Abstract: Water degasification and distillation apparatus having a container for water to be degasified and distilled, a relatively small boiler adjoining said container and having a first conduit extending into the container so that a selected water level in the container will fill said boiler to a selected height, a condenser within the container and immersed in the water contained therein, a second conduit extending from the space above the water in said boiler to the inlet of the condenser, an outlet on the condenser extending through a container wall for discharging degasified and distilled water and heating means in said boiler for heating the water therein.

Abstract: A desalinization apparatus includes a section for heating up input saline water using the heat released in subsequent water vapor condensation. A solar heater may be used to raise the saline water to a proper evaporation temperature, and a carrier gas is used as a vehicle for transporting water vapor from evaporation to condensation sections.

Abstract: A fluid recovery system for removing water and solid contaminants from a fluid such a lubricant oil, coolant, and lubricating oils and the like for manufacturing operations is disclosed. A cylindrical vacuum vessel is provided with a centrally disposed cylindrical heating unit and a heat exchanger coil surrounding the heating unit, within the confines of the vacuum vessel. A water condensation trapping cover seal arrangement is provided for the top of the vessel. A cylindrical filter is disposed in surrounding relationship to the heating unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vaporizing and recovering, by condensation, a composite liquid solution of at least two components having substantially different vaporizing temperatures. The apparatus includes at least one liquid condensate vaporizing chamber wherein the vapor of the lower vapor point component will be condensed from a vapor zone above the vapor zone of the vapor of the higher vapor point component. The apparatus further includes at least two weir or other means to define the vapor levels of each vaporized component and the condensing means for each component are disposed on the opposite side of the weir from the vapor zone.

Abstract: A work extracting device driven by the wave motion of a fluid comprising a first float, a cylinder, a piston slidably engaging the interior of the cylinder, a piston rod extending from the piston and pivotally coupled to the first float, and a second float connected to the first float. The first float has a density suitable for floating and moves in response to wave motion. The cylinder is pivotally mounted to the second float. The first and second floats are part of a Hagen array of floats. The first float has an arm extending a distance beyond the point of connection of the first and second floats. The piston rod is pivotally mounted generally about the end of the arm.

Abstract: A combined distillation apparatus and hot liquid system having a hot liquid heater connected to a cold liquid storage tank and in which the distilled liquid delivers its heat to the cold incoming liquid within the cold liquid storage tank so that the cold incoming liquid is preheated for subsequent delivery to the hot liquid heater. A heat dissipation coil located within or closely adjacent to the cold liquid storage tank has a first coil being filled with a coolant, which is the cold incoming liquid captured from the cold liquid storage tank, and a second coil being filled with the distilled liquid so that the distilled liquid may be cooled before re-entering the condenser and mixing with the steam and vapor entering the condenser.

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 closed cycle recovery system and apparatus for continuously recovering residual products which have been washed or flushed from tank trucks, tank cars, and other transportation or storage containers while simultaneously separating and recovering the water, solvent or other fluids which are used to wash or flush such tanks and containers in which a mixture of the water, solvent, and other fluids, and the residual product is separated by evaporation of the water, solvent, or other fluids by passing the mixture through a distillation chamber having a series of tube and flat plate heat exchange surfaces so that the individual fluids and product may be purified and separately stored for further use.

Abstract: A distilled water production device in which cooling water from a condenser is supplied to the boiler at a constant rate. The device is provided with an overflow tube on the outflow conduit for cooling water from the condenser which diverts excess cooling water away from the boiler to a discharge pipe.

Abstract: Distillation apparatus is disclosed which operates according to the so-called thermocompressor principle and which incorporates tubular means disposed within the apparatus to define an inner conduit and an outer annular flow duct, means for dividing the outer annular flow duct into an upper portion and a lower portion, and aperture means provided in one of these portions of the divided annular flow duct. Energy imparting means, preferably blower means, is disposed within the housing of the apparatus such that after a fluid stream, composed of at least one of liquid to be distilled and vapor, flows through at least one heat exchange tube within the apparatus and through the inner conduit, vapor flows through the energy imparting means which conveys the same into one of the two portions of the divided annular flow duct, whereby the vapor discharges from the annular flow duct to be condensed.

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 solar desalination system in which fresh water is derived from sea water by focussing solar ray energy from a collecting reflector onto an evaporator tube located at substantially the focal apex of the reflector. The reflector/evaporator tube assembly is mounted on a horizontal open grid platform which may support a plurality of parallel reflector/evaporator tube assemblies. The reflectors may serve as pontoons to support the desalination system unit on a body of sea water. The solar heat generated vapor is condensed in condenser tubes immersed in the sea water. Intermittently sea water concentrate is withdrawn from the evaporator tubes. Velocity of the vapor passing from the evaporator tubes to the condensers may be utilized for generating power.

Abstract: An apparatus for the distillation of a fluid containing at least two constituent components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a microwave energy source and a solar energy collector, both of which may be used to heat a subject fluid to a greater temperature for the purpose of distillation of same. Further, the disclosed invention combines a vacuum within the apparatus to facilitate operation and enhance the overall energy efficiency of the apparatus.

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: A distillation apparatus is provided having a first chamber for receiving water to be distilled and which surrounds one end of a second chamber and also contains the condensing tube; liquid from the first chamber passes to a tube located in a second chamber which traverses a path sufficient to heat the water in the tube to a predetermined temperature before exiting through a valve to a liquid/gas separating device; a third chamber receives the liquid from the separation device and is provided with a heater to heat the liquid until it vaporizes whereupon it rises through the second chamber to enter the condenser tube located in the first chamber; the steam entering the condensing tube is cooled by the incoming water and is discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high volume distillation of impure liquid, particularly of binary mixtures of relatively low boiling organic substances and water, comprises fractionally distilling the impure liquid to form a vapor of a low boiling organic substance; compressing the vapor; passing at least a portion of the compressed vapor through a vapor composition adjustment zone wherein the organic substance may catalytically or otherwise react or merely stabilize following compression; compressing the vapor exiting the adjustment zone to form a recompressed vapor; cooling the recompressed vapor in heat transfer relation with the impure liquid whereby the vapor at least partially condenses, transferring sufficient heat to the impure liquid for evaporating the liquid and to form the aforementioned low boiling organic vapor; and collecting the condensed low boiling organic vapor.

Abstract: A continuous trickle-down distillation unit for producing hydrated alcohol having a compact, elongated distillation tube through which a fluid mixture including alcohol as one of its constituents passes. Within the distillation tube only the alcohol-predominant portion of the fluid mixture is vaporized while the remaining constituents of the fluid mixture are removed. The vaporized alcohol-predominant portion is condensed within a chamber which communicates with the distillation tube and is removed therefrom by a collection plate which extends partially into the chamber.

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: Water degasification and distillation apparatus having a container for water to be degasified and distilled, a relatively small boiler adjoining said container and having a first conduit extending into the container so that a selected water level in the container will fill said boiler to a selected height, a condenser within the container and immersed in the water contained therein, a second conduit extending from the space above the water in said boiler to the inlet of the condenser, an outlet on the condenser extending through a container wall for discharging degasified and distilled water and heating means in said boiler for heating the water therein at a rate greater than the capacity of the second conduit to handle the steam generated in the boiler.

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: The latent heat of condensation released by condensing a process vapor is captured in a fluid contained in a latent heat recirculating system; the captured heat is returned by the fluid to the body of process liquid for continued vaporization.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparation and distillation of low-alcohol-content, fermentation products into high-alcohol-content, fuel-grade product using solar energy to carry out the fermentation and distillation. The apparatus includes a solar collector with reflectors, fermenting tanks, a distillation column, and temperature controls. The working fluid for the solar collector is isolated from the fluid being distilled.

Abstract: A solar energy desalination process utilizing solar radiation directly for the evaporation of salt water is described. Ambient air takes on water vapor as the air passes through an evaporative medium. It is then directed between a saline water-covered, solar absorbing surface and a solar collecting housing. The resulting heated and moisture-saturated air is cooled in a heat exchange means where condensation of fresh water occurs. Simultaneously, cool salt water is utilized as the cooling water in the heat exchange means, and takes on the heat of condensation given up by the condensing vapor. The heated salt water from the heat exchange means is partially directed over the solar absorbing surface, and at least a portion of it is also directed to wet the evaporative medium. Several optional sub-processes are described for operation of the system during periods of reduced insolation, and an alternative process is described for operation of the process on a floating platform.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for water purification by distillation. It consists of an upper compartment which is its primary condenser, and a lower compartment which stores the unpurified cold and partly heated water and a heating unit which changes this water into steam. The primary condenser converts the steam into distilled water by means of a number of spiral coolant tubes; and any water vapor or steam which escaped the condensing action in the primary condenser is carried to a secondary condenser in which the condensation is completed. The invention is also provided with means for returning overflow boiling water, and partly heated coolant water from the cooling coils, back to the lower compartment water supply, to be boiled again.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of ethanol or a like volatile organic compound by fermenting a carbohydrate with a micro-organism which will convert the carbohydrate into ethanol or a like volatile organic compound, continuously transferring a portion of the fermentation medium to a separator where ethanol or the like volatile organic compound is evaporated from the fermentation medium at a temperature which is not deleterious to the micro-organism by subjecting the fermentation medium to a reduced pressure and recycling part or all of the remaining fermentation medium to the fermenter, the rate of the circulation of fermentation medium from the fermenter to the separator and back being such that the amount of ethanol or like volatile organic compound in the fermentation medium in the fermenter is kept sufficiently low so as not to detrimentally affect the rate of fermentation, compressing the vapor issuing from the separator thereby raising its temperature, and recondensing the compressed vapor in a heat trans

Abstract: The waste water output of an RO unit in a distillation system is conveyed to a still's condenser cooling coil to minimize water requirements of the system. A portion of the heated water fron the condenser, in one embodiment, is circulated to the RO unit inlet, where a temperature mixing valve maintains an optimum temperature for the RO inlet water by mixing feed water and condenser output water in the desired proportions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: Apparatus usable to heat fluid comprises:(a) a steam vessel having an inlet for water and an outlet for steam,(b) heating means associated with the vessel to heat water received therein and produce steam, and(c) a condenser connected with the vessel outlet to receive steam, the condenser adapted to extend in heat transfer relation with the fluid to heat that fluid in response to condensation of steam in said condenser, the condenser having a condensate outlet, and(d) other means to remove solid particles from the vessel.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a housing enclosing a boiler in the lower portion and a water-filled condenser in the upper portion with an insulated partition between them. The entry of boiler feed water is controlled by a float valve in the boiler, and steam from the boiler is conveyed through the partition and thus through a condenser coil substantially immersed in the water in the condenser.

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 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 of removing water from a mixture of glycol and water comprises introducing a feed mixture of glycol and water to a distillation column, and collecting a first concentrated glycol-water liquid as still bottoms. The first concentrated liquid is then conveyed to a reboiler where a portion of that liquid is vaporized to form a reboiler vapor and a second concentrated glycol-water liquid. The reboiler vapor is returned to the still for intimate contact with the feed mixture of glycol and water in the distillation column. The second concentrated liquid is then conveyed to a water exhauster at a temperature and pressure such that an equilibrium vapor of said second concentrated liquid, at said conditions, has a glycol/water weight ratio of at least 0.54. At this condition, a portion of the second concentrated glycol-water liquid is vaporized in the water exhauster to form a third concentrated glycol-water liquid and an equilibrium vapor in contact with the third concentrated liquid.

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: 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: The apparatus comprises a container closed to free communication with the atmosphere, and means for maintaining therein a body of crude volatile liquid at a predetermined surface level with an evacuated space thereabove containing a low pressure mixture of evaporated volatile liquid vapor and incondensible gas, an array of heat conducting tubes immersed in said body of crude liquid with their lower ends entering into a closed drum member, a fan blower arranged to maintain a pressure differential for heating said mixture by compression and friction and impelling it into the upper ends of the tubes, whereby through heat exchange the vapor is condensed to liquid and passes into the drum member together with incondensible gas.

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: For a material processing operation having at least one stage requiring heating and at least one stage requiring cooling, heating is provided by a first heat pump 24 and cooling is provided by a second heat pump 26, with two storage tanks of different temperatures 60 and 62 being provided, the second tank 62 serving as a heat sink for the condensing section 42 of the second heat pump, and serving as a heat source for the evaporator section 38 of the first heat pump, the first tank 60 providing a cooler fluid for the condenser section 42 of the second heat pump, and receiving a cooled fluid from the evaporator section 38 of the first heat pump.

Abstract: A method and closed system for high volume distillation of impure liquids comprises evaporating the impure liquid in an evaporator to form a vapor at a temperature above the freezing point and below the critical point, preferably the boiling point, of the liquid at ambient pressure and at a pressure not exceeding a pressure corresponding to the evaporation temperature under saturated conditions; compressing the vapor in compression means which preferably has a compression ratio variable in the range 1.

Abstract: Solar distillation apparatus are disclosed in which a substantial part of the heat of condensation of the condensing liquid is recovered. A conduit having an inclined smooth lower surface is disposed above the liquid to be distilled and on which the evaporated liquid condenses and releases its heat of condensation. A fluid is circulated through the conduit in a heat exchanging relationship with the lower surface thereof, the fluid absorbing a substantial part of the released heat of condensation. The condensed liquid flows along the bottom of the inclined lower surface and is discharged from the lower end thereof and collected. The conduit in the preferred embodiments is flat and transparent and the spacing between the upper and lower walls of the conduit is selected so that only a small part of the solar energy is absorbed in the conduit while the fluid in the conduit recovers a substantial part of the released heat of condensation.

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: There is disclosed a water distiller, primarily for producing water for human consumption which includes a boiler with an electric heater, a fractional distillation tower extending about two or more feet above the boiler, a gas trap at the top of the tower, and a steam conduit exiting from the tower below the gas trap and leading into a condensation tube with a water-cooled jacket. The boiler and tower are of uniform cross-section to facilitate cleaning by running a swab through this tube. An unprocessed water inlet is located in the bottom of the water jacket, and at the top of the water jacket is an exit orifice for preheated input water. A conduit for preheated input water leads to the bottom-most part of the boiler of the distiller. An overflow conduit is provided which is directly opposite the preheated water inlet; the highest point of the overflow conduit serves to automatically regulate the depth and volume of water in the boiler.

Abstract: A vapor compression distillation apparatus and method are provided wherein scaling tendencies are eliminated. The raw feedwater has acid added to it in an amount sufficient to convert the carbonates and/or bicarbonates therein to carbon dioxide. The heated acidified feedwater is then deaerated to remove the carbon dioxide and other non-condensible gases. The deaerated water flows to the evaporator through a line having a valve therein controlled by the liquid level in the deaerator to maintain such level constant even though the tube side of the evaporator is being operated at a pressure less than that of the deaerator. This permits the evaporation to take place under a partial vacuum and at a boiling temperature of less than 212.degree. F. even though the deaerator is operated at atmospheric pressure. Vent steam from the evaporator is added to the deaerator to further preheat the feedwater, and as a sparging or stripping agent to aid in the elimination of carbon dioxide and other non-condensible gases.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus having a feed water pre-heater, an evaporator tank, and a storage tank. The storage tank has an upper surface and depending walls, the pre-heater and evaporator tank being on the upper surface, and extending, with the other components, to approximately the same height, all components being within the periphery of the walls. A mixing vessel including a level controlling overflow pipe receives water from the pre-heater, and a short, straight, large diameter conduit connects the mixing vessel and evaporator tank. The mixing vessel contains a valve to drain it and the evaporator tank. The pre-heater comprises two dished elements in facing relation, with a divider plate between them, the elements being joined at their peripheries. A serpentine path is provided in each of the two spaces of the pre-heater, formed by a pair of L-shaped separators extending linearly from one end of the space to a point spaced from the other end.

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 compact integral apparatus is provided for the continuous distillation of water. The apparatus comprises an upright cylindrical boiling vessel communicating at an upper portion thereof with a vapor condensation tube which leads into a water cooling tube disposed within a reservoir vessel. Water is supplied to said reservoir vessel through a float-controlled valve adapted to maintain a substantially constant amount of water in said reservoir vessel at a height sufficient to immerse said water cooling tube and thereby receive heat therefrom. Water to be distilled flows by gravity from said reservoir vessel to said boiling vessel. The component parts are structurally interconnected to facilitate facile mounting of the apparatus on a support structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water distiller, primarily for producing water for human consumption which includes a boiler, a distillation tower extending about two or more feet above the boiler, and a steam conduit exiting from near the top of the tower leading into a helically grooved condensation tube with a water-cooled jacket. The boiler and tower are of uniform cross-section to facilitate cleaning. The water jacket has a water inlet located in the bottom and an exit orifice for preheated input water at the top. A conduit from the orifice leads to an evaporator for volatile impurities on top of the tower, and a conduit for preheated input water leads to the bottommost part of the boiler from the evaporator. An overflow conduit with an intermittent siphon is provided connected to the bottom of the boiler; the highest and lowest points of the siphon serve to automatically regulate the maximum and minimum depths of water in the boiler.

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 apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

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.