Abstract: The invention is a fluid distillation apparatus (10) which, in its preferred embodiment, includes a cylindrical portion (12) which mates with an end wall (14) and a bell portion (16) to form an enclosed volume (18) within which evaporization and condensation of a selected fluid may take place. A heat exchange rotor assembly (20) is formed of head conductive material and includes intertwined evaporization and condensation channels (52, 54) in spiral array. A central tunnel (58) provides access for vapor from an evaporization volume (24) to a condensation volume (26) with a pressure gradient provided by an impeller (100) urging such passage. A drum motor (68) rotates the drum (40) to facilitate liquid flow in the heat exchange rotor (20). An impure fluid input port (32) and output ports are provided for purified fluid (34), concentrated brine (36) and degassing purposes (38).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from a liquid mixture of water and ethanol contacts it with liquid carbon dioxide so that the ethanol is preferentially transferred into solution, dries the solution using an adsorbent, and then recovers dry ethanol by distilling off the carbon dioxide. This process is particularly energy efficient especially when it includes a fermentation process to generate the ethanol and uses the carbon dioxide generated during the fermentation as the source of liquid carbon dioxide. In this case the method and apparatus provide an additional product of dry carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Process for deodorizing triglyceride oil comprises passing dry steam through the oil, the oil being at a temperature between 160.degree. and 280.degree. C. and under a pressure of between 0.1 to 8.0 mbar and condensing by indirect condenser means a vapor phase having a Reynolds number less than 2300 and comprising steam, volatile materials from the oil and less than 100 mg neutral oil per m.sup.3 of steam when measured under the conditions prevailing in the headspace above the oil. The condensate can be solid or liquid form. In either case the condensate can be readily removed from the condenser.

Abstract: Ammonia which is present in fuel cell power plant water in free form, in ionic form, and in forms combined with carbon dioxide, is removed from the power plant water by steam stripping. Water which has been used to cool the fuel reformer effluent, and thus has become contaminated with ammonia, is fed to a first steam stripper wherein a first portion of the ammonia contaminant is removed. The partially stripped water is then fed to a second steam stripper wherein further amounts of ammonia are removed from the water with steam. The ammonia laden steam from the two strippers is combined and vented through a single vent thus conserving the amount of water lost from the system.

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.

Abstract: A steam generator, especially a pure steam generator, having a feed line for conducting feed water to the same, an electrode system for heating the feed water, a steam outlet for removing generated steam, and a separating space in a lower part of the generator 10, along with a droplet separator through which the steam that has been generated is disposed to flow from the separating space to the steam outlet. Electrodes have been placed in small tubular spaces in a water space (i.e. a space receiving incoming feed water). The steam generator may be used in a multi-stage distilling apparatus by conducting the steam that has been formed to a second column or stage of the distilling apparatus, to constitute feed steam therefor.

Abstract: A compact and energy efficient water distillation unit is disclosed including a housing divided by shared interior walls into deaerator, heater and evaporator chambers. A deaerator is mounted in the deaerator chamber. An evaporator is mounted in the evaporator chamber and a vapor compressor is provided for drawing water vapor produced by the evaporator through a demister and outputting the vapor into a duct open to the evaporator. The duct is at least partially located above the heater chamber and open thereto. A heater is mounted in the heater chamber. A duct interconnects the evaporator with the deaerator chamber and a vertical standpipe connects the deaerator and evaporator chambers.

Abstract: A process for purifying impure water, e.g. heavy water, which provides for the removal of dissolved inorganic and organic contaminants by distillation of the water and washed vapor withdrawal, and optional chemical pretreatment of oxidazable matter.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of boiler feed water from process waters in the oil extraction industry during which salts and hydrocarbons are removed from the water, without Fe.sup.++ precipitating. The heavy hydrocarbons are mechanically separated, the volatile hydrocarbons are separated from the water, by means of a thermal degassing, and the low boiling and the non-condensable hydrocarbons are separated in a shower evaporation step with downstream vapor compression, wherein the low boiling non-condensable hydrocarbons are evaporated with the waste water within the shower evaporator and the non-condensable hydrocarbons then are drawn off from a downstream separator. A salt-free oxygen-free pure water is removed from a separator.

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.

Abstract: Desalination apparatus comprising a vessel, an evaporation surface for receiving saline water in the vessel, a condensation chamber arranged in the vessel beneath the evaporation surface, an evaporation chamber arranged in the vessel above the evaporation surface, a fresh water tank for containing a reservoir of fresh water and fresh water vapor thereabove, a first conduit connecting the fresh water tank and the condensation chamber, a pump for compressing in the condensation chamber fresh water and fresh water vapor to maintain a pressure-temperature differential between the condensation chamber and the evaporation chamber at the evaporation surface, a second conduit connecting the evaporation chamber and the fresh water tank for removal of fresh water vapor from the evaporation chamber and its delivery to the reservoir of fresh water, and valves and conduits for conveying saline water to the evaporation surface and for taking off fresh water accumulated in the fresh water tank.

Abstract: An aqueous saline vapor is passed through a porous mass having a temperature no less than that of the vapor and subsequently condensed to provide substantially salt-free water.

Abstract: An electrostatic filtration apparatus is used to significantly reduce contaminants in N.sub.2 O.sub.4 vapor and liquid at ambient temperatures. The apparatus uses an electret vapor filter having therein a stack of layers of electret material through which the N.sub.2 O.sub.4 must pass. A flow blocking filter is added to the electret liquid filter to insure a sufficient time for removal of contaminants by said electret material. The filter is constructed of chemically inert materials to prevent additional contaminants.

Abstract: The apparatus uses a combination of technologies for treatment of hazardous and nonhazardous liquid wastes. The first treatment step is an evaporation stage where the liquid wastes are heated. The resulting steam and vapors are then oxidized by photolysis and photolytic catalyzed ozone before they are condensed. The steam and vapors are then condensed and the condensate is passed through a column of activated carbon. The activated carbon absorbs any unoxidized Chemical Oxygen Demanding (COD) species and aids in the control of any odors which may be emitted in the evaporation stage.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for distillation of styrenes which can be stably operated without loss of energy saving effect, by leading a part or all of low boiling point component vapor from the top to a compressor to use as a heat source for a reboiler and returning the low boiling point components condensed in the reboiler or a mixture of the condensate and a part of the uncondensed vapor to a recycling line of a distillation column.

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.

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 system for the distillation of sea water comprising a sea water input conduit, an evaporator, a work extractor, a float, a condenser, a distilled water output conduit, and a brine solution output conduit. The evaporator is connected to the input conduit. The work extractor comprises a cylinder, a piston slideably engaging the interior of the cylinder, and a piston rod extending from the piston. The piston rod is pivotally coupled to the float. The cylinder is pivotally attached to a second float. The second float is connected to the first float. A conduit connects the piston-and-cylinder arrangement with the condenser. The condenser communicates with the distilled water output conduit. The evaporator communicates with the brine solution output conduit. The energy for this system is provided by the wave motion of a body of water.

Abstract: A metal-refining process and a corresponding system characterized by being adapted to minimize the health hazard by appropriate purification of the gases or vapor products resulting from acid action on a metal compound. This metal refining features the use of vacuum at a downstream point to regulate the admixing of air with the vapor products in the effluent and to draw activating air in the mixture of acid and metal compound at the upstream point. This refining system includes gas outlet manifolds constructed and arranged to enhance the purification of the vapor products by comminuting the vapor products into small bubbles upwardly through a water tank. Each manifold consists of a casing having a plurality of small gas outlet apertures each communicating with a small tube which extends within the casing and has a bevelled end for self-cleaning of the tube. These tubes prevent clogging of the apertures by solid particles in the gas flowing through the casing.

Abstract: An evaporator apparatus (10) and method for converting a contaminated fluid including mostly water and water soluble substances into a vapor and a residue. Apparatus (10) includes a container (11) for retaining the fluid. A heat source (17) is utilized for supplying heat to evaporate the fluid. A flue assembly (18) positioned in the fluid conveys the heat from the heat source (17) through the fluid. A draft mechanism (20) draws off the resulting vapors as they are formed.

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: A water treatment cartridge and method for producing ultrapure water is described. The cartridge comprises a container having therein a particulate admixture of activated carbon and mixed bed ion exchange resins. A source of water, preferably pretreated, is passed through the container, preferably following treatment by one or more cartridges containing mixed bed ion exchange resins. The carbon in the admixed cartridge removes residual organic contamination from the water and the resins remove ionic contamination from the carbon, without re-introducing organic material to the water.

Abstract: In a process for producing a 2-hydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate which comprises esterifying acrylic or methacrylic acid with an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the presence of an esterification catalyst and distilling the resulting reaction mixture in a distillation column, the improvement wherein the vapor of the ester monomer from the distillation column, while being maintained in the superheated state, is introduced into a condenser of the gas-liquid direct contact type whose inner wall corresponding to its gas inlet portion is kept at a temperature below the boiling point of the ester at the operating pressure, to contact it directly with a concurrently flowing spray liquid of the ester-precooled to a temperature below the boiling point of the ester at the operating pressure, whereby said vapor is condensed to a liquid at said temperature below the boiling point of the ester at the operating pressure.

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: The distillation apparatus includes an upstanding closed boiler which receives a fluid mash, a mixture including alcohol and water, and has a plurality of heating means, including a pre-heat means, to boil the mash and produce a vapor at the top thereof; two heat exchangers are located at the bottom of the boiler; one is heated by fluid from a compressor and one is heated by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine which drives the compressor. The fluid mash is removed from the boiler at a first point, passed through a solar panel and returned to the boiler at a higher level; the fluid mash is removed from the boiler at a second point, where new mash is added, and both used as the coolant for the engine; when the fluid has cooled the engine it is then passed over an enclosed coil which carries exhaust gases from the engine. It is then returned to the boiler at a higher level; exhaust gases from the engine are injected directly into the fluid mash adding heat thereto.

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

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: An in-line distillation system for separating volatile components entrained in a liquid includes a distillation device for separating the volatile components from the liquid. A distribution device is connected in fluid communication with the outlet of the distillation and has a first conduit portion for flowing the separated volatile component from the outlet of the distillation device, and a second conduit portion for flowing the liquid from the outlet of the distillation device. A trap device resists the flow of the separated volatile component from entering the second conduit and thus forces the flow of volatile component into the first conduit. The trap device includes a reservoir container device for receiving liquid from the second container. An outlet at the upper portion of the container device spaced by a substantial distance above the exit end of said second conduit permits the flow of liquid therefrom.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for purifying waste water which comprises introducing said waste water into a separation zone, removing a portion of the impurities recovered from said separation zone, and concentrating said impurities by their introduction into an evaporation system to form a still fluid residue and remaining impurities composed of impurities in gaseous and vapor form together with waste vapors, transferring said remaining impurities to an oxidation chamber, and supplying said oxidation chamber with heat and air, thereby oxidizing said remaining impurities through spontaneous combustion, wherein the proportion of the low boiling-point impurities in the waste water introduced into the separation zone is adjusted to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A solar still adapted to float on a body of water has a toroidal evaporating chamber with sunlight admitting and absorbing, respectively, top and bottom walls for vaporizing water from the body admitted to overlie the bottom wall. A surrounding inner float ring and underlying toroidal inflatable float support the chamber. A condenser depends from and communicates with the evaporating chamber through elongate coaxial vapor outlet and air return tubes, and in turn supplies distillate to a pendent holding tank. A rotatable shaft extending coaxially down through the evaporating chamber carries a fan to propel vapor from the evaporating chamber into the condenser due to rotation of a windmill atop the chamber. A curved reflector is rotatably driven atop the inner ring to direct additional sunlight on the evaporating chamber as the sun moves overhead. An outer float ring loosely coaxially surrounds the inner float ring.

Abstract: The water is heated to convert it into steam; the steam is passed from a container into a superheating zone and then condensed in the form of purified water. The superheating zone contains at least in part, a packing of a material inert with respect to steam and impurities possibly present in the latter. The steam is superheated in said zone by means of supplementary heating to a temperature exceeding 300.degree. C., and reaching notably from 400.degree. to 700.degree. C., preferably from 500.degree. to 700.degree. C. Highly purified apyrogenic water freed from undesired organic substances, useful in research in physical chemistry, physics, biochemistry or molecular biology or in the medical field is, produced by this process.

Abstract: A distilled water apparatus which comprises in nested vapor-sealed arrangement, a bottom raw water tank, a storage tank and a cooling and condensing tank. The storage tank has an outer annular storage compartment surrounding a vertical vapor passage and can be equipped with a basket for holding coffee or the like so that the device acts as a self-contained distilled water coffee maker.

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: 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: An impure liquid is continuously distilled in a deaerated conduit arranged in a coil to present adjacent loops in heat exchange relationship. The conduit is divided by a partial partition into a distilland trough and a distillate trough, the latter being on the outside of each loop. The impure liquid is introduced into the distilland trough for flow therealong and vaporization, and the resultant vapor crosses over to the distillate trough due to centrifugal force and condensation within the distillate trough. As the vapor condenses in the distillate trough, the heat of condensation is transferred to the distilland trough of the adjacent downstream loop and to the incoming liquid flowing in a feed tube lying in the distillate trough. Spaced obstructions to vapor flow in the distillate trough and flow guide fins are employed to increase efficiency. A number of coils may be stacked to provide a multi-unit distillation system.

Abstract: An integral water purification system including a tank for containing unclean water located at the source with continual replenishment of said water in the tank, a cover for the tank to accumulate natural heat by the elimination of any disturbances by the elements and to aid such accumulation by the rays of the sun in order to vaporize the unclean water, a blower for moving the vapor to a pipe leading from an area of one temperature to an area of another and lower temperature such as from the crest to the depth of the sea, whereby the vapor is condensed into droplets and accumulated in a condensing unit as pure water and a pump to force the water from the final condenser to a fresh water storage tank for later use whereby potable water is obtained from unclean water with the use of natural forces and with a minimum of expenditure of artificial energy sources.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus capable of treating water having impurities producing substantial foaming includes a boiler tank having a water inlet and heater, and a stack portion thereabove containing contact surface means and a heater for heating the contact surface means to a temperature above the vaporization temperature of water. In this manner water droplets which may be carried by the steam vapors from the boiler and/or foam will be immediately vaporized as it comes in contact with the contact surface means. The steam vapors pass through a condenser assembly, and the condensate passes through a filter assembly before storage in a tank. The contact surface means desirably comprises screen members providing a tortuous path and high heat conductivity. Baffle members may be interposed in the flow path for vapors from the boiler tank to the stack.

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 at or below the boiling point of said liquid at atmospheric pressure and at a pressure corresponding to the evaporation temperature under saturated conditions; compressing said vapor adiabatically; admixing in a mixing chamber the compressed vapor under substantially isobaric conditions directly with hot gases having a temperature sufficiently greater than the temperature of the compressed vapor that the resulting vapor-gas mixture temperature is greater than the temperature of the compressed vapor prior to the mixing; passing the vapor-gas mixture through an expansion engine to motivate the engine and to produce shaft energy, whereby the vapor-gas mixture adiabatically expands and cools; compressing the expanded vapor-gas mixture adiabatically in an independently powered compressor to a predetermined pressure corresponding

Abstract: Distillate produced by the condensing stage of an evaporation installation is conducted to a reservoir to be preheated to its boiling point in preparation for a further degassing step. The required rise in temperature of the distillate in the reservoir is effected by the heat of condensation of a portion of the steam directed via a main pipe from the evaporating stage of the installation to the condensing stage. The required contacting of such steam portion with the reservoir is effected by diverting, to the reservoir, a portion of the steam in the main pipe via a diaphragm or another blocking member interposed in the main pipe and a branch pipe that communicates with the main pipe upstream of the diaphragm member and extends to the reservoir. A conventional overflow pipe disposed at a predetermined height in the reservoir is effective to conduct the heated distillate to the subsequent degassing stage.

Abstract: An improved liquid level regulator is associated with the reservoir of a degassing stage of an evaporation installation wherein a pump connected to the output of such degassing stage is effective to propel the distillate at an ideally constant rate out of the degassing stage to a suitable utilization device. A feedback path is connected between the pressure outlet of the pump and the suction input thereof via a float valve. The float valve communicates with the degassing stage in such a manner that changes in the distillate level of the degasser reservoir effect corresponding changes in the liquid level of the float valve, whereby a constant level of such distillate in the reservoir of the degasser is maintained.

Abstract: A distillation process for removing light ends impurities from alkyl esters of carboxylic acids wherein a purified ester is removed as residue, and wherein an inert gas and water are added to the overhead vapors from the distillation so as to facilitate separation of the light ends therefrom.