Level Control Patents (Class 202/181)
  • Patent number: 4957200
    Abstract: A water distillation apparatus has an outer chamber and an inner chamber suspended within the outer chamber by support arms. The inner chamber suspends a heating element to create steam. Heat is transferred from the inner chamber to the outer chamber, wherein the heated water in the outer chamber is allowed to degassify. Degassification removes unpleasant tasting chemicals from the water before distillation. Openings are provided for air circulation to remove the gasses. A condenser is also suspended by the support arms. The stem exits the inner chamber and goes into the condenser. A fan provides air circulation through the condenser. The outer chamber is not penetrated by any openings, thereby precluding the possibility of any leaks. The support arms bear on the outer chamber walls; the inner chamber is removed from the outer chamber for cleaning simply by lifting up. In one embodiment the outer and inner chambers are made of a ceramic material to better regulate heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventors: William F. Turner, James K. Dews
  • Patent number: 4954223
    Abstract: A distillation apparatus including a pair of vertical lower vessels each open at its upper end, and a pair of elongate upper vessels each having an open lower end, slidably mounted in a respective one of the lower vessels. A heat exchanger is mounted in each of the upper vessels, with the upper end of one upper vessel being connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger in the other vessel, and vice versa. A reciprocating drive mechanism drives the two upper vessels up and down in opposite directions so as to simultaneously effect compression in the space above the liquid level in the downwardly moving vessel while expanding the space above the liquid in the other vessel, driving vapor from the downwardly moving vessel into the heat exchanger in the other vessel, where it condenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventors: Joseph E. Leary, Edward L. Parr
  • Patent number: 4946558
    Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 4943353
    Abstract: A modular water distillation apparatus includes a distillation unit which may be manually operated by adding water manually to the steam generator. The apparatus further includes an add-on holding tank and an add-on control unit which mounts to the holding tank and provides automatic control of the distillation unit by providing feedwater to the steam generator when the steam generator is deenergized and the holding tank is not full. The add-on control further includes a power receptacle for an add-on distilled water demand pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Pure Water, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Shannon
  • Patent number: 4940134
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a waste solution generated when a photosensitive material is processed by an automatic developing machine includes a waste solution reservoir which is maintained at a constant level. A drum, partially immersed in the waste solution, is rotated to coat its surface. The drum is heated to produce a waste vapor. The waste vapor is condensed by a condenser and filtered and solid wastes are scraped from the surface of the drum. The condenser has a drain tank for collecting condensate and a non-condensable gas component. The interior of the drain tank is sealed to form an air tight seal and has a vent for exhausting the non-condensable gas component from the interior portion to the outside. The air vent includes an absorption tower to treat the non-condensable gas component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Syozo Aoki, Satoru Kuse, Shigeharu Koboshi
  • Patent number: 4938868
    Abstract: The vacuum column system distills liquid under partial vacuum conditions. The system rigorously splashes and boils liquid in a boiler chamber so as to form vapor and a rising mist from the splashing liquid. The vapor and mist rise in a circularly converging path through a mist collector. The heavier mist strikes the surfaces of the mist collector and deposits on those surfaces, thereby separating itself from the vapor. The vapor is then drawn to a condensor chamber where droplets of treated liquid are sprayed through it and fall into a shallow pool of treated liquid. The droplets seed condensation of the vapor directly onto the droplets. Also, the droplets assist in encapsulating bubbles of vapor in the pool as the droplets fall into the pool. The bubbles are then entrained with other treated liquid of the pool as the treated liquid is drawn from the pool down an entrainment conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4929312
    Abstract: A solvent recovery system is provided which is characterized by improved efficiency and safety. The system includes an evaporator unit having a heat source for vaporizing contaminated solvent. The resulting vapors are subsequently liquified in a condensing unit. During evaporation and condensation of the solvent, a negative pressure is maintained within the system using a vacuum generator. After condensation, the liquid solvent passes into at least one accumulator which is periodically drained. The accumulator and vacuum generator operate in synchronization so that a vacuum is maintained in the system while drainage of the accumulator occurs. Since the evaporation and condensation systems of the invention are maintained at a negative pressure, any leaks therein do not result in the escape of flammable vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: Robert D. Westcott
  • Patent number: 4919257
    Abstract: In a gas dehydration system utilizing glycol a condensate skimming reflux column separates and skims natural gas condensate off glycol by a settling tank-type reservoir having a syphon-type glycol outlet to a reflux section spaced a predetermined distance below a condensate outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventors: Leslie E. Brigham, Sr., Leslie E. Brigham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4917770
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventors: Charles T. Asbury, Genevieve J. Asbury
  • Patent number: 4906337
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying both hot water and distilled water includes a water distillation unit having a steam generator, a condenser connected with the steam generator for converting steam into distilled water and a holding tank for receiving distilled water from the condenser. The condenser is in heat transfer relation to the interior of a water heater tank. Water level monitors are provided for monitoring the level of water in the steam generator and the holding tank and temperature sensors sense the temperature of water in the steam generator and water heater tank. When the level of water in the holding tank is above a predetermined value, the steam generator is de-energized and feed water is admitted to the steam generator to dilute the contents to a safe temperature before the contents are discharged to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: David G. Palmer
  • Patent number: 4894123
    Abstract: A highly efficient distillation unit is provided for heating water and condensing the generated steam to remove the contaminants from the water. Efficiency is enhanced by providing a compact air cooled fin-and-tube heat exchanger which removes heat from the steam, with a powered blower passing air by the fins. A removable bowl which houses the evaporating water is suspended from a rod biased toward its upper position. Mechanical linkage interconnects the rod and a valve which controls incoming water flow to the bowl. The valve closure member is incrementally moved from an opened position to a closed position as a function of the weight of the water in the heating bowl. A low density electrical heating element is powered with from 40 to 55 watts per square inch of submerged heating element exterior surface. The bowl is configured to have a large surface area of heated water to heater input power, thereby further maximizing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Arthur R. Helmich
  • Patent number: 4888097
    Abstract: A distillation type of water purification system has a raw water inlet valve for admitting raw water continuously to a boiling tank at a rate greater than the rate at which raw water is converted to treated water. A drain valve located at the bottom of the boiling tank is energized by a raw water level sensing device whenever the raw water level reaches a predetermined level, to discharge water from the boiling tank. Treated water is stored in a storage tank having a pump for discharging treated water to the user upon demand. A single conductivity sensor in the storage tank controls the pump to allow it to operate only if the sensed conductivity is above a first predetermined value but not at or above a second predetermined value greater than the first value. An improved condenser has two sets of tubes, each set is arranged in a pair of planes oriented transverse the flow of cooling air with the tubes parallel. The internal cross-sectional area of one set is about twice that of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Pure Water, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Palmer, David J. Shannon, Keith L. Vacha
  • Patent number: 4877489
    Abstract: An electronic control and dosing system for desalinators (10) has a baffle, disposed between the evaporation and condensation chambers, fitted with probes (70, 71) which detect the presence of liquid created by entrained bubbles, that pass through the holes in the baffle. A control circuit (72), connected to the probes (70,71), closes a solenoid valve (62) to shut off the supply of feed water to the desalinator (10) until the threat of entrainment has passed. A foaming and/or scale inhibiting polymer, contained in a tank (64), is periodically introduced to the feed water inlet line (63) by a solenoid valve (65) controlled by a timer circuit (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Nautical Services Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Lloyd
  • Patent number: 4861435
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Herbert F. Sweet, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4826575
    Abstract: A laboratory apparatus for continuously producing high purity distilled water includes a distillation flask, a carboy and condenser unit. A double walled microwave oven with a spacing between the walls, large enough to accommodate piping and valving means for controlling the flow of water to the distillation flask. The microwave oven supplies the heat to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Narbik A. Karamian
  • Patent number: 4818344
    Abstract: A portable water distiller comprising a vaporization chamber containing an electric coil heating element, a finned tube condenser coil, and an electric fan motor for cooling the condenser coil's outer surface. In a preferred embodiment, the vaporization chamber includes an upper vertical tube having an open bottom and closed top communication with the condenser, and a raw water receptacle with its rim surrounding the tube at a distance and with its bottom near the bottom end of the tube. The receptacle of the portable water distiller is automatically kept full with water up to a predetermined level, and is readily removable from the distiller for cleaning of residue, the lower portion of the tube is similarly removable for access to the heating element. The condenser coil is designed to offer low flow resistance resulting in only a small over-pressure in the vaporization chamber thus affecting only a small depression of the water level therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Dov Z. Glucksman
  • Patent number: 4804477
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for the controlled concentration of oil well brine which is adapted to be situated at a well site where oil well brine is produced and which evaporates water from the brine to cause precipitable salt to precipitate out of solution and to be recovered and to cause the remaining liquid to become concentrated with brine constituents which also are recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Thomas F. Allen et al.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Allen, David G. Austin
  • Patent number: 4769113
    Abstract: This document describes an improved method and apparatus for recycling energy in counterflow heat exchange and distillation. The basis of the invention is transferring heat with thin sheets of material having extensive surface area relative to the flow rate through the system. A distillation apparatus (11 and 12), a counterflow heat exchanger (11), a clothes dryer (FIG. 9), a power generator (FIG. 12), and other embodiments of the invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Superstill Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan B. Sears
  • Patent number: 4759825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary evaporator for carrying out a processor-controlled distilling operation. A rotary flask (5), a condenser (8) and a distillate collector receptacle (10) of the rotary evaporator (1) are continually kept under vacuum.According to the invention, the automatically controlled supply of a sample solution to the rotary flask is accomplished by means of a metering receptacle adapted to have the sample solution supplied thereto from a supply container for temporary transitory storage therein prior to transfer of the solution to the vacuum system, or the rotary flask (5), respectively. For discharging the distillate from the distillate collector receptacle (14), an outlet valve associated therewith is operable to connect the collector receptacle to a vacuum conduit (26) for the discharge of the distillate. This provision offers the advantage of permitting substantially discharge of the distillate without requiring the vacuum system to be vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventors: Bela Medvey, Laszlo Rozsnoki
  • Patent number: 4738295
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling a rotating vacuum evaporation system is disclosed. The rotating flask, containing the medium to be evaporated, is buoyantly supported in a liquid bath and the relative elevation between the flask and the liquid level in the bath is measured. The relative elevation is utilized as the control signal to control the addition of fluid medium to the flask, and to shut off the system when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Hans G. Genser
  • Patent number: 4734159
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a heated waste gas stream to evaporate a volatile component such as water or a solvent from a liquid solution comprises a flue to feed the gas stream from the source of heated gas; a container having an inner chamber to hold the liquid for evaporation of the volatile compound and an outer chamber connected to the flue which forms a gas channel substantially surrounding the inner chamber through which at least a portion of the gas stream flows to supply heat to the inner chamber and evaporate the volatile component of the liquid solution; an inlet to feed the liquid solution into the inner chamber; upper and lower liquid level sensors to control the quantity of liquid solution fed into the inner chamber to establish a liquid level therein; a sparger for agitating the liquid solution in the inner chamber; a sump below the container and connected to the flue to receive any condensate from the gas stream and any liquid leaking from the inner chamber; an outlet to combine, vent and d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: TFK Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore F. Korenowski
  • Patent number: 4724044
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for disposing of waste rinse water used in photographic processes in which the waste rinse water is heated in a dissolution tank to be reduced to a slurry which is accumulated and stored in drums for later processing. The apparatus is compact consisting of separate tanks for the different rinse water, a holding tank to collect the contaminated rinse water and a separate dissolution tank. There is no discharge of any liquid waste products into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Sprint Recovery Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Fern Weishaar, Walter Weishaar
  • Patent number: 4687550
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Inventor: Man J. Wong
  • Patent number: 4686009
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: James W. Laney
    Inventor: Derald L. McCabe
  • Patent number: 4664751
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Nautical Services Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian D. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 4640743
    Abstract: A process for the multi-stage condensation of an overhead fraction is disclosed. The process facilitates optimal response to changes in distillation column controls wherein column top reflux condensation is preferentially returned to said distillation column, but auxiliary surge capacity is obtained by connection to a first accumulator section of an accumulating zone, which surge capacity is supplemented by one-way flow of liquid from a cooler, second section in said accumulation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Bannon, Stanley Marple
  • Patent number: 4639293
    Abstract: This invention relates to a solar still wherein the evaporation takes place in partially evacuated tubings which are heated by sunlight. The water to be distilled is supplied from a reservoir vessel which is sealed off after batch loading. The reservoir vessel is elevated above the solar collector. The water is fed into the heater tubings routed through the solar collector by gravity, through an orifice and a heat exchanger-condenser. The steam tubing branches off from the heater tubing in the solar collector vertically, and is routed through the heat exchanger-condenser. At this end, it is connected to a vertical tubing of a sizable length that empties into the distilled water reservoir. The exit end of the heater tubing routed through the solar collector is connected to another vertical tubing of a sizable length that empties into an overflow tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Hyok S. Lew
  • Patent number: 4612090
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: John C. Ellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4606794
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Inventor: Robert L. Wyckoff
  • Patent number: 4601789
    Abstract: A water purification and hot water supply apparatus is provided including a feed water intake providing water in excess of the distilled water output, a heater controlling the quantity of water boiled, a waste water exit port to remove accumulated water above a certain level, a distilled water exit port in the vapor space, a condensing device to transfer the heat of condensation to a hot water tank and a waste water heat exchange device to transfer heat from the waste water to the hot water tank. A volatile organic compound removing tank to heat and vent off the contaminants is positioned to receive heat from the water in the still section of the apparatus which then feeds water to the feed water intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignees: John G. Bjorklund, Shirley W. Bjorklund, Leona House, Leonard J. House
    Inventor: John G. Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 4585522
    Abstract: Heated distillation still for separating ethanol-water mixtures divided into an upper solar absorbent vaporization section and a lower pre-heating section by a vaporization floor, float means to automatically control the ethanol-water feed to the lower portion of the preheating section when distillation is taking place, means to evenly distribute the ethanol-water mixture on the vaporization floor, means to heat the ethanol-water mixture in the distillation chamber, and means to remove or recycle residual aqueous liquid from the lower end of the vaporization section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Lamar H. Stewart
    Inventors: Boyd R. Beck, LaMar H. Stewart, Steven L. Tapp, Don L. Anderson, Jr., Daniel E. Nuffer
  • Patent number: 4575404
    Abstract: A pure water tank for distillation equipment comprises a casing on a water tank proper and a communicating pipe via which interiors of the casing and tank proper communicate each other. Water in the casing prevents air from entering into the pure water tank through a condenser when generation of steam is halted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Goto, Naoki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 4568428
    Abstract: A vapor distillation system sprays a mixture of liquids to be distilled into an evacuated vaporizer chamber. The low boiling point components of the mixture will be vaporized while the remainder of the mixture will collect at the bottom of the vaporizer chamber. The collected liquid is recirculated and heated. The recirculating liquid is discharged, and fresh mixture is introduced, as a function of the sensed temperature of the recirculating liquid. The vapor is transferred to a condenser chamber having a water spray head so that the chilled spray condenses the vapor. Both the condenser chamber and the vaporizer chamber have fluid level control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Rigg, Frank Anderson, Richard Curtin
  • Patent number: 4561940
    Abstract: The overcharge prevention device is installed in a solvent processing plant in a vacuum evaporator of a heat exchanger. It assures that the level of the cleaning solution in the vacuum evaporator cannot randomly rise when a feed valve malfunctions. A float body of an overcharge valve extending into the vacuum evaporator exerts a pressure through a double-arm lever and a valve plunger upon a ball valve and a valve seat in normal operation and holds the overcharge valve in a closed position. As the level of the cleaning solution undesirably rises, the buoyant action of the cleaning solution acts on the float body, causing the pressure on the valve seat to diminish, and the overcharge valve opens. This permits air to enter into the vacuum evaporator through the overcharge valve. The generated vacuum collapses and the suction force employed to ingest the cleaning solution disappears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Mentec Ag
    Inventor: Rene Meier
  • Patent number: 4540470
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Yamamoto Scientific Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuharu Wakasugi
  • Patent number: 4525243
    Abstract: A tank for receiving water to be desalinated supports a vacuum pump at the upper end thereof. The inlet of the pump communicates with the tank for reducing the interior of the tank to a subatmospheric pressure and the outlet of the pump communicates with heat transfer coils submerged just below a water level in the tank. The vacuum pump has an outer casing defining a heating area which traps the heat generated by operation of the pump. An inlet for water to be desalinated leads through the heated area around the pump and is discharged above the water level at the heat transfer coils for vaporization of the incoming water. The heat transfer coils communicate with condensing coils leading downwardly in the tank. The heat transfer coils are supported on a float and have an inlet and outlet arrangement providing for even distribution of vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: J. Stanley Miller Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley Miller
  • Patent number: 4504362
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Inventor: Clifford L. Kruse
  • Patent number: 4497690
    Abstract: A still comprising, in one aspect, a housing, a heating coil located inside the housing, a condensing coil located inside the housing and above the heating coil with vapor flow space inside turns of the coil, and having a diameter smaller than the housing which defines a vapor flow space outside turns of the coil, and means to remove condensate from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: Hoyt Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Richard R. Manzone
  • Patent number: 4495034
    Abstract: A system for treating waste effluent and recovering solids and solvent material including a reservoir mounted on a stand connected by means to a solvent migrator including an adjustable trough for receiving new solution, a secondary reservoir with a cloth or absorbent material designed to contact the fluid in the secondary reservoir, while parallel to the sun's rays, an automatic leveling means and apparatus for recirculation of waste effluent including a leveling ball, and suction tubing for the recirculation of fluid, a solar unit comprised of glass panels to form a collecting dome with collecting troughs and a bonnet to shade the top of the pyramid formed by the dome panels and mirrors for the reflection of sunlight, all of which is connected to a chemical trap and subsequently a collecting means for the pure product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: Frank Lucas
  • Patent number: 4482431
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Inventor: John L. Voorhees
  • Patent number: 4460383
    Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus for reconcentrating a liquid absorbent in an absorption system which method includes the steps of heating the rich liquid absorbent in a heating zone to vaporize a portion of the solute therefrom, flashing the partially reconcentrated absorbent into a flash separator and separating the lean liquid absorbent from the flashed vapors in the flash separator with the lean liquid absorbent being recycled to the absorption system and with the separated vapors being cooled to condense liquids and returning the stream of condensed liquids and vapors to the heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Black, Sivalls & Bryson
    Inventor: Michael M. Valerius
  • Patent number: 4444623
    Abstract: Distilling equipment comprising input apparatus (21) including a boiling chamber (83) and means (80-82, 104-107, 110, 111) for supplying raw liquid to the boiling chamber at a predetermined level, a closed condensation chamber (22) above the predetermined level and connected to the top of the boiling chamber (96) to receive therefrom only vapor from the raw liquid, and output apparatus (20) including a liquid collection container (25) below the condensation chamber and liquid circulating structure (29-34, 44-55) for withdrawing liquid from the container, cooling the liquid, discharging it within the condensation chamber, and returning it to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Inventor: Philip G. Youngner
  • Patent number: 4437937
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Inventor: Thomas F. McGraw
  • Patent number: 4421605
    Abstract: Distillation apparatus is disclosed which operates according to the so-called thermocompressor principle and comprises a housing in which a boiling chamber is situated to accommodate the liquid to be distilled, a heating device for heating the liquid to be distilled in the boiling chamber, a feed line for conducting the liquid to be distilled into the boiling chamber, an output line for removing the distillate from the distillation apparatus, and apparatus for imparting additional energy to the vapor that is produced from the liquid to be distilled in the boiling chamber such that the temperature of the vapor on the output side of the energy imparting apparatus is increased. According to the invention, at least one heat exchange tube is provided within the distillation apparatus through which a mixture composed of the liquid to be distilled and of the vapor produced therefrom is adapted to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Oy Finn-Aqua Ltd.
    Inventor: Esko Huhta-Koivisto
  • Patent number: 4420374
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Inventor: John C. Ellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4415075
    Abstract: A compact, fully automatic water distilling unit is disclosed consisting of a tubular vaporizing tank with an attached condenser preheater disposed alongside which receives incoming feed water, prior to entry into the vaporizing tank via a rim trough extending about the tank. The assembly is adapted to be wall mounted and to discharge distilled water into a reservoir tank. The automatic controls include a float switch in the vaporizing tank controlling the inflow of fill water, a low level safety switch in the reservoir shutting off the heater upon the decline of water level below a minimum. A float switch arrangement is mounted in the reservoir to shut off the heater and water inflow upon filling of the reservoir. Also disclosed is an overflow passage, allowing overflow to be routed to a drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: General Molding, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy P. McNesky, E. Dale Rice
  • Patent number: 4394216
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering two immiscible fluids in a vapor generating and recovery apparatus wherein water, an immiscible cleaning solvent, and an emuslifying agent are subjected to sufficient heat in a first chamber to vaporize the water and the immiscible solvent and then condense in a second chamber the water and immiscible solvent, returning in separate streams the water and solvent to the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Inventor: James W. McCord
  • Patent number: 4377441
    Abstract: An alcohol still having a boiler with a valve for maintaining the amount of liquor constant. The boiler mounts a distilling column having a temperature controlled inlet for liquor to be distilled which assists in maintaining the operation at a constant optimum operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Kimmell, Jack P. Murphy, deceased
  • Patent number: 4364797
    Abstract: An electrically and/or solar heated distillation and fractionation system for separating ethanol-water mixtures comprised with an insulated inclined vaporization chamber divided into an upper solar absorbent vaporization section and a lower pre-heating section by a vaporization floor, float means to automatically control the ethanol-water feed to the lower portion of the preheating section when distillation is taking place, means to evenly distribute the ethanol-water mixture on the vaporization floor, means to heat the ethanol-water mixture in the distillation chamber, a packed fractionation column through which the vapors from the distillation chamber must pass, means to control the temperature at the top of the fractionation column-condensing means to recover and/or recycle distillate exiting to the upper portion of the distillation column and means to remove or recycle residual aqueous liquid from the lower end of the vaporization section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: Stil Sun Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: Boyd R. Beck, Lamar H. Stewart, Steven Tapp, Don L. Anderson, Jr., Daniel E. Nuffer
  • Patent number: 4342625
    Abstract: Water distillation apparatus including separable evaporator storage reservoir and condensing modules coupled to each other in vertical succession. A fluid coil is suspended within the condensing module and is coupled to feed water from a source such as a domestic tap to the evaporator module. A vapor column including a spiral baffle extends through the storage reservoir module to direct steam generated in the evaporator module to the vicinity of the fluid coil, such that the coil affects heat exchange between inlet water and the surrounding steam to preheat the water prior to entry into the evaporator module and to condense the steam for flow by gravity into the storage reservoir module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Inventor: Clifford C. Dennison