet water reaches an evaporator portion. The rate of inflowing water is controlled by a temperature responsive valve that is in thermal communication with the condenser to maximize heat transfer and minimize heat and water loss.

Abstract: A water distiller assembly which provides for an efficient distillation process wherein steam generated in a boiling chamber is delivered to a steam condensing chamber where steam condensation is carried out by the combined effect of water cooling and air cooling. The resulting distilled water is stored in the steam condensing chamber where it is kept hot by the incoming steam for hot serving while at the same time helps in condensing the steam it comes into contact with. Water vapor emanating from the surface of the hot coolant water is also condensed and collected. Operating temperature of the coolant water may be adjusted to suit room temperature demands. The distillation process is made automatic, continuous and self-limiting by the use of two simple float controls and a thermostatic water outlet valve.

Abstract: In a method for reprocessing aqueous, oily and greasy cleaning solutions by separating oil and grease out of the solution in an oil separator, a mixture of oil, grease and cleaning solution separated in the oil separator is subjected to vaporization for the purpose of thickening it, the hot water vapor thereby resulting is used to heat the oil separator and the condensed water resulting from the vapor is fed back to the cleaning solution for its regeneration. An apparatus for performing this method is characterized in that the oil separator is enclosed by an outer casing, in the bottom region of which the separated cleaning solution containing oil and grease is collected and vaporized, the hot vapor thereby resulting being utilized to heat the cleaning fluid in the oil separator. A condensate collecting tray is provided between the bottom region of the outer casing and a bottom wall of the oil separator and condensed water flows from this tray back into the cleaning solution.

Abstract: A vacuum distillation system uses a tower having an open bottom submerged within a tank of solution exposed to atmospheric pressure. The solution within the tower is elevated to barometric level by a high vacuum or low absolute pressure on the tower top. As solution flows through the open bottom and upward, the solution is heated and then cooled to cause degasification and precipitation, and then withdrawn from the tower top. The treated solution is flowed to a vaporization chamber that is subjected to a low absolute pressure. A heater maintains the solution at a selected chamber temperature above the boiling point of water at the selected chamber pressure. The chamber pressure and temperature may be selected as desired to yield the purest water distillate for almost any solution of water and impurities. Water vapor is pumped from the vaporization chamber by a vapor pump to a condenser, where condensation results from increased pressure and decreased temperature.

Abstract: A de-salinator 10 for brackish- or salt-water has a heat insulating shell 11 closed by end plates 12. A heat exchanger 22 in the bottom of the chamber 13 is heated by engine coolant from a marine engine 27, while a pair of condensor coils 19, connected to manifolds 33, 34, use sea water to cool the fresh water vapour which is drawn off by outlets 21. The engine driven pump 37 which draws the water through the condensor coils 19 operates an eductor 36 which generates a partial vacuum in the chamber 13, drawing off brine from the bottom of the chamber and any excess water in the chamber. The level of water in the chamber 13 is maintained by drawing off a portion of the heated water passing through the condensor tubes 19. The condensate is drawn from the outlets 21 via an eductor 46 which is driven by a suction pump 45 connected to the fresh water tank 47.

Abstract: A stripping column is comprised of one or more mixing channels situated in parallel arrangement, each channel in the form of a zigzag strip through which liquid cascades in a series of falls alternating with a corresponding series of pools. Simultaneously, vapor travels upwardly in a counter-current manner, intimately mixing with the liquid when forced through each successive pool. The column is especially useful in separating alcohol from fermented mash. The column is preferably employed with three other identical columns in a parallelogram structure to make a distillation unit of greater efficiency and capacity.

Abstract: In a centrifugal mass transfer device comprising a rotary annular permeable element, annular plates are mounted adjacent the radially inner or outer face of the permeable element and gaseous or liquid material flowing from the permeable element across one surface of the annular plates is cooled or heated by a heat exchange fluid on the opposite surface of the plates. In this way condensed or vaporized material is returned to the permeable element.

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.