Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out thermodynamic processes in which a work medium undergoes mutually opposite phase transitions. The apparatus comprises casings consisting of confining plates and spacers therebetween, the casings being arranged in stacked relationship. Each casing encloses a plurality of phase transition compartments in superposed relationship. There are orifices in the confining plates through which pairs of phase transition compartments open directly into one another so as to form a number of work chambers. These are also passages delimited by the spacers in the casings for connecting the work chambers in series and passages delimited by the spacers in the casings for introducing and drawing work medium into and from the phase transition compartments. Finally, there are passages delimited by the spacers in the casings for supplying and abducting heat to and from the work medium.

Abstract: A method of centrifugal evaporation such as may be employed for reclaiming used industrial solvent having water and solid contaminants, including injecting the contaminated solvent into a cyclonic still, heating the contaminated solvent in the still to vaporize the solvent and water content, the solid contaminant being separated and discharged as a wet sludge, conducting the co-mingled solvent and water vapors to a condenser in which the vapors are condensed to liquids, separating the condensed liquids into solvent for reuse and water for disposal, passing the wet sludge into an inclined elongated dryer where the sludge is heated, vaporizing the liquid which is drawn off, the dried solid contaminant being collected for reuse or disposal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process and apparatus for safely distilling relatively small batches of organic compounds such as paint solvents by directly and safely heating the compounds in a vessel having a relatively thick bottom with electrical heating units cast in it and a relatively thick side wall integrally attached to the bottom. The side wall may be integrally attached to the bottom by a weld that penetrates the joint between the side wall and bottom preferably by 100% in order to provide a complete heat transfer from the bottom to the side wall. The vessel is so designed so as to provide a relatively uniform temperature throughout the inner periphery of the vessel thereby avoiding hot spots and insuring that the hottest spot of the inner periphery of the vessel does not exceed the auto ignition temperature of the compound being processed.

Abstract: An apparatus for distilling water in which a heat receiving plate member and a plurality of cooling plate members have a means for holding water to be treated on each reverse side thereof and are arranged in parallel spaced relationship with each other, and the water vapor produced by heating the heat receiving surface of the heat receiving plate member is condensed on the condensing surface of the adjacent cooling plate member, while giving the latent heat of the condensation to the cooling plate member and heating a water held on its back to produce the water vapor which is condensed on the condensing surface of the next cooling plate member, such evaporation by the latent heat and condensation being conducted according the number of rooms partitioned by adjacent two cooling plate members. There are apparatuses of two types, i.e.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recovering clean solvent from a mixture of solvent and contaminants. The apparatus includes an open top tank mounted in a housing below a sink in which articles to be cleaned with solvent are placed. The sink has a tap through which solvent is directed so that the articles can be cleaned by hand in the sink itself. A disposable, plastic bag is receivable in the tank and the tank is closed by a cover. Contaminated solvent can flow from the sink, through the cover and into the bag in the tank. Contaminated solvent in the bag is heated by heating a liquid surrounding the side wall of the tank and below the bottom of the tank so that the solvent in the bag will vaporize. A tube leading out of the tank carries solvent vapor into a heat exchanger where the vapor is condensed to form clean, liquid solvent, and the liquid solvent is collected in a reservoir. A pump is coupled to the reservoir for pumping liquid solvent to the tap at the sink.

Abstract: Distilling equipment comprising input apparatus (21) including a boiling chamber (83) and means (80-82, 104-107, 110, 111) for supplying raw liquid to the boiling chamber at a predetermined level, a closed condensation chamber (22) above the predetermined level and connected to the top of the boiling chamber (96) to receive therefrom only vapor from the raw liquid, and output apparatus (20) including a liquid collection container (25) below the condensation chamber and liquid circulating structure (29-34, 44-55) for withdrawing liquid from the container, cooling the liquid, discharging it within the condensation chamber, and returning it to the container.

Abstract: A mechanical energy conversion method and system for the restoration of dissipated heat energy, contained in natural or artificial water bodies at or near ambient temperatures, to industrial process heat, mainly in the form of steam up to 200.degree.-400.degree. C. The sensible heat contained in a water body is concentrated as latent heat in low pressure water vapor which is thermo-compressed by steam ejection to an intermediate pressure level, wherefrom mechanical compression takes over, generating highly superheated output steam. The ejecting steam is not generated in a boiler, but is continuously regenerated by the compressor and routed back for repeated ejection. The compressor is driven by a heat engine whose reject heat is collected and upgraded as well. The output of heat energy is essentially equal to the sun of the heating value of the fuel consumed and the intake of latent heat and amounts thus to substantially more than the heating value of the fuel alone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dehydrating mixtures of organic liquids and water comprising consecutive distillation and membrane permeation, wherein at least a portion of the material retained by the separator is passed into indirect heat exchange relationship within the distillation column and recycled to the separator to provide the heat input required for the permeation process.

Abstract: An arrangement for permitting a first liquid to flow close to a second liquid, but without being intermixed therewith, includes a first plurality of plates (12) and a second plurality of plates (12), which are located between plates in the first plurality of plates but spaced therefrom by means of separating pieces. Each separating piece includes a frame formed about plate-shaped plane-parallel partial pieces, viz. an outer porous and hydrophobic plastic disphragm, an intermediate distance network of plastic and an outer thin plastic foil. The frame includes infeed holes for air and outfeed holes for water.The voids of the plastic diaphragm have a radius within the range of 2 to 5 .mu.m. The distance network has a thickness of 1 to 2 mm and consists of intersecting strips. The plastic foil has a thickness of about 0.1 mm.The plates include a frame with four through holes, of which two holes have connection to a recess in the plate, while the other two holes have no such connection.

Abstract: A water distillation system which includes a storage tank for impure water and a storage tank for distilled water. Impure water is pumped through a heater to an evaporator. Impure water is also pumped through an impure water jet ejector. Distilled water is pumped through a distilled water jet ejector. The impure water jet ejector withdraws water from the bottom of the evaporator. The distilled water jet ejector withdraws water vapor from the top of the evaporator. Distilled water from the distilled water jet ejector passes through a heat exchanger in the impure water tank to heat input water. Impure water from the impure water jet ejector passes through a heat exchanger in the distilled water tank to cool the distilled water.

Abstract: Concentrated alcohol and distillery slop are produced from fermented beer with a reduced amount of energy by employing a vapor recompression distillery slop evaporator in which evaporator vapors are used to strip alcohol from the fermented liquor before they are returned as the heat source for evaporation. Vents in the evaporator permit passage of uncondensed vapors used to drive the evaporator to a rectifier, in which they constitute the principal heat and alcohol source. Condensed vapors from the evaporator and the bottom stream from the rectifier are stripped of their remaining alcohol content in a condensate stripper, which is also driven by the recompressed vapors from the evaporator. This prevents dilution of the slops and the additional energy cost that would be necessary if the water content of these streams had to be removed in the slop evaporator.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for extracting an organic liquid from an organic liquid solute/solvent mixture. The mixture is contacted with a fluid extractant which is at a temperature and pressure to render the extractant a solvent for the solute but not for the solvent. The resulting fluid extract of the solute is then depressurized to give a still feed which is distilled to form still overhead vapors and liquid still bottoms. The enthalpy required to effect this distillation is provided by compressing the still overhead vapors to heat them and indirectly to heat the still feed. The process is particularly suitable for separating mixtures which form azeotropes, e.g., oxygenated hydrocarbon/water mixtures. The energy required in this process is much less than that required to separate such mixtures by conventional distillation techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing fresh water from sea water in which a vertical accumulator utilizes the sensible heat of sea water so as to evaporate said sea water to a temperature above 100.degree. C. under pressure, a heat-exchanger connecting between the upper and lower portions of said accumulator causes a high temperature liquid to effect heat-exchange with sea water to be evaporated, a fresh sea water feed line connected to the lower portion of said accumulator adjusts the pressure within the accumulator and an evaporator receives higher temperature sea water. The accumulator accumulates heat in such a manner that the upper portion of said accumulator holds higher temperature sea water and the lower portion of the accumulator holds lower temperature sea water so that when heat is accumulated, the amount of said higher temperature sea water increases and when heat is radiated, the amount of higher temperature decreases whereby sea water evaporates at all times.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparation and distillation of low-alcohol-content, fermentation products into high-alcohol-content, fuel-grade product using solar energy to carry out the fermentation and distillation. The apparatus includes a solar collector with reflectors, fermenting tanks, a distillation column, and temperature controls. The working fluid for the solar collector is isolated from the fluid being distilled.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distillation of liquids such as sea water, brackish water, waste water, or the like, which also may be used for cooling purposes, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum tank, or vessel, into which liquid to be distilled, such as saline water, is fed to partially fill the tank. If desired, heating means may be included for heating the liquid adjacent the surface thereof to promote evaporation thereof. Vapor from the region above the liquid surface is fed to vapor condensing means adjacent the bottom of the tank for condensing the same. A condensate discharge tube extends downwardly from the condensing means for discharge of condensate therefrom. Means including a pressure head of condensate within the condensate discharge tube maintains a subatmospheric pressure within the tank to promote evaporation of liquid contained therein.

Abstract: Distillation method and apparatus for separation of alcohol from an alcohol-water mixture are disclosed which include use of a fluid-tight vacuum tank within which a surface condenser is located adjacent the tank bottom. The condenser has a vapor inlet above the condenser, and a condenser outlet which communicates with a first pump having a pump discharge outside the tank. A second pump is provided for removal of mixture from the bottom of the tank. In operation, an alcohol-water mixture is fed into the tank to completely fill the same while air is vented therefrom. The vent is closed, and mixture then is pumped from the tank and condenser to empty the condenser and to lower the level of mixture in the tank beneath the vapor inlet to the condenser. With the removal of mixture, a vacuum is created whereupon alcohol rapidly evaporates from the mixture surface to rapidly reduce the temperature of remaining mixture.

Abstract: Heat transfer apparatus comprises:(a) a heat pump, and(b) a distillation means operatively connected with the heat pump to receive distillable fluid therefrom for condensation and release of latent heat Q.sub.c,(c) the heat pump connected with said distillation means to receive said latent heat for addition of work input and re-transfer to the distillation fluid.

Abstract: In a new type of evaporator both a stream of cooling liquid and vapor are produced simultaneously. The cooling liquid is then used to compress and condense the vapor in an ejector-condenser. Heat of vaporization is recaptured in the ejector-condenser and recycled back to the evaporator, thus leading to high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A self-contained alcohol still capable of producing fuel grade alcohol. A series of cooling coils are arranged in an inclined manner inside a cooling water medium to provide condensing and reflux. The first stage coil is attached to a reflux zone above the evaporation chamber. This arrangement permits the vapor to be cooled and liquified as it progresses through the various coils. The cooling water is caused to be heated as it moves from the entrance to exit points. The condensing rate is controlled by the rate cooling water is allowed to pass through the unit. This allows elimination of numerous complicated external controls and provides for desired results from common construction methods and extremely simple operating procedures.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a container closed to free communication with the atmosphere, and means for maintaining therein a body of crude volatile liquid at a predetermined surface level with an evacuated space thereabove containing a low pressure mixture of evaporated volatile liquid vapor and incondensible gas, an array of heat conducting tubes immersed in said body of crude liquid with their lower ends entering into a closed drum member, a fan blower arranged to maintain a pressure differential for heating said mixture by compression and friction and impelling it into the upper ends of the tubes, whereby through heat exchange the vapor is condensed to liquid and passes into the drum member together with incondensible gas.

Abstract: The rectifier having inserts for evaporation and condensation is constructed on the basis of modules (19). Each module has a distributor channel (5) for the liquid. The distributor channel (5) is positioned above the upper rim of an evaporater (1) inclined in the direction of the module axis. The evaporator (1) ends above a guide element (13) for the liquid. The guide element (13) is inclined in the direction of the module wall (14) and ends above the distributor channel (5) of the next module. The module is furthermore provided with a guide element (2) for the vapor and a condenser (10). The condenser (10) has drain elements (11, 15) for the condensate.

Abstract: A mixture of xylenol, water, alcohol and other substances is put into an evaporator tank which is adjusted to a pressure and temperature to evaporate the water and alcohol. The water and alcohol vapors flow through an expansion chamber into a condenser and the condensate flows back through a distributor and a control valve into a collector tank. Through a two-stage control dial a second temperature and pressure is imposed upon the evaporator tank to evaporate the xylenol which is similarly condensed and the condensate flows back through the distributor which control valve has been actuated to direct the xylenol into a second collector tank. A second evaporator is connected through a selectively operable shut-off valve to the expansion chamber. The second evaporator tank is provided with an inlet funnel which can be heated to melt solid paraffin therein. A filter is within this funnel to filter out solid foreign matter.

Abstract: Apparatus for purifying liquid including a container for the liquid, means for heating the liquid when in the container to vaporize the liquid, means for cooling the vapor to form a condensate and a collector for collecting the condensate, the heating means comprising a condenser of a refrigerant circulatory systems and the cooling means comprising an evaporator of the system so that refrigerant liquified in the condenser gives off heat to heat the said liquid and evaporation of the liquid in the evaporator causes heat to be absorbed from the vapor thereby cooling the vapor to for the condensate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for desalinizing water. Salt water in an evaporation zone is provided with heat of vaporization by a heat pump which transfers heat to the water from a thermal sink. The evaporation zone is maintained at subatmospheric pressure so that the salt water boils at a temperature at least about 10 degrees above the ambient dew point. The pressure in the evaporation zone is maintained at a low level by a vacuum pump and by condensing the vapor in a condensation zone from which fresh water is collected. The heat of condensation is dissipated into a "cold" sink if available or by a heat dissipating means such as an evaporative cooling apparatus. Energy efficiency results from the ability of the heat pump or pumps in the system to operate at a high coefficient of performance.

Abstract: A water purification system for use in combination with a domestic hot water heating tank. The system includes a water container for containing water separate from the water in the tank. A conduit carries hot water from the tank to the container, passing in close proximity to the heating unit of the hot water tank. A duct leading from the container conveys water vapor formed in the container to a receptacle. The water in the receptacle having been evaporated and condensed is thus purified for domestic use.

Abstract: A vapor compression distillation apparatus and method are provided wherein scaling tendencies are eliminated. The raw feedwater has acid added to it in an amount sufficient to convert the carbonates and/or bicarbonates therein to carbon dioxide. The heated acidified feedwater is then deaerated to remove the carbon dioxide and other non-condensible gases. The deaerated water flows to the evaporator through a line having a valve therein controlled by the liquid level in the deaerator to maintain such level constant even though the tube side of the evaporator is being operated at a pressure less than that of the deaerator. This permits the evaporation to take place under a partial vacuum and at a boiling temperature of less than 212.degree. F. even though the deaerator is operated at atmospheric pressure. Vent steam from the evaporator is added to the deaerator to further preheat the feedwater, and as a sparging or stripping agent to aid in the elimination of carbon dioxide and other non-condensible gases.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a solar still and a wind powered generator. Sea water is preheated in a condenser and is supplied to the still where it is heated further either by solar radiation, or by a heated pipe containing brine, or both. The still supplies warm humid air and vapor to the condenser to provide a distilled water condensate, which condensate is supplemented by water collected from the sloping parts of the still roof. The brine in the heated pipe in the still is supplied from a brine pit which is heated by electrodes connected to the wind powered generator. The generator also charges batteries and supplies electrical power to brine pumps and to a ventilator in the still.

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

Abstract: A vapor compression type distillation unit is provided for distilling brackish water or seawater wherein high heat transfer rates are achieved in a vertical shell and tube type vaporizer while avoiding carry-over normally resulting from excessive foaming and its entrainment of liquid droplets in the vapor. A pool of liquid is maintained at the lower end of the vaporizer to be fed into the tubes with the level of the liquid being relatively low so that most of the length of the tube is filled with a frothy mixture conducive to high heat transfer rates. The mixture of vapor and liquid discharged from the upper ends of the tubes is caused to flow laterally and then downwardly through a downtake passage communicating with the lower end of the vaporizer. A vapor outlet is provided intermediate the ends of the downtake passage in such a manner that the vapor must change its direction of flow, preferably substantially 180.degree.

Abstract: A multi-stage apparatus suited for concentrating sulphuric acid comprising at least one high temperature stage and one low temperature stage, the high temperature stage including a surrounding wall defining a flue gas channel, means for delivering hot flue gas to said channel, and means for withdrawing from said channel cooled flue gas, the flue gas heating said surrounding wall which in turn imparts heat to material to be heated thereby, the low temperature stage including a heat exchanger with a first flow path for a heating agent and a second flow path for a material to be heated thereby, means for supplying the said second flow path material to be heated, means for withdrawing from said second flow path material after having been heated therein, and means for withdrawing from said first flow path spent heating agent, the means for withdrawing cooled flue gas from said flue channel of said high temperature stage forwarding heat from said cooled flue gas to said first flow path of said low temperature stage

Abstract: Phosphorus is recovered from phosphorus mud by introducing a skip of phosphorus mud into a furnace, closing the furnace and contacting the skip inside the furnace with a pool of molten lead. Phosphorus vapour is distilled from the mud and recovered.

Abstract: A process for the purification of water comprises a step-wise procedure for heating and evaporating water to be purified at different location and then condensing water thus evaporated. The water is heated in the form of a sheet by solar energy while in a pan at least part of the bottom of which is capable of absorbing the heat content of solar radiation, and in which it is covered by a layer of liquid which transmits solar radiation therethrough, is immiscible with water and which has a vapor pressure less than that of water. The liquid is usually an oil. Various mechanical devices are disclosed for optimizing utilization of solar radiation reaching the pan. Evaporation of heated water removed from the sheet of water to the evaporator is preferably effected under reduced pressure.

Abstract: In the processing of a corrosive liquid mixture, such as 50 to 80% aqueous sulfuric acid, by its passage over one surface of a wall of inert heat resistant material, and heating the other surface of said wall, thereby to evaporate from said corrosive liquid mixture the more volatile component thereof, the improvement which comprises heating said wall by contact with an inert liquid material, and heating said inert liquid material indirectly through heat exchange with a normally solid molten material. Desirably the wall of inert material is a pipe surrounded by a molten metal in a first annular jacket and a molten salt in a second annular jacket.

Abstract: A vapor compression type distillation apparatus and method is provided for distilling brackish water or seawater wherein increased efficiency can be achieved by virtue of an arrangement and operation which maximizes the average effective temperature differential between steam being condensed and the water being vaporized. Thus a vertical shell and tube vaporizer is provided which includes an array of tubes which array has a width substantially greater than its depth. The liquid discharged from the upper ends of the tubes is caused to flow downwardly in a downtake passage into a body of water at the lower end of the vaporizer along substantially the entire width of the array. Feed water is fed into the body of water at the lower end of the vaporizer at one end of the array and blowdown is taken from such body at the other end of the array.

Abstract: A low temperature purification system is provided which is particularly adapted for use to mechanically purify in a continuous operation solutions containing solids and dissolved substances. The purification system includes a solution supply means, and a centrifugal vacuum evaporator to which the solution to be purified is fed. Drive means is operatively connected to the evaporator for subjecting the solution within the evaporator to centrifugal acceleration and causes the solids in the solution to be displaced outwardly of the axis of rotation of the solution and the liquid of the solution to be displaced inwardly toward the axis of rotation. Outlet means is embodied in the evaporator for discharging the solids therefrom. The liquid as it is being displaced inwardly is simultaneously subjected to a reduced pressure to produce vapor which is conducted to a condenser means wherein the vapor is condensed to a substantially pure liquid.

Abstract: A vapor compression distillation system utilizing a two stage vapor compressor comprising a rotary positive displacement first stage compressor backed by a second stage liquid ring compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently disposing of combustible organic waste materials, such as organic industrial and household wastes, comprising a macerator and an evaporation unit where liquids are removed from the waste to leave a concentrated organic residue. Evaporation of liquids from the waste is accomplished by heat exchange with a medium heated, in part, by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, and in part by incineration of the solid, relatively dry organic residue. The liquids from the evaporation unit are preferably condensed to a suitable liquid form for subsequent use, and the concentrate remaining after liquid evaporation is introduced to a high temperature zone developed in the course of the operation of an internal combustion engine, so that the solid organic residue is incinerated to a relatively small quantity of ash and innocuous gases. Heat for the purpose of partially heating the heat exchange medium used in the evaporation unit is developed in the course of such incineration.