Abstract: The present invention describes a process and an apparatus for treating sludge having both liquid and solid constituents. The sludge is first heated to a minimum optimum draining temperature. During heating, mechanical dewatering of the sludge occurs. In a preferred embodiment, a process is disclosed for treating waste paint sludge generated from a paint spraybooth, and heating is performed using microwave radiation. Liquid released from the paint sludge during dewatering can be recycled back to the spraybooth water, and vaporized exhaust generated during heating can either be condensed into liquid form and recycled, or incinerated and, preferably, sparged through untreated sludge to pre-heat it.

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 waste water treatment system includes a preliminary first stage separator for separating an aqueous phase from other materials. A pressure vessel sedimentation follows for removing most of the remaining solids from the waste material. The liquid and a minor fraction of the solids then pass on to an evaporation vessel where the water vapor is removed, compressed and passed through a condenser inside the evaporator vessel to recycle heat in the evaporator. The condenser is a stacked plate heat exchanger of unique design with the plates separated by steam gaskets and water gaskets to provide a very high heat transfer surface area to volume ratio. The condensate from the condenser passes through a second heat exchanger that heats the liquid flowing into the evaporator. The effluent water is purified by the evaporation. The residual solids may be heat treated to evaporate residual moisture and to sterilize the solids using a steam-jacketed auger. The resultant solids may be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A multiple-stage process for the collection and treatment of biological waste, and for rendering the biological waste biologically inactive for the safe and economical environmentally non-contaminating disposal thereof. Moreover, also disclosed is an arrangement for the collection and treatment of biological waste utilizing the inventive process, and is especially adapted for the collection and treatment of biological waste which is generated during a surgical or medical procedure implemented on a patient or during an autopsy.

Abstract: Volatile acids containing metal salt impurities, such as metal pickling solutions-are regenerated by a process in which the acid is subjected to sulfuric acid distillation. Resulting volatile acid vapor is condensed and recycled to the pickle tank, while the residual acid mixture is treated in an acid sorption unit, preferably of the acid retardation type. Acid sorbed in the acid sorption unit is periodically eluted with water and recycled, while metal impurities are rejected in a deacidified by-product solution.

Abstract: A process for separating phthalimido-peroxycaproic acid (PAP) from solutions in organic solvents, wherein the organic solvents have a solubility in water equal to or lower to 10% by weight, is provided. The process employs the following steps:(a) dispersing the solution in an aqueous medium to form a suspension;(b) bubbling an inert gas into the resulting suspension; and(c) recovering PAP from the suspension.

Abstract: A process for the removal of organic impurities and dissolved salts from hydrazine hydrate and aqueous solutions thereof by distillation of the hydrazine hydrate under reduced pressure, passing the hydrazine hydrate vapor through an adsorbent, and condensing the vapor.

Abstract: A multiple-stage process for the collection and treatment of biological waste, and for rendering the biological waste biologically inactive for the safe and economical environmentally non-contaminating disposal thereof. Moreover, also disclosed is an arrangement for the collection and treatment of biological waste utilizing the inventive process, and is especially adapted for the collection and treatment of biological waste which is generated during an embalming procedure implemented on a cadaver, such as a human cadaver.

Abstract: A system for removing hydrocarbons from solid materials. Contaminated solids are combined with a solvent (preferably terpene based) to produce a mixture. The mixture is washed with water to generate a purified solid product (which is removed from the system) and a drainage product. The drainage product is separated into a first fraction (consisting mostly of contaminated solvent) and a second fraction (containing solids and water). The first fraction is separated into a third fraction (consisting mostly of contaminated solvent) and a fourth fraction (containing residual solids and water). The fourth fraction is combined with the second fraction to produce a sludge which is separated into a fifth fraction (containing water which is ultimately reused) and a sixth fraction (containing solids). The third fraction is then separated into a seventh fraction (consisting of recovered solvent which is ultimately reused) and an eighth fraction (containing hydrocarbon waste).

Abstract: The aqueous effluent from the wash cycle of a process for cleaning electronic circuit assemblies of rosin flux and other organic residues with an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution comprises evaporating the effluent to cause separation of an aqueous vapor phase and a solid phase comprising residues of the rosin flux and residues of the cleaning solution including alkaline salts such as alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates and organic adjuvants such as surfactants which do not vaporize.

Abstract: Phenol plant waste water containing small amounts of phenol and sodium sulfate is successfully distilled through the addition of recovered sodium sulfate to enhance the volatility of the phenol relative to water; at least a portion of the sodium sulfate is recycled, while a significant portion of the phenol can be returned to the phenol plant for recovery.

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.

Abstract: A method of producing calcium chloride granules of a specific size from a calcium chloride and water solution in a completely closed environment by controlling the rate of fall of a specific size of solution droplet through an up-current of hot, dry gas.

Abstract: Organopolysiloxane powder is prepared from an organopolysiloxane solution by admitting the organopolysiloxane solution into a planetary-screw mixer and agitating the solution at a sufficient temperature to allow a low-boiling liquid component to evaporate from the solution, thereby separating the low-boiling liquid component from the solution.

Abstract: Polyurethane can be reclaimed from solvent-containing or solvent-free polyurethane wastage by adjusting the amount of solvent, preferably with methyl ethyl ketone; adding an emulsifier, preferably, acylpolyethyleneglycolester; then adding about twelve times the wastage weight of water; mixing, preferably for about one hour at room temperature to form an emulsion; and then expelling the solvent as a two-phase distillate using steam; separating solvent from the resulting two-phase distillate; filtering off polyurethane granular material left floating in the water residue, and drying the separated granular material.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved process for the recovery of ethylene glycol from spent glycol generated in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate. The spent glycol typically consists of metal oxide catalyst residues, low molecular weight terephthalate oligomers, diethylene glycol and other trace impurities. The improved process of the present invention is based on the principle that elevating the temperature of the spent glycol increases the solubility of the low molecular weight oligomers so that the low molecular weight oligomers can be dissolved in the ethylene glycol and further that the spent glycol at an elevated temperature may be passed through an ion exchange bed to remove metal oxide catalysts, color forming impurities and other trace impurities.

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.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing crystalline hydroxyacetaldehyde precipitated from a complex mixture of products provided by the pyrolysis of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock. The method includes distilling a first condensate under reduced pressure to give a second condensate which is enriched in hydroxyacetaldehyde; combining the second condensate with a solvent to give a homogeneous solution; precipitating hydroxyacetaldehyde from the solution; and separating the precipitated hydroxyacetaldehyde from the solution.Aqueous solutions of hydroxyacetaldehyde are useful for browning foodstuffs and for producing flavors by contacting the hydroxyacetaldehyde with ammonia or amines.In addition, hydroxyacetaldehyde may be used to make an artificial tanning product containing a suitable topical vehicle and an amount of hydroxyacetaldehyde suitable to impart a brown color to skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation method and an apparatus for the concentration and purification of water-containing liquid chemicals. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: Method for the recovery of solvent from a solvent-based wash liquid containing non-hazardous waste resulting from an equipment cleaning operation. The wash solution typically averaging approximately 90 percent solvent and 10 percent resin, pigments and other dissolved or suspended solids is continuously tumbled in a tumbler/evaporator vessel together with a highly porous, adsorbent extender in granulated form, while maintaining temperatures sufficient to evaporate the solvent and prevent the solid matter from sticking together after processing. The extender is a substantially inert, material and may be selected from diatomaceous earth, powdered calcium silicate, powdered glass (100 mesh), oak sawdust (100 mesh), cedar sawdust (100 mesh), bentonite, charcoal (100 mesh) and ground corn cobs. The amount of extender introduced into the vessel is of the order of 5 to 20 percent by weight of the wash solution. The system may employ jacketed ribbon, double cone or rotating helix blenders.

Abstract: A process for removing inorganic compounds from glycol recovery still bottoms resulting from the manufacture of poly(ethylene terephthalate), the novel process using a small amount of phosphoric acid to precipitate the antimony and then removing the titanium dioxide and antimony compound by a centrifuge. The novel process for removing the inorganic compounds from the recovery polyester bottoms includes the steps of distilling ethylene glycol from the spent glycol until the remaining bottoms have a solids concentration from about 15% to about 45%; adding phosphoric acid to the bottoms to form an antimony compound and removing the antimony and titanium precipitates from the bottoms by a centrifuge.

Abstract: When regenerating gas treating chemicals such as diethanolamine solution, the usual practice is to subject the chemicals to steam stripping. Ultimately such action is ineffective, and it is necessary to discard the chemicals. The waste chemical can be reclaimed by preheating the chemical in a countercurrent heat exchanger, in which heat is recovered from an already processed product; using a still to separate the preheated, partially vaporized chemical from the remainder of the chemicals; i.e. impurities or still bottoms; heating the still bottoms and recycling such bottoms for mixing with the partially vaporized chemical immediately upstream of the still; returning the separated vapor product from the still to the heat exchanger for heating feed chemical; and separating the thus partially condensed product in a separator to yield reclaimed gas treating chemical.

Abstract: A radioactive decontamination method for decontaminating a radioactive-contaminated object by using methylene chloride in place of conventionally used hydrocarbon fluoride or perchloroethylene. The radioactive-contaminated object is impacted by methylene chloride solution. Before the impacting, a preparatory step is executed as required in which radioactive contaminant, which is usually radioactive-contaminated epoxy-resin paint layer on a part used in a nuclear facility, is impregnated with methylene chloride solution so as to swell, thus facilitating exfoliation of the contaminant from the object. The methylene chloride solution is filtered and distilled so as to be decontaminated and subjected to a repeated use for impacting the radioactive-contaminated object.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids are recovered from wet organic solutions by reducing the solutions' water content thus causing the acids to precipitate as recoverable crystals.

Abstract: The disposal of chlorinated pitches is carried out by a process which employs two treatments with an alcohol, which are carried out in cascade.Such treatments cause the precipitation of the suspended matter to take place. This is then caused to settle, and is separated and pyrolized, while the supernatant is distilled in order to separate the alcohol, which is recycled back to the process, from other organic components, which are sent to further uses.

Abstract: A purified desired isomer which is either 3,4- or 3,5-dimethylphenol is separated with a high yield from a dimethylphenol-containing fraction which contains both 3,4- and 3,5-dimethylphenols. The fraction is distilled so as to give a distillate which is enriched with the desired dimethylphenol isomer to be separated and which contains at least 35% by weight of the desired isomer. The desired DMP isomer is crystallized from a melt of the enriched distillate in two stages with at least part of the filtrate separated from the precipitated crystals in the second crystallization stage being circulated to the first crystallization stage. The enriched distillate is introduced into the first crystallization stage when it contains the desired isomer in a concentration of from 35% to less than 70% by weight, or it is introduced into the second crystallization stage when it contains the desired isomer in a concentration of 70% by weight or higher.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a substantially dry alcohol from a mixture comprising alcohol and water in a non-azeotropic amount by utilizing at least a portion of the alcohol in the mixture as the stripping medium.

Abstract: Low odor polyphenylene ether resin is produced by mixing a polyphenylene ether resin having an odoriferous content in water and bringing the mixture to a boil to distill a portion or all of the water.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering clean water and solids from aqueous solids are disclosed. Aqueous solids are mixed with a low viscosity, relatively volatile, water-immiscible light fluidizing oil to obtain a mixture which will remain fluid and pumpable after removal of essentially its entire water content. The mixture of solids, water and fluidizing oil is subjected to a dehydration step by means of a plurality of mechanical vapor recompression evaporators operating in staged array whereby substantially all of the water and at least part of the light oil are evaporated and subsequently recovered. The light fluidizing oil is then largely separated from the solids. Residual fluidizing oil may be removed from the solids by direct contact with a hot blowing gas such as blowing steam. The invention is characterized by the conservation of energy through the use of heat exchangers whereby condensate gives up its heat to the feed.

Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a solar-operated apparatus to purify and/or desalinate water. Several embodiments are disclosed, each of which substantially derives its source of heat from solar energy. The apparatus includes a unique design of the evaporating collector dome which is provided with a smooth interior surface to permit collection of increased amounts of distillate. The apparatus exterior is provided with a black surface to serve as a black body and so absorb increased amounts of the sun's energy. Additionally, that same exterior is coated with a film of infra-red absorbing material (STET) to further increase solar-energy absorption. To further improve the system's efficiency, various external tubing designs are utilized to preheat the load prior to its entry into the evaporating chamber. The distillate-collecting vessel is a downwardly-extending dome. This increases the volume while at the same time reducing re-evaporation by minimizing the exposed surface area.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus and process for the distillation of liquids. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of vertically stacked parallel disks which are rotated in a horizontal plane. The liquid to be distilled is introduced into the center of the disk stack and migrates by centrifugal force as a thin film across the top surface of each disk. During migration, the more volatile portion evaporates from the top surface and condenses on the bottom surface of a top, neighboring disk. The apparatus is multiple-effect in that the heat evolved from condensation is transferred through the thin, heat-conducting disks to provide the heat necessary for vaporization.

Abstract: A process for recovering N-methylpyrrolidone contained in an N-methylpyrrolidone-containing liquid formed in the process for preparing a polyarylene thioether by the dehalogenosulfidation of a dihalogeno-aromatic compound and an alkali metal sulfide in the presence of N-methylpyrrolidone as the polymerization solvent, which comprises (a) subjecting the N-methylpyrrolidone-containing liquid to distillation to distill and recover the majority of contained N-methylpyrrolidone while recovering a distillation residue having such a flowability that flow transferring of the distillation residue is possible, and (b) supplying the distillation residue to an air-tight mixer for a highly-viscous fluid, which has a vent and is provided with a heater, to treat the distillation residue under the conditions of a temperature in the mixer of 190.degree. to 310.degree. C.

Abstract: Process for the evaporative concentration of liquids. Vaporization is carried out by indirect heat exchange with a heating fluid in an evaporator. The vapor produced in the evaporator is thereafter condensed in a condenser by indirect heat exchange with a cooling liquid which is mainly composed of the liquid to be concentrated or the liquid which has already been concentrated in the evaporator. The vapor pressure over the cooling liquid in the condenser may be lowered by causing gas to flow in contact with the cooling liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing an olefin product having an enhanced alpha olefin content from an olefin feedstock containing internal olefins or a mixture of internal and alpha olefins which includes:(a) contacting the feedstock with an anthracene and a double-bond isomerization catalyst at a temperature ranging from about 150.degree. to about 275.degree. C. to form an olefin adduct with anthracene,(b) separating the adduct from the product of step (a),(c) heating the separated adduct at a temperature ranging from about 250.degree. to about 400.degree. C. to produce anthracene and an olefin product enhanced in alpha olefin content over the alpha olefin content of the feedstock, and(d) separating anthracene from the product of step (c) to produce the product enhanced in alpha olefin.Linear olefins are a preferred feedstock.

Abstract: Excess amounts of a pure form of acrylonitrile are reacted with other reactants in the production of various compounds such as 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid. Accordingly, large amounts of acrylonitrile remain unreacted and present with other contaminants. The present invention is directed toward the purification of such unreacted acrylonitrile and the purified acrylonitrile obtained from such a purification process. The purification is carried out by treating the unreacted acrylonitrile with a base and removing salts formed. The treated material is fed to a heat exchanger which heats the material preferably under vacuum to about 120.degree. F. and provides a heated fluid material. This heated fluid material is pumped to a lower area of a distillation tower which is maintained under vacuum and includes a plurality of distillation trays.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for drying aqueous solids by evaporation using a fluidizing oil and a surfactant wherein the fluidizing oil and surfactant are recovered and recycled separately or together. The aqueous solids may, or may not, have a heavy, natural oil associated with them.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of boiler feed water from process waters in the oil extraction industry during which salts and hydrocarbons are removed from the water, without Fe.sup.++ precipitating. The heavy hydrocarbons are mechanically separated, the volatile hydrocarbons are separated from the water, by means of a thermal degassing, and the low boiling and the non-condensable hydrocarbons are separated in a shower evaporation step with downstream vapor compression, wherein the low boiling non-condensable hydrocarbons are evaporated with the waste water within the shower evaporator and the non-condensable hydrocarbons then are drawn off from a downstream separator. A salt-free oxygen-free pure water is removed from a separator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating dimethyl isophthalate (DMI) and dimethyl orthophthalate (DMO) and other by-products from their mixture with dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), formed in the oxidation of p-xylene followed by esterification with methanol, by crystallization from the melt.Initially, the esterification product is here distilled once or several times. The DMT-rich fraction obtained is then subjected wholly or partially to one or several crystallizations from the melt, and the DMI-DMO fraction thus obtained is at least partially removed from the system. As an alternative, the DMT-rich fraction is first recrystallized from methanol, the methanol is then evaporated from the mother liquor and the remaining residue is subjected to one or several crystallizations from the melt. The DMI-DMO fraction thus obtained is again at least partially removed from the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the purification treatment of liquid reaction and/or washing media obtained in the preparation of cellulose ethers which comprises distilling and subsequently ultrafiltering the media. In the distilling step, the low-boiling organic by-products of the reaction, the residual, non-reacted, low-boiling organic reaction components and/or the optionally used organic solvents are separated in the form of a distillate. The aqueous distillation residue, which particularly comprises salts, a cellulose constituent and possibly medium and/or high-boiling organic by-products of the reaction and/or non-reacted organic reaction components, is thereafter subjected to ultrafiltration. Ultrafiltration results in a permeate, in which the COD values are, for example, reduced by about 20% by weight.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for drying aqueous solids by evaporation using a fluidizing oil and a surfactant wherein the fluidizing oil and surfactant are recovered and recycled separately or together. The aqueous solids may, or may not, have a heavy, natural oil associated with them.

Abstract: 2,4-Dihydroxybenzophenone is prepared substantially quantitatively and in a highly purified form by reacting resorcinol with a benzotrihalide in the presence of an aqueous solution of N-methylpyrrolidone and subsequently subjecting the crude reaction product mixture to vacuum distillation.

Abstract: A flow of fermenting liquor from a fermentor is separated into a yeast concentrate flow, which is recirculated to the fermentor, and a yeast-free flow which is separated in a simple evaporator unit into a first ethanol-enriched vapor flow and a first liquid bottom flow. The first vapor flow is treated to produce the desired ethanol while a major part of the first liquid bottom flow is recirculated to the fermentor. A minor, residual part of the latter flow is fed to a stripping unit where it is separated into a second ethanol-enriched vapor flow and a second liquid bottom flow exhausted of ethanol.

Abstract: Ethylene oxide is recovered from aqueous solutions by extracting with carbon dioxide in the near-critical or super-critical state, thereby selectively removing the ethylene oxide from water, and thereafter recovering ethylene oxide from the carbon dioxide by distillation or other suitable means.

Abstract: A method of separating acids or bases from vapors which are conveyed along with distillation vapors during concentration of a solution, comprising, passing said distillation vapors containing an acid or base, while being maintained at their existing pressure and temperature, through a salt solution which boils at said temperature and pressure, wherein, if an acid is to be removed from the distillation vapors, the salt solution contains a salt having an anion corresponding to that of the acid while being supplied with a base in an amount required to neutralize the acid, the cation of the base proportion corresponding to that of the salt, while, if a base is to be removed from the distillation vapors, the salt solution contains a salt having a cation corresponding to that of the base while being supplied with an acid in an amount required to neutralize the base in the distillation vapors, the anion of the acid corresponding to that of the salt so that salts are formed during neutralization which correspond to t

Abstract: A flow of fermenting liquor from a fermentor is separated into a yeast concentrate flow, which is recirculated to the fermentor, and a yeast-free flow which is separated in a simple evaporator unit into a first ethanol-enriched vapor flow and a first liquid bottom flow. The first vapor flow is treated to produce the desired ethanol while a major part of the first liquid bottom flow is recirculated to the fermentor. A minor, residual part of the latter flow is fed to a stripping unit where it is separated into a second ethanol-enriched vapor flow and a second liquid bottom flow exhausted of ethanol.

Abstract: A process for the production of alcohol from a fermented feed wherein insoluble organic matter is separated prior to entry into a first distillation column. The insoluble organic matter is dried under pressure to produce dried distillers grain and wherein excess vapor is removed from the drying zone to provide heat to the distillation system. The present process also includes removing excess water vapor from the evaporation zone, obtained from supplemental heating supplied by the overhead from said first distillation column, compressing said water vapor, and recycling it to the distillation columns and the evaporation zone.

Abstract: Crude liquid polyether-polyols containing an alkaline catalyst are purified by the steps of:neutralizing said crude liquid polyether-polyol with a mineral acid having a dissociation constant of greater than 10.sup.-3 at 25.degree. C.distilling off water from said liquid, and filtering the same. The improvement resides in the step of adding a hydrate of a metal salt of said mineral acid to the liquid polyether-polyol at a stage before the distillation step for promoting the crystal growth of a salt formed from said alkaline catalyst by the neutralization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for working up the distillation residue obtained in the commercial production of tolylene diisocyanate by grinding, optionally accompanied and/or followed by chemical modification reactions. The finely divided powder obtained may be used as a reactive filler in the production of a variety of plastics.

Abstract: The thermal efficiency of an ammonia still is significantly increased by the use, in conjunction with the usual countercurrent steam stripping medium, of an auxiliary inert gas stripping medium initially heated and humidified by passage through a heat exchanger together with hot still bottoms derived from the still.