Abstract: A distillation apparatus intended for distilling liquid, primarily water, comprising a distillation unit which includes a porous, hydrophobic membrane (2) which is pervious to steam, or vapor, but impervious to liquid, and a condensation surface (3) located at a distance from the membrane, such as to present an air gap (4) between the membrane and the condensation surface, the distillation apparatus further comprising units for conducting the liquid (20) to be distilled on the membrane surface remote from the air gap (4), and a unit for conducting a liquid (22) which is colder than the first mentioned liquid (20) on the side of the condensation surface (3) remote from the air gap (4). According to the invention the distance (L) between the membrane (2) and the condensation (3) lies in the range of about 0.2 mm-about 1 mm, and the thickness (b) of the membrane (2) is less than about 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating the distilled water obtained from an evaporation process sea water desalination plant is provided wherein carbon dioxide is extracted from sea water in the high temperature stages of the desalination plant and where the carbon dioxide thus extracted is dissolved into the water, along with calcium, thereby converting the distilled water into the quality suited for city tap water.

Abstract: A hydrophobic semi-permeable membrane process (e.g., using hydrophobic microporous hollow fibers) for the concentration of a dilute solution of low osmotic pressure by osmotic distillation (also known as membrane distillation or membrane evaporation), which is a separation process using as its driving force the difference in the osmotic pressure between two fluids (e.g., fruit juice and seawater) separated by a hydrophobic semi-permeable membrane to achieve a concentration of the fluid having the lower osmotic pressure (.e., fruit juice). When coupled with reverse osmosis means there is provided a method for recovery of solvent (e.g., potable water) from the process, e.g., desalination of seawater. A process is also provided to recover part of the energy available between the two fluids i.e., between two different potential energies, due to the difference in osmotic pressure between the two fluids.

Abstract: A distillation device for distilling liquids, using concentrated solar energy to evaporate the undistilled liquid. A lens focuses solar rays into a concentrated area on the outer surface of an opaque heat target, the inner surface of which is in contact with the undistilled liquid in a container. The heat target evaporates the liquid, and the steam is condensed within a dome over the container, the dome having a plurality of cooling fins. The dome is cooled by compressed air, which circulates through an air conduit which spirals around the dome from top to bottom. The distilled liquid is conducted through a pipeline through the undistilled liquid in the container, and then out of the container.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for concentration aqueous solution in accordance with the present invention is characterized in that a hydrophobic porous membrane through which vapor can permeate, but not liquid, is brought into contact with an aqueous solution containing a solute at a concentration of at least 30%, and the water contained in the aqueous solution at the interface with the membrane is evaporated and permeates through the membrane. A method and an apparatus of recovering temperature of an aqueous solution comprising an aqueous solution concentration step in which the aqueous solution contact with the membrane, the water being evaporated; and a dilution step in which the resultant concentrated solution is diluted; wherein a temperature is obtained higher or lower than that of said aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method of increasing the rate the transport of volatiles through porous barriers (13) such as membranes consists of subjecting the porous barriers (13) to a vacuum for sufficient time to remove any permanent gas from the pores (V), admitting a non-wetting liquid through inlet (14) to the barrier (13) either before or during the application of the vacuum whereby the non-wetting liquid forms films or bubbles (16) which seal the pores (V) to create a low pressure region within each pore (V) which is filled with vapor of the non-wetting liquid. The invention may be used to transport volatiles such as ethanol across a membrane and to transfer heat across a membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for desalinating sea water, comprising a distillation unit which includes a porous hydrophobic membrane which is pervious to steam but impervious to water, and a condensation surface arranged at a distance from the membrane, the distillation arrangement also including a first unit for heating and conducting the water to be distilled on one side of the membrane, and a second unit arranged to conduct a liquid which is colder than the water, on the side of the condensation surface remote from the membrane, distilled water being collected and drawn-off between the membrane and the condensation surface.

Abstract: A system for diaphragm distillation of a liquid, for example for desalination of salt water, comprising a diaphragm, through which vapor, but not liquid can pass, and a condensation surface for condensing vapor having passed through the diaphragm, and necessary passageways. According to the invention, the system comprises one or several units, each of which comprises a plurality of pipes located one within the other, viz. a first (1) inner pipe, a second (2) pipe located outside thereof and consisting of a diaphragm of the aforesaid kind, and a third (3) pipe located outside the second (2) pipe, which first (1) and third (3) pipes are of a gas-tight material, that said unit is surrounded by a fourth (4) gas-tight pipe, where a first (5) passageway is formed by the first (1) pipe and a second (6), a third (7) and a fourth (8) passageway are formed between said pipes (1,2;2,3;3,4) in successive order in the direction from the inside outward.

Abstract: An apparatus for distilling a source liquid which utilizes a substantially vertical liquid column. The liquid column is contained by a tubular container closed at the top and open at the bottom. The open bottom of the tubular container is submerged within a source liquid reservoir. The height of the tubular container is greater than the maximum obtainable height for the given density of the portion of source liquid contained within the column. A vacuum is located within the tubular container above the surface of the portion of source liquid contained in the column. In the area of the vacuum, there is located a centrifugal compressor which is to function to move vapor from the vacuum section of the tubular container and compress such along with the transfer of heat to the point that the vapor becomes liquid. This now product liquid is to be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system is provided for use adjacent a plant supporting material to be irrigated, for converting salt water into fresh water and dispensing the fresh water dripwise to the plant supporting material. The system comprises an evaporator member made of microporous hydrophobic material and having first and second surfaces, the microporous hydrophobic material permitting water vapor to diffuse through the member between the first and second surfaces thereof while preventing liquid water from passing therethrough, and a condenser including a condensing surface is spaced from the second surface of the evaporator member to define a gap therebetween. The condensing surface is in liquid flow communication with the plant supporting material to be irrigated. A conduit is provided for conducting a flow of salt water along the first surface of the evaporator members.

Abstract: A method of desalinating water in which a stream of air is saturated with heated water containing dissolved solids and suspended solids. A stream of saturated air is passed through a cooling element to cool saturated air below its dew point, and the water thereby condensed is collected. In preferred embodiments, the cooled air is heated and recirculated through an evaporation screen to saturate the stream of air.

Abstract: Desalination apparatus comprising a vessel, an evaporation surface for receiving saline water in the vessel, a condensation chamber arranged in the vessel beneath the evaporation surface, an evaporation chamber arranged in the vessel above the evaporation surface, a fresh water tank for containing a reservoir of fresh water and fresh water vapor thereabove, a first conduit connecting the fresh water tank and the condensation chamber, a pump for compressing in the condensation chamber fresh water and fresh water vapor to maintain a pressure-temperature differential between the condensation chamber and the evaporation chamber at the evaporation surface, a second conduit connecting the evaporation chamber and the fresh water tank for removal of fresh water vapor from the evaporation chamber and its delivery to the reservoir of fresh water, and valves and conduits for conveying saline water to the evaporation surface and for taking off fresh water accumulated in the fresh water tank.

Abstract: A de-salinator 10 for brackish- or salt-water has a heat insulating shell 11 closed by end plates 12. A heat exchanger 22 in the bottom of the chamber 13 is heated by engine coolant from a marine engine 27, while a pair of condensor coils 19, connected to manifolds 33, 34, use sea water to cool the fresh water vapour which is drawn off by outlets 21. The engine driven pump 37 which draws the water through the condensor coils 19 operates an eductor 36 which generates a partial vacuum in the chamber 13, drawing off brine from the bottom of the chamber and any excess water in the chamber. The level of water in the chamber 13 is maintained by drawing off a portion of the heated water passing through the condensor tubes 19. The condensate is drawn from the outlets 21 via an eductor 46 which is driven by a suction pump 45 connected to the fresh water tank 47.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, a partition divides an upper chamber into an evaporating chamber and a condensing chamber with a fan in the partition transferring water vapor from the evaporating chamber into the condensing chamber. An external compressor or vacuum pump maintains the system at the desired negative pressure. A salt water intake extends upwardly from a source of salt water and into the evaporating chamber to form a pool therein. The condensed fresh water forms a pool in the condensing chamber which communicates via a vertical discharge column to a U type outlet at the base. An automatic blow down conduit extends from the base of the pool of the salt water in the evaporating chamber to discharge the heavily concentrated salt fraction of the salt water from time to time.

Abstract: A tank for receiving water to be desalinated supports a vacuum pump at the upper end thereof. The inlet of the pump communicates with the tank for reducing the interior of the tank to a subatmospheric pressure and the outlet of the pump communicates with heat transfer coils submerged just below a water level in the tank. The vacuum pump has an outer casing defining a heating area which traps the heat generated by operation of the pump. An inlet for water to be desalinated leads through the heated area around the pump and is discharged above the water level at the heat transfer coils for vaporization of the incoming water. The heat transfer coils communicate with condensing coils leading downwardly in the tank. The heat transfer coils are supported on a float and have an inlet and outlet arrangement providing for even distribution of vapor.

Abstract: Apparatus for a vertically extending heat exchanger column for the desaliion of sea water based on a multi-effect evaporation process includes a container for forming a pressure-tight enclosure about the heat exchanger column. The container is made up of four upwardly extending side walls, a top end wall and a bottom end wall. The side walls are arranged in pairs with the walls of each pair spaced opposite one another. A truss-like support structure is arranged around the outside of the container with one pair of side walls and the top and bottom end walls fixed to the support structure. The other pair of side walls are movably secured to the support structure. Lifting tackle is located on the upper end of the support structure. Movable platforms are mounted along the movable side walls of the container. Snap closures secure the movable side walls to the other side walls and to the end walls. Seals are provided along the movable side walls for the pressure tight enclosure of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out thermodynamic processes in which a work medium undergoes mutually opposite phase transitions. The apparatus comprises casings consisting of confining plates and spacers therebetween, the casings being arranged in stacked relationship. Each casing encloses a plurality of phase transition compartments in superposed relationship. There are orifices in the confining plates through which pairs of phase transition compartments open directly into one another so as to form a number of work chambers. These are also passages delimited by the spacers in the casings for connecting the work chambers in series and passages delimited by the spacers in the casings for introducing and drawing work medium into and from the phase transition compartments. Finally, there are passages delimited by the spacers in the casings for supplying and abducting heat to and from the work medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for improved thermal membrane distillation utilizes a composite membrane comprised of a microporous lyophobic layer having deposited thereon an essentially nonporous lyophilic coating.

Abstract: A liquid purification system, method and apparatus includes a plurality of operationally interconnected chambers. A supply or inlet chamber is held at about atmospheric temperature while other chambers of the system are held at a partial vacuum. The liquid to be purified is metered through a pressure differential between the supply or first chamber and a second chamber to induce spontaneous vaporization of the liquid. The temperatures of the chambers are reduced sufficiently so that, in the case of water, temperature-pressure conditions in the second chamber are below the triple point so as to condense ice and precipitate impurities into another chamber from the spontaneous vaporization. Condensation of the vapor in still another chamber recovers pure liquid. A temperature differential mechanism operatively connected to the chambers insures that condensation of the vapor will occur.

Abstract: A solar desalting method and apparatus includes a storage tank for receiving heated sea water at a first rate from a solar collector during daylight hours and for delivering the same to a flash evaporator a second rate. The flash evaporator is connected for delivery of the evaporated and unevaporated portions of the feed water as the heating vapor and feed liquid, respectively, to a serially connected multi-effect film evaporator. Sea water is used to condense the vapor from the last evaporator effect as the distillate product of the system. The storage tank permits nighttime operation with the brine from the last effect and a portion of the cooling water being fed to the solar collector during the daytime and discharged at night.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinization of salt water to render it potable, wherein the salt water at ambient temperatures is forced through multi-stages at high centrifugal velocities, generating heat to vaporize the water to water vapor, and separating and suspending the salt and other minerals in the water vapor. The centrifugal force separates the salt and other minerals for discharge separately from the water vapor or steam so that the water vapor may be condensed to essentially mineral-free potable water.

Abstract: A process and installation for the treatment of distillate water recovered by flash evaporation from impure water, such as sea water, in which gases desorbed during the flash evaporation, including carbon dioxide, are recovered and intermixed with the distillate water prior to and inside an absorber so that the carbon dioxide is absorbed by distillate water to thereby improve the property of the distillate water for human consumption.

Abstract: A solar desalination system comprising a tank having a transparent cover. Salt water to be distilled is introduced into the tank at an inlet spaced from the cover while brackish or waste water is withdrawn from the tank through an outlet at substantially the same level as the inlet. A closed circuit air loop includes a tubular sparger of porous material which extends along the tank bottom in slightly spaced relation thereto. Air under pressure is delivered to the sparger at one end by a conduit passing through the end wall of the tank and a pump. Moisture-free air is introduced into the pump by a tube extending from a condenser. Vapor-saturated air is exhausted from the tank at a level between the water surface and the cover and is conveyed to the condenser through a pipe. Distilled water is taken from the bottom of the condenser. In a modified embodiment, the compressor is bypassed by a duct extending from the tube to the conduit and includes an adjustable valve.

Abstract: A solar still apparatus having a condensation chamber is disclosed. A plurality of hollow columns are connected to the chamber at the open upper ends of the hollow columns and the lower ends of the hollow columns are adapted to engage a support surface for the still apparatus. The hollow columns also function to contain distilland liquid and to support parabolic solar collectors for heating the liquid to form vapor at the upper end of the hollow columns. The vapor is introduced into the condensation chamber for condensing to form a distillate liquid. Means including a shield and an evaporative surface layer are disclosed to aid the cooling of the condensation chamber relative to the vapor to facilitate the condensation of the vapor in the chamber.

Abstract: A sparged air distilled water recovery system comprising a closed tank having spaced end walls. Passing through one end wall is a conduit that is connected at one end to a source of supply of water under pressure and terminating in a jet nozzle. An overflow drain is mounted in the opposite end wall and maintains substantially constant the level of water in the tank. A closed vapor and air circulating system extends from the end wall having the overflow drain to the end wall in which the jet nozzle is mounted. This system comprises a tube having one end mounted in the end wall with the overflow and which end is open at a level above the water in the tank. Included in this tube is a blower for circulating the mixture of water vapor and air. The other end of this tube then enters a condenser at one end while a second tube extends from the other end of the condenser to the end wall in which the jet nozzle is mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus for the distillation of sea water and desulfurization has a vessel directly contacting waste gases exhausting from a boiler with sea water for absorbing sulfur oxides contained within the waste gases, an oxidation device to convert the sulfites that are produced by absorption of the sulfur oxide into sulfates through a catalytic action of metallic ions in the sea water, a decarbonization device, a deaerator, and a heating type distillation apparatus that uses the sea water used for the desulfurization as supplementary water. The oxidation, desulfurization and the separation of air are processes conducted continuously.

Abstract: A solar still includes a pair of parallel dikes separated by a ditch, a first sheet overlying the ditch and pair of parallel dikes, the sheet having a pair of edges arranged substantially parallel to, and outside, the dikes, and a second sheet overlying the first sheet, the second sheet having a pair of edges bonded together with the edges of the first sheet to form a water vapor-impervious seal.A plurality of vertical columnar supports are periodically positioned in spaced relation between the first and second sheets in the center of the ditch to maintain the second sheet in spaced relation above the first sheet. The second sheet has a ridge coincident with the supports and filamentary members which connect the tops of the supports, and angularly slopes on either side thereof toward the outer edges of the dike.

Abstract: A water-containing pond for collecting solar energy for utilization in a process for recovering potable water from non-potable water and/or for the generation of power. The solar pond is designed to increase the quantity and efficiency of water evaporation, from heated pond water, into a heated flowing air stream. Construction in such that there is afforded an increase in the absorptivity/emissivity (a/e) ratio with respect to the incidence of solar radiation.

Abstract: A process for the purification of water comprises a step-wise procedure for heating and evaporating water to be purified at different location and then condensing water thus evaporated. The water is heated in the form of a sheet by solar energy while in a pan at least part of the bottom of which is capable of absorbing the heat content of solar radiation, and in which it is covered by a layer of liquid which transmits solar radiation therethrough, is immiscible with water and which has a vapor pressure less than that of water. The liquid is usually an oil. Various mechanical devices are disclosed for optimizing utilization of solar radiation reaching the pan. Evaporation of heated water removed from the sheet of water to the evaporator is preferably effected under reduced pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a distillatory apparatus in which distilling chambers are disposed in array and the atmospheric pressures in the distilling chambers are selected to gradually lower in the order of them and maintained at such gradually decreased values. The distilling chambers are each supplied with an original liquid. The original liquid supplied to each distilling chamber flows on a partition wall between the distilling chamber and the adjacent one of higher atmospheric pressure. While flowing on the partition wall, the original liquid is heated to be evaporated and vapor makes contact with a partition wall on the side of the adjacent distilling chamber of lower atmospheric pressure and is cooled thereby to be condensed to a distilled liquid.

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

Abstract: A method for decreasing fouling of metalliferous surfaces of apparatus wherein water is evaporated from an aqueous system containing components which deposit onto the surfaces as hydrophilic foulants. The method comprises adding to the aqueous system a chelant-surfactant having a hydrophobic moiety and a chelating moiety through which the chelant-surfactant chelates with the metalliferous surfaces and provides a hydrophobic barrier to deposition of hydrophilic foulants.

Abstract: By the use of a degassing chamber within distillation apparatus dissolved volatile material is expelled and water of enhanced purity is produced. The chamber is designed such that the distillate is forced to flow along a shallow, horizontal path kept hot enough to boil it, before exiting from the distillation unit.

Abstract: A process of reclaiming drinking and industrial water from sea water, accing to which the sea water to be processed is subjected to a pretreatment, comprising filtering, acidifying and degassing said sea water. To the thus treated sea water there is then added in suspension finely divided barium sulphate to provide nuclei for the crystal growth of calcium sulphate on the barium sulphate. The thus obtained suspension is then in a continuous process heated and partly evaporated, during which process, temperatures of supersaturation, with respect to calcium sulphate are reached, the water which is evaporated being collected as condensate and distillate.

Abstract: A buoyant structure is provided including an upwardly opening solar furnace having a boiler disposed therein and an upper sun ray collecting and concentrating structure at its upper end for collecting and directing rays from the sun incident thereon onto heat transfer and absorbing surfaces of the boiler. The sun ray collecting and concentrating structure is supported above the normal water line of the buoyant structure and the latter supports an exteriorly mounted condenser unit below the water line of the buoyant structure. Air convection lines extend between the boiler and the condenser for the purpose of ducting hot moist air from the boiler into the condenser and cool drier air from the condenser back into the boiler.

Abstract: A multi-stage flash, direct contact condensation method and apparatus for purifying brine is disclosed which eliminates costly apparatus previously required while maintaining adequate volume to efficiently produce potable water by use of gravity fed sprays of condensate upon which previously flashed steam is allowed to condense.

Abstract: A method of preventing scale from being deposited in case of producing fresh water from sea water by heating the sea water in a vapour pressure type evaporator and multiple stage flush evaporator and by condensing water vapour evolved to obtain the fresh water comprising adding to the sea water small amount of seed crystal selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide together with a surface active agent selected from the group consisting of a nonionic active agent and cation surface active agent.