Directly Heated Patents (Class 202/234)
  • Patent number: 7416643
    Abstract: A solar water desalination and purification device includes an outer liquid-tight containment and an inner liquid-tight containment disposed within the outer containment. The outer containment collects liquid that forms from condensing water vapor that evaporates within the inner containment and passes through the inner containment material. The inner containment is made from hydrophobic material that allows water vapor to pass through the material as the sunlight evaporates the contaminated water within the inner containment. An inlet communicates with the inner containment for allowing the contaminated water to fill the inner containment. An outlet communicates with the outer containment to allow discharge of condensed water vapor collected within the outer containment to be used as drinking water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert N. Yonover
  • Publication number: 20080190755
    Abstract: A solar distillation apparatus utilizing a substantially vertical reactor assembly is disclosed. The reactor consists of a tubular outer shell, a base, a cap, and a central tension member. The annular space between the outer tube and the central tension member forms the reactor chamber. Seawater or other feed liquid enters the reactor chamber through the base plate. Reflected or direct solar energy heats the feed liquid, generating low pressure vapor. The vapor exits the reactor through the cap structure or the base. The concentrate left behind settles by gravity to the bottom region of the reactor's liquid column. Extension tubes on the feed openings allow feed liquid to enter the liquid column above the concentrate layer and avoid excessive mixing of the feed liquid and the concentrate. The concentrate exits the reactor through one or more openings in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Miles McClure
  • Publication number: 20080078670
    Abstract: A solar still includes a relatively shallow chamber with a pyramid shaped transparent cover and a transparent base. The still also includes a pair of rollers and an endless heat absorbing belt rotatable about the rollers. The still is positioned to receive solar energy passing through the transparent cover and impinging on an upper surface of the heat absorbing belt in order to vaporize seawater within the chamber. The efficiency of the still is increased by one or more mirrors disposed below the still for reflecting sun light up through the transparent base to impinge on a lower outer surface of the belt to enhance the vaporization of the seawater. One or more fans are also provided for cooling the cover to enhance the condensation of water that will then run down the cover and into a pure water receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Ahmed Al-Garni, Ayman Kassem, Farooq Saeed
  • Patent number: 7264695
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have an impermeable nonporous membrane that may be extruded, molded, vacuum formed or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs and an overflow trough. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicone, TPE, TPR, TPO, or EPDM. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded or vacuum formed and made of ABS, polycarbonates, fiberglass and/or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials that are coupled to the still basin with a coupling. The still may include a gasket or seal compressed by a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sol Aqua, Inc
    Inventors: Robert E. Foster, Michael J. Cormier, Gregory R. Vogel, William H. Amos
  • Publication number: 20070193870
    Abstract: This invention has a series of multiple parallel plates that form desalination chambers between them that have seawater or other saline water flowing down the inside of one plate of each chamber. Steam which is generated by solar heat or other heat source condenses on the outside of first chamber of the series on the plate, which has seawater running down it. This releases heat that evaporates the seawater. The vapor flows to the other wall (plate) of the desalination chamber and condenses, and this releases heat that flows through the plate to the next stage of parallel plates and evaporates seawater flowing down the other side of the plate. Each succeeding stage operates at a lower temperature than the previous stage. The final stage is cooled by the evaporation of seawater into the air. One embodiment of the invention has the parallel plates sloped at an angle to the horizontal so that the seawater flows down on the lower plate and evaporates with heat supplied from below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Melvin L. Prueitt
  • Patent number: 7153395
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, Uniprene, or Sarlink. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded and made of ABS, polycarbonates, or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials and may include a strengthening member formed integrally in the bottom surface of the basin casing. The still may include a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: SolAqua, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Foster, Michael J. Cormier, Gregory R. Vogel, William H. Amos
  • Patent number: 7108769
    Abstract: A solar distillation loop apparatus includes a first pipe section disposed on a ground surface, the first pipe section including a substantially straight portion and elevated portions on each end of the substantially straight portion, an impure water inflow coupling at one end of the straight portion and an impure water outflow coupling at the other end of the straight portion; solar powered fans disposed in each of the elevated portions of the first pipe section; a second pipe section disposed under the ground surface beneath the first pipe section; and two substantially vertical pipe sections that connect respective ends of the second pipe section to respective ends of the first pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: James Edward Constantz
  • Patent number: 7041198
    Abstract: A distillation system is provided having an evaporation conduit and a condensing conduit connected by a transfer system for transferring distillate vapour from the evaporation conduit to the condensing conduit to condense the distillate. The evaporation and condensing conduits operate under vacuum pressure. An intake conduit and a return conduit communicate in an unrestricted manner between a source of solution and the evaporation conduit. A distillate conduit communicates with the condensing conduit for dispensing condensed distillate therefrom. A radiant heat capturing system is provided for capturing and using heat radiated from the distillate conduit to generate power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: George Atwell
  • Patent number: 7008515
    Abstract: A solar water still (10) includes an enclosure assembly (12) and an evaporation assembly (14) that float on a body of source water and that are readily collapsed and folded for storage or transport. The enclosure assembly includes a transparent conical dome (20) covering a collection reservoir (18) and an inner float ring (16). The evaporation assembly is placed in the center of the inner float ring. During operation, solar radiation induces water to evaporate from the evaporation assembly. The water vapor is then condensed and collected by the enclosure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Solar Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Frank D. Husson, Jr., Carl J. Lennox, Luis M. Piek, Brian S. Hunnicutt, Brian L. Spare
  • Patent number: 6953518
    Abstract: A specific ingredient-dissolved liquid condensing apparatus, comprising an upper tank, a lower tank provided under the upper tank, the upper tank being provided with a liquid-falling opening and a valve for falling a specific ingredient-dissolved liquid in the upper tank to the lower tank, a circulator for circulating the specific ingredient-dissolved liquid in the upper tank, and a transfer means for transferring the specific ingredient-dissolved liquid in the lower tank into the upper tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hiroshima University
    Inventor: Hisashi Nobukawa
  • Patent number: 6821395
    Abstract: A solar of still of the tilted tray type having a black absorber member forming a plurality of cells. A glass window is positioned closely adjacent the cell distortion of the absorber, and a reflector beneath the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: John Ward
  • Patent number: 6821382
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning condensate, produced during the production of cellulose pulp, including evaporation of spent liquor, utilizing a cleaning plant having several condensers, coupled in series. Process steam from the last evaporation stage and unclean condensate are introduced into a combined stripper/condenser, the process steam and the condensate being brought to flow in opposite directions so that direct heat exchange occurs, resulting in volatile compounds of the condensate being separated and taken up by the steam with simultaneous indirect cooling, resulting in condensation of the main part of the process steam, and the remaining process steam gradually flowing further on, the process steam being successively cooled first resulting in water and turpentine being condensed and collected and subsequently methanol being condensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Papsea AB
    Inventor: Allan Lundgren
  • Publication number: 20040195083
    Abstract: The solar still has a frame, an evaporator within the frame and a glass sheet supported by the frame and spaced above the evaporator. The evaporator has a peripheral flange in contact with the edge of the glass sheet. The glass sheet and peripheral flange are nested within an inwardly facing channel on the frame, the sealing between the glass and the flange being by surface tension of water between the glass and the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: John Ward
  • Patent number: 6797124
    Abstract: A solar distilling apparatus employs anthracite coal as a heat-absorbing medium. Greenhouse roof elements rest over a gutter that is isolated from the water-holding container to prevent deposit formation and algae growth from reaching the gutter. Bacterial growth is inhibited by ventilation and the use of titanium-laden magnetite mixed with the anthracite particles. The gutter is also isolated from the exterior of the unit, which prevents contamination from outside sources. The exterior side of the roof elements resting on the gutter are fitted with a metal skirt that provides a heat sink preventing the re-evaporation of condensation flowing toward the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: David M. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6767433
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a waterproof membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may include silicone. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque food grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, for example, Dow Corning 40. In one variation, the solar still basin may be formed from an aluminum sided insulation material. In another variation the solar still may include a carbon filter attached to either the input or output of the solar still for filtering out VOCs. The solar still may further include adjustable legs that facilitate leveling the still to ensure the most efficient operation possible. The still may be provided to users in a kit and assembled on site to improve shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: SolAqua, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Foster, Michael J. Cormier, Gregory R. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20040134767
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have an impermeable nonporous membrane that may be extruded, molded, vacuum formed or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs and an overflow trough. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicone, TPE, TPR, TPO, or EPDM. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded or vacuum formed and made of ABS, polycarbonates, fiberglass and/or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials that are coupled to the still basin with a coupling. The still may include a gasket or seal compressed by a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Robert E. Foster, Michael J. Cormier, Gregory R. Vogel, William H. Amos
  • Patent number: 6761802
    Abstract: A closed tunnel system for distilling fresh water from ocean salt water is provided with an elongated evaporation plate adapted to hold ocean water for evaporation therefrom. During the distillation process, a vacuum is drawn in the tunnel, and sunlight is focused onto the evaporation plate with a concave lens-structure roof. External concave mirrors automatically track the sun and focus additional sunlight onto the lens-structure roof. An agitator-wiper unit agitates the ocean water on the evaporation plate to maintain a homogeneous liquid mixture, and to present additional water surface area for evaporation of fresh water. The fresh water vapor then condenses under pressure in heat exchangers that simultaneously pre-heat the ocean water prior to entry onto the evaporation plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Hossein Azimi
  • Publication number: 20040118671
    Abstract: A simultaneous system for the distillation and elevation of water on top of the water table itself, which drastically reduces the effects of scaling and corrosion, which, driven by thermo solar energy in an autonomous operation allows for the transportation and generation of electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Victor Miguel Hernandez Burgos
  • Publication number: 20040060808
    Abstract: A solar still apparatus is described for the multi-effect distillation of a fluid such as water. A transparent condenser air duct overlies an evaporator air duct having a light-absorbing floor, both sharing a transparent plastic film wall. Air, blown by a fan, flows through the lower duct, where it progressively warms and evaporates a feedstock fluid. At the hot end of the lower duct, the air enters the upper duct where it flows in a reverse direction, progressively cooling and condensing its vapor, a portion of the heat of condensation being transferred through the shared wall to the lower duct. Thermal gradients established within the still facilitate the evaporation and condensation of the fluid with minimal heat loss to the environment and maximal recuperation of the heat of condensation for fluid evaporation. A working fluid may be used to extract useful power from the still's thermal gradients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Alex LaViolette
  • Patent number: 6673213
    Abstract: The invention refers to a simultaneous system for the distillation and elevation of water on top of the water table itself, which driven by thermo solar energy allows in an autonomous operation the generation of electrical power through transportation and free fall of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Victor Miguel Hernandez Burgos
  • Patent number: 6663750
    Abstract: Cultivated field water is desalinated by a series of independent units that float on the water surface, taking up the saline water with a wick, evaporating the water from the wick in desalinating relation by concentrating incident solar radiation with a combination of a lenses and cooperating mirrors onto the upper end portion of the wick while the wick lower end portion is immersed in the field water, capturing the desalinated vapor resulting by condensing within the unit and returning the condensed, desalinated water to the field, and periodically renewing the wick by rinsing the salt from it at a cleaning station beyond the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Warren Coon
  • Patent number: 6656326
    Abstract: An apparatus for the desalination or purification of water includes a non-solid vessel (3) having a bottom defining an opening, the vessel (3) capable of being partially submerged below the surface of a body of water, a pan (5) located within the vessel (3), the pan (5) being flexibly connected to the inner wall of the vessel (3) and being located beneath the surface of the water (13), a lens fixably connected to the top of the vessel (3), wherein the lens is focused beneath the surface of the water (13) and above the surface of the pan (5) a device for varying the orientation of the vessel (3) in accordance with the location of the sun, and a device for condensing steam generated in the non-solid vessel (3), whereby steam generated in the non-solid vessel (3) is condensed outside of the non-solid vessel (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence Nagler
  • Publication number: 20030188962
    Abstract: A distillation system is provided having an evaporation conduit and a condensing conduit connected by a transfer system for transferring distillate vapour from the evaporation conduit to the condensing conduit to condense the distillate. The evaporation and condensing conduits operate under vacuum pressure. An intake conduit and a return conduit communicate in an unrestricted manner between a source of solution and the evaporation conduit. A distillate conduit communicates with the condensing conduit for dispensing condensed distillate therefrom. A radiant heat capturing system is provided for capturing and using heat radiated from the distillate conduit to generate power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: George Atwell
  • Publication number: 20030173204
    Abstract: A distillate system, especially of the sea water, by using the sun as heat source and the sea water as cold source, falling the work pressure to the boiling point of the sea water between the temperature generated by the sun and the temperature of the sea water. The sea water and the fresh water are entered/removed to/from the distillation system at the same time, by compensating the pressure differences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gines Sanchez Gomez
  • Publication number: 20030150704
    Abstract: One or more water distillation chambers are provided wherein water containing salt or other impurities enters an upper inlet at a chamber and flows down a solar heated evaporative surface. The evaporative surface may be the interior of a pipe or the surface of a bottom sheet enclosed by a cover. In this way, the steam produced in the process will be constrained and be guided into a steam drum. The steam drum interior has cooling tubes whereby vapor entering the steam drum will be condensed into fresh water and collected for use. The cover may be heated to limit the amount of vapor condensing back into water before entering the steam drum. Multiple evaporation chambers and steam collection stages limit the distance water vapor must travel before entering a steam drum of a given stage, thereby minimizing the loss of water vapor through re-condensation before the vapor enters the steam drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Juan M. Posada
  • Publication number: 20030057085
    Abstract: A closed tunnel system for distilling fresh water from ocean salt water is provided with an elongated evaporation plate adapted to hold ocean water for evaporation therefrom. During the distillation process, a vacuum is drawn in the tunnel, and sunlight is focused onto the evaporation plate with a concave lens-structure roof. External concave mirrors automatically track the sun and focus additional sunlight onto the lens-structure roof. An agitator-wiper unit agitates the ocean water on the evaporation plate to maintain a homogeneous liquid mixture, and to present additional water surface area for evaporation of fresh water. The fresh water vapor then condenses under pressure in heat exchangers that simultaneously pre-heat the ocean water prior to entry onto the evaporation plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Hossein Azimi
  • Publication number: 20030057084
    Abstract: A solar distilling apparatus employs anthracite coal as a heat-absorbing medium. Greenhouse roof elements rest over a gutter that is isolated from the water-holding container to prevent deposit formation and algae growth from reaching the gutter. Bacterial growth is inhibited by ventilation and the use of titanium-laden magnetite mixed with the anthracite particles. The gutter is also isolated from the exterior of the unit, which prevents contamination from outside sources. The exterior side of the roof elements resting on the gutter are fitted with a metal skirt that provides a heat sink preventing the re-evaporation of condensation flowing toward the gutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: David M. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20030038022
    Abstract: The present invention, a SOLAR DESALINATION PLANT is a water desalinating plant utilizing solar energy. It comprises of an airtight housing chamber covered with a transparent dome at its top and a transparent wall constructed over a source of saline or murky water. The chamber stands in the water and the water covers entire bottom portion inside the chamber. The surface of the water inside the chamber is covered with black floats. There is an horizontal channel in the form of an open duct above the surface of the water all around fixed to the wall inside the chamber. The channel slightly slopes down into an outlet pipe and a transparent U-tube connecting to a transparent collecting tank. A suction pump is connected between the collecting tank and a storage tank through a valve. The storage tank is also connected to the collecting tank through another valve. The transparent dome allows the sun's rays to pass through into the chamber to heat the black floats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mary Rogde
  • Patent number: 6494995
    Abstract: A solar cell floats over a body of saline water. A submerged fresh water collection system underlies the cell. A partial vacuum is created in the solar cell for drawing water vapor from the cell to the collection system. Water vapor is condensed in a condenser disposed between the cell and the collection system. Heat generated by the condensation of water vapor is utilized to heat the salt water, which rises upwardly to replace the salt water vaporized in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Hammam Jamil Girgiess Battah
  • Publication number: 20020162733
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, Uniprene, or Sarlink. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded and made of ABS, polycarbonates, or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials and may include a strengthening member formed integrally in the bottom surface of the basin casing. The still may include a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Robert E. Foster, Michael J. Cormier, Gregory R. Vogel, William H. Amos
  • Publication number: 20020162734
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a waterproof membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may include silicone. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque food grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, for example, Dow Corning 40. In one variation, the solar still basin may be formed from an aluminum sided insulation material. In another variation the solar still may include a carbon filter attached to either the input or output of the solar still for filtering out VOCs. The solar still may further include adjustable legs that facilitate leveling the still to ensure the most efficient operation possible. The still may be provided to users in a kit and assembled on site to improve shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Robert E. Foster, Michael J. Cormier, Gregory R. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20020162735
    Abstract: The present invention reduces the energy required to distill fluids (water, light crude, etc.) and operate electric and/or power generate steam turbines through a process of encapsulating these systems in reduced atmospheric temperature environments. This invention includes both the innovative process of operating existing distillers and turbines in a vacuum, and introduces an energy free process for drawing the vacuum the systems operate in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: George H. Newman
  • Publication number: 20020139656
    Abstract: There is disclosed a solar still having a hollow, porous absorber body (8), body positioning means (9) to expose the absorber body to solar radiation, feed means (13) to introduce feed liquid into the absorber body, condenser means (14) composed of non-porous material that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, the condenser (14) substantially enveloping the absorber body (8), flow control means (19) to regulate the rate of flow of feed liquid into the absorber body (8), and harvesting means (23) for the removal of distillate from the condenser means (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Thomas Reid
  • Publication number: 20020130029
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of distillation uses a high temperature thermoelectric device to heat a liquid, such as water to vapor (steam) and cool the vapor to a purified, distilled liquid. Distillation system has no moving parts, thereby increasing reliability while reducing noise and maintenance. Liquid in a container has a heating section on the container extending into it to boil it into a vapor that is fed to a condenser section disposed on the container adjacent to the heating section. A thermoelectric section provided with a Peltier effect device is interposed between the heating section and condenser section. The Peltier effect device has one side in contiguous contact with the condenser to transfer heat from it and another side is in contiguous contact with the heating section to transfer heat to it to boil the liquid into the vapor and feed the vapor through the condenser that condenses it into distilled liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Brian Stout, Robert Peebles
  • Patent number: 6440275
    Abstract: A solar still for producing fresh water including a device, adapted to absorb solar radiation and to contain water to be distilled; a condensation surface on which vapor, produced by heating up of water of the device can condense; a fresh water collector that trickles down the condensation surface in which said device includes an impermeable membrane that is flexible, kept stretched, of a dark color, exposed to the sun, and arranged in a shade, a hydrophilic fleece forming a covering for said membrane, supplied with water by capillary action and gravity; a device for recovering formed brine arranged at the bottom of said fleece; wherein said impermeable membrane and its hydrophilic fleece constitute the wall of an evaporation chamber that is elongated, a transparent sheltering element installed underneath; wherein said transparent sheltering element is a closed space and an inner face of a wall thereof constitutes said condensation surface; and a blower which is associated with an apparatus for producing a fl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Domen
  • Publication number: 20020112949
    Abstract: Although water covers three-fourths of the earth's surface, it is unevenly distributed throughout. In some places, the demand for water exceeds the supply. There are several hundred desalination plants in the world, but it is very costly to produce fresh water. The Modular Clear Roof and Dark Basin Solar Still is a low-cost way to produce fresh water. The multiple modular roofs made of glass and/or clear plastic acts like a greenhouse. The sun shines through the roof creating heat. The salt water evaporates and condenses to make fresh water. This fresh water is collected in the half-pipes. Through a gravity flow, this water is collected in a water tank. This is feasible and effective in areas where the demand for water is high, especially in the equatorial or desert area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Yong Min Cho, Philip Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20020092761
    Abstract: An apparatus for the desalination or purification of water comprises a non-solid vessel (3) having a bottom defining an opening, the vessel (3) capable of being partially submerged below the surface of a body of water, a pan (5) located within the vessel (3), the pan (5) being flexibly connected to the inner wall of the vessel (3) and being located beneath the surface of the water (13), a lens fixably connected to the top of the vessel (3), wherein the lens is focused beneath the surface of the water (13) and above the surface of the pan (5) means for varying the orientation of the vessel (3) in accordance with the location of the sun, and means for condensing steam generated in the non-solid vessel (3), whereby steam generated in the non-solid vessel (3) is condensed outside of the non-solid vessel (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Lawrence Nagler
  • Publication number: 20020060147
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for distilling water using solar energy. A distilling apparatus employs anthracite coal as the heat absorbing medium. The materials used in the apparatus are restricted substantially to glass, coal, silicone and a noble metal such as stainless steel to increase longevity and water quality. To produce and maintain optimum health, water treated according to the invention should make up the bulk of a person's daily water intake, exclusive of the water that is contained in foods and beverages, and the water should be ingested within 7 days of the time it was evaporated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: David M. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6391162
    Abstract: A desalination apparatus and method utilizing solar energy provided with a solar heat collector for heating a heating medium with solar energy, a heat exchanger cooperating with an evaporation can so as to subject the heating medium and raw water in the evaporation can to heat exchange and generate water vapor therein, a condenser cooperating with a raw water tank so as to receive the vapor from the evaporation can, cool the vapor by subjecting the vapor and raw water in the raw water tank to heat exchange and obtain distilled water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation, Haruki Sato
    Inventors: Ichiro Kamiya, Yuzo Narasaki, Hidemitsu Otsuka, Manabu Morishita, Haruki Sato
  • Patent number: 6375793
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a tower for removing residual monomers in the manufacture of vinyl chloride resins (PVC). When residual monomers are removed from a PVC slurry after the slurry has undergone a polymerization due to contact with steam, the bubbles generated in the slurry are controlled to maintain stable fluid conditions. Residual monomers are effectively removed, and inclusion of foreign matter is inhibited. The tower has two or more levels and is divided into upper and lower sections. The inner diameter of the upper section is greater than that of the lower section. Each section is provided with at least one perforated tray. In addition, at least one hot water-ejecting device is provided in the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Swarovski Optik KG
    Inventors: Seiichi Uchida, Toshinobu Kurazono, Seigo Ishibashi, Etsuro Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6369371
    Abstract: A method and apparatus heats ultrapure water using microwaves. Chambers such as pipes containing the water are capable of admitting microwaves to the water, allowing the microwaves to heat the water. The pipes may be made of inert material such as PVDF or quartz that will not introduce contamination into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Oracle Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A Havens, Ralph N Williams
  • Patent number: 6355144
    Abstract: A high output solar fluid distillation system is described that is practical to manufacture and efficient to operate, and can distill a variety of fluids such as water or ethyl alcohol. The distillation system uses a fluid feed system that collects source fluid and adds surfactant to improve wetting properties of the source fluid, and uniformly feeds the fluid to the evaporator. Uniquely designed multiple effect chambers expose the source fluid to multiple solar flux effects to condense a portion of the source fluid into distilled fluid. A fluid drain system separates the distilled fluid from the source fluid, while a front cooling mechanism removes external energy from the distillation by a combination of evaporation, convection and radiation. The resulting distillation system overcomes the high cost and complexity of present high performance solar distillation devices and produces more fluid per cost than low-tech versions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Leonard Murrey Weinstein
  • Patent number: 6342127
    Abstract: A distillation device including an enclosed tube of elliptical or circular cross section and having a top of an inverted shape so that the inverted portion points downward. The upper section of the outer tube should be of a material that permits the heating of the tube by solar radiation and allows solar radiation to enter the tube and heat the liquid inside. The lower portion could include materials that reflect radiation upward toward the liquid and may include absorptive materials. The apparatus includes a device for forming a vacuum and an element for focusing sunlight that enters the top of the tube upon the liquid inside the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: William Possidento
  • Publication number: 20010037937
    Abstract: For a process for producing high-purity liquids, particularly liquid chemicals, by distillation it is proposed that the liquid to be purified (1) is heated by microwave radiation (5) preferably in the uppermost layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: WERNER LAUTENSCHLAGER
  • Patent number: 6303005
    Abstract: For a process for producing high-purity liquids, particularly liquid chemicals, by distillation it is proposed that the liquid to be purified (1) is heated by microwave radiation (5) preferably in the uppermost layers. To implement this process a device with a liquid container (3), with a heat source (5) acting on the liquid container and with a condensation device (8, 9) connected to the liquid container is proposed, which is distinguished in that the heat source (5) in the form of a microwave radiation source is arranged above the liquid to be purified (1) in such a way that preferably the uppermost layers of the liquid (1) are heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mikrowellen-Systeme MWS GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Lautenschlager
  • Patent number: 6274004
    Abstract: A water purification and/or desalination plant for producing drinking water from a polluted water source or sea water with the aid of sunlight, which plant includes an evaporator (1) having a roof part (2) made of a light-penetrable material, and an underlying basin part (3) containing the water that is to be purified, which basin part (3) includes channels (17) for collecting water vapor that has been condensed on the inside of the roof part (2), and a reservoir (10) for purified water. The plant also includes a device for removing moist air or vapor from the evaporator and a device for condensation of the moist air or vapor outside the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Pure Water Tech Ltd. AS
    Inventor: Peter Andersen
  • Patent number: 6165326
    Abstract: A facility for the desalination and purification of sea water or brackish water by solar energy provided with a closed cycle including a thermal solar collector and a heat exchanger in which a heat transfer medium is circulating, and a basin for receiving the sea water or brackish water with the heat exchanger being placed in the basin for heating and evaporating water. A cooling surface is disposed above the basing for condensing the evaporated water which is then diverted to water collectors. The solar collector is located above the cooling surface so as to keep it in the shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Johannes Markopulos
  • Patent number: 6001222
    Abstract: A solar heating and evaporation plant is described which can be used to either produce distilled potable water from salty water or to heat water for industrial or domestic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Samuel H. Klein
  • Patent number: 5736003
    Abstract: Process for vacuum-concentrating urea solutions in which the final step of evaporation of the urea solution under vacuum is carried out within the injection of overheated water vapor in the overhead portion of the concentrator, in order to counteract the formation and deposition of high-melting, fouling compounds derived from urea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Snamprogetti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Granelli
  • Patent number: 5729987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinizing salt water which includes pumping refrigerant vapor from a first reservoir to a second reservoir wherein pressure is maintained to condense refrigerant vapor pumped into said second reservoir to condense. Salt water admitted into a third reservoir in thermal contact with the second reservoir such that seawater in said third reservoir is evaporated and passes through a vapor trap into a fourth reservoir. The fourth reservoir is in thermal contact with the first reservoir such that heat generated by water vapor condensing in the fourth reservoir is absorbed by liquid refrigerant in the first reservoir such as to aid in evaporation of refrigerant to complete the refrigerant cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Joel V. Miller