Including Purging Of The System Patents (Class 203/4)
  • Patent number: 10682587
    Abstract: A system for removing moisture from a hydrocarbon-based fluid is described. The system comprises a sealable and vacuum rated chamber disposed within a separator vessel. An open cell reticulated foam media is packed inside the chamber. The hydrocarbon-based fluid may fill the vacuum rated chamber. A vacuum may be applied to the chamber causing undesirable moisture in the fluid to boil under differential vacuum. The reticulated foam media increases the efficacy of the boiling process. Described also is a method for dehydrating a hydrocarbon-based fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventors: Darren Grant Manns, Daniel Weeden
  • Patent number: 10267543
    Abstract: An adsorption refrigerator comprising a first adsorber containing a first adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing a first adsorbent refrigerant, a second adsorber containing a second adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing the first adsorbent refrigerant, a first evaporator capable of evaporating the first adsorbent refrigerant under reduced pressure to cool a first working fluid, a first condenser capable of condensing the first adsorbent refrigerant in gaseous state, a third adsorber containing a third adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing a second adsorbent refrigerant, a fourth adsorber containing a fourth adsorbent capable of adsorbing and desorbing the second adsorbent refrigerant, a second evaporator capable of evaporating the second adsorbent refrigerant under reduced pressure to cool a second working fluid, a second condenser capable of condensing the second adsorbent refrigerant in gaseous state, a first heat exchanger capable of applying heat absorbed from a first heat source to a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9695052
    Abstract: Methods of recovering hydrohalosilanes from reaction residues are disclosed. An inorganic halosilane slurry comprising (i) tetrahalosilane, trihalosilane, dihalosilane, or any combination thereof, (ii) silicon particles, and (iii) heavies is passed through a thin-film dryer to remove halosilanes and form a solid residue comprising silicon particles. Heavies also may be removed as the slurry passes through the thin-film dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: REC Silicon Inc
    Inventors: Pei Yoong Koh, Anthony D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9599396
    Abstract: A system and method for producing argon that uses a higher pressure column, a lower pressure column, and an argon column collectively configured to produce nitrogen, oxygen and argon products through the cryogenic separation of air. The present system and method also employs a once through argon condensing assembly that is disposed entirely within the lower pressure column that is configured to condense an argon rich vapor stream from the argon column against the oxygen-enriched liquid from the higher pressure column to produce an argon liquid product. The control system is configured for optimizing the production of argon product by ensuring an even flow split of the oxygen-enriched liquid is distributed to the argon condenser cores and by adjusting the flow rate of the argon removed from the argon condensing assembly to maintain the liquid/vapor balance in the argon condensing assembly within appropriate limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Karl K. Kibler, Maulik R. Shelat
  • Patent number: 9072983
    Abstract: (1) A vinyl sulfonic acid, having a double bond content of 95 wt. % or more, and (i) a sodium (Na) content of 1 ppm or less, and (ii) a content of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of alkali earth metal and first row transition metal of 1 ppm or less. Alternatively, (2) a vinyl sulfonic acid, having a double bond content of 95 wt. % or more, and (i) a sodium (Na) content of 100 ppb or less, and (ii) a content of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of alkali earth metal and first row transition metal of 100 ppb or less. Further, a homopolymer or copolymer thereof, a production method thereof, or a thin-film distillation apparatus suited for the production thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Finechem Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Akikaze, Takehiko Miyai, Kazuhiko Isshiki
  • Publication number: 20140332365
    Abstract: A distiller including an evaporator having at least one evaporation surface for evaporating liquid into vapor. At least one movable liquid applicator assembly has a wiper applicator which can move over the at least one evaporation surface, for wiping and applying a thin even film of the liquid on the at least one evaporation surface for evaporation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: William H. Zebuhr
  • Patent number: 8882968
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for desalinization wherein a heating grid containing a fluid is used to heat the fluid to a vaporized state using energy provided by compound magnifying lens focusing solar energy directly onto the grid wherein the vapor from the grid system is transmitted to a steam turbine wherein electricity is generated to charge a battery while the vapor from the steam turbine is conducted to a condenser wherein the vapor is cooled and fresh water is provided from the condensate. The remaining fluid from the condenser is pumped back into a reservoir for storage while waiting to be conducted into the heating grid. The magnifying lens and grid is rotated for alignment with the sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Griggs
  • Publication number: 20140262732
    Abstract: An onsite purification plant/system to delivery high and ultra high purity product, such as, process chemicals, industrial and specialty gases to manufacturing processes within the onsite plant turndown ratio from 0% to 100% while preserving the predetermined purity of the supplied substances within a predefined specification range is provided. Preserving liquid/vapor ratio in at least one of the purification means/units ensuring that product purity range stays unchanged is achieved by redirecting the product back into the onsite purification plant/system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Conway, Vladimir Yliy Gershtein, Jeffrey Alan Hopkins, Brian M. Lindenmuth, Thomas M. Booth
  • Publication number: 20130186739
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for optimizing a net wash oil flow rate of a distillation unit to maximize a yield of distillate products. Based at least in part upon an incoming wash oil and total feed flow rates to the distillation unit, a wash oil entrainment amount can be calculated using an entrainment engine and an entrainment signal produced. The incoming wash oil flow rate to the distillation unit can be automatically adjusted based on the wash oil entrainment estimation while the distillation unit is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Carlos Trompiz
  • Publication number: 20130153397
    Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation apparatus, in particular a distillation apparatus configured as a piece of laboratory equipment, having a distillation vessel for receiving a mixture to be distilled, wherein a removal device is provided which is configured for the automated removal of a distillation residue from the distillation vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HANS HEIDOLPH GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: HANS HEIDOLPH GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130081935
    Abstract: Processes for preparing commercial quantities of a stable, pharmaceutically acceptable sevoflurane substantially free of impurities are claimed. In another embodiment, a process for removing reactive metal salts from the surface of metallic equipment used in the distillation of sevoflurane and rendering a non-inert metallic surface of the metallic equipment inert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: HALOCARBON PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Halocarbon Products Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130001061
    Abstract: A process for recovering butanol from a mixture comprising a water-immiscible organic extractant, water, butanol, and optionally a non-condensable gas, is provided. The butanol is selected from 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, and mixtures thereof. An overhead stream from a first distillation column is condensed to recover a mixed condensate. An entrainer is added to at least one appropriate process stream or vessel such that the mixed condensate comprises sufficient entrainer to provide phase separation of the organic and the aqueous phases to provide for recovery of the butanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BUTAMAX(TM) ADVANCED BIOFUELS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Charles GRADY, William D. PARTEN, Bruce M. VRANA, Yihui Tom XU, Joseph J. ZAHER
  • Publication number: 20120228116
    Abstract: An evaporator or distillation apparatus includes an inlet supply line for supplying an influent liquid, a heater configured to heat the influent liquid supplied by the inlet supply line, and a plurality of cells. Each cell includes an outer surface defining an interior chamber, an inlet, a vapor outlet, a concentrate outlet, and an inner conduit in fluid communication with the inlet. At least a portion of the inner conduit is positioned within the interior chamber. The vapor outlets of the plurality of cells are connected to each other in a parallel configuration and the inlet supply line is connected to the inlet of each cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventor: Michael Presutti
  • Publication number: 20120205233
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for purifying water. The apparatus includes one or more fluid pipes for transporting a hot fluid and a heating unit capable of receiving the hot fluid from the one or more fluid pipes and water. The water is heated using the hot fluid to generate steam and a condensed fluid. The apparatus further comprises one or more steam pipes for transporting the steam and a fluid circulation pipe connected to the heating unit and the at least one fluid pipe. The fluid circulation pipe receives the condensed fluid from the heating unit. At least a portion of each steam pipe is arranged in a heat-exchanging relationship with the fluid circulation pipe for condensing the steam passing through each steam pipe using the condensed fluid to obtain purified water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: King Abdul Aziz City For Science and Technology
    Inventor: Mazen A. Ba-abbad
  • Patent number: 8202402
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and related methods of water purification by distillation that will operate in a self-contained mode using a passive heat source, such as, without limitation, solar heat, air conditioning waste heat, or waste heat from the exhaust or cooling systems of an internal combustion engine, which may be used to desalinate sea water, saline water, or saline water containing contaminants. The present invention may also be used to distil sewage water, creek water, swamp water or water containing contaminants or used to cleanse or purify water contaminated with mud, chemicals, minerals, or bacteria in a local environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hse Hittt Solar Enerji Anonim Sirkerti
    Inventor: Rahmi Oguz Capan
  • Patent number: 8157969
    Abstract: Accumulation of polymer on equipment, which is in contact with polymerizable material during normal process operation, is minimized by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method involves positioning and affixing the equipment, such as a pressure relief device, to process apparatus, such as a distillation column, proximate to a wetted region comprising liquid phase fluid in the process apparatus, such that the moving liquid phase fluid is at least intermittently in contact with the equipment and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate comprising same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Barnett John O., Michael Stanley DeCourcy, Michael W. Hurley
  • Patent number: 8123913
    Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for separating diisopropylbenzene (DIPB) and triisopropylbenzene (TIPB) from a feed including DIPB, TIPB, and polyalkylate heavies are disclosed. The disclosed processes include introducing the feed into a distillation column having a column top pressure of less than 5 psia, a column bottoms pressure of less than 3 psi, and preferably 2 psi or less above the column top pressure with a bottoms temperature ranging from about 435° F. to about 465° F. The processes also include taking off a side draw including at least 99.8 wt % of the DIPB and at least 50 wt % of the TIPB present in the feed and a bottoms stream including at least 95 wt % of the heavies contained in the distillation feed. The low temperature bottoms temperature enables high pressure steam to be used as the bottoms reboiler heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120037488
    Abstract: A distiller including an evaporator having at least one evaporation surface for evaporating liquid into vapor. At least one movable liquid applicator assembly has a wiper applicator which can move over the at least one evaporation surface, for wiping and applying a thin even film of the liquid on the at least one evaporation surface for evaporation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Aquaback Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Zebuhr
  • Publication number: 20110130604
    Abstract: Processes and systems for producing linear alpha olefins are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: LUMMUS TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Gartside, Marvin I. Greene, Quincy J. Jones, Thulasidas Chellppannair
  • Publication number: 20100288621
    Abstract: Extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils, essence, and pigments from odorous raw materials (e.g., plant materials and Chinese medicinal herbs) by microwave radiation heating have advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas flowing out of the extraction cartridges. Because both volatile fragrant compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully by the top-down extraction fashion, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method are environmentally friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Bing-Nan Lee
  • Publication number: 20100116639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid process comprising an adsorption process and a distillation process for the separation of butene-1 from a C4 hydrocarbon mixture gas including butene-1, trans-2-butene, cis-2-butene, normal butane, isobutane, etc. The above hybrid process comprises introducing a gaseous C4 mixture into the adsorption tower loaded with adsorbents which adsorb olefins selectively to discharge C4 paraffins to the outlet of the tower, desorbing C4 olefins selectively adsorbed in the adsorption tower to produce high purity C4 olefins mixture gas in which isobutane and normal butane was removed, and separating the high C4 olefins mixture gas (a mixture of butene-1, trans-2-butene, cis-2-butene, and a trace amount of C4 paraffins) via distillation to obtain high purity butene-1 including a trace amount of isobutane in the top of the distillation tower and obtain a mixture gas including trans-2-butene, cis-2-butene and a trace amount of normal butane in the bottom of the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicants: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH, SK ENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-Ho Park, Jong-Nam Kim, Seong-Jun Lee, Min-Su Ko, Hee Tae Beum, Jongkee Park, Chang Hyun Ko, Sang Sup Han, Soon-Haeng Cho
  • Publication number: 20080110743
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing an exhaust stream containing a recyclable component mixed with other components and impurities to produce a high purity product that contains all of the recyclable component. One or more waste streams containing none of the recyclable component are also produced. The present invention particularly relates to the recovery of valuable recyclable components used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Walter H. Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20080035466
    Abstract: Accumulation of polymer on equipment, which is in contact with polymerizable material during normal process operation, is minimized by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method comprises positioning and affixing the equipment, such as a pressure relief device, to process apparatus, such as a distillation column, proximate to a wetted region comprising liquid phase fluid in the process apparatus, such that the moving liquid phase fluid is at least intermittently in contact with the equipment and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate comprising same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Barnett John O., Michael Stanley DeCourcy, Michael W. Hurley
  • Patent number: 7217343
    Abstract: A compact, energy efficient, continuous-flow point of use distillation system utilizes stacked, vertically-arranged components to provide a compact and energy efficient distillation process and a device which is quick and easy to service and maintain. A housing contains a double-walled boiler vessel to which water is supplied from an external source through suitable filters. A heating source is provided to boil water in the vessel, producing steam which is supplied through a condenser to a storage container located below the boiler. A noninvasive liquid level sensor maintains the water level in the boiler and the controller is provided to activate the boiler when water is required for the storage reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Environmental Technology Enterprises, LLC.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Land
  • Publication number: 20020162735
    Abstract: The present invention reduces the energy required to distill fluids (water, light crude, etc.) and operate electric and/or power generate steam turbines through a process of encapsulating these systems in reduced atmospheric temperature environments. This invention includes both the innovative process of operating existing distillers and turbines in a vacuum, and introduces an energy free process for drawing the vacuum the systems operate in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: George H. Newman
  • Patent number: 6010599
    Abstract: An apparatus for batch distilling a liquid at sub-atmospheric pressure, without the aid of a vacuum pump. The apparatus includes an evaporator section having a valved entry port through which a batch of liquid in a first atmospheric condition is added to the evaporator section. A condenser section receives distillate and is in communication with the evaporator section. A valved vent is provided for sealing said apparatus from the outside atmosphere to form a second atmospheric condition which is sealed from the atmosphere after a heating element vaporizes said liquid into an initial sufficient amount of a first vapor to purge the first atmospheric condition from the apparatus through the valved vent. A condenser is disposed for condensing a sufficient amount of the first vapor to form a third atmospheric condition at a pressure below the first atmospheric condition, and for condensing a second vapor to produce distillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: American Technologies Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Chungsing Wang, Shui-Yiu Lo
  • Patent number: 5954924
    Abstract: Process technology is described making possible substantial improvements in the separation and recovery of highly pure vinyl aromatic monomers, notably styrene. A number of design, construction and operational features are made available for selection and use both for new plant facilities and for upgrading existing plant facilities. One major aspect of the invention is reduction in retention or residence times in the distillation towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Yield Improvement Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Billie E. Art
  • Patent number: 5855742
    Abstract: A device for drilling a layer of coke within a reactor to effect the decoking of the reactor includes a decoking tool arranged at one end of a hose for conveying a decoking fluid to the tool. The decoking tool has a first part and a second part coaxial with the first part. The second part has means for ejecting the decoking fluid against the coke layer, including a first ejection means for ejecting the fluid in a substantially axial direction downwardly to penetrate the coke layer, a second ejection means ejecting the fluid in a substantially lateral direction and a third ejection means for ejecting the fluid in a substantially upward direction to remove any coke accumulated above the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Insitute Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Daniel Lumbroso, Emile Levallois
  • Patent number: 5833812
    Abstract: The water distiller 10 includes a plurality of housings 12, 14, 16 each mounted below a support plate 32. A voltage regulator 144 maintains a desired voltage potential between heating probes 34 and 36 within a heating bowl 46. An operator selector 142 automatically regulates the flow of water through inlet valve 70 to control the incoming water flow rate to the heating bowl. Area contact between water in the heating bowl and a substantially horizontal plate 42 at the lower end of each heating probe determines the electrical power used by the distiller, and maintains water in the heating bowl at substantially a constant level. An improved particle trap 80 and vent valve 100 provide reliable and safe operation of the distiller. Heating bowl 46 and a water inlet line 76 may be easily removed for cleaning the distiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Orban Hartman
  • Patent number: 5827402
    Abstract: An improved drinking water apparatus is provided which utilizes a microcomputer to detect water level to automatically control water intake and heating. The apparatus includes a heating tank having a heater at the bottom side, a first cooling pipe at the top of the heating tank, a distilled water tank, and a second cooling pipe located at the top of the distilled water tank and connected to the first cooling pipe. The cooling pipes are each provided with a cooling fan for cooking the steam generated by boiling water into distilled water. The temperature of the distilled water is lowered to a degree suitable for drinking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Ben-Mo Liao
  • Patent number: 5670026
    Abstract: A method of in-service cleaning an operating column by inserting into the column a lance through which a compatible liquid is dispensed at a pressure of at least about 5000 psig. Also disclosed is apparatus which comprises a column through which a fluid can pass, nozzles mounted on the outside of the column, where each nozzle comprises a flange welded to the column and a valve bolted to the flange, a lance which can be inserted through the nozzles into the column and means for dispensing a liquid through the lance at a pressure of at least about 5000 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Charles R. Rutan
  • Patent number: 5656137
    Abstract: Inhibition of the formation of unsaturated carbon compounds during the heating of 141b by the use of a vessel pre-treated with HF to form an iron fluoride coating on the internal surfaces of said vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Elf Atochem North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Brooks, Craig Jolley
  • Patent number: 5630913
    Abstract: A water distillation system (10) includes a boiling chamber (11) and a condensation chamber (12). Water is fed via an inlet pipe (13) to a degassing chamber (15) where volatile gases are removed from the water. The water is evaporated in the boiling chamber (11) and vapour is, in turn, condensed in the condensing chamber (12). Distilled water is collected in a water storage tank (30) and is used, with a pump (28) and entrainment device (27), to provide a substantial vacuum within the system (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Davoud Tajer-Ardebili
  • Patent number: 5622605
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for desalinating seawater or brine and purifying water which contains minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids while simultaneously generating power. The salinous water is heated in a boiler to form steam and a concentrated brine. The concentrated brine is removed from the boiler, the steam produced in the boiler is washed with fresh water to remove trace salts and inorganic materials, and water bearing trace salts and inorganic materials are returned to the boiler. The washed steam is expanded across a turbine to generate electrical or mechanical power which is utilized as a product. The steam exhausted from the turbine is collected and condensed, and one portion of the condensed water is utilized as a fresh water product and another portion of the condensed water is used as the wash water to wash the steam produced in the boiler. Energy efficiency is improved by heat exchanging the hot concentrated brine against the salinous feed water or by flashing the brine to produce steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventors: Gary D. Simpson, Karl Lin
  • Patent number: 5599429
    Abstract: The water distillation system according to the invention recaptures and utilizes the inherent heat of transformation in converting from the vapor to the liquid states. The water distillation system efficiently removes volatile gases and impurities from the distillate and recaptures and reuses the heat from the impurities. A water seal is created to seal the drive shaft aperture of the compression housing and the rotating drive shaft of the compression rotor. In addition, the compression rotor is assembled of ultra-light, strong member in such a manner to significantly reduce the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the compression rotor drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Martinstill Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Martin, Robert C. Martin
  • Patent number: 5587055
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Michael O. Hartman
    Inventors: Michael O. Hartman, Dale J. Kinder, Randy E. Rainey, Arthur R. Helmich, Daniel E. Willis
  • Patent number: 5484510
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Dew Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal O. Hartman, Dale J. Kinder, Randy E. Rainey, Arthur R. Helmich, Daniel E. Willis
  • Patent number: 5405503
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for desalinating seawater or brine and purifying water which contains minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids while simultaneously generating power. The salinous water is heated in a boiler to form steam and a concentrated brine. The concentrated brine is removed from the boiler, the steam produced in the boiler is washed with fresh water to remove trace salts and inorganic materials, and water bearing trace salts and inorganic materials are returned to the boiler. The washed steam is expanded across a turbine to generate electrical or mechanical power which is utilized as a product. The steam exhausted from the turbine is collected and condensed, and one portion of the condensed water is utilized as a fresh water product and another portion of the condensed water is used as the wash water to wash the steam produced in the boiler. Energy efficiency is improved by heat exchanging the hot concentrated brine against the salinous feed water or by flashing the brine to produce steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventors: Gary D. Simpson, Karl Lin
  • Patent number: 5330624
    Abstract: Sludge is removed from a reboiler while the reboiler is supplying heat to a fractionator, by using sludge removal apparatus added to the reboiler. The reboiler to which the sludge removal apparatus is added comprises an evaporative type shell and tube heat exchanger in which sludge can accumulate as a residue from evaporated liquid, and further in which unevaporated liquid is withdrawn from the reboiler as a product. Sludge removal is accomplished by drawing a relatively small liquid flush stream from the reboiler liquid product stream, pressuring the flush stream through a pump, and then recycling the flush stream to a sparger appropriately disposed in the heat exchanger shell. Sludge dislodged by the sparger is removed along with the reboiler liquid product in a flow path along the bottom surface of the shell through cut-outs provided in the lower edge of the weir and baffle plates in the reboiler which without the cut-outs would block the flow path for the sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: John W. Ebert
  • Patent number: 5286351
    Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 5281309
    Abstract: A water purification device mounted within a housing adapted to be positioned on an existing water cooler/dispenser has a valve control member extending from the base of the housing and is positionable within the water reservoir of the dispenser to control the release of purified water from the device to the reservoir. The device includes a feedwater tank into which supply water is fed, either automatically, or manually. The feedwater tank, when the water is above a minimal level, feeds water to an anti-backflow control housing which communicates the water from the feedwater tank to the bottom of a boiler which is maintained at the same level as the water in the feedwater tank without the use of a float within the boiler. The anti-backflow housing includes a check valve in the form of a ball that prevents the backflow of heated water from the boiler into the feedwater tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Market Design & Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph G. Greene
  • Patent number: 5268073
    Abstract: In concentrating solutions containing 1 to 10% by weight of salts and resins, the yield and economics and trouble-free running can be improved by using a flow tube which has a steady curvature at least in the last third and is sized in its diameter in such a way that the mean flow velocity at the tube outlet is at least 50 m/second, and at least 90% by weight of the vaporizable components are evaporated off at driving temperature gradients of 20.degree. to 200.degree. C. between the heating medium and the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Clemens Casper, Jorgen Weinschenck
  • Patent number: 5248394
    Abstract: A distillation purifying system including a section which creates a vacuum pressure that is transmitted throughout the system, a distillation/purification zone in which fluids to be distilled/purified are treated, and a collection zone in which the distilled/purified liquids are transferred. The system is effective for use with liquids, solutions, fluids and the like and can be used for water treatment as well as bodily fluid treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: FSR Patented Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Schlesinger, Harold Rapp
  • Patent number: 5223101
    Abstract: Purification of crude sulfolane to remove color imparting and turbidity imparting impurities therefrom is achieved by a two-pass distillation process wherein purified sulfolane is withdrawn from the bottom of a column in the second distillation pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: David L. Yeary
  • Patent number: 5211816
    Abstract: A low temperature vacuum distillation apparatus. The distillation apparatus includes an evaporation section and a condensation section. Fluid flow throughout the system is assisted by an appropriate pump, and heat exchangers, one in each of the evaporation and condensation sections, are interconnected by employment of a heat pump.The condensation section includes a condensation chamber downward from which bubble tubes extend into a collection chamber. Collection chamber is provided with a pump to effect transfer of distillate having volatile impurities entrained therein to a final collection vessel. A pump communicates with vessel to create a partial vacuum therein to ensure venting of the impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Eco Pure, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel W. Youngner
  • Patent number: 5203970
    Abstract: A method for water degasification and distillation in an apparatus having a container for a reservoir of water to be degasified and distilled, a relatively small boiler adjoining the container and having a feed water conduit connecting the container and boiler so that a selected water level in the container will fill the boiler to the same level, a coiled tube condenser within the container immersed in the water therein, the condenser coil having a vertically disposed longitudinal axis, a second conduit in the boiler connecting the space above the water level therein to the inlet of the condenser so that steam flows from the boiler to the condenser, an outlet on the condenser extending through a container wall for discharging the condensed steam as degasified distilled water, a heater in the boiler for heating the water therein, and a motor driven stirrer axially of the coiled tube condenser for generating a swirling movement of the reservoir water with formation of steam bubbles therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: John C. Ellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5061348
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reprocessing waste piranha containing contaminated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 from, for example, a semiconductor processing operation is described. The apparatus and method include a first distillation flask which is maintained under a substantial vacuum. The first distillation flask includes a first column packed with a column packing material and an input pipe for refluxing to retard loss of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 in the first distillation. The second distillation flask boils off substantially pure H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and provides for a continuous automatic purge of the contaminants from the second distillation flask thus improving the purity of the H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The substantially pure H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 flows through a column which is coupled to a condenser which condenses substantially pure H.sub.2 SO.sub.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Alameda Instruments
    Inventors: Marshall W. McCormick, Jesse C. Dobson
  • Patent number: 5053111
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and sequentially distilling batches of water having substantially equal volumes in a plurality of distillation cycles, one batch in each cycle. During each cycle, water is admitted to a boiler tank for a fixed interval of time to form a batch in the tank. The batch of water in the tank is then vigorously boiled while venting the tank through a pipe to the atmosphere. The vigorous boiling is terminated when the temperature within the vent pipe reaches the boiling point of pure water. Upon termination of the vigorous boiling phase, a gentle boiling phase is initiated, the vent pipe is closed, and vapor in the tank is admitted to a condenser. The condenser condenses the vapor to obtain distilled water which is collected in a collection device. The gentle boiling phase continues until the level of water in the tank recedes to the level of a heater in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: William R. Ellerbe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5022967
    Abstract: A microdistillation column for the quantitative steam distillation of cyanide, phenolic compounds, hydrogen fluoride, ammonia, sulfites and other volatile analyte compounds from samples of environmental waters and sludge for their subsequent analysis involves volatilizing the water in the sample tube of the microdistillation column. The pressure which develops due to the water vapor forces all volatile compounds from the water sample, including the water itself, through a hydrophobic membrane and into the collector tube of the microdistillation column. The volatile compounds and the water vapor condense in the cooler collector tube and are quantitatively trapped and retained over the membrane. Relatively small samples may be distilled in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Lachat Instruments
    Inventor: Scott Stieg
  • Patent number: 5021128
    Abstract: A control for a water distillation apparatus admits untreated feed water to the boiling tank in response to a demand for the production of distilled water and operates the heater to produce steam. Level probes in the boiling tank monitors the level of untreated water in the boiling tank and admits more feed water as necessary. When demand for production of distilled water has ceased, the heater is deenergized and the boiling tank is filled to dilute the residual water in the tank and lower its temperature prior to drainage to prevent damage to a plastic house drain. In a preferred embodiment, feed water is admitted to the boiling tank in large batches and the production of distilled water continues uninterrupted until the entire batch is distilled to conserve heat energy even if demand ceases during such batch distillation. A cleaning mode is provided to remove scale from the interior of the boiling tank with a simplified manual cleaning procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Pure Water, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Palmer