Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the purification of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C., which-further has approximately 275 g carboxylate ions/1 or less, preferably 250 g carboxylate ions/1 or less, and preferably less than 1% by weight ionic impurities, calculated on the basis of the total solution. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous purification and concentration, on an industrial scale, of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C. According to the method, this solution is subjected to two or more distillation steps, the first distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 150° C. and a pressure of from 50 to 250 mbar, and the second distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 200° C. and a pressure of from 0.01 to 50 mbar.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for condensing moisture from an air stream. The condensing comprises concentric cylinders having a common wall. The outer cylinder contains a cooling material, such as water, and upon contact therewith, the air stream is cooled and moisture contained therein is condensed.

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

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for converting sea or other undrinkable waters to drinkable water without the use of driven or moving parts. Reliance upon gradient effects is made to effect the vaporization of, for example, sea water, followed by the condensation of the vapor to form distilled water. Gradient effects are achieved through the provision of differentials in the thermal conductivity, capillary activity, adsorptive, absorptive and/or pressure characteristics of particulate materials, or combinations of such physicals. For example, a column is packed with material graded as to its conductivity, the least thermally conductive material being nearest the cold or ambient water that is to be purified. In packing the column each successive layer of material has a greater thermal conductivity than the layer beneath it with the most conductive being at the top near the outlet arm of the column.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of high-purity water includes a distillation flask, a carboy and a condenser unit, all of borosilicate glass. A respective filter is provided between the ambient atmosphere and the interiors of the flask, the carboy and the condenser unit to remove airborne bacteria and dust particles. An inlet valve is provided for feeding water to be purified into the flask, all water-contacting parts of this valve being of polytetrafluoroethylene. The open parts are interconnected with flexible, polytetrafluoroethylene tubing. A two-way, stopcock allows high-purity water to be removed from the carboy.