Abstract: Carbon dioxide is recovered from gas mixtures containing it in a concentration not greater than the equilibrium concentration at the freezing temperature of the mixture, by subjecting the gas mixture to membrane separation and recovering from the membrane separation a permeate having a carbon dioxide concentration between the equilibrium concentration and 98% (by volume), distilling said permeate at subambient temperature above the freezing temperature of the permeate and recovering substantially pure carbon dioxide as a liquid bottoms product of the distillation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distilling, especially vacuum refining and deodorizing edible oils and fats utilizing sheets of oil driven downwardly in a distiller with a vacuum source at its top. A nozzle includes pressure equalization chambers, cantilever adjustment screws, and a central drag sheet to produce longer lasting and more uniform thin oil sheets to be driven in the distiller. A continuous process deaerates, dehydrates, degums, bleaches, refines, removes tocopherol, deodorizes, and strips peroxides and hydroperoxides from raw oil in a series of isothermal stages utilizing driven sheet distillers. No stripping steam is used except in the stage which strips peroxides and hydroperoxides. The method produces valuable, pure products such as tocopherol and fractionated fatty acids. It is especially efficient in heat exchange and low in waste and pollution producing products.

Abstract: Polluted industrial waste water having a high chemical demand for oxygen and fine particles in suspension is purified using the following steps: directly heating and evaporating the polluted water without subjecting it to the usual prior steps of mechanical separation such as sieving or decanting; separating sludges from the evaporated water; condensing the evaporated water; subjecting the condensed evaporated water to a physico-chemical purifying process of the coagulation-flocculation type; and filtering the purified condensed evaporated water. The purified water is pure enough to be recycled through a dyeing works. The installation includes an evaporator (10) which is preferably built in several stages with the vapor from each stage other than the first being used to evaporate the polluted water in the next stage.

Abstract: A distillation process for the production of dehydrated ethanol from dilute aqueous solutions of ethanol characterized in that the distillation is performed in a two-column system wherein the first column--for rectification--is operated under such a pressure that the second column--for dehydration--is heated exclusively with the vapors of the first column; in the first column the concentration of the dilute aqueous ethanol is effected to an ethanol concentration below the composition of the binary ethanol-water azeotrope; the separation of water is effected from the lower layer of the condensed head product of the second column; the separation of impurities and entrainers, having a lower boiling point than ethanol, is effected at the head of the first column and that of impurities, having a higher boiling point, above the feed point of the dilute aqueous solution in the first column; and, in the second column, the dehydration is effected by means of entrainers, with the addition of a fuel component or fuel, t

Abstract: In purifying methyl methacrylate by feeding a feed mixture containing methanol, methyl methacrylate and 0.

Abstract: A system for treating waste effluent and recovering solids and solvent material including a reservoir mounted on a stand connected by means to a solvent migrator including an adjustable trough for receiving new solution, a secondary reservoir with a cloth or absorbent material designed to contact the fluid in the secondary reservoir, while parallel to the sun's rays, an automatic leveling means and apparatus for recirculation of waste effluent including a leveling ball, and suction tubing for the recirculation of fluid, a solar unit comprised of glass panels to form a collecting dome with collecting troughs and a bonnet to shade the top of the pyramid formed by the dome panels and mirrors for the reflection of sunlight, all of which is connected to a chemical trap and subsequently a collecting means for the pure product.

Abstract: Methanol and cyclohexane are recovered from a condensed methanol-cyclohexane azeotrope by allowing the condensed azeotrope to separate in a vessel into an upper phase rich in cyclohexane and a lower phase rich in methanol, fractionating the upper phase in a first column whereby the methanol-cyclohexane azeotrope is taken off the top and returned to the vessel while cyclohexane is removed from the lower portion of the first column, and fractionating the lower phase in a second column whereby the methanol-cyclohexane azeotrope is taken off the top and returned to the vessel while methanol is removed from the lower portion of the second column.

Abstract: A process for the distillation and condensation of a multi-component liquid is described, the process being characterized by the contacting of a warm portion of the overhead vapor with a cool liquid portion of the overhead to achieve a higher accumulator liquid temperature. In a principal embodiment, a multi-component liquid is distilled, the overhead vapor is separated into major and minor portions, and the bulk of the major portion is condensed. Liquid is separated from the remaining vapor of the major portion, and the separated liquid is divided into major and minor fractions. The major fraction of liquid is collected in an accumulation zone, and is contacted in the accumulation zone with at least the bulk of the minor portion of overhead vapor. Vapor from the accumulation zone is contacted with the minor fraction of liquid in a contacting zone.

Abstract: A process for the distillation and condensation of a multi-component liquid is described, the process being characterized by the utilization of a portion of the condensate in achieving increased separation of components of no-condensed vapor. In a principal embodiment, the overhead from a distillation column is cooled, condensing a portion thereof, and the condensed portion is accumulated in an accumulation zone. A first liquid stream is removed from the accumulation zone for reflux, while a second liquid stream is cooled, and then contacts, in a separate zone, the uncondensed portion of the overhead. The contacting absorbs and condenses components of the vapor, and the second liquid and absorbed components are collected in the accumulation zone.

Abstract: A process for distilling and condensing a multi-component liquid is described, the process being characterized by the use of a portion of the uncondensed vapor in achieving more efficient heat utilization. In a principal embodiment, the multi-component liquid is distilled to produce an overhead vapor, and the vapor is condensed to produce a condensate and a partially cooled vapor. The partially cooled vapor is separated into major and minor portions, the bulk of the major portion is condensed to produce a condensation effluent, and the condensation effluent (comprising liquid or liquid and vapor) is contacted in a contacting zone with the minor portion of partially cooled vapor. The contacting produces a liquid which is collected in an accumulation zone.

Abstract: A process for distilling and condensing a multi-component liquid is described, the process being characterized by the use of a portion of uncondensed vapor in achieving more efficient heat utilization. In a principal embodiment, a multi-component liquid is distilled to produce an overhead vapor, the vapor is partially condensed, and the vapor-condensate is separated into a minor liquid fraction and a major vapor-liquid portion. The major vapor-liquid fraction is then separated into vapor and liquid, and the liquid therefrom is accumulated in an accumulation zone. The separated vapor is then contacted with the minor liquid fraction in a contacting zone, thereby absorbing the vapor and transferring its heat to the liquid fraction.

Abstract: Crude vanillin is purified by supercritical extraction of impurities. The process is especially useful in purifying crude vanillin obtained from paper mill waste liquors. Preferred supercritical extraction fluid is CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously extracting and recovering 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy phenyl) propane and phenol from aqueous effluent streams by liquid-liquid extraction using toluene.

Abstract: Ethanol is concentrated from ethanol-water mixtures by extraction or extractive distillation with a solvent which is a cyclic ketone of at least seven carbons or cyclic alcohol of at least eight carbons such a cyclohexylcyclohexanone or cyclohexylcyclohexanol. In the extractive distillation process, a first overheads is produced which can be made to be steam with minimal ethanol content and a second overhead is produced which can be made to be essentially pure ethanol. The preferred solvents are also non-toxic, such that the alcohol can be used for human consumption.

Abstract: The treatment of raw water, particularly the desalination of waste or other water with a high salt content, is accomplished by means of a process which includes two membrane separation steps performed in concentrate sequence. The concentrate from the second membrane separation step is further treated by means of a thermal concentrating procedure. The water to be processed is first treated to minimize the formation of scale during the first membrane separation step and the concentrate from the first membrane separation step is similarly treated. The overall process also includes the production of materials necessary for reconditioning ion exchange apparatus employed for raw water conditioning and concentrate treatment.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for upgrading low pressure steam or brine, such as from a geothermal well, to prepare the steam or brine for any one of a number of uses, such as for conversion to pure, high pressure, high temperature steam for driving turbines. The system operates in a degasification phase in which a small amount of superheated steam is applied to the brine to scrub the same to cause the removal of concentrated gases therefrom. The degasified product is then pumped to a high pressure, heated countercurrently, and directed through a demineralized phase to remove the salts and solids in a liquid phase and convert the bulk of the water into pure, high pressure saturated steam. The steam output from the demineralizing phase can then be used to produce useful work, such as driving a turbine. In addition to forming saturated steam from geothermal brine, the system can be used to form pure saturated steam from impure water from any suitable source.

Abstract: An improved distillation method and apparatus are provided for recovering anhydrous ethanol from fermentation or synthetic feedstocks. The system includes at least one stripper-rectifier tower, a dehydrating tower, and an azeotropic agent stripping tower. Substantial energy savings are realized by operating the dehydrating tower, and preferably also the azeotropic agent stripping tower, at a higher pressure than the stripper-rectifier tower and by condensing the overhead vapors from the dehydrating tower (or dehydrating tower and azeotropic agent stripping tower) to provide the heat required in the stripper-rectifier tower. In a preferred embodiment, two stripper-rectifier towers are used, one operating at a higher pressure than the other, in which case the higher pressure tower is heated as just described and the overhead vapors from the higher pressure tower are condensed to supply the heat required in the lower pressure tower.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering high purity resorcinol produced by the rearrangement of m-diisopropylbenzene dihydroperoxide in which the rearranged product mixture is neutralized, the neutralized mixture being filtered, the filtrate being admixed with toluene, the acetone being removed by distillation and the acetone-free rearranged product/toluene mixture being steam distilled to provide an aqueous resorcinol containing phase from which the resorcinol is recovered.

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: A process for purifying 1,2-butylene oxide which comprises extractive distillation of crude butylene oxide with an added solvent comprising an acyclic, paraffinic hydrocarbon having from 7 to 9 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline waste stream containing at least organic ester having insecticidal properties is acidified and extracted with a C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbon to reduce the organic content of the waste stream.

Abstract: Process for purifying hexamethyldisiloxane contaminated with toluene or other solvents that cannot be completely separated from the hexamethyldisiloxane by distillation, based on the discovery that hexamethyldisiloxane forms a previously unknown azeotrope with acetonitrile. This azeotrope has a heavier phase that is rich in acetonitrile and a lighter phase that is rich in hexamethyldisiloxane. These phases are mutually immiscible. The azeotrope starts to boil at 71.4.degree. C., which permits the hexamethyldisiloxane to be separated at relatively low temperatures from the impurities. The process involves one or more entrainment distillations in the presence of an excess of acetonitrile and the re-separation of the acetonitrile from the resulting lighter phase by distillation. Two further novel azeotropic systems, one consisting of hexamethyldisiloxane and toluene and the other of acetonitrile and toluene, are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for the separation and recovery of byproducts associated with the isolation of C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 dicarboxylic acids contained in a waste byproduct stream derived from an adipic acid manufacturing operation involving nitric acid oxidation of a cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol feedstream.The main byproducts which are recovered are high purity dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate.

Abstract: Halogenated hydrocarbon and uncontaminated water is recovered from a stream of process water contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbon and hydrogen halide. The process water is neutralized and then distilled to obtain a first fraction containing halogenated hydrocarbon and water and a second fraction containing uncontaminated water. The first fraction is allowed to settle into layers of halogenated hydrocarbon and water which are then removed.The contaminated stream may be obtained from a process for the solvent dewaxing of a petroleum fraction.

Abstract: The waste water output of an RO unit in a distillation system is conveyed to a still's condenser cooling coil to minimize water requirements of the system. A portion of the heated water fron the condenser, in one embodiment, is circulated to the RO unit inlet, where a temperature mixing valve maintains an optimum temperature for the RO inlet water by mixing feed water and condenser output water in the desired proportions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing substantially anhydrous alcohols from aqueous solutions thereof by distilling a mixture of aqueous alcohol and an entrainer to a drying column withdrawing an azeotrope as a distillate and continuously recovering anhydrous alcohol with less than 0.1% by weight of water from the base of the drying column. The improvement resides in feeding the distillate to a condenser and introducing (a) the condensate therefrom in a substantially non-turbulent state into a decanter at a point close to the interface between the aqueous and organic phases present therein and (b) a specified amount of water, which is less than 0.25 volumes per volume of the anhydrous alcohol recovered, into the drying column at a point adjacent to that at which the organic hydrocarbon phase is returned as reflux.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous metal-cleaning solution. The apparatus includes a first conduit, or pipe, for removing portions of the contaminated aqueous solution from its tank. The solution enters an extractor which permits intimate contact between the contaminated solution and an organic solvent. A second tube, or conduit, returns the aqueous solution, purified by this contact, to the original tank. A third conduit removes the organic solvent from the extractor after its contact with the aqueous solution, by which time it will contain organic components from the aqueous solution. This solvent, with the contaminants, enters a separator, such as a still, which removes the contaminants from it. The purified organic solvent then returns to the extractor along a fourth conduit. The cleansing operation proceeds intermittently or, preferably, continuously.

Abstract: A process for the production of fuel alcohol from fermented plant mashes, without vinasse. In this process alcohol is produced from fermented mashes obtained from diverse raw plant materials. The process introduces a treatment of the mash, after fermentation and before distillation, by which treatment several substances contained in the fermented mash are removed, so that the distillation is fed with a purified beer. Distillation of this beer produces alcohol and does not produce vinasse.

Abstract: Relatively dry hydrogen iodide can be recovered from a mixture of HI, I.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. After the composition of the mixture is adjusted so that the amounts of H.sub.2 O and I.sub.2 do not exceed certain maximum limits, subjection of the mixture to superatmospheric pressure in an amount equal to about the vapor pressure of HI at the temperature in question causes distinct liquid phases to appear. One of the liquid phases contains HI and not more than about 1 weight percent water. Often the adjustment in the composition will include the step of vaporization, and the distinct layers appear following the increase in pressure of the vapor mixture. Adjustment in the composition may also include the addition of an extraction agent, such as H.sub.3 PO.sub.4, and even though the adjusted composition mixture contains a significant amount of such an agent, the creation of the distinct liquid phases is not adversely affected.

Abstract: Tin ions are provided to the electrolyte-containing cathode compartment of an electrolysis cell in which the anode and cathode compartments are separated by a cationic permselective membrane. The anolyte is generally a mineral acid or tin salt thereof. Operation of the electrolysis cell results in the deposition of tin in a purified form onto the catode which may be recovered as tin metal. Alternatively, the deposited tin and cathode compartment can be washed and the cathode compartment filled with an acid solution. Reversal of the current polarity results in the production of tin salts which may be recovered. Tin salts may also be concurrently anodically produced while tin metal is cathodically electrowinned.

Abstract: Reconcentration of moist glycol, which has been used to dry natural gas, by heating the moist glycol with flue gas from a reboiler and by thereafter stripping water from the moist glycol with the dried flue gas or with a hydrocarbon gas by-product of the natural gas being dried.

Abstract: The oxidation of liquid n-butane with oxygen gas at a temperature of from 120.degree. C. up to 235.degree. C. in the presence of an acetic acid solution containing bromide ion in combination with ions of cobalt or cobalt and manganese produces a reaction effluent containing mainly acetic acid (65 to 72 weight percent) and water (23 to 27 weight percent) together with impurity concentrations of esters and ketones boiling lower than acetic acid, higher carbon (C.sub.3 and C.sub.4) aliphatic monocarboxylic acids boiling higher than acetic acid and the difficultly separable 3-bromo-2-butanone impurity. The concentration of said bromoketone can be decreased by maintaining said reaction effluent or its debutanized residue at a temperature of from 150.degree. C. up to 200.degree. C. for 15 to 150 minutes. Subsequent distillation even further decreases the concentration of the bromoketone in the acetic acid distillate fraction.

Abstract: A normally liquid hydrocarbon having a minimum boiling point of about 425.degree. F. is utilized to provide the liquid seal in a vacuum pump which intakes a gaseous light ends stream resulting from a process for the production of ethyl acrylate by the reaction of ethylene with acrylic acid in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst. Upon contact in the vacuum pump, the gaseous light ends are partially absorbed into the normally liquid hydrocarbon, with the normally liquid hydrocarbon being recovered by fractionation.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for separating immiscible liquids is disclosed which includes an apparatus of four tanks including outlets of differing heights to provide for separation of the immiscible liquids according to their specific gravities. The apparatus is complete in itself and is operable to separate the heavier than water solvents and the lighter than water solvents from water without need for alterations of the design or other special provisions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of forming polyol (allyl carbonate) monomers. In the disclosed method, the organic by-products as diallyl carbonate and unreacted reagents as allyl alcohol are separated from the brine and wash water derived aqueous phase and returned to the allyl carbonate synthesis reaction. The aqueous phase is further separated to recover allyl alcohol therefrom, which is returned to the allyl carbonate synthesis reactor as an azeotrope.

Abstract: Excessive energy consumption of a combination of multi-fractionations and multi-distillations of concentrating aqueous acetic acid product of liquid phase oxidations, especially oxidation of liquid n-butane with oxygen gas while the butane is dissolved in liquid acetic acid containing a catalyst system comprising Co-Br or Co-Mn-Br, is avoided and an otherwise hard to remove bromo-ketone is readily removed by a combination of sequential steps of decompressing the oxidation reaction mixture to remove unreacted butane as well as gaseous products, heat treating the decompressed liquid at a temperature of from 150.degree. C. up to 200.degree. C. for from 15 up to 150 minutes, subjecting the heat treated liquid to fractionation while recycling to the rectification zone thereof an aqueous portion of low boiling impurities as a means for concentrating the acetic acid and thereafter further concentrating the acetic acid produced by continuous fractional crystallization.

Abstract: Reconcentration of moist glycol, which has been used to dry natural gas, by heating the moist glycol with flue gas from a reboiler and by thereafter stripping water from the moist glycol with the dried flue gas or with a hydrocarbon gas by-product of the natural gas being dried.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for thermally stabilizing sterols to permit economic recovery of the sterols present in a sterol containing source material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water distiller, primarily for producing water for human consumption which includes a boiler with an electric heater, a fractional distillation tower extending about two or more feet above the boiler, a gas trap at the top of the tower, and a steam conduit exiting from the tower below the gas trap and leading into a condensation tube with a water-cooled jacket. The boiler and tower are of uniform cross-section to facilitate cleaning by running a swab through this tube. An unprocessed water inlet is located in the bottom of the water jacket, and at the top of the water jacket is an exit orifice for preheated input water. A conduit for preheated input water leads to the bottom-most part of the boiler of the distiller. An overflow conduit is provided which is directly opposite the preheated water inlet; the highest point of the overflow conduit serves to automatically regulate the depth and volume of water in the boiler.

Abstract: Esters are treated with alkali metal borohydride to produce alcohols. Substantially constant boiling admixtures of: methanol/methyl heptafluorobutyrate, water/1,1-dihydroheptafluorobutanol, and water/methyl heptafluorobutyrate are described.

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

Abstract: A process for reclaiming a photographic coupler from an aqueous oil-in-water emulsion of a coupler solvent oil having an oil-soluble photographic coupler dissolved therein comprising separating the coupler solvent oil containing the photographic coupler dissolved therein from the aqueous oil-in-water emulsion, and subjecting the separated coupler solvent oil containing the photographic coupler dissolved therein to a high vacuum molecular distillation whereby only the coupler solvent oil is removed as a distillate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for recovering a phosphate ester type hydraulic fluid from a waste liquid containing water, organic solvents and other impurities, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). After filtering to remove particulate matter, a heavy fraction separated from the waste liquid and consisting primarily of the hydraulic fluid is first subjected to a distillation step. A substantial portion of the PCB is removed as overhead from the distillation step and the bottoms containing the hydraulic fluid is subsequently evaporated, preferably in a thin film evaporator. The overhead from the evaporation step is condensed to recover the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: Esters are treated with alkali metal borohydride to produce alcohols. Substantially constant boiling admixtures of: methanol/methyl heptafluorobutyrate, water/1,1-dihydroheptafluorobutanol, and water/methyl heptafluorobutyrate are described.

Abstract: A cleaning device including a housing having an open top and a closed bottom with a chamber mounted therein, the chamber having an open top and an open bottom. The housing is disposed to receive a liquid solution therein, the liquid solution containing at least two immiscible components of different densities, the chamber portion of the housing containing only one of the components therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering HF catalyst from an alkylation unit acid stream containing acid soluble oil wherein a bottoms stream, which contains HF, acid soluble oils and a minor quantity of water, from an HF rerun column are processed. The bottoms mixture is cooled in a heat exchanger to a temperature sufficiently low so as to effect separation of HF from the acid soluble oil with the mixture then being passed to a separating vessel to allow the separation of the HF from the acid soluble oil due to the reduced mutual solubility. A gradient of HF concentration is effected within the separation vessel wherein an HF-rich acid soluble oil mixture is withdrawn as a stream separate from a substantially HF-free acid soluble oil portion which is also recovered as a separate stream.

Abstract: A system for reclaiming the individual constituents of a fuel-contaminated purging fluid by subjecting the fluid to a continuous, closed, flash distillation technique under vacuum coupled with a coalescing oil-water separation procedure.

Abstract: A diffusion pump capable of separating impurities from its pump fluid during operation is disclosed. Skimming drains are provided in the pump's boiler for periodically skimming the evaporative surface of the working fluid. This eliminates nearly all contaminants of higher molecular weight than the pump fluid. In the foreline of the pump, a series of peripheral gutters are provided for trapping, separating and draining off condensates. The gutters facilitate the removal of impurities of lower molecular weight than that of the pump fluid. Means are also provided for further removing trace quantities of residual volatile impurities which tend to backstream up the diffusion pump barrel. The highly purified pump fluid allows for a more vigorously working evaporative surface, thereby increasing the throughput of the diffusion pump. Together with the elimination of volatile impurities from the pump barrel, this facilitates the attainment of significantly higher ultimate chamber vacuum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous metal-cleaning solution. The apparatus includes a first conduit, or pipe, for removing portions of the contaminated aqueous solution from its tank. The solution enters an extractor which permits intimate contact between the contaminated solution and an organic solvent. A second tube, or conduit, returns the aqueous solution, purified by this contact, to the original tank. A third conduit removes the organic solvent from the extractor after its contact with the aqueous solution, by which time it will contain organic components from the aqueous solution. This solvent, with the contaminants, enters a separator, such as a still, which removes the contaminants from it. The purified organic solvent then returns to the extractor along a fourth conduit. The cleansing operation proceeds intermittently or, preferably, continuously.