Abstract: A process for preparing solid sodium carbonate monohydrate from a solution of sodium carbonate is described.

Abstract: A deacidification apparatus and a deacidification process using the apparatus are disclosed. The deacidification apparatus includes a deacidification furnace, of which a furnace upper section, a furnace middle section and a furnace lower section are provided in upper, middle and lower portions respectively, wherein a gas-solid mixture inlet (1), a exhaust outlet (3) and a filtered air port (2) are provided on the furnace upper section, a product outlet (13) is provided on the furnace lower section, the upper portion of the deacidification is mounted with a filter (5) to which the gas-solid mixture inlet (1), the exhaust outlet (2) and the filtered air port (3) are connected, the filtered air port (2) is connected with a gas pulse device and a vacuum device by a three-way connecting device, and the exhaust outlet (3) is connected with atmosphere or connected with the vacuum device.

Abstract: Processes and systems for recovering bromine. A process may comprise contacting a gas stream comprising bromine with a liquid bromide stream comprising bromide anions to produce at least an off-gas stream that is substantially bromine free and a liquid stream comprising bromine anionic complexes; and heating at least a portion of the liquid stream to produce at least bromine from at least a portion of the bromine anionic complexes.

Abstract: A TSRU for recovering solvent from solvent diluted tailings includes a separation apparatus receiving the tailings and producing solvent and solvent recovered tailings. The separation apparatus includes a vessel, a tailings outlet, a solvent outlet, a tailings inlet for supplying a variable flow of the tailings to the vessel and a tailings recycle line connected to the tailings inlet for recycling part of the solvent recovered tailings into the variable flow of the diluted tailings to produce a flow rate controlled feed for introduction into the vessel. A tailings solvent recovery process includes separating the diluted tailings into recovered solvent and solvent recovered tailings, discharging the solvent recovered tailings, and recycling a portion of the solvent recovered tailings back into the variable flow of the diluted tailings. A method of controlling feed flow rate to a tailings solvent recovery vessel is also provided.

Abstract: Extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils, essence, and pigments from odorous raw materials (e.g., plant materials and Chinese medicinal herbs) by microwave radiation heating have advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas flowing out of the extraction cartridges. Because both volatile fragrant compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully by the top-down extraction fashion, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method are environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A material intended for personal protective equipment, such as a suit for escaping chemicals or a flash fire is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate. All of the at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is provided an evaporator/calciner in which hazardous materials, such as radioactive liquids, are converted into chemically stable, solid forms by evaporating, drying and calcination within a single vessel, that can then be sealed and used for long term storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a vapor to be injected into a flue gas stream are described. Apparatus comprises a fluid vaporization and injection assembly further comprising: a stripper for producing first ammonia vapor and a first aqueous ammonia solution from a second aqueous ammonia solution; a reflux tank for producing a second ammonia vapor and the second aqueous ammonia solution from the first ammonia vapor and the first aqueous ammonia solution; and a first outlet for outputting the second ammonia vapor for introduction into the flue gas.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for continuously and efficiently treating volume-reduced polystyrene resin in gel state, thereby removing solvent and recovering resin. A volume-reduced gel-state polystyrene resin is heated in the separation/recovery apparatus under ambient pressure or reduced pressure, for removal of solvent and recovery of resin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating fluids are disclosed. We have discovered that, surprisingly, providing an open pore structure between a wick and an open flow channel resulted in superior separation performance. A novel and compact integrated device components for conducting separations are also described.

Abstract: Pollution reduction processes may be incorporated with, or retrofit to fit with, existing combustion processes to assist with the reduction of pollutants produced in the combustion process. The thermal treatment of oil shale in the pollution reduction process produces kerogen, shale sorbent particles, or mixtures thereof, which may be reacted with a pollutant-containing gas or pollutant-containing gas having particulate matter entrained therein to reduce the pollutants in the gas. Apparatuses employing the processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A contactor/separator is formed from a vessel; an inlet for receiving a vapor/liquid mixture; an inlet for receiving a superheated vapor; a hub located within the vessel, the hub including a plurality of vanes for imparting a centrifugal motion to the vapor/liquid mixture or the superheated vapor; an outlet in a bottom of the vessel for removing liquid; and an outlet for removing vapor from the vessel. A method is also provided for heating and separating liquid and vapor from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising introducing a hydrocarbon feedstock into a contactor/separator: introducing a superheated vapor into the contactor/separator such that it contacts and vaporizes a portion of the feedstock within the contactor/separator; separating unvaporized feedstock from vaporized feedstock in the contactor/separator; removing the vaporized feedstock and the superheated vapor through a first outlet; and removing the unvaporized feedstock through a second outlet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a vapor to be injected into a flue gas stream are described. Apparatus comprises a fluid vaporization and injection assembly further comprising: a stripper for producing first ammonia vapor and a first aqueous ammonia solution from a second aqueous ammonia solution; a reflux tank for producing a second ammonia vapor and the second aqueous ammonia solution from the first ammonia vapor and the first aqueous ammonia solution; and a first outlet for outputting the second ammonia vapor for introduction into the flue gas.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a hermetic door 115b and a retort 115c as an interface for taking out a gaseous emission containing vaporized substances from an object to be treated which is being heated in a reduced pressure state in a second hermetic chamber 103 while maintaining conditions in the second hermetic chamber. When the retort 115c is inserted into a first opening 103b of the second hermetic chamber, the hermetic door 115b in an open state is shielded from the second hermetic chamber 103, whereby condensation of the gaseous emission at the hermetic door is prevented. Accordingly, condensates can be taken out while conditions such as temperature and pressure in the hermetic chamber are maintained without the treatment apparatus being stopped. The productivity of treatment is greatly improved by continuous operation of such a treatment apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a treatment method of efficiently separating an additive component from a resin component for the purpose of treating and recycling a thermoplastic resin composition containing an additive. The treatment method includes heating and agitating the thermoplastic resin composition containing the additive together with a solvent for dissolving at least part of the additive at a temperature ranging from the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin to the boiling point of the solvent inclusive, and separating and recovering the solvent in a liquid state in which at least part of the additive is dissolved, so that at least part of the additive is separated and removed from the thermoplastic resin composition.

Abstract: A device for separating fluid mixtures, in particular for separating water from oil, includes a vacuum container (10) with several sub-chambers (26, 44, 40). At least one liquid constituent of the fluid mixture can be transported from the vacuum container after separation, by a transport device (12). The other constituents can be extracted from the vacuum container (10) in the form of gas and/or steam, using a vacuum pump (20). One of the sub-chambers (26) of the vacuum container (10) houses a heating device (28, 30), which heats the fluid mixture. The fluid mixture is guided into an additional sub-chamber (40), and is separated into its constituents by traversing a packed bed. Even cold and consequently viscous fluid mixtures can be supplied, due to the heating device, for separation inside the aforementioned vacuum container.

Abstract: There is disclosed a burnable used oil fuel product by the process comprising: (a) obtaining a used oil sample having at least 1% (by weight) aqueous substances; (b) heating the used oil sample to a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 60° C.; and (c) extracting a volume of water from the heated used oil by adding super critical CO2.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining directly polymerisable vinyl chloride which consists in subjecting a cooled raw product derived from of pyrolysis of 1,2-dichloroethane, to another cooling process at a temperature not more than 40° C., under pressure ranging between 10 to 15 bars then in leaving it at substantially identical temperature and pressure levels for a duration not more than 20 minutes. The invention also concerns a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A closed loop apparatus (10) for extracting biomass includes an evaporator (42) and a condenser (43) directly connected to one another, without an intermediate compressor. An optional pump (14) moves liquid solvent between the evaporator (42) and compressor (43) and provides a hydrostatic head for the closed loop circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating water from oil includes creating a vacuum in a container so that oil which contains water and gas bubbles is drawn upward through a first section of the container. At the top of the first section, the oil impacts a baffle plate, thereby releasing water vapor. The oil then flows downward through an obstruction component in a second section of the container, thereby releasing additional water vapor.

Abstract: A continuous process for treating a liquid-containing organic waste material. Sufficient acid is added to the material to achieve a pH of 2 or less in the material. The material is subjected to a beating treatment sufficient to (a) reduce the viscosity of the material, and (b) by heat-generated by friction during the beating treatment and by heat generated by reaction of the acid with the material, raise the temperature of the material so that liquid in the material is vaporized to gases. Sufficient alkaline medium is added to the material such that the pH of the material is raised to at least 5.

Abstract: An apparatus for the molecular oxygen oxidation of a secondary alcohol such as isopropanol to hydrogen peroxide is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for separating volatile from nonvolatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from the other, and for performing various chemical reactions. In particular, an apparatus which performs these functions utilizing a combination of above ambient temperatures and above one inch of mercury vacuum within a rotating vessel. The apparatus uses a conventional rotary vacuum seal. The apparatus, however, operates well above the maximum operating temperature of the conventional rotary vacuum seal by isolating and cooling the conventional rotary vacuum seal.

Abstract: A method and gas sterilizing unit for gas sterilization of a product. The method and gas sterilizing unit obviates the need of a separate preconditioning area or cell, the need to transfer items being sterilized to a separate sterilizing chamber and the need to further transfer the sterilized items to a separate degassing cell or area or room.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for use in the separation of volatile from non-volatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from the other, and for performing various chemical reactions and, in particular, to an apparatus which performs these functions utilizing a combination of above ambient temperatures and above one inch of mercury vacuum within a rotating vessel fitted with or without an internal filter through which exiting gases and vapors must pass. Because of the compactness allowed by the present invention, the apparatus can also be configured to operate in a self contained mobile mode.

Abstract: An ultraclean evaporation system which includes a vessel formed of a fluoropolymer inert to hydrogen peroxide and having an impurity level less than the impurity level of samples to be analyzed therein, preferably perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). A radiant heater is spaced from the vessel for uniformly heating the contents of the vessel. A shield, manufactured of aluminum and coated with a fluoropolymer encases the vessel alone or in conjunction with the heater. An inert gas supply is coupled to the vessel with a coupler of fluoropolymer inert to hydrogen peroxide, preferably PFA. An output is provided from the vessel formed of a fluoropolymer inert to hydrogen peroxide, preferably PFA. An orifice is provided which is formed of a fluoropolymer inert to hydrogen peroxide, preferably PFA, for controlling the flow rate of the inert gas supply. The tubing has a length of at least about 3 meters. The vessel has a side wall and a bottom forming a corner and is disposed so that the corner is the lowest region of the vessel.

Abstract: A process for extracting extractable material from a base material in which it is present, while protecting against explosion of any solvent vapor in air includes heating by microwave radiation in a closed pressure-resistant and heat-resistant container, such base material, extractable material and organic extraction solvent, passing air near or into contact with the extraction container so that it will carry away from the container any escaping solvent vapor, and passing said air with the solvent vapor, if present, into contact with solvent detector which turns off a source of microwave radiation when the solvent vapor is present. Preferably the invented process will include passing the air, with any solvent vapor which may be present in it, to a flow detector, which will turn off the source of microwave radiation if flow ceases.

Abstract: An improved fiber reinforced glass composite includes refractory fiber in a matrix of a black glass ceramic having the empirical formula SiCxOy where x ranges from about 0.5 to about 2.0, preferably 0.9 to 1.6 and y ranges from about 0.5 to 3.0, preferably 0.7 to 1.8. Preferably the black glass ceramic is derived from cyclosiloxane monomers containing a vinyl group attached to silicon and/or a hydride-silicon group.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes a vessel at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, disinfecting solution receivable within the vessel, a device for irradiating the disinfecting solution within the vessel with microwave electromagnetic radiation, and shielding apparatus for defining a radiation shielded interior portion within the vessel receivable of contact lenses and disinfecting solution, and an unshielded interior portion within the vessel which is in fluid communication with the shielded portion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the separation of vaporous heavy metal compounds from a carrier gas wherein the heavy metal compounds are cooled and desublimed. An apparatus for carrying out this process has a melting furnace with a discharge opening for a gas/vapor mixture, which leads to a cooling device. Vaporous heavy metal compounds can be separated from a carrier gas on a large industrial scale. In addition, the apparatus for carrying out this process is easy to operate. The gas/vapor mixture is turbulently mixed immediately after the discharge from the furnace in a mixing section with cold air and is thus cooled. During this cooling, the vaporous heavy metal compounds desublime and are filtered as particles in a filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in analyzing materials for ash content includes a walled chamber which retains microwave radiation therein, a source of microwave radiation, such as a magnetron, for radiating onto contents of such chamber, and an ashing furnace in the chamber which includes a heat resistant wall of low thermal conductivity, which is transmissive of microwave radiation, and a microwave absorptive material which is capable of being heated by microwave radiation to an ashing temperature. The furnace includes a passageway through it for the entry into the furnace cavity of a gas, such as air, and for venting gas, such as combustion products, from the furnace cavity, and preferably also includes a removable trapezoidally shaped door in a front wall thereof, which, when the chamber door is open, is readily removable from the furnace by hand, without burning the operator's fingers, despite the high internal temperature in the furnace cavity.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to reclaim solid polystyrene-type polymer material in solid form comprising a dissolving section to dissolve the solid polystyrene-type polymer material in a solvent including a dissolving tank to receive solvent from a solvent reservoir and the polystyrene-type polymer material from an external source to form a solution thereof and a recovery section including a recovery tank to receive the solution from the dissolving section, a separator unit to separate the dissolved polystyrene-type polymer material in solid form from the solvent, a solid material processing unit to remove the reclaimed polystyrene-type polymer material from the separator unit and a fluid separator/recovery unit to remove moisture from the separator unit and separate and recover the solvent from the water.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus in which solid gelatin chunks are liquefied, tempered, and debubbled in a single operation. The debubbling step is accomplished by evacuating and sealing off the loaded solid reservoir and heat exchanger before initiating the liquefying step. After the vacuum is applied, the gelled chunks are pressed into the heat exchanger, where heat is applied to the gelled chunks of photographic material. This liquefies the gelled chunks of photographic material. When the liquefied product gives a positive pressure at the heat exchanger outlet, the liquefied product is allowed to flow from the heat exchanger. Liquefying and tempering are performed as the solid chunks are pushed through the heat exchanger by the reservoir piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a mixture containing a regulated, low concentration of a target component within a carrier fluid. In accordance with the present invention, the carrier fluid is passed through the bed including a compound having two phases with one of the two phases containing the target component. A vapor phase of the target component exists within the bed in equilibrium with the target component contained within at least one of the two phases. The vapor phase has a partial pressure dependent upon bed temperature. The carrier fluid is then passed through the bed so that it contains the target component upon leaving the bed at essentially the partial pressure of the vapor phase. The target component concentration is dependent upon a quotient of the partial pressure of the vapor phase and carrier fluid total pressure. Regulation of the bed temperature and carrier fluid total pressure will in turn regulate the concentration of the target component within the carrier fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for composting biological waste material, comprising a screen for separating the waste material into solids and liquids, a sludge outlet for adding sludge to the solids to form a mixture therewith and a compacting section for compacting the mixture. Further sludge is mixed with the compacted mixture to form a further mixture therewith, which is composted in a composter. The liquid separated from the biological waste is screened to remove fine solids and the fine solids are added to the first-mentioned mixture prior to the compacting thereof, the liquid being added to the further mixture in the composting section.

Abstract: Medical waste material is sealed in a nonflammable and long infrared radiation pervious film bag. The bag is subjected to long infrared radiation by an apparatus for a sufficient period of time at sterilizing temperature levels. Any smoke and odor generated during sterilization is treated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing an influent liquid including at least a solvent and non-volatile impurities by combining the liquid with a vapor to produce a precipitated sludge is disclosed. The influent liquid is introduced into a wet well. A saturated, water containing reflux and a precipitated sludge are transferred to the well from a reactor. The saturated, water containing reflux precipitated sludge and influent liquid are mixed to form a mixture of saturated, water containing reflux and precipitated sludge. The saturated, water containing reflux is then transferred to the reactor and contacted with a vapor to form the precipitated sludge. The vapor is then discharged from the reactor, and the precipitated sludge is discharged from the wet well.

Abstract: A process for separating off poisonous volatile chemical compounds from a mixture (7) of solid particles having a particle size of up to 200 .mu.m, the mixture being brought continuously or intermittently at an average rate of 5.degree. to 200.degree. C./min in zones of progressively increasing temperature up to 1350.degree. C. and the poisonous chemical compounds being evaporated and forced to leave the reaction space (6). The poisonous compounds are subsequently condensed and discharged. The non-evaporated residue is gradually melted, and the melt (8) is continuously or intermittently discharged from the reaction space (6) and solidified. The particles carried over into the gas phase are preferably retained by a hot gas filter, liquefied and passed into the melt.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterilizing articles such as dental handpieces include introducing the article and liquid sterilant solution into a collapsible pouch formed of vapor-impermeable sheet material, sealing the collapsible pouch to form a gas-tight assembly, and heating the gas-tight assembly to vaporize the liquid sterilant solution to produce an atmosphere of hot sterilant vapor. The liquid sterilant is introduced into the pouch in a quantity sufficient to create an overpressure when vaporized which is indicated by the collapsible pouch expanding to a distended condition. In one embodiment, the liquid sterilant solution is vaporized by irradiating the gas-tight assembly with microwave radiation in which case the article is sterilized under the combined effects of chemical vapor and microwave irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an installation for the treatment of tritium-contaminated, solid organic waste. The waste is contacted with the steam in enclosure (1) for extracting the tritium in the steam and the steam is then condensed at (11 and 13) to recover the tritium from the waste in the form of tritiated water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the recovery and/or recycling of dimethylether (DME) during a methanol-to-chemical (MTC) conversion reaction. The hydrocarbon output is divided into liquid, vaporous and aqueous products. The liquid hydrocarbon products are reboiled to liberate dissolved DME and then provided as a liquid hydrocarbon product output. Vapor products resulting from the reboiling are combined with the vapor hydrocarbon stream and DME is removed therefrom in a DME absorber. The resultant vaporous hydrocarbons are passed out of the system as a product and the DME absorber materials recycled. In one embodiment, the DME absorber materials are methanol and water and these are combined with the aqueous liquid stream, stripped to reduce the water content, and resubmitted to the MTC reaction section for conversion.

Abstract: An improved rendering process and system including the use of both a slurry evaporator and cooker. Renderable material is ground and mixed with oil to form a slurry which is then cooked under vacuum in an evaporator to remove some moisture. The resulting partially dewatered slurry is partially deoiled, and the solids residue resulting from deoiling is cooked in a cooker to remove additional moisture. The hot vapors generated by cooking the material in the cooker are used in the steam jacket of the evaporator. Preferably the dewatered solids residue from the cooker is further deoiled.