Abstract: A feed vaporization process and apparatus for oxygenate to olefin conversion is provided which uses a vapor-liquid disengaging drum to separate non-volatiles and/or partial non-volatiles from volatiles in the oxygenate feed and produce a vaporized effluent that is reduced in non-volatiles and/or partial non-volatiles while at the same time maintaining the effluent at optimal temperature and pressure as a feed for oxygenate to olefin conversion.

Abstract: Crude ammonia is separated into a low boiler fraction, a high boiler fraction and an intermediate-boiling pure fraction by continuous fractional distillation in a distillation apparatus configured either as a dividing wall column or as a system of thermally coupled distillation columns. In the process of the present invention, the low boiler fraction is taken off at the top of the distillation apparatus. The intermediate-boiling pure fraction is obtained at a side offtake which is preferably provided with droplet precipitators. In addition, the gas loading of the distillation column is restricted so that the operating pressure is in the range from 2 to 30 bar and the F factor does not exceed 2.0 Pa0.5.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In an embodiment of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product, and an electric motor with motor rotor and magnets hermetically sealed within the fluid pressure boundary of the distillation system.

Abstract: Incoming wastewater is preheated in a heat exchanger before delivery to a flash chamber through an orifice for flashing into water vapor rising into an upper section of the flash chamber which also has a bottom section into which liquid waste oil or other contaminants settles. Rise of such water vapor into the upper chamber section is induced by a vacuum established therein by a vacuum pump withdrawing the water vapor in a superheated and compressed condition for cooling within a condenser from which the incoming wastewater is delivered to a heat exchanger for preheating. The water vapor during rise into the upper section of the flash chamber is filtered to extract contaminates therefrom while liquefied water vapor thereafter formed therein is collected before the remaining water vapor is cooled into the condensate for collection within a distillate tank from which it is withdrawn for overboard discharge after being monitored for oil content.

Abstract: A distillation and recycling treatment device is disclosed.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for fractional distillation and other forms of vapor-liquid contacting is presented. The apparatus performs cocurrent contacting of vapor and liquid in a number of identical structural units which are placed in horizontal layers in a column or other enclosure. The structural units, or modules, are horizontally spaced apart in each layer to provide spaces for the downcomers from the modules of the next higher layer. The downcomers deliver the liquid to one of two inclined contacting channels, with the contacting channels discharging the vapor and liquid into separation chambers at the top of the module. Vapor flows upward from the separation chambers to the contacting channel of the next higher module and liquid flows down through a single central downcomer to the next lower contacting channel.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a method and an apparatus for preparing a highly purified gas from a crude liquid comprising the gas and one or more of a metal, particulates, water vapor, or a volatile impurity. The method comprises: (a) vaporizing the crude liquid, to yield (i) a first vapor stream comprising the gas and (ii) a first liquid stream comprising the gas; (b) removing water vapor, particulates, or both from the first vapor stream, to yield a second vapor stream comprising the gas; (c) condensing the second vapor stream, to yield a second liquid stream comprising the gas; and (d) sparging the second liquid stream with an inert gas, to yield (i) a third vapor stream comprising the gas and (ii) a third liquid stream comprising the highly purified gas. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an adsorbent to effectively remove water vapor from the gas, as well as an adsorbent so prepared.

Abstract: An evaporation product discharged from a lower end a falling-film evaporator enters a downpipe (7), makes a 180° turn at a bottom of the downpipe, and moves upward through an annular rising channel (9) defined between the downpipe and an intermediate housing (10). As the evaporation product moves along a spiral path (12) defined by the spiral fins, centrifugal forces urges water droplets and impurities to a radial outward periphery where they pass through openings (13) in the intermediate shell as pure steam continues through the spiral path and out a pure steam outlet (21). A cooling jacket (15) chills a peripheral wall of an outer shell (14) adjacent the holes such that the discharged water droplets condense on the outer shell and flow down a reject water return path to a reject water reservoir at the bottom of the outer shell.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for concentrating slurries by removing liquid in a single effect unit maintained under vacuum to effect low temperature flashing of the liquid. The single effect unit is a single flash column with separate recirculation loops, one to preheat incoming slurry for concentration and a separate loop for withdrawal of concentrated slurry Vapor from the flash column can be treated to separate liquid from other components in the vapor.

Abstract: A water-cooled distilling apparatus for purifying or distilling raw water. The apparatus includes a boiler, cooling tray assembly, and collection vessel. In use, raw water is initially poured into the boiler which has a self-regulating screen in it. As the water beings to boil, the screen rises to float above the raw water. The height of the screen above the water automatically adjusts proportionately to the rate of boil to proportionately expose more or less surface area of the screen. A water film forms on the exposed surface area of the screen and clean steam rises therefrom into the cooling tray assembly where it is deflected into a condensing area on each level of the assembly. In each condensing area, heat is transferred from the steam into coolant water in a reservoir, causing the coolant water to evaporate from the reservoir and the steam to condense on the bottom of the surface of the reservoir. Distillate formed by the condensing steam is then collected and transferred to a collection vessel.

Abstract: A method to treat wastewater brines to remove the salts prior to discharge. The method includes evaporating the water component of the pretreatment effluent into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A distilling device for converting unprocessed water into pure water including a fill tank, a base having a removable water tray with a boiling chamber therein for holding the unprocessed water, a removable mist chamber disposed above the base and having a heater depending therefrom into the boiling chamber to boil the unprocessed water and to convert it into a purified steam which rises into a condensation coil where a fan cools the coil and steam, causing the steam to condense into purified water and flow into a reservoir tank which also functions as a serving pitcher.

Abstract: A distilling device for converting unprocessed water into pure water comprising a fill tank, a base having a removable water tray with a boiling chamber therein for holding the unprocessed water, a removable mist chamber disposed above the base and having a heater depending therefrom into the boiling chamber to boil the unprocessed water and to convert it into a purified steam which rises into a condensation coil where a fan cools the coil and steam, causing the steam to condense into purified water and flow into a reservoir tank which also functions as a serving pitcher.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the alcohol processing industry and relates to a method that includes feeding a mixture into a distillation column which is fitted with contact devices for discharging the vapors through the top of said column. This method further includes boiling a bottom product and supplying the vapor thus formed back into the column. A part of the vapor to be processed using one of said contact devices is then fed back into the vapor flow or liquid flow towards one at least of said devices located upstream relative to the flow direction. In another or the same embodiment, a part of the vapor is fed back into the liquid flow under the level thereof and towards the same contact device in a place that is located upstream from its discharge relative to the flow direction of said vapor. The vapor feedback is preformed without complete condensation thereof.

Abstract: A process for distillative separation of pure (meth)acrylic acid from mixtures which include comprise (meth)acrylic acid and dimers and oligomers of (meth)acrylic acid and are essentially free from aldehydes and from components whose boiling point is lower than that of (meth)acrylic acid, using a distillation apparatus which has a thin-film evaporator, a condenser and a connection which contains a baffle device and links the thin-film evaporator and the condenser.

Abstract: A liquid having certain undesired elements therein is distilled in a distillation column to form a vapor stream. This vapor stream is fed by means of an inert gas drive to a first container having an array of semi-permeable screens which are rotated at a speed of 3,000-10,000 rpm to generate vertical spiral vortexes which act on the vapor to separate out heavier impurities. An inert gas is employed to drive the vapor stream from the first container to the bottom of a second container having a narrower diameter array of semi-permeable screens, these screens being driven at a velocity of 6000-100,000 rpm. In the second container, the molecular species is separated from the main vapor stream by virtue of the exposure of the vapor to large centrifugal gravity forces generated by the horizontal velocity vectors of the rotating screens.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contacting tower having a tray deck, at least one downcomer and a structure packing layer in the space under the vapor-liquid bubble contacting tray wherein the tray deck has an opening such that vapor ascends upward through the opening to come into contact with the liquid flowing across the tray deck to form a froth in which the vapor and the liquid on the tray deck creates cross-flow bubble contact and with the structural dimensions of the tray deck and downcomer providing for at least 90 vol % of the total liquid flowing across the tray deck flows downwardly through the downcomer to the adjacent deck.

Abstract: A film-type vaporizer in a vaporization enclosure, for example the upper column of a double air-distillation column, is associated with a measurement and analysis box where a polished surface and a spillway reconstruct the flow of liquid in the vaporizer in order to check for the absence of the deposition of impurities in the liquid that is to be evaporated. If deposition occurs, the impurities involved are quantified and analyzed and appropriate action taken on the settings of the machine.

Abstract: A (meth)acryloxy-bearing alkoxysilane is isolated and purified to a high purity by distilling a reaction solution containing the (meth)acryloxy-bearing alkoxysilane in a thin-layer distillation device at a temperature of 90-160° C. and a vacuum of 1-15 mmHg. The resulting alkoxysilane product does not give rise to the quality problem that the product will gradually whiten during storage owing to contact with air. The occurrence of self-polymerization of the alkoxysilane is restrained.

Abstract: A process for concentrating spent sulphuric acids particularly sulphuric acids which arise during the nitration of hydrocarbons with nitric acid in the presence of sulphuric acid, wherein single- or multi-stage concentration is effected under vacuum.

Abstract: A process for distillative separation of pure (meth)acrylic acid from mixtures which comprise (meth)acrylic acid and dimers and oligomers of (meth)acrylic acid and are essentially free from aldehydes and from components whose boiling point is lower than that of (meth)acrylic acid, using a distillation apparatus which has a thin-film evaporator, a condenser and a connection which contains a baffle device and links the thin-film evaporator and the condenser.

Abstract: A (meth)acryloxy-bearing alkoxysilane is isolated and purified to a high purity by distilling a reaction solution containing the (meth)acryloxy-bearing alkoxysilane in a thin-layer distillation device at a temperature of 90-160° C. and a vacuum of 1-15 mmHg. The resulting alkoxysilane product does not give rise to the quality problem that the product will gradually whiten during storage owing to contact with air. The occurrence of self-polymerization of the alkoxysilane is restrained.

Abstract: An array of sonic hydraulic nozzles for injecting a mixture of water with dissolved or suspended particulate into a chamber to form a continuous spray of spherical droplets. Low pressure areas form in the wakes of the droplets which promotes a phase change and evaporation upon being submerged in heat vortices created along the edges of the sonic shock waves. All dissolved and/or suspended solid particles in the mixture precipitate from the spray upon the vaporization of the water. Shortly thereafter, the particle-free vapor re-condenses into a dense water mist of substantially pure water, while releasing the excess heat captured in the evaporation vortices. The water mist then is absorbed by nucleating screens located above the nozzles. The screens concentrate the dense mist into water streams through a channel running out of the apparatus.

Abstract: An array of sonic hydraulic nozzles for injecting a mixture of water with dissolved or suspended particulate into a chamber to form a continuous spray of spherical droplets. Low pressure areas form in the wakes of the droplets which promotes a phase change and evaporation upon being submerged in heat vortices created along the edges of the sonic shock waves. All dissolved and/or suspended solid particles in the mixture precipitate from the spray upon the vaporization of the water. Shortly thereafter, the particle-free vapor re-condenses into a dense water mist of substantially pure water, while releasing the excess heat captured in the evaporation vortices. The water mist then is absorbed by nucleating screens located above the nozzles. The screens concentrate the dense mist into water streams through a channel running out of the apparatus.

Abstract: Crude ammonia is separated into a low boiler fraction, a high boiler fraction and an intermediate-boiling pure fraction by continuous fractional distillation in a distillation apparatus configured either as a dividing wall column or as a system of thermally coupled distillation columns. In the process of the present invention, the low boiler fraction is taken off at the top of the distillation apparatus. The intermediate-boiling pure fraction is obtained at a side offtake which is preferably provided with droplet precipitators. In addition, the gas loading of the distillation column is restricted so that the operating pressure is in the range from 2 to 30 bar and the F factor does not exceed 2.0 Pa0.5.

Abstract: The system for the recovery of water from urine aboard spacecraft includes a urine intake and pretreatment unit, a unit for water reclamation from urine and a condensate purification unit. The unit for water reclamation from urine is made on the basis of a rotary multistage vacuum distiller, each stage of which is formed by at least one heat-transfer plate and comprises an evaporation zone and a condensation zone. The stages of the distiller are separated from each other by separation plates, a chamber for collecting condensate and noncondensable gases being disposed downstream of the last stage and communicated with all the condensation zones of all the stages through water seals of condensate overflow and openings for the removal of noncondensable gases in disks mounted in the condensation zones.

Abstract: A process for the evaporation of an available warm or hot liquid under a vacuum by applying a pressure drop thereon initiating flash-down evaporation, and followed by further flash-down evaporation under an applied pressure gradient whereby the residual liquid is raised by the vapor produced to an elevation sufficient for subsequently discharging the residual liquid from vacuum without a pump; and by separating the vapor phase from the residual liquid phase before condensing the vapor produced into distilled liquid.

Abstract: A method of remediating water contaminated by dissolved gases and liquids and suspended particles wherein the contaminated water is collected into a closed container without filling the container and heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water. Negative pressure is then drawn on the closed container without causing the water in the container to boil, whereby the dissolved gases and liquids in the contaminated water, having a boiling point lower than water, will evaporate out of the water into the head space above the water in the container. Finally, atmospheric air and/or oxygen are allowed into the container to push the vapors out of the head space of the container.

Abstract: A fractionator has a fractionation vessel, a reactor effluent vapors inlet, a vapor feed contacting zone, a baffled contacting section above the vapor feed contacting zone, a tops section above the baffled contacting section, a heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section below the vapor feed contacting zone, a bottoms outlet, a bottoms recycle system with a heat exchanger. Recycled, cooled bottoms is fed back to the fractionation vessel at the heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section and above the vapor feed contacting zone. The improvements involve providing a separation tray and downpipe for separating cooler bottoms liquid from hotter product vapors within the fractionation vessel: to avoid condensation and absorption of product vapors by the liquid pool; to have more rapid and uniform quenching of hot liquid entering the pool; and substantially reduce costly onstream maintenance to clean fouled bottoms recycle exchangers.

Abstract: A phenolic-rich pyrolysis oil is produced by pyrolysing lignocellulosic material at a temperature of no more than about 550.degree. C under an absolute pressure of no more than about 50 kPa to produce pyrolysis vapors, and condensing the pyrolysis vapors to obtain a condensate consisting of a phenolic-rich pyrolysis oil having a dew point of about 65 to about 75.degree. C. under an absolute pressure of about 15 to about 20 kPa. Such a phenolic-rich pyrolysis can be directly used in making phenol-formaldehyde resol resins.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus includes a degasification chamber having a top and a bottom. A liquid inlet is positioned adjacent to the bottom. A gas outlet is positioned adjacent to the top. A liquid outlet is positioned intermediate the top and the bottom. A float/valve assembly is provided for controlling the level of liquid within the chamber. A boiling chamber is provided having a top and a bottom. A liquid inlet is positioned intermediate the top and the bottom connected by a first transfer conduit to the liquid outlet of the degasification chamber. A steam outlet is positioned adjacent the top. A heating element is disposed within the boiling chamber whereby liquids within the boiling chamber are heated to the boiling point with the resulting steam passing out through the steam outlet. A condensation chamber is provided having a steam inlet and a liquid outlet. The steam inlet is connected by a second transfer conduit to the steam outlet of the boiling chamber.

Abstract: A new baffle device for a distiller has a tubular body and a baffle member fixed with respect to such body. The baffle member has a plurality of apertures for stripping dissolved solids from steam passing through the member. The distiller raw water vessel has a steam discharge nozzle and the baffle device extends part way into and is in telescoped engagement with the nozzle. The device is held in place by a retention ring and both the ring and the device are quickly removable from the raw water vessel for easy cleaning of the device and the vessel. The distiller has a condensing platform with a steam receiving port built into it. When the raw water vessel is on the platform in the water-boiling position, the baffle device extends between the nozzle and the port and forms a conduit for steam to flow to the condensing coil.

Abstract: Tray designs for use in a separation column for distilling or fractionating a feed stream are provided that incorporate co-current contact of the liquid and vapor streams and their subsequent separation on each tray. In one embodiment, located on the trays are a plurality of co-current vapor and liquid contacting sections including a volume of the tray in which vapors and liquid can be in co-current contact. Also located on the trays are a plurality of de-entrainment devices for separating entrained liquids from a vapor stream, the de-entrainment devices having an inner and an outer side, the inner side being adjacent to the co-current contacting sections.

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.

Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: De-entrainment devices are provided for separating an entrained liquid from a vapor stream exiting a flash zone in a separation column. Methods for utilizing the de-entrainment devices are also provided. In one embodiment, the de-entrainment device of the present invention is embodied in a de-entrainment tray that has a tray deck and a plurality of risers extending vertically up from the tray deck. The risers are provided with devices for imparting rotational movement to the fluid stream, which have the vapor stream and entrained liquid, entering the riser. The rotational movement imparted to the fluid stream causes the liquid to separate from the vapor stream and to flow upward along the riser walls. The de-entrained liquid is then transported from above the separation tray back into the flash zone by way of a liquid downcomer. The vapor stream separates from the liquid within the riser and flows out of the riser upward through the column.

Abstract: A solvent containing low-boiling and high-boiling impurities in an evaporating section, so that the high-boiling impurities is left as a tank bottom waste, and a solvent vapor from the section is guide through a mist separator into a condenser. A condensate produced in the condenser is returned to the mist separator so as to serve as a mist catching liquid. A fraction not having condensed in the condenser is fed to a rectifying section where fractional condensation is performed so that the low-boiling impurities are condensed to be removed. A remainder of the solvent vapor from which the impurities have been removed is also condensed and recovered for reuse in the resist washing/exfoliating step during manufacture of liquid crystal devices or IC, so that the soiled solvent need not be discarded or treated in a remote cite, thereby facilitating the process or the step using the solvent.

Abstract: A process for separating a multi-component mixture containing solid or liquid organic components by treating the mixture with a gaseous entraining agent comprising a superheated carrier fluid containing a lower monohydric alcohol or a lower monohydric alcohol and water to cause constituents of the multi-component mixture to become entrained in the gaseous entraining agent, and separating the gaseous entraining agent containing constituents of the multi-component mixture from the multi-component mixture.

Abstract: Highly purified HCl for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing HCl vapor from a liquid HCl reservoir, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a low-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: A tray design for use in a separation column for distilling or fractionating a feed stream is provided that incorporates co-current contact of the liquid and vapor streams and their subsequent separation on each tray. Located on the trays are a plurality of co-current vapor and liquid contacting sections including a volume of the tray in which vapors and liquid can be in co-current contact. Also located on the trays are a plurality of de-entrainment devices for separating entrained liquids from a vapor stream, the de-entrainment devices having an inner and an outer side, the inner side being adjacent to the co-current contacting sections. The tray design further incorporates a plurality of liquid downcomers, having an upper portion and a lower portion, where the upper portion.

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.

Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in processes for the production of high-precision electronic components is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating and separating individual refrigerants from a mixture of refrigerants contaminated with solids, liquids and non-condensible gasses, includes three stages. In the first stage, solid and liquid contaminants are removed. In the second stage, the mixture of refrigerants passes through a condensation column where successive condensation stages remove individual refrigerants from the mixture of refrigerants. The remaining mixture of refrigerants passes through a third stage where non-condensible gas contaminants are removed.

Abstract: A method of recycling and purifying cleaning chemicals used in the production of semiconductor circuits and containing hydrofluoric acid and or hydrochloric acid. Recycling of such chemicals is accomplished using separation and reconstitution steps Hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid cannot be distilled directly from a chemical solution as they form azeotropes with water. A low vapor pressure substance such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid is used to break the azeotrope while increasing the purity of the recovered chemicals and decreasing disposal problems. The method is useable at the point of use of the chemicals.

Abstract: A splash shield for the boiler of a distillation type water purification apparatus includes at least two grades of porous media which cooperatively inhibit bubble formation and splashing, thereby preventing transfer of contaminants from the boiler water to the upper, interior surfaces of the boiler and into the distilled, contaminant free water. A first porous media is open cell reticulated foam having relatively large cells. Typically, at least a portion of the open cell foam is disposed above the operating liquid level of the boiler. The second porous media is fabric or screen having pores preferably smaller than about one thousand microns. The screen is disposed above the liquid level of the boiler. The open cell foam inhibits bubble production and breaks down bubbles and the screen intercepts drops and droplets that might otherwise travel to, contact and contaminate the upper boiler chamber surfaces and output to a condenser.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting seawater or other contaminated water into pure water for reuse including: a source of the contaminated water; a first horizontal housing connected to the source of contaminated water and having a heat exchanger therein for vaporizing the contaminated water therein; a vertical housing connected to the distal end of the first horizontal housing for fluid communication therebetween; a second horizontal housing connected at its proximate end to the vertical housing for fluid communication therebetween, the second horizontal housing having a heat exchanger therein for condensing vapor therein; a weir vertically mounted in the first housing for retaining a portion of the contaminated water in the first housing and allowing the other portion of the contaminated water to pass through the heat exchange evaporator from the proximate to distal end of the first housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for distillation of a liquid near or above its critical point wherein the liquid contains a dissolved solid. The apparatus includes a separation section wherein the liquid may be separated into a vapor and a liquid residue separated by a liquid surface. The apparatus includes a pump for pumping liquid into the apparatus so as to establish and maintain the liquid and vapor in the separation section at a desired pressure and a heat source for heating the liquid and vapor so as to establish a rising temperature profile in the separation section. The pump and heat source are cooperatively controllable for regulating the position of the liquid surface so that liquid residue can be discharged from immediately below the liquid surface.

Abstract: An improved ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system which includes a novel combined evaporator/condenser. The combined evaporator/condenser further includes a plurality of evaporator spouts and a mist eliminator, wherein the pressure is maintained across the plurality of evaporator spouts. The OTEC system also generates fresh water as a primary product and generates only enough electricity, as a secondary product, to operate the OTEC system itself.