Combination Patents (Class 203/DIG16)
  • Patent number: 4917773
    Abstract: The process and the device according to the invention relate to the introduction, at a stable, known flow rate, of sublimable tetrachloride into a column for continuous extractive distillation under pressure of the chlorides. The sublimable tetrachloride is dissolved in a hot dissolver in a liquid solvent such as KAlCl.sub.4, and is then recirculated by pump at a stable, known flow rate into an evaporator connected to the column. The solution is then heated in an evaporator in order to sublime the majority of the product which it contains, the sublimed vapors thus passing into the column at a stable, known flow rate. The process according to the invention is adapted, in particular, to a plant for the production of ArCl.sub.4 of nulear purity and of HfCl.sub.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Compagnie Europeenne Du Zirconium Cezus
    Inventors: Pierre Brun, Jean Guerin
  • Patent number: 4915784
    Abstract: There is provided a process and apparatus for improving the yield of turpentine collectable from the vent gases emanating from a pulp disgester in a kraft paper pulp Process. The apparatus is characterized by the insertion in a conventional turpentine recovery system of a gas/liquid contact vessel for intimately contacting the hot turpentine containing vent gas from a pulp digester with liquid foul condensate recycle from a turpentine decanter and a condenser for condensing the condensible components of the recycle treated vent gas, whereby the foul condensate is greatly improved as to contaminant content and rendered suitable for reuse in the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Ellis W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4900402
    Abstract: A pervaporation process for separating at least one component from a mixture of liquids, for example for separating ethanol from a fermentation mass, by a series of three separation steps: separating the mixture by a first pervaporation to form a first permeate vapor enriched in the component to be separated; fractionating the first permeate vapor, for example by temperature condensation, to form a high concentration fraction twice enriched in the component to be separated; and either distilling the high concentration fraction or a second pervaporation to form a distillate or retentate liquid thrice enriched in the component to be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Kaschemekat, Frank Schutt, Axel Wenzlaff
  • Patent number: 4885099
    Abstract: A closed circuit solvent stripping and reclaiming apparatus for recovering solvent from filters used in dry cleaning machines comprising a steam cabinet (2), and condenser (3), a water solvent separator (4), a recirculating tank (5), a blower (6) and a carbon bed adsorber (7). Dry cleaning filters are disassembled and their constituents separated and placed in foraminous trays (9) inside the steam cabinet (2). The filter material is agitated with a shaker and alternately subjected to dry heat, vaporized recycled solvent saturated water, and live steam. Steam and solvent vapors derived from the filters are conducted to a condenser (3) for liquification followed by separation in the water solvent separator (4). Solvent is thereby reclaimed and solvent saturated water is collected and stored in the recycling tank for reintroduction into the steam cabinet for subsequent stripping cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: J.A.C. Corporation
    Inventor: George H. Kelly
  • Patent number: 4874475
    Abstract: Improvements are described to a process in which the extractive distillation separation of zirconium or hafnium may be accomplished using mixtures of fused alkali metal or alkali metal and alkaline earth chlorides as the solvent. The solvent composition is adjusted to provide a low-melting eutectic, permitting recirculation of the stripped solvent in the liquid phase, as well as reducing the temperature required for thermal stripping (reducing the corrosivity of the fluid). Stripping of the bottoms is accomplished at least partially by direct electrolysis of the bottoms stream, producing the zirconium-free salt recycle stream to be transferred to the top of the column, and at least partially eliminating the need for chemical reduction of the tetrachlorides to metal (a costly process generating undersirable waste streams). Regeneration of the reflux is accomplished in a presurized condenser system, of one or more stages, with all material transport to be done in either the liquid or vapor states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: David F. McLaughlin, Richard A. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 4865693
    Abstract: This is a zirconium-hafnium separation process utilizing a complex of zirconium-hafnium chlorides and phosphorus oxychloride. The complex is introduced into a distillation column and a hafnium chloride enriched stream is taken from the top of the column and a zirconium chloride enriched stream is taken from the bottom of the column. In particular, the invention utilizes prepurification of the zirconium-hafnium chlorides prior to introduction of the complex into the distillation column to substantially eliminate iron chloride; thus, the buildup of iron chloride in the distillation column is substantially eliminated and the column can be operated in a continuous stable, and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: David F. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 4865695
    Abstract: This is a method for molten salt systems related to distillation for zirconium-hafnium separation and prevents buildup of iron chloride by electrochemically reducing iron from the molten salt to give very low levels of iron chloride in the distillation column, to reduce corrosion, improve the product and, in some cases, to allow the molten salt system to be run continuously. The improvement comprises electrochemical purification of molten salt containing zirconium-hafnium chloride either, prior to introduction of the zirconium-hafnium chloride into a distillation column, or after introduction, or both, to substantially eliminate iron chloride from the zirconium-hafnium chloride. The molten salt during the electrochemical purification consists essentially of a mixture of chlorides of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zirconium, hafnium, aluminum, manganese, and/or zinc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Snyder, Richard A. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 4865694
    Abstract: This is an improved method for separating hafnium from zirconium of the type where a complex of zirconium and hafnium chlorides and phosphorus oxychloride is prepared from zirconium-hafnium chloride and the complex is introduced into a distillation column, with the improvement comprising: electrochemical breaking of the zirconium of hafnium chloride complex taken from said distillation column to separate product from the complex. The electrochemical breaking of the complex, possibly by reducing zirconium or hafnium, is done in a molten salt bath. Preferably, the molten salt in said molten salt bath consists principally of a mixture of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal chlorides and zirconium or hafnium chloride. The product can be either chloride, metal, or mixed metal and subchloride for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Snyder, Richard A. Stoltz, David F. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 4865696
    Abstract: This is a process for removing phosphorus oxychloride from a complex of zirconium or hafnium chloride and phosphorus oxychloride utilizing a lithium-potassium chloride molten salt absorber vessel displacing phosphorous oxychloride from the complex, with a condenser which has the complex of zirconium or hafnium chloride and phosphorus oxychloride as the condensing fluid to scrub zirconium or hafnium chloride from the phosphorus oxychloride vapor released from the complex. The process uses at least one separate vessel to strip the zirconium or hafnium chloride from the lithium-potassium chloride molten salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: David F. McLaughlin, Richard A. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 4791227
    Abstract: What is disclosed is the use of metallic vessels having particularly high corrosion resistance which are made of(a) aluminum or alloys containing more than 95% aluminum, or of(b) nickel-chromium-iron alloys containing from 30 to 50% of nickel, from 20 to 30% of chromium, and from 18 to 50% of iron, by weight, in reacting or working up mixtures containing substantial amounts of hydrogen fluoride in addition to organic carboxylic acids and/or carbon monoxide and/or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Rohm GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Neumann, Willi Ploesser, Hermann-Josef Siegert
  • Patent number: 4645569
    Abstract: A process for producing anhydrous ethanol, using an apparatus comprising a combination of a concentration column, an azeotropic distillation column and a solvent recovery column, and capable of effectively utilizing the vapor at the tops of the concentration column and the azeotropic distillation column, is provided, which process comprises:(i) connecting an absorption type heat pump functioning as a condenser and a reboiler at the same time, to either one of the concentration column or the azeotropic distillation column;(ii) connecting a combination of a mechanical type heat pump with a heat exchanger functioning as a condenser and a reboiler at the same time to another of the columns;(iii) using a back pressure turbine as a machine for driving the mechanical type heat pump; and(iv) using the back pressure steam generated by operating the mechanical type heat pump as the heat source for the absorption type heat pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Shinnenryoyu Kaihatsugijutsu Kenkyukumiai
    Inventors: Toshiaki Akabane, Arimasa Satoh
  • Patent number: 4615768
    Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing the vapor includes at least one chamber in which the liquid is vaporized and at least one chamber in which the vapor is condensed. The apparatus has a conveyor inlet channel preferably at one end of the vaporizing chamber, and a conveyor outlet channel preferably at the opposite end of the vaporizing chamber. A conveyor for moving items to be treated through the apparatus extends through the conveyor inlet channel into the vaporizing chamber and out of the vaporizing chamber through the conveyor outlet channel. The apparatus includes a heat emitting device in the vaporizing chamber providing a surface temperature above the vaporizing temperature for substantially instantaneously vaporizing the liquid condensate maintaining a predetermined vapor level in the vaporizing chamber, and a cooling device in the condensate chamber for condensing the vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: James W. McCord
  • Patent number: 4612090
    Abstract: Water degasification and distillation apparatus having a container for water to be degasified and distilled, a relatively small boiler adjoining said container and having a first conduit extending into the container so that a selected water level in the container will fill said boiler to a selected height, a condenser within the container and immersed in the water contained therein, a second conduit extending from the space above the water in said boiler to the inlet of the condenser, an outlet on the condenser extending through a container wall for discharging degasified and distilled water and heating means in said boiler for heating the water therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: John C. Ellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4555310
    Abstract: A method of utilizing the energy of a high pressure condensate stream including passing steam at an elevated pressure in indirect heat exchange with a material to be heated, collecting a condensate product condensed from the steam of the heat exchange step at an elevated pressure, passing the condensate directly to a steam stripping step at essentially the same pressure at which the condensate was collected and reducing the pressure of the condensate while simultaneously contacting the condensate with a material to be stripped in the stripping step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Ronald E. Marrelli
  • Patent number: 4552514
    Abstract: A work extracting device driven by the wave motion of a fluid comprising a first float, a cylinder, a piston slidably engaging the interior of the cylinder, a piston rod extending from the piston and pivotally coupled to the first float, and a second float connected to the first float. The first float has a density suitable for floating and moves in response to wave motion. The cylinder is pivotally mounted to the second float. The first and second floats are part of a Hagen array of floats. The first float has an arm extending a distance beyond the point of connection of the first and second floats. The piston rod is pivotally mounted generally about the end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Williams, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Hagen
  • Patent number: 4507175
    Abstract: A novel fractional distillation process and applications thereof to the production of thermal or mechanical energy from two low level heat sources wherein a mixture of two highly non-ideal reactive solutions such, for example, as of the water/ammonia type, is separated into its water and ammonia components in an apparatus comprising a cascade of condensers and evaporators operating respectively at the temperature of the cold source and at the temperature of the hot source and at staggered pressures. The residue and distillate formed are remixed in a mixing apparatus when it is desired to recover the thermal energy of dilution of the solutions.The invention is applicable, in particular, to the heating of buildings from low level thermal energy and from the thermal energy of "cold wind".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique C.N.R.S.
    Inventor: Pierre Y. J. Le Goff
  • Patent number: 4495035
    Abstract: The invention pertains to improvements in a fluid handling system in which a working fluid passes through a rotor while undergoing a pressure change. A shaft extends longitudinally from and rotates with the rotor. A first seal surrounds the shaft in axially spaced relation to the rotor, and a lubricant having a minimum boiling point is injected into the first seal adjacent the shaft at a pressure sufficient to cause the lubricant to flow axially toward the rotor. A housing surrounds the rotor and shaft and defines a contact zone between the rotor and the first seal for receiving both lubricant and a contact fluid such as the working fluid or a seal buffer gas used to isolate the working fluid from the lubricant. The contact fluid has a maximum boiling point substantially less than the minimum boiling point of the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: Judson S. Swearingen
  • Patent number: 4490232
    Abstract: An offshore water electrolysis plant which produces pressurized gas by electrolysis of fresh water and wave power includes the combination of a wave-powered electric generator at the ocean surface, an electrolyzer and storage vessels located on the ocean bottom for providing gas under pressure, and a source of fresh water at the ocean surface forced down to the submerged electrolyzer through the use of a water-filled standpipe. In one embodiment, the electric power generating system includes a tethered floating helix coupled to an electric generator, in which the helix is automatically aligned with the wave propagation direction, while in another embodiment linear alternators are mounted for reciprocation on a column which extends through the air-sea interface, with each alternator provided with a donut-shaped float, such that electric power is generated as each float moves vertically up and down responsive to wave motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 4450966
    Abstract: A survival kit comprising, inter alia, a replacement cap for a conventional canteen, a gasket, and a collapsible tube. The cap includes a crown and an annular depending skirt; a passage is defined clear-through the crown and the skirt is internally screw threaded so that the cap can be secured to the threaded neck of a canteen. The gasket is a flat annular washer with a central aperture. The collapsible tube is formed of several telescoping sections and one end of the tube is threaded.When the survival kit is utilized to obtain potable water from salt water, contaminated water, vegetable matter, etc., the cap of the canteen is removed, and the collapsible tube is removed from the interior of the canteen. The gasket is positioned atop the neck of the canteen, and the replacement cap is secured thereover after partially filling the canteen. The collapsible tube is extended, and the threaded end thereof is secured within the aperture in the replacement cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Inventors: Enrique Villavicencio, Jr., Enrique Villavicencio, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4434057
    Abstract: The treatment of raw water, particularly the desalination of waste or other water with a high salt content, is accomplished by means of a process which includes two membrane separation steps performed in concentrate sequence. The concentrate from the second membrane separation step is further treated by means of a thermal concentrating procedure. The water to be processed is first treated to minimize the formation of scale during the first membrane separation step and the concentrate from the first membrane separation step is similarly treated. The overall process also includes the production of materials necessary for reconditioning ion exchange apparatus employed for raw water conditioning and concentrate treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Hager & Elsasser GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Marquardt
  • Patent number: 4373996
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing fresh water from sea water in which a vertical accumulator utilizes the sensible heat of sea water so as to evaporate said sea water to a temperature above 100.degree. C. under pressure, a heat-exchanger connecting between the upper and lower portions of said accumulator causes a high temperature liquid to effect heat-exchange with sea water to be evaporated, a fresh sea water feed line connected to the lower portion of said accumulator adjusts the pressure within the accumulator and an evaporator receives higher temperature sea water. The accumulator accumulates heat in such a manner that the upper portion of said accumulator holds higher temperature sea water and the lower portion of the accumulator holds lower temperature sea water so that when heat is accumulated, the amount of said higher temperature sea water increases and when heat is radiated, the amount of higher temperature decreases whereby sea water evaporates at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Inventor: Saburo Maruko
  • Patent number: 4371623
    Abstract: Apparatus for preparation and distillation of low-alcohol-content, fermentation products into high-alcohol-content, fuel-grade product using solar energy to carry out the fermentation and distillation. The apparatus includes a solar collector with reflectors, fermenting tanks, a distillation column, and temperature controls. The working fluid for the solar collector is isolated from the fluid being distilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: William N. Durkin
    Inventor: G. Brandt Taylor
  • Patent number: 4347321
    Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly suitable for the production of alcohol from fermentable substances such as grain. In this method, mash cooking, fermentation, and boiling are carried out sequentially in a single vessel. Boiling produces a first vapor rich in alcohol which is partially condensed to form a liquid condensate and a second vapor which is further enriched in alcohol. The liquid condensate is returned to the vessel and an alcohol product is recovered from the second vapor, preferably without the addition of external heat. Alcohol recovery is effected by passing the second vapor to a second vessel. Vapor from the second vessel is partially condensed to form a third vapor which is still further enriched in alcohol and a liquid condensate which is returned to the second vessel where it is contacted by the second vapor introduced thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Bio-Systems Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Lionelle, Jeffrey A. Staffa, William L. McCormick
  • Patent number: 4344826
    Abstract: The waste water output of an RO unit in a distillation system is conveyed to a still's condenser cooling coil to minimize water requirements of the system. A portion of the heated water fron the condenser, in one embodiment, is circulated to the RO unit inlet, where a temperature mixing valve maintains an optimum temperature for the RO inlet water by mixing feed water and condenser output water in the desired proportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Vaponics, Inc.
    Inventor: Verity C. Smith
  • Patent number: 4337121
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous metal-cleaning solution. The apparatus includes a first conduit, or pipe, for removing portions of the contaminated aqueous solution from its tank. The solution enters an extractor which permits intimate contact between the contaminated solution and an organic solvent. A second tube, or conduit, returns the aqueous solution, purified by this contact, to the original tank. A third conduit removes the organic solvent from the extractor after its contact with the aqueous solution, by which time it will contain organic components from the aqueous solution. This solvent, with the contaminants, enters a separator, such as a still, which removes the contaminants from it. The purified organic solvent then returns to the extractor along a fourth conduit. The cleansing operation proceeds intermittently or, preferably, continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: Earl J. Kintz
    Inventor: Joseph J. English
  • Patent number: 4327184
    Abstract: A distillation/evaporation/drying apparatus wherein alcohol is removed by a dry, warm carrier gas from an alcohol-containing slurry from a fermenter. Carbon dioxide from the fermenter is used as the carrier gas and is suitably dried, warmed and recycled into contact with the slurry to assist in removing alcohol therefrom. The apparatus includes a reflux section to upgrade the alcohol content of the carrier gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: University of Utah
    Inventors: Steven A. Johnson, Junior D. Seader
  • Patent number: 4319964
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for high volume distillation of impure liquid comprises evaporating the impure liquid in an evaporator to form a vapor at a temperature above the freezing point and below the boiling point of said liquid at atmospheric pressure and at a pressure not exceeding a pressure corresponding to the evaporation temperature under saturated conditions; compressing the vapor; passing a portion of the compressed vapor through an expansion engine to do work upon and motivate the engine and to produce shaft energy, whereby the vapor expands and cools; bypassing the expansion engine with the remainder of the compressed vapor and admixing the remainder directly with the expanded vapor from the expansion engine in a mixing chamber; adding work to the expansion engine to supplement the work done by the vapor expanding therethrough to make up for work lost when the remainder of the compressed vapor bypassed the expansion engine and for other work lost; cooling the admixed vapor in heat transfer relation wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Inventors: Jerome Katz, Sidney J. Fogel
  • Patent number: 4309254
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: Stone and Webster Eng. Corp.
    Inventors: Rodney A. Dahlstrom, Jacob N. Rubin
  • Patent number: 4302297
    Abstract: An apparatus for desalinating ocean waters by distillation and furnishing electrical power, utilizes an evaporator, barometric leg conduits, a closed condenser, ocean water circulating circuits for circulating warm surface water to the evaporator and cool ocean water to the condenser and using the mass flow of vapors evolved from the evaporator to drive a prime mover which in turn drives an electrical generator. A portion of the electrical power so-generated is used to control the operation of respective pumps and valves in the apparatus. The liquid level of the condensate water is controlled in a barometric leg condensate outlet conduit. The system is also provided with a vacuum pump at least for initiating a reduced pressure and particle separator channel means is provided to prevent liquid entrainment in the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Inventor: Gerald F. Humiston
  • Patent number: 4265712
    Abstract: A water purification system for use in combination with a domestic hot water heating tank. The system includes a water container for containing water separate from the water in the tank. A conduit carries hot water from the tank to the container, passing in close proximity to the heating unit of the hot water tank. A duct leading from the container conveys water vapor formed in the container to a receptacle. The water in the receptacle having been evaporated and condensed is thus purified for domestic use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Inventor: Peter J. McLean
  • Patent number: 4233267
    Abstract: Volatile reactants are heated under reflux in a reactor and form volatile reaction by-products which are continuously removed in a vapor effluent from a reflux column and partial condenser. The effluent, which entrains some of the reactants, is condensed in a first total condenser and is fed to a distillation apparatus for separation of the volatile reactants and by-products and return of the separated reactants to the reactor. Before the condensate reaches the distillation apparatus, it is temporarily stored in a receiver from which it is controllably fed to a pre-heater where it is evaporated and then fed as a vapor to the distillation column of the distillation apparatus for separation. The distillation column includes at one end a reboiler which retains the reactants. The other end of the distillation column is coupled to a second total condenser in which the volatile by-products are condensed and withdrawn through a cooler for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Fiberglas Canada Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Coker, Gary W. Bate, Henk J. Deuzeman
  • Patent number: 4230534
    Abstract: A control system is provided for a fractional distillation column where at least a portion of the overhead vapor stream from the fractional distillation column is utilized in a refrigeration and heating system for a process with which the fractional distillation column is associated. The liquid level is an overhead accumulator associated with the fractional distillation column is maintained at a level sufficient to insure that a sufficient supply of the overhead vapor stream from the fractional distillation column is available to supply the refrigeration and heating needs of the process with which the fractional distillation column is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: William S. Stewart
  • Patent number: 4230531
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a solar still and a wind powered generator. Sea water is preheated in a condenser and is supplied to the still where it is heated further either by solar radiation, or by a heated pipe containing brine, or both. The still supplies warm humid air and vapor to the condenser to provide a distilled water condensate, which condensate is supplemented by water collected from the sloping parts of the still roof. The brine in the heated pipe in the still is supplied from a brine pit which is heated by electrodes connected to the wind powered generator. The generator also charges batteries and supplies electrical power to brine pumps and to a ventilator in the still.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: Placidus D. Fernandopulle
  • Patent number: 4224110
    Abstract: A cleaning device including a housing having an open top and a closed bottom with a chamber mounted therein, the chamber having an open top and an open bottom. The housing is disposed to receive a liquid solution therein, the liquid solution containing at least two immiscible components of different densities, the chamber portion of the housing containing only one of the components therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Inventor: James W. McCord
  • Patent number: 4213830
    Abstract: A method is provided for the transfer of heat from a source of thermal energy to at least one thermal user or heat consuming apparatus wherein waste water, such as from an industrial process, is used as the heat transfer medium and wherein a portion of the waste water flow is evaporated in an indirect heat exchanger under pressure to yield a mixture of steam and heated liquid waste water. The steam is supplied to an indirect heat exchanger for supplying heat to the heat consuming apparatus and the heated waste water is subsequently vaporized in a plurality of stages by reducing the pressure on the waste water in each stage and by using the steam formed by the vaporization in each stage to supply part of the heat of vaporization for the waste water in the subsequent stage. When the heat requirement of the heat consuming apparatus is reduced, the heat exchanger supplying heat to the heat consuming apparatus may be valved out of the system or the steam flow thereto may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Inventor: Franz Koppl
  • Patent number: 4194949
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed for substantially continuous distillation of water which comprises a plurality of parallel distillation units each comprising series of fluid and preferably also Fresnel-type lenses. Water to be distilled is preheated by circulating it through the fluid lenses on which evaporated water vapor is condensed to produce distilled water. The quantity of water circulated in the lenses is many more times the quantity of water evaporated by the solar energy concentrated by the lenses and condensed per unit of time to allow the circulated water to carry off heat recuperated within the lenses and the system. The preheated water circulated through the lenses is discharged into a central container in which the foci of the fluid and Fresnel-type lenses are located. Secondary containers are provided to receive overflow from the central container since preheated water may be discharged into the central container faster than it is being evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Inventor: Virgil Stark
  • Patent number: 4187150
    Abstract: A distilled water apparatus which comprises in nested vapor-sealed arrangement, a bottom raw water tank, a storage tank and a cooling and condensing tank. The storage tank has an outer annular storage compartment surrounding a vertical vapor passage and can be equipped with a basket for holding coffee or the like so that the device acts as a self-contained distilled water coffee maker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Inventor: Jay Rich
  • Patent number: 4186058
    Abstract: A method and closed system for high volume distillation of impure liquids comprises evaporating the impure liquid in an evaporator to form a vapor at a temperature above the freezing point and below the critical point, preferably the boiling point, of the liquid at ambient pressure and at a pressure not exceeding a pressure corresponding to the evaporation temperature under saturated conditions; compressing the vapor in compression means which preferably has a compression ratio variable in the range 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Inventors: Jerome Katz, Sidney J. Fogel
  • Patent number: 4186060
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for high volume distillation of impure liquid comprises evaporating the impure liquid in an evaporator to form a vapor at a temperature above the freezing point and below the boiling point of said liquid at atmospheric pressure and at a pressure not exceeding a pressure corresponding to the evaporation temperature under saturated conditions; compressing the vapor; passing a portion of the compressed vapor through an expansion engine to do work upon and motivate the engine and to produce shaft energy, whereby the vapor expands and cools; bypassing the expansion engine with the remainder of the compressed vapor and admixing the remainder directly with the expanded vapor from the expansion engine in a mixing chamber; adding work to the expansion engine to supplement the work done by the vapor expanding therethrough to make up for work lost when the remainder of the compressed vapor bypassed the expansion engine and for other work lost; cooling the admixed vapor in heat transfer relation wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Inventors: Jerome Katz, Sidney J. Fogel
  • Patent number: 4162199
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous metal-cleaning solution. The apparatus includes a first conduit, or pipe, for removing portions of the contaminated aqueous solution from its tank. The solution enters an extractor which permits intimate contact between the contaminated solution and an organic solvent. A second tube, or conduit, returns the aqueous solution, purified by this contact, to the original tank. A third conduit removes the organic solvent from the extractor after its contact with the aqueous solution, by which time it will contain organic components from the aqueous solution. This solvent, with the contaminants, enters a separator, such as a still, which removes the contaminants from it. The purified organic solvent then returns to the extractor along a fourth conduit. The cleansing operation proceeds intermittently or, preferably, continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1979
    Assignee: Earl J. Kuntz
    Inventor: Joseph J. English
  • Patent number: 4138851
    Abstract: A system using a number of flash chambers for converting the heat energy of geothermal brine to useful work. The system uses steam from flashed brine to vaporize a portion of distilled water or distillate in one or more heat exchangers to produce steam to drive a turbine which, in turn, operates a generator or the like to produce useful work. Before the distillate reaches the heat exchanger, it is preheated as it flows through a series of flash chambers in countercurrent relationship to the flow of geothermal brine therethrough. The brine flashes in each flash chamber and the flashed vapor mixes with the distillate flowing through the flash chamber to pre-heat the distillate. The heat energy of the unvaporized part of the distillate in the heat exchanger can form additional steam which is also supplied to the turbine. The heat content of the unflashed part of the distillate can be used in several ways to heat a working fluid in a closed loop containing a second turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignee: Bechtel International Corp.
    Inventors: Alfred N. Rogers, Leon Awerbuch
  • Patent number: 4134732
    Abstract: Methanol is produced from offshore natural gas in a plant positioned on a floating structure. The plant incorporates heat recovery equipment and storage facilities providing the flexibility to operate portions of the plant independently so that motion-sensitive parts of the plant, such as tall distillation columns for methanol purification, can be operated only during good weather, while sections of the plant less sensitive to motion can operate during more severe weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1979
    Assignee: Continental Oil Company
    Inventor: Robert G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 4132075
    Abstract: A method for producing mechanical energy from geothermal brine in which a heat transfer fluid (HTF) is heated by direct contact with the hot geothermal brine in cocurrent flow through a series of flash stages which are maintained at successively lower pressures so that the HTF is vaporized in each stage. A working fluid is countercurrently flowed through the series of flash stages in indirect heat exchange with the vapor produced in each stage so that the vapor is condensed in each stage and the working fluid is progressively heated as it passes through the series of flash stages. The heated working fluid is utilized in a heat engine for the production of mechanical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Raymond N. Fleck, Harvey Hennig
  • Patent number: 4121977
    Abstract: A process for simultaneously generating power and recovering potable water from a source of salinous water -- e.g. sea water. Salinous water, from a locus which is proximate to the surface thereof and at a relatively high temperature -- e.g. about 85.degree. F. -- is increased in temperature via indirect contact with a vaporous phase, derived from the surface water at an elevated temperature and a subatmospheric pressure. The preheated salinous water is exposed to radiant solar energy, in a solar radiation heat sink, to further increase the temperature thereof. Thus-heated salinous water is introduced into a first flash separation zone, maintained at subatmospheric pressure, to provide a first substantially non-salinous vaporous phase and a first salinous liquid phase. The first vaporous phase is passed into and through a turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventor: Don B. Carson
  • Patent number: 4110174
    Abstract: A process for simultaneously generating power and recovering potable water from a source of salinous water-- e.g. ocean and/or sea water. A first portion of salinous water, from the surface of the source, or from a colder, deeper depth, is increased in temperature via indirect contact with a plurality of non-salinous vaporous phases (i) derived from the salinous water and, (ii) obtained therefrom at an elevated temperature and a subatmospheric pressure. The warmed salinous water is further increased in temperature by being maintained in a solar radiation heat sink and exposed therein to radiant solar energy to increase its temperature to a level within the range of about 135.degree. F. to about 210.degree. F. Heated salinous water is introduced into a plurality of vacuum flash separation zones, each succeeding one of which is maintained at a lower absolute pressure. At least one of the resulting vaporous phases is passed into and through a turbine, from the resulting motion of which power is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1978
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventor: Don B. Carson
  • Patent number: 4102752
    Abstract: A municipal water supply system for providing potable water under pressure from sea water including a nuclear reactor heated boiler for raising the temperature of sea water to at least 250.degree. F and at superatmospheric pressure means for conveying the superheated steam to an expansion turbine, whereby the superheated steam drives the turbine while the temperature of the steam is reduced to about the boiling point of water at atmospheric pressure, a heat exchanger for condensing the exhaust from the turbine while simultaneously preheating incoming sea water to the system, and liquid pumping means driven by the expansion turbine for conveying the condensed water under pressure to a municipal distribution system. Additionally, means are provided for controlling the temperature within the boiler chamber by controlling the volume of incoming sea water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Inventor: John L. Rugh, II
  • Patent number: 4049502
    Abstract: The steam which develops during water cooling of a furnace is withdrawn from the cooling system of the furnace, introduced into a distillation plant wherein it is subjected to at least partial condensation, and the thus-obtained condensate is recirculated into the cooling system of the furnace. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1977
    Assignee: Klockner-Werke AG
    Inventor: Gunther Nagels
  • Patent number: 4038155
    Abstract: The environment of the invention comprises work degreasing apparatus wherein a tank contains liquid solvent to be vaporized by a heater for degreasing contact with work introduced into the tank, the vapor being subject to condensation, there also being a tank cover having open and closed positions. The inventive improvement comprises means responsive to closing of the cover to control the heater to reduce heat transfer to the liquid solvent, and also responsive to opening of the cover to control the heater to increase heat transfer to the liquid solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Purex Corporation Ltd.
    Inventor: Russell H. Reber
  • Patent number: 4035243
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for high volume distillation of impure liquid comprises evaporating the impure liquid in an evaporator to form a vapor at a temperature above the freezing point and at or below the boiling point of said liquid at atmospheric pressure and at a pressure corresponding to the evaporation temperature under saturated conditions; compressing said vapor adiabatically; admixing in a mixing chamber the compressed vapor under substantially isobaric conditions directly with hot gases having a temperature sufficiently greater than the temperature of the compressed vapor that the resulting vapor-gas mixture temperature is greater than the temperature of the compressed vapor prior to the mixing; passing the vapor-gas mixture through an expansion engine to motivate the engine and to produce shaft energy, whereby the vapor-gas mixture adiabatically expands and cools; compressing the expanded vapor-gas mixture adiabatically in an independently powered compressor to a predetermined pressure corresponding
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1977
    Inventors: Jerome Katz, Sidney J. Fogel