Directly Heated Patents (Class 202/234)
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Patent number: 5676802Abstract: An improved apparatus for treating waste water containing volatile and corrosive substances by steam-stripping to remove the volatile and corrosive substances from the waste water. The apparatus has a liquid pooling zone installed at a part over the waste water supplying part of a stripper tower and liquid distributor at the top of the tower, and pipe arrangement is prepared to recycle liquid drawn from the liquid pooling zone to the liquid distributor. In the pipe arrangement, a cooler for the recycling liquid is installed. Serious corrosion can be avoided utilizing this apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: JGC CorporationInventors: Kenji Satoh, Naohiko Kagawa, Sei Tange, Shun-ichi Ohya
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Patent number: 5672250Abstract: A solar seawater desalination system is designed to operate in a self-sustaining manner without the need for any moving parts. Seawater is converted to steam in a solar heat collector panel and the steam is led in a steam pipe through a series of primary cooling chambers where it is condensed by incoming seawater in tanks jacketing the steam tube. The tanks are connected in series between an inlet air-lock regulator and the solar collector panel so that the seawater is caused to flow successively through the tanks from the inlet to the collector panel as make-up water, solely by pressure differentials created in the system by the steam generation. Excessively saline seawater which collects in the collector panel is dumped from the system in a similar manner through an outlet air-lock regulator. Secondary cooling chambers may be provided to condense steam generated from the seawater in the primary cooling chambers by heat received from the steam pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Inventors: Husein Ambadar, Zantar Ambadar, Zeky Ambadar
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Patent number: 5650050Abstract: The sea water to be desalted is fine-sprayed through nozzles (3) against an underside (1b) of a plate-shaped element (1). The element (1) may, for example, be an aluminum plate forming a heat transfer medium and is exposed to solar radiation through glass cover plates (15). The water sprayed on the underside (1b) is distributed over the surface of the element (1) and is evaporated by the heat stored in this element. The water vapor passes through an outlet (27) to a condenser (10) in which it is condensed and finally through an outlet (12) in the form of fresh water which then is available, for example, for irrigating green spaces. The sea water to be desalted is preferably sprayed against the underside of the element (1) for only a few seconds at predetermined intervals. To clean the element (1), sea-water may be sprayed every hour for, for example, 1 to 1.5 minutes against the underside of the element (1) in order thus to rinse away deposited salt and impurities.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Inventor: Willy Kaufmann
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Patent number: 5645693Abstract: An apparatus for desalination of sea water by the utilization of solar energy, advantageously accompanied by electric power generation, containing a heat caption unit (1) serving as a heat source, a sea water collecting tank (10), a pre-heating tank (11), a heat receiver (20), and evaporators (2,3,4) connected in line, and distilled water storage tanks (13). The sea water collecting tank (10) and the pre-heating tank (11) that pre-heats the sea water and cools the distilled steam are situated beside each other at different level, and the adjoining walls of the two tanks have an opening for through-flow (11a) or a through-flow tube; the discharge duct (8) of the pre-heating tank (11) is led into the evaporators where the first evaporator (2) is provided with a heater (72) heated by the heating agent, the second and the subsequent evaporators (3) are provided with a heating system consisting of pipe rings (73a) utilizing hot vapor and pipes connecting the pipe rings.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Inventor: Gabor Gode
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Patent number: 5628879Abstract: A portable solar still, controlled by a sun actuated mechanical valve, including a thermally insulated evaporation chamber structure within which distillation takes place, is assembled from sidewall panels and floor panels of foam plastic thermal insulation, these panels being strengthened and made into rigid structural units by metal tubes or rods incorporated internally into the foam plastic panels,a transparent cover sealing the sloping top of the evaporation chamber including a transparent, flexible, plastic film which is stretched across, and has its four boundary edges attached to, the four members of a closed rectangular frame of slender metal tubes,wick matting, disposed on the floor of the evaporation chamber including a layered mat of fine, randomly oriented,.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1994Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Inventor: Seth D. Woodruff
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Patent number: 5598661Abstract: The invention provides a soil irrigation solar still system of the type hng a material transparent to solar radiation, supported in a non-planar, arched or sloped roof configuration above a darkened channel containing an impure liquid in such a manner as to allow radiant energy to heat and vaporize the impure water, to provide purified water for irrigation purposes, as the result of purified water which condenses on the underside of the transparent material due to the evaporation of the impure water in the channel rolling down along the underside of the transparent material, characterized in that the channel is suspended above an excavated area in the soil, the excavated area having side wall rims spaced apart from outer edges of the channel, forming an open chamber therearound, and the roof is provided with outer edges extending beyond and terminating adjacent the respective side wall rims of the open chamber, whereby a portion of the vaporized water circulates through the space between the side wall rims anType: GrantFiled: February 22, 1996Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: The Israeli International Company for Investments "Hatchiya Ltd."Inventors: Boris Eiderman, Alexander Lukatsky
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Patent number: 5593549Abstract: In a method for concentrating solar energy waveform energy is directed to a predetermined region of the atmosphere located a pre-established distance above a surface of the earth. The directing of the energy is controlled so as to modulate an index of refraction of air in the predetermined region of the atmosphere to produce a predetermined refraction index pattern in the region. The distribution of solar radiation is modified as it passes through the atmospheric region to thereby concentrate the solar radiation at a predetermined location.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1993Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Inventors: Robert C. Stirbl, Peter J. Wilk
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Patent number: 5587055Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber. Improved techniques are also provided for periodically dumping a portion or all of the water in the heating pan to reduce contamination of the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1994Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Michael O. HartmanInventors: Michael O. Hartman, Dale J. Kinder, Randy E. Rainey, Arthur R. Helmich, Daniel E. Willis
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Patent number: 5582690Abstract: Desalination of sea water is achieved using a solar pond that includes a halocline interposed between a convective upper wind mixed layer exposed to the ambient atmosphere, and a lower heat storage layer of hot, concentrated brine, Hot brine from the heat storage layer is flashed into steam which is condensed into desalted water using an indirect heat exchanger cooled by saline water. The latent heat of condensation of the steam warms the saline water and effects evaporation of water therefrom in the form of vapor. The last mentioned water vapor is condensed into desalted water using a two-stage condenser, the first stage of which is an indirect heat exchanger cooled by saline feed water which is heated as a result producing warmed saline feed water that constitutes the saline water used for condensing the steam produced by flashing the brine from the heat storage layer of the pond.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1993Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Ormat Turbines (1965) Ltd.Inventors: Joseph Weinberger, Uriyel Fisher, Gad Assaf, Benjamin Doron
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Patent number: 5531866Abstract: A regenerating system, for the removal of water and potentially harmful organic constituents from a dehydration fluid used to dehydrate natural gas. The system includes a device to assure positive flow of the water and organic constituent vapor out of the regenerator, to, in turn, control back pressure associated with the regenerator during the distillation process.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: Vijay K. Pathak, Dennis Leppin
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Patent number: 5492602Abstract: A distiller for producing potable water employs a metal boiler tray having a cover member in which there is an inlet for raw water and which together form a steam chamber having an outlet for steam. The boiler tray bottom has a plurality of steps including a highest, an intermediate and a lowest level step which are all covered with water at the beginning of a distillation cycle. The temperature of the highest level step is monitored with a sensor. A rise in the temperature of the highest level step by a predetermined amount above the boiling temperature of water indicates that the highest and intermediate level steps have become dry. This results in a signal to a controller to open a valve and admit replenishment raw water whose amount is dependent on valve open time. Steam evolved from the boiler tray is conducted through a first check valve in the cover member to demister chamber when the mist or carryover water in the steam impinges on a baffle and is separated from the steam as condensate.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1993Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Jonathan C. Vogelman, William F. Strutz
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Patent number: 5484510Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Dew Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Micheal O. Hartman, Dale J. Kinder, Randy E. Rainey, Arthur R. Helmich, Daniel E. Willis
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Patent number: 5470441Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing volatile liquids comprises a packed column, a gas inlet port (for introducing a hot entrainer gas), a feed tube (for introducing a volatile liquid), a feed distributor comprising a base plate equipped with orifices (through which the liquid flows downward into the packed column) and risers (through which the formed gaseous mixture of entrainer gas and vaporized liquid flows upward), and a gas outlet port. This apparatus can be used to vaporize volatile liquids, preferably volatile tin compounds, optionally in admixture with volatile silicon compounds, wherein steam is used as the entrainer gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: Phillips Petroleum CompanyInventor: Ronald E. Brown
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Patent number: 5468351Abstract: An apparatus for recovering fresh water or for concentrating a liquid has a structure formed of a roof member 10 having a gradient and a base member 14 provided with a liquid reservoir member 18. A cellulose-based film 20 has one surface saponified 2 to 50 .mu.m deep and the other surface is attached to the inner surface of the roof member. A liquid recovery member 16 is provided in the roof member or the base member, the liquid recovery member being for recovering water which is condensed on the saponified surface of the cellulose-based film and that flows downward.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignees: Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Nihon Polytech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshizumi Hirota, Hitoshi Kobayashi, Yasunobu Nakagoshi, Yukio Amino
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Patent number: 5441605Abstract: Process and apparatus for reclaiming or concentrating waste aqueous solutions of gas treating chemicals, such as alkanolamines, used for removing acid components or water vapor from natural gas. The process involves heating the waste solution under a high vacuum to form a vapor and a liquid residue. The temperature and vacuum can be varied to form a vapor consisting mainly of water vapor or a vapor containing both water vapor and vaporized gas treating chemical. The vapor is subsequently condensed or passed through a wash column to produce a concentrated solution. The liquid residue is heated by passing it through a single pass, generally co-current heater at a rate which avoids localized overheating of a liquid to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the gas treating chemical. The heated liquid residue is then used to heat the feed waste solution by being thoroughly mixed with it, thus avoiding overheating of the feed solution.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1994Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Canadian Chemical Reclaiming Ltd.Inventors: Todd Beasley, Dwight A. Merritt
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Patent number: 5435891Abstract: A home water distillation device for converting tap water to distilled water largely free of dissolved minerals and gases. A tubular shaped boiler with an electrical heating unit provides steam to a condensation coil immersed in an open top reservoir into which tap water is admitted under the control of a standard metering valve. The unit utilizes condensation heat to drive off chlorine and the like into the atmosphere, so that the steam is free of dissolved gases and the distillate product is corresponding free and therefore of increased palatability.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: July 25, 1995Inventor: William H. Snitchler
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Patent number: 5421962Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment using solar energy.The desalination plant includes an evaporator-desalter communicating with an intake system for water to be desalinated and a vapour and condensate discharge system. The evaporator is essentially at least a portion of a water pool wherein the density of water is higher than that of the water being desalinated, and mounted above the water pool are atomizers and branch pipes of the vapour and condensate discharge system. The atomizers and the branch pipes are provided with a collapsible roof. The surface of the water pool of the evaporator is covered with a film having floating elements shaped as balls.The invention can be used for water desalination in droughty and waterless coastal areas nearby the seas and oceans.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Inventors: Mikhail E. Shvarts, Alexei M. Shvarts
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Patent number: 5409578Abstract: A method for transferring water upwardly and distilling it and/or of generating electricity by harnessing the heat of sunrays. The method includes placing a panel or a sheet which permits sunrays to pass therethrough near a water surface, evaporating the sea or lake water by heating it with sunrays passing through the panel or sheet, then, letting the steam thus produced rise up to a higher level due to its pressure. The steam is then cooled down to produce distilled water and/or, it is used to generate electricity.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Inventor: Toshio Kaneko
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Patent number: 5391262Abstract: A solar still of the type having a container for holding a supply of liquid to be evaporated and an inclined solar transmissive cover mounted in an inclined position thereon, is provided with a vibrating device for imparting vibrations to the cover member to facilitate the coalescing and downward flow of condensation droplets formed on the underside of the cover member.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1990Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Inventor: William Wilkerson, Jr.
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Patent number: 5387322Abstract: A method for recovering volatile components from reformer effluent condensate and fusel oil in a methanol plant is disclosed. The fusel oil is stripped with steam to produce an overhead vapor stream of steam and stripped organic components which is recycled to the feed to the reformer. Also disclosed are a methanol plant with a fusel oil stripper; and a unitized stripper column for treating fusel oil and process condensate wherein steam containing volatile gases stripped from the process condensate is used to strip the fusel oil. The present invention improves yield and reduces or eliminates liquid fusel oil waste by recycling volatile organic components contained in the fusel oil to the feed of the reformer.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: The M. W. Kellogg CompanyInventors: Edward J. Cialkowski, Girish C. Joshi, Robert V. Schneider, III
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Patent number: 5348622Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved solar water purification system and process wherein the evaporating, condensing and distillate collecting chambers are located underground to assist in the evaporation and condensation process. The system includes three computer controlled preheaters which are constantly monitored to determine the temperature of the load therein. The cycling and recycling of the load relative to the load tank and the three preheaters is controlled by the computer for optimum system efficiency. One of the three preheaters is located underground, while a second preheater is located externally as a solar preheater and the third preheater is an outside gas, oil or waste heat fired preheater. In addition to producing pure water through the evaporation process, there is disclosed a system and process whereby various contaminants may be captured for further processing, storage and exploitation.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Inventors: David Deutsch, Thomas C. Flores
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Patent number: 5346592Abstract: A combined water purification and power generating plant is disclosed having special features designed to maximize the cycle thermal efficiency and salt recovery, with little or no concentrated brine produced therefrom. Using the plant, a volume of salt water is delivered to a plurality of indirect and direct contact feed heaters. Within the direct contact heaters, the salt water is heated and diluted by condensation therein by super-heated steam delivered thereto. Any alkaline salts having reverse solubility characteristics particulate and are filtered therefrom. From the last direct contact feed heater, the diluted salt water is delivered to a plurality of high pressure, high temperature evaporators arranged in a series which are used to further heat, evaporate and filter the salt water in multiple stages thereby improving the plant's efficiency. A steam heater is used to super-heat a steam which delivered to various areas of the plant to heat and evaporate the salt water.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Inventor: Anas A. Madani
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Patent number: 5342482Abstract: In the representative leachate treatment system disclosed in the specification, leachate is supplied to a submerged combustion gas evaporator having a downwardly-directed central burner supplying combustion gases through a downcomer to a combustion gas distributor in an evaporation zone. A conical baffle beneath the gas distributor separates the evaporation zone from a quiescent settling zone in a conical bottom of the distributor from which leachate concentrate and sludge are removed. The leachate supplied to the evaporator is preheated by exhaust gases from the evaporator and combustion air supplied to the burner is preheated by leachate concentrate and sludge removed from the evaporator. Landfill gases may be used to fuel the burner and the sludge may be further concentrated and liquid from the concentrator returned to the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1992Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Inventor: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr.
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Patent number: 5334291Abstract: An apparatus for removing non-volatile residues and impurities from a used solvent includes a self-scrubbing heating distillation subassembly for separating purified solvent for reuse and a controlled waste collector subassembly for overflowing concentrated residues and impurities stripped from the used solvent into an easy-to-service container. The apparatus may be disposed in a parallel in-line relationship with a circulating solvent flow circuit, such as in a dry cleaning operation, to continuously withdraw and purify aliquot portions of the circulating solvent stream, returning good solvent back to the flow circuit and concentrating non-volatile residues and impurities to a removable, environmentally sound serviceable container.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1993Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Assignee: Safety-Kleen Corp.Inventors: Gilbert Gavlin, William M. Langdon, deceased, Boris Goltsin, Gunther Erlebacher, Douglas A. Larson
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Patent number: 5332477Abstract: This invention relates to a method for decreasing the pressure drop in a column used for contacting at least one gaseous stream and at least one liquid stream, wherein a portion of the pressure drop across the column is caused by foam. The method comprises injecting a non-foamable liquid into the gaseous stream at a location, in an amount, and at a temperature which are sufficient to decrease the total pressure drop across the column.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1993Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: Ethyl CorporationInventors: Sundareswaran P. Iyer, Robert H. Jones, Jr., David R. Smith
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Patent number: 5316626Abstract: In a method for producing fresh water using solar energy, the method involving the use of an installation comprising a structure oriented toward the sun and permeable to solar radiation, forming a greenhouse including a preheating and reheating chamber and an evaporation chamber into which water containing impurities is introduced to be evaporated by the indirect influence of the solar radiation in the air trapped under the structure, the air being conveyed to a temperature exchanger such that the vapors carried thereby will be condensed and collected, the improvement comprising evaporation of the water containing impurities on mounds of capillary material scattered and distributed over the entire span of the evaporation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1992Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Inventor: Blondel Guy
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Patent number: 5316625Abstract: An apparatus for separating a partially miscible solvent from a contaminated water stream. The apparatus includes a fully enclosed containment vessel having an internal volume bounded by a plurality of walls which define the width, length and height of the internal volume. Devices for feeding the contaminated water, for discharging a solvent rich vapor stream, and for discharging a purified water stream are provided. A dam separates the internal volume into a phase separation zone and a falling film stripping zone with the dam located proximate one end of the internal volume. The dam includes a wall sealably disposed across the entire width of the internal volume and extended upward to a terminal location a distance from the bottom of the internal volume over a portion of the height of the internal volume. In use, the dam determines and maintains a maximum liquid level in the phase separation zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1993Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Crown Iron Works CompanyInventor: George E. Anderson
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Patent number: 5286350Abstract: A water distiller includes a raw water chamber for storing raw water, a main vaporization tank coupled with the raw water chamber for vaporizing raw water, a condensation device coupled with the main vaporization tank for condensing steam from the main vaporization tank, and a distilled water chamber communicated with the condensing conduit unit for accepting and storing distilled water. An auxiliary vaporization tank is communicated with the main vaporization tank and is mounted on the top end portion of the main vaporization tank. Each of the main and auxiliary vaporization tanks has a generally conical top wall which has a lower end portion that is provided with an annular water collecting groove formed in the inner surface thereof. Each of the water collecting grooves has a bottom wall which has a discharge opening formed therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1992Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Inventor: Shan-Meng Huang
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Patent number: 5281310Abstract: A solar apparatus such as a solar water heater or cooler comprising a cell which is partially transparent to the sun's rays and has an internal section formed by an assembly of two casing which surround one another and define the variable capacity of the absorber as well as various means for supplying, storing and discharging water.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1991Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Inventors: Myriam Djelouah, Nadia Djelouah
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Patent number: 5266170Abstract: A low profile water distiller has a housing. A steam chamber is located within the housing having a horizontal dimension greater than its vertical height. A condenser is also located within the housing having a horizontal dimension greater than its vertical height. The vertical height of the condenser is generally the same as the vertical height of the steam chamber. A raw water conduit extends in a generally horizontal plane within the housing for delivering water to be distilled into the steam chamber. A steam conduit also extends within the housing for delivering steam from the steam chamber to the condenser. The steam conduit extends in a generally horizontal plane parallel to the generally horizontal plane of the raw water conduit. An air circulation channel within the housing draws cooling air through the condenser in a generally horizontal path parallel to the generally horizontal planes of the raw water conduit and the steam conduit.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1992Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Thomas J. Weber, Richard E. Forrest, Dale L. Garrison
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Patent number: 5236555Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation method and an apparatus for the concentration and purification of water-containing liquid chemicals. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1991Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Athens Corp.Inventor: Wallace I. Yuan
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Patent number: 5181991Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved solar water purification apparatus. More specifically, it relates to a solar water purification apparatus that includes a first and second preheater, an evaporation load tank, condenser, and pure distillate collecting tank. The condensing surface is a domed upper structure which includes a corrugated inner surface to increase the condensing surface. The outersurface of the domed upper structure is likewise corrugated and completely enclosed by a first preheater chamber the permit efficient cooling of the domed upper structure and encourage rapid condensation, thus transferring heat from the interior corrugations to the exterior corrugations of the first preheater chamber, further adding to the overall thermal efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Inventor: David Deutsch
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Patent number: 5176798Abstract: A system is disclosed for recovering and disposing of volatile organic contaminants, from water contaminated with organics, which system includes a pump to feed water from the body of contaminated water to the system, with indirect heat exchange and direct steam addition to raise the temperature of the water, a stripping vessel to strip the heated water with gas to strip the volatile contaminants from the water, gas supply to provide stripping gas to the vessel conduits to pass the removed volatile contaminants to a vessel containing a bed of adsorbent selective for the removal organics and regenerating the near-saturated bed by stripping with ambient air heated by heat exchange with the exhaust gas from a fuel-fired heater, passing the contaminant-containing regenerating gas from the regenerating bed to said fuel-fired heater, and combusting the contaminants in said fuel-fired heater.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1991Date of Patent: January 5, 1993Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: John B. Rodden
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Patent number: 5174864Abstract: Controlled heating unit for extracting solvent from sludge by distillation, in particular for dry-cleaning machines, having a sludge tank with a flattened shape which is arranged at the base of a sealed box-like chamber and above which inlets for microwaves generated by a microwave source are present, a mixer for the sludge to be treated, at least one sludge temperature sensor which switches off the microwave source when the sludge reaches a temperature which is proximate to the degradation temperature of the solvent.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1990Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: Sodibo S.p.A.Inventors: Tommaso Arbizzani, Gualtiero Ghelardini
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Patent number: 5168728Abstract: A process and installation for producing cooled air and water or energy and water from hot damp air. In the former embodiment, the hot damp air is first compressed. Then, the compressed air is at least partially dehumidified and cooled. The dehumidified, cooled, compressed air is thereafter expanded. In the latter embodiment, the hot damp air is first expanded. The expanded air is thereafter compressed. In addition to the above, the invention also has utility in desalinating salt water.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1989Date of Patent: December 8, 1992Assignee: SorelecInventors: Salah Djelouah, Francis Forrat
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Patent number: 5167773Abstract: A distillation tower (1) has a plurality of liquid sidestream lines (5, 6, 7) and a multi-stage sidestream stripper (13) which includes a respective stripping section (14, 15, 16) for each sidestream line housed in a common, upright, cylindrical shell (28) which allows vapor to pass freely from each stage to the one above. Partial vaporization of each sidestream is achieved by applying a vacuum to the top of the stripper shell (point 21) and/or introducing strip gas at the bottom (point 20). Because the vapor passes serially through the stripping sections from the bottom of the stripper (13) to the top, the need to supply strip gas separately to the stripping sections and/or apply vacuum individually is avoided. The separation between the sidestream products is improved by including, in each stage, a rectification zone (22, 23, 24) positioned above the stripping section.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1990Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.Inventors: James D. Eagan, Adrianus Welmers
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Patent number: 5158650Abstract: A solar still assembly has a thermally-insulated pan which supports an open frame of elongated members. The pan has side walls which support the frame members, with one side wall being higher than the other side wall. One end of each frame member is attached to the top edge of the higher side wall while the additional support for each frame member is provided by the lower side wall. The frame members incline downwardly toward the lower side wall. There are several embodiments which teach alternative frame members for providing the additional support by the lower side wall as well as the manner in which a trough is formed from the frame members or is attached to the pan. In all embodiments, a thin-film, flexible, solar-energy transmissive sheet overlies the frame, permitting solar energy to enter the still and evaporate liquid in the pan. Condensate forms on the inner surface of the solar sheet and flows down the inclined surface into the trough.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1990Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Inventor: William M. Wilkerson
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Patent number: 5112446Abstract: A device for the production of fresh water from sea or brackish water is provided. The device contains one or more evaporation pans covered with a translucent material, one or more ascending chimney-gallaries the upper ends of which are open to the air and the lower ends of which are tightly connected to the evaporation pans and a fresh water collecting chamber. The communication between the evaporation pans and the chimney-gallaries is regulated such that it can be opened and closed so as to maximize efficiency. The communication between the bottom section of the chimney-gallery and the open air is likewise regulated. The device is especially suited for carrying out batchwise fresh water production by evaporation of sea or brackish water. The batchwise method can involve sequences according to circadian alternations, of an evaporation-condensation step followed by a step of cooling for the restoration of the initial conditions for a further step of evaporation-condensation.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1990Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Inventor: Roger Vallon
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Patent number: 5110418Abstract: A water distiller has a steam chamber that includes a tray for containing water to be distilled. Water is conveyed from a source to the tray for distillation. A valve operates in an open position to convey water to the tray and a closed position to block the passage of water to the tray. A heating element means extends in the steam chamber for submersion in the water carried by the tray. The heating element is operable within a range of temperatures to heat the water in the tray. The heating element includes a main body portion having an axis that extends in a plane generally parallel to the water in the tray and a section havign an axis that is deflected above the axis of the main body portion. A heat sink surrounds the deflected section of the heating element means. A heat sensor detects the temperature of the heat sink. A control connects the valve and the heat sensor means. The control closes the valve when the sensed temperature of the heat sink is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1991Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: Emerson Electric CompanyInventors: Dale L. Garrison, William F. Strutz
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Patent number: 5110419Abstract: A low profile water distiller has a housing. A steam chamber is located within the housing having a horizontal dimension greater than its vertical height. A condenser is also located within the housing having a horizontal dimension greater than its vertical height. The vertical height of the condenser is generally the same as the vertical height of the steam chamber. A raw water conduit extends in a generally horizontal plane within the housing for delivering water to be distilled into the steam chamber. A steam conduit also extends within the housing for delivering steam from the steam chamber to the condenser. The steam conduit extends in a generally horizontal plane parallel to the generally horizontal plane of the raw water conduit. An air circulation channel within the housing draws cooling air through the condenser in a generally horizontal path parallel to the generally horizontal planes of the raw water conduit and the steam conduit.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1991Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Thomas J. Weber, Richard E. Forrest, Dale L. Garrison
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Patent number: 5092959Abstract: A spray dryer device for spray drying a sample dissolved in an organic solvent is disclosed, comprising a circulation line in which an inert gas is circulated by a blower, a heater for heating the inert gas to a specified temperature, a main drying chamber provided with a spray nozzle through which the sample dissolved in the organic solvent is sprayed into the inert gas, a collector in which the powdered sample produced in the main drying chamber is collected, and a condenser in which the gaseous organic solvent is condensed and recovered. The powdered sample is obtained in this spray dryer device for spray drying organic solvents by spraying the organic solvent through the spray nozzle into the main drying chamber in which the oxygen concentration is held to a low value by the introduction of the inert gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Orii, Yukio Suzuki, Tamotsu Konishi, Naoki Kumagai, Hiroaki Mori
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Patent number: 5084133Abstract: The centrifugal evaporator-concentrator comprises a central tubular pivot (18) surmounted by a nozzle (35) and constituting the pivot axis of a rotor (9) rotating in a vessel (8) closed by a cover (11). With the rotor rotating in the partial vacuum created by a vacuum pump (33), a small quantity of gas or air is temporarily and periodically admitted into the vessel, this gas being heated by a heating resistor (38) inside the vessel for the purpose of heating by conduction the specimens to be concentrated and of accelerating the rate of evaporation.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1990Date of Patent: January 28, 1992Assignee: JouanInventors: Jean L. Guy, Michel Serveau
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Patent number: 5069755Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Inventors: Larry L. Durr, B. Jan Clay, Larry J. Durr
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Patent number: 5067272Abstract: An apparatus for providing purified water to row crops is disclosed which comprises a dark plastic lower sheeting layer upon which impaired water can be ponded, and a clear plastic upper sheet which is positioned above the lower layer in the shape of an inverted V by means of a suitable supporting structure. The apparatus is designed to be placed between two row crops in a field in need of irrigation, and irrigation takes place by filling the lower sheeting layer with impaired water which evaporates when solar energy is transmitted onto the lower layer through the clear upper sheet. The evaporated water collects on the underside of the clear plastic sheet and drips downward along the sheet until it contacts the ground in the vicinity of a crop row. In another embodiment of the invention, clear rigid panels can be employed instead of the clear plastic sheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1989Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the InteriorInventor: James E. Constantz
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Patent number: 5053110Abstract: The disclosure relates to a solar-operated apparatus to purify and/or desalinate water. Several embodiments are disclosed, each of which substantially derives its source of heat from solar energy. The apparatus includes a unique design of the evaporating collector dome which is provided with a smooth interior surface to permit collection of increased amounts of distillate. The apparatus exterior is provided with a black surface to serve as a black body and so absorb increased amounts of the sun's energy. Additionally, that same exterior is coated with a film of infra-red absorbing material (STET) to further increase solar-energy absorption. To further improve the system's efficiency, various external tubing designs are utilized to preheat the load prior to its entry into the evaporating chamber. The distillate-collecting vessel is a downwardly-extending dome. This increases the volume while at the same time reducing re-evaporation by minimizing the exposed surface area.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1990Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Inventor: David Deutsch
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Patent number: 5032230Abstract: A vacuum draft submerged combustion system and method for separating combustible hydrocarbons and other components or liquid solutions from their solvents, usually water, includes evaporating volatile components by a submerged combustion burner and condensing the vaporized volatile components under a partial vacuum. The hot gases from the burner are injected under partial vacuum into the first tank. The hot gases bubbled through the solution cause volatile components in the liquid to be evaporated and collected above the level of the liquid. The collected gasses are drawn into a condensing tank where the condensable particulates are condensed and collected.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1988Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: Deep Woods, Inc.Inventor: Richard C. Shepherd
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Patent number: 5030327Abstract: An apparatus and method for fluid distillation in general, and in particular, of water, adapted for consumer or home use, but capable of being made and operated so that it is suitable for separating solvents and solutes and other industrial use. The apparatus includes a housing having divider structure to form one or more compartments for receiving water to be distilled. The divider structure also presents a fluid passage for receiving water vapor which is formed when the upper portion of the water in the housing is boiled by a heater. An aerator is provided in the housing below the heater and in a location within the water compartment. The aerator operates to direct air under a slight pressure into the water so that air bubbles can be generated in the water. The air bubbles will rise and break the surface of the water as the upper part of the water is being boiled by the heater.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1990Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventor: Naisin Lee
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Patent number: 5001846Abstract: A solar electric drying apparatus for drying and dehydration of articles positioned therein and collecting of clean distillate produced during the drying operation which includes a housing with side walls defining closable openings therein and defining an open top and bottom area. A top is translucent to permit light therethrough for warming of the distillation chamber defined therebelow. A distillation collection means including an accumulation container is positioned within the distillation chamber itself. A porous tray extends across the open bottom area of the housing upon which articles to be solar dried are placed. A support table is adapted to receive the housing structure mounted thereon detachably and includes a blower means capable of including a heating means for blowing of air vertically through the porous tray to facilitate drying and dehydration and to equalize temperature and humidity characteristics within the distillation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1990Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Inventor: Stella Andrassy
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Patent number: 4966655Abstract: An open wire frame formed of wire ladder stock having intersecting right angle wires includes at least one upwardly inclined open frame section overlying an underlying open pan and terminating at a lower edge in a downward directed projection of U-shape and being fixedly mounted relative to the underlying pan. A flexible thin film solar energy transmissive sheet overlies the open wire frame and is stretched tightly about the frame to form a downwardly facing condensation surface and an upwardly facing U-shaped collection trough along the lower edge thereof for condensate collection. The open wire frame may have vertical free ends for penetration into the ground or into the sides of the upwardly open pan. Strips of wood, metal, etc., fastened by screws, etc., may sandwich the lower sides of the flexible thin film sheet against the side walls of the upwardly open pan to maintain the sheets stretched about the open wire frame and complete an enclosure about the pan.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1988Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Inventor: William M. Wilkerson, Jr.
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Patent number: 4966654Abstract: The invention is a system for removing volitile hydrocarbon contaminates from both water and moisture-ladened air. In detail the invention comprises a stripping system preferably a steam stripping system, for mixing the contaminated water with steam, at below atmospheric pressure, providing clean water for reuse and contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates. A first condenser receives the contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates and condenses, at below atmospheric pressure, a portion of the vaporized contaminates and a portion of the contaminated steam into contaminate water. A second condenser thereafter further condenses the steam and hydrocarbon vapor.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1989Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Assignee: AWD Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Terrance K. Carberry