Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Desalination apparatus based on porous restraint panels fabricated from a number of different layers of metal, thermoplastic, or other substances are used as sophisticated heat exchangers to control the growth of gas hydrate. The gas hydrate is produced after infusion of liquid hydrate-forming material into water to be treated, which liquid hydrate-forming material can also be used to carry out all the refrigeration necessary to cool seawater to near the point of hydrate formation and to cool the porous restraint panels. Hydrate forms on and dissociates through the porous restraints. The composite restraint panels can also be used in gaseous atmospheres where, for instance, it is desired to remove dissolved water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mineral recovery system that processes concentrated brine leftover from a desalination system, wherein the brine is introduced into a crystallization chamber in the form of a spray, and wherein by mixing it with super chilled air from the desalination system, the droplets will flash freeze and form a super chilled slurry mixture, wherein an agitator for mixing the super chilled slurry is provided at or near the bottom of the crystallization chamber. Multiple stilling chambers are preferably provided for further separating the water from the concentrated brine, to produce a heavily concentrated sludge containing mineral solids that can be removed from the brine and recovered for commercial purposes.

Abstract: A cooling tower for evaporating water from a brine solution is provided and may include an air inlet, a brine inlet for receiving the brine solution, and a heat-exchange assembly receiving the brine solution from the brine inlet and receiving air from the air inlet. The heat-exchange assembly transfers moisture from the brine solution to the air received from the air inlet to reduce the moisture content of the brine solution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for recovering a crystalline material from an aqueous solution, which solution also contains organic contaminants, in which process the material is crystallised from the aqueous solution by freeze crystallising at a eutectic freezing point of the solution.

Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are disclosed for separating and purifying aqueous solutions such as seawater by causing a substantially impermeable mat of gas hydrate to form on a porous restraint. Once the mat of gas hydrate has formed on the porous restraint, the portion of the mat of gas hydrate adjacent to the restraint is caused to dissociate and flow through the restraint, e.g., by lowering the pressure in a collection region on the opposite side of the restraint. The purified or desalinated water may then be recovered from the collection region. The process may be used for marine desalination as well as for drying wet gas and hydrocarbon solutions. If conditions in the solution are not conductive to forming hydrate, a heated or refrigerated porous restraint may be used to create hydrate-forming conditions near the restraint, thereby causing gas hydrates to form directly on the surface of the restraint.

Abstract: In a method of controlling progressive freeze-concentration by circulating a cooling medium through a cooling-medium flow route while circulating a target liquid for freeze-concentration through a target-liquid flow route so as to gradually form ice crystals on wall surfaces of the target-liquid flow route, a volume expansion detecting device is used to detect volume expansion of the target liquid and thickness of the ice crystals in the target-liquid flow route is obtained from the volume expansion detected by this volume expansion detecting device.

Abstract: Water to be desalinated or otherwise purified is enriched by having hydrate-forming substance dissolved into it, without causing hydrate to form. Hydrate kernels are brought into contact with the enriched water to be treated, and the hydrate kernels grow outwardly into the water to be treated by incorporating dissolved molecules of the hydrate-forming substance and water from the water to be treated. Thus, substantially solid, generally spherical hydrate masses, which are preferred for hydrate-based desalination or purification, can be formed. Hydrate-forming substances can be dissolved into the water to be treated under conditions not conducive to formation of hydrate, such that hydrate does not form, using vigorous means. Hydrate-forming substance is also preferably dissolved into the water to be treated under conditions suitable for hydrate to form, but without causing hydrate to form, e.g., by being infused into the water to be treated using infusion membranes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Saline (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas or liquid to form either positively buoyant (also assisted buoyancy) or negatively buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises or sinks or is carried into a lower pressure area and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths, and input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: A slush hydrogen production device (10) utilizes a hydrogen slushifier magnetic refrigerator (30) having a wheel (50) of material exhibiting the magnetocaloric effect. The wheel is rotated through a magnetic field of varying intensity around the circumference of a wheel housing (36) created by the windings of superconductive magnets (56). The material of the wheel (50) follows a magnetic Carnot cycle as the wheel rotates (36) through regions of low temperature heat transfer and high temperature heat transfer. Liquid hydrogen is supplied to the regions of low and high temperature heat transfer through inlet pipes (39 and 42). Gaseous hydrogen is produced in the high temperature heat transfer region and vented away by an outlet pipe (48). Solid hydrogen is produced in the low temperature heat transfer region by direct solidification upon the magnetic wheel (50); and is removed by scrapers (76) and deposited in a compartment (26) where it mixes with liquid hydrogen to form slush hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Salt (or otherwise polluted) water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas to form either positively buoyant or negatively buoyant (assisted buoyancy) hydrate. The hydrate rises or is carried upward and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths. In preferred embodiments, the input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: A device for crystallization of a component from a liquid mixture comprising a chamber, a first conduit connected to said chamber for supplying said mixture, a second conduit connected to and in connection with said chamber for introducing cold gas, a third conduit for withdrawing warmed gas from said crystallizer, a turbo-expander for cooling gas withdrawn from said chamber, and a fourth conduit Icading from the turbo-expander to said chamber. The device has particular application for the crystallization of paraxylene.

Abstract: Investigations on the formation and growth behavior of ice crystallization in aqueous solutions reveal an important phenomenon—ice crystal transformation. It leads to very rapid growth of ice crystals and result in grain-shaped and agglomerated large crystals without inside entrainment of solute. This provides a practical basis for a new technology of freeze concentration. The efficient physical process for freeze concentration of aqueous solutions comprises, mainly, refrigerating solutions to a supercooled status without ice nucleation, or without ice formation on the heat transfer surface, instantaneously nucleating the supercooled solution to generate fine ice crystals and make the solution concentrated, producing large, grain/sphere-shaped ice crystals at high rate by growth, transformation and agglomeration of ice crystals under environment of well-controlled endo/exothermal balances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crystallization apparatus and to a method for crystallizing a liquid from a solution, a mixture of liquids or a suspension. The apparatus comprises a growth zone in a vertically positioned tank, which growth zone is positioned below a nucleation zone. Via a delivery line the seed crystals are fed from the nucleation zone to the bottom end of the growth zone. In the growth zone the ice slurry slowly moves in a vertical direction at such a low velocity that heavier particles are able to precipitate and to be discharged at the bottom end. Preferentially, the nucleation zone comprises a vacuum apparatus for effecting a reduction in pressure in the nucleation zone to between 10−4 and 7·10−3 bar. Using the apparatus according to the present invention it is possible for waste water and effluent to be concentrated in a simple manner, clogging of, for example, filters owing to the settling of solid particles being prevented.

Abstract: In the process according to the invention for fractionating substances, particularly paraffins, oils, fats and waxes, which, when crystallized, have poor adhesion to the substantially vertical crystallization surfaces (39) of a crystallizer, screen-like supporting structures, e.g. perforated metal sheets (31) bent in a zig-zag, are disposed between the crystallization surfaces (39) of a crystallizer. The crystals (51) becoming detached from the crystallization surfaces (39) during the sweating phase are left suspended in horizontal strips in the triangular zones (41) on the perforated sheet (31) and remain in thermal contact with the crystallization surface (39) and sweat out the liquid phase (55). The mother liquor (55) drips off, in some cases also between the crystals (51) and the crystallization surface (39), with the result that drip channels are melted by the heated mother liquor and thus opened.

Abstract: A ship with snow making capabilities utilizing seawater including a ship capable of floating in sea water. The ship has bridge controls to control all functions of the ship. The bridge controls are in communication with substation controls, navigation controls, and propulsion controls. The bridge controls further includes snow making and water harvesting controls. The ship has a sea water intake. The ship has an air intake. The air intake is in communication with an air compressor disposed within the ship. The air compressor has controls associated therewith. A snow making machine is positioned within the ship. The snow making machine is in communication with the sea water intake for receiving sea water therefrom. The snow making machine converts the sea water to snow for being stored in holds on the ship. A brine bilge system accumulates brine drained from the snow. The brine bilge system includes a sump and controls for monitoring the brine in the holds and pumping the brine out of the holds.

Abstract: In a process for crystallizing material to be isolated, fluid is vaporized from a melt or a solution comprising the material to be isolated and the fluid and the vaporized fluid is condensed or absorbed in a liquid material to form a liquid mixture, wherein the fluid components to be condensed/absorbed have partial pressures over the liquid mixture which are smaller than the partial pressures of these components over the crystallizing solution/melt and the freezing point of the liquid mixture is lower than the condensation/absorption temperature in the liquid mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter for removing liquid from an ice slurry. The filter includes a horizontal filter plate. The ice slurry is passed over the top of the filter plate. The filter includes a first stage where the liquid is removed from the ice slurry, thereby consolidating the ice particles into an ice bed. The liquid is removed by drawing the liquid out of the ice slurry through a set of slots in the filter plate by using a low suction pump. A second stage of the filter draws the remaining liquid entrained in the ice bed through another set of slots using a vacuum pump, which has a higher suction than the low suction pump used in the first stage. A clean water rinse may be sprayed on the ice bed in the second stage to improve the removal of liquid from the ice bed. The filter plate at the second stage may be heated to produce a rinse through the bottom of the ice bed.

Abstract: A process for the production of a concentrated aroma solution from an aqueous solution containing water-soluble aroma components; for example coffee, tea or fruit aroma components. Soluble solids are added to the aqueous solution to provide a fortified solution. Then the fortified solution is chilled to provide ice and a concentrated aqueous liquid. The concentrated aqueous liquid has a concentration of soluble solids above about 9% by weight and contains water-soluble aroma components. At least a portion of the concentrated aqueous liquid is collected as the concentrated aroma solution. Little or no aroma components and soluble solids are lost in the ice and little or no deterioration of the aroma components occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a flow of pressurized liquid includes a hydraulic cylinder, a divider within the cylinder interior, and piston heads positioned in the cylinder interior on opposite sides of the divider. A double ended ram member is movably mounted in the divider and connected to the piston heads. Liquid flow paths extend between subcompartments on opposite sides of the piston heads. A source of pressurized liquid delivers liquid under relatively low pressure to reciprocally move the piston heads and ram member causing intensification of pressure of liquid displaced from the cylinder. Excess pressurized liquid passes through a filter to separate the liquid into permeate and concentrate portions.

Abstract: A Vapor Pressure Enhancement Direct Water Chiller, designated as a VPE chiller, a Vapor Pressure Enhancement Direct Water Heater, designated as a VPE heater, and a dual purpose integrated Vapor Pressure Enhancement Direct Water Chiller/Heater, designated as a VPE chiller/heater are introduced. A VPE-chiller comprises multiple pressure processing zones and is based on absorption vapor pressure enhancement operation. It comprises multitude of processing zones, Z-1, Z-2, . . . , Z-N that are operated under pressure P.sub.1, P.sub.2, . . . , P.sub.N. Each pressure zone (Z-n) contains a water evaporation zone (Z-En), a vapor pressure enhancement zone (Z-VPEn) and a second vapor condensing zone (Z-Xn). There are a set of rotating discs to provide water evaporation surfaces in the evaporation zone; there are flat heat conductive tubes for forming falling films of absorbing solution and falling films of water in the vapor pressure enhancement zone; there are condenser tubes in the condensation zone.

Abstract: A Vapor Pressure Enhancement Air Cooler, designated as a VPE air cooler, a Vapor Pressure Enhancement Air Heater, designated as a VPE air heater, and a dual purpose integrated Vapor Pressure Enhancement Air Cooler/Heater, designated as a VPE air cooler/heater are introduced. A VPE air cooler comprises multiple pressure processing zones and is based on absorption vapor pressure enhancement operation. It comprises multitude of processing zones, Z-1, Z-2, . . . , Z-N that are operated under pressure P.sub.1, P.sub.2, . . . , P.sub.N. Each pressure zone (Z-n) contains a water evaporation air cooling zone (Z-En), a vapor pressure enhancement zone (Z-VPEn) and a second vapor condensing zone (Z-Xn).

Abstract: A Directional Freeze Crystallization system employs an indirect contact heat exchanger to freeze a fraction of liquid to be purified. The unfrozen fraction is drained away and the purified frozen fraction is melted. The heat exchanger must be designed in accordance with a Growth Habit Index to achieve efficient separation of contaminants. If gases are dissolved in the liquid, the system must be pressurized.

Abstract: A clathrate freeze desalination system and method in which a clathrate forming agent is injected through a submerged pipeline to a predetermined ocean depth at which the surrounding ocean temperature is less than the clathrate forming temperature. The agent combines with the salt water to form a slurry of clathrate ice crystals and brine. The pipeline is concentric and coaxial with a surrounding outer pipeline in which the slurry is formed. The slurry is pumped back to the surface through the outer pipeline and the ice crystals are washed to remove brine. The washed crystals are then melted, and the resultant water is separated from the clathrate forming agent, which may be discarded or recycled for re-injection through the inner pipeline. The melting of the clathrate ice as well as the cold water and air circulating in the desalination plant can be utilized as a source of air conditioning for local buildings and facilities.

Abstract: Crystallization method and crystallization apparatus each use vertical plates for crystallization thereon. Both surfaces of the plate are used for different two liquids to flow down as films. Specifically, on one vertical surface, a feed liquid mixture containing crystallizable components therein flows down as a film, and on an opposite vertical surface, a cooling medium flows down as a film. Accordingly, the crystallizable component contained in the feed liquid mixture is cooled and crystallized to form crystal layers on the one vertical surface of the plate. The formed crystal layers are melted by a heating medium which flows down on the opposite vertical surface, and are collected as a melt. A pair of the plates may be used to form a unit to purify the liquid mixture on a large scale. A number of the units may be used to form a block which is suitable for a larger-scale crystallization processing.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed in which soluble solids, including soluble animal proteins, dissolved in a solution are separated from the solution by passing the solution through a cooling system in which the solution is cooled to a precipitation temperature at which the soluble solids become precipitatable and then passing the cooled solution into a clarifying system in which the precipitatable soluble solids are separated from the solution thereby creating a separated solids stream and a clarified water stream. Initial cooling of the solution is accomplished by heat exchange between the solution and the separated solids stream and between the solution and the clarified water stream.

Abstract: A general system for heat upgrading by absorption and a system for conducting multiple pressure zone evaporation-absorption operations are introduced. The system comprises an enclosure, two sets of vertical heat conductive walls, designated as A-walls and B-walls, each wall having a first surface and a second surface that are respectively designated as A-1 and A-2 surfaces and B-1 and B-2 surfaces, and four processing zones, respectively designated as A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 zones. Zone A-1 and Zone A-2 are inside of the enclosure and are respectively in contact with A-1 and B-1 surfaces; Zone A-3 and Zone A-4 are outside of the enclosure and are respectively in contact with A-2 and B-2 surfaces. In operation, heat is taken from a first mass of fluid in Zone A-3 to vaporize water from a falling water film in Zone A-1 to form a first water vapor. The first vapor is absorbed into a falling film of an absorbing solution in Zone A-2 and releases heat of absorption to a second mass of fluid in Zone A-4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for heat exchange between a refrigerant in the course of vaporization and a fluid to be cooled in the course of freezing. According to the invention, the device comprises a conduit for the fluid to be cooled, a shell making, around the conduit, a chamber for the passage of the refrigerant, and a mechanical means for separating, from the wall of the conduit, any solid phase of the fluid to be cooled, consisting of a rotor provided with radial and flexible filaments. The invention applies in particular to the production of homogeneous mixtures of water and ice.

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for purifying contaminated raw water into potable water by freezing. The system of the invention includes an ice grid having heat exchange surfaces that define cavities for producing ice solids having a surface to volume ratio no greater than 25 to 1, a refrigeration unit for indirectly cooling the heat exchange surfaces to at least the freezing point of the raw water, and an array of spray nozzles that continuously flows raw water over the cavities of the ice grid such that ice solids form from substantially pure water incrementally built up from the heat exchange surfaces of the grid to ultimately fill the grid cavities. The raw water is frozen slowly enough so that unfrozen contaminants expelled from the incrementally freezing ice are continuously washed away from the surface of the growing ice by a continuously raw water flow.

Abstract: A freeze crystallization concentration system is disclosed for separating a liquid feed stream into a more purified liquid and a concentrate in which only a single pass through a freeze-crystallizer and ice separator is required. The crystallizer, which converts the initial feed stream into a slurry of ice and concentrate, includes a scraped surface heat exchanger that produces, pumps and removes an ice slurry and uses a secondary cooling system to ensure that the crystallizer will operate in any required position and is not sensitive to motion. The separator includes a rotating drum which separates the ice crystals from the surrounding concentrate by the use of centrifugal force and without the use of screens or filters. An auger, rotating at a different speed than the drum, may be located at the center of the drum for removing the ice crystals.

Abstract: The processes and apparatuses of the present invention are to be used in separating a mass of purified volatile solvent from a dilute solution of the solvent. They are used in purification of chemicals, water pollution prevention and water purification. The process comprises: (a) an in-situ formation of a smooth layer of solvent solid on a freezing surface while agitating the solid-liquid interface, (b) vaporization of an auxiliary medium to generate a first vapor, (c) in-situ washing of the surface of the smooth solvent solid and (d) in-situ melting of purified solvent solid by condensing a mass of super-triple point solvent vapor. Several types of auxiliary mediums to be used, methods of transforming the first vapor into a mass of liquid and methods of upgrading heat and regenerating the auxiliary mediums have been introduced.

Abstract: An installation for continuous production of liquid ice from a solution, including a circulation tank, a pump, a refrigeration circuit for cooling solution passing through at least one tubular element, causing the formation therein of ice crystal nuclei and small pure ice crystals, a liquid separator-regenerative heat exchanger, a crystal growth vessel into which the cooled solution containing ice crystal nuclei and small ice crystals is discharged, and an ice separator fed from the ice crystal growth vessel, in which pure ice crystals are separated from concentrated solution which is returned to the circulation tank, the pure ice crystals being continuously discharged from the ice separator. A method for continuous production of liquid ice is also described.

Abstract: The method stores heat in ice by freezing water through its direct contact with a hardly-water-soluble refrigerant; i.e., water is mixed with the refrigerant at a high pressure to produce a liquid mixture while preventing evaporation of the refrigerant, and the liquid mixture is jetted from a nozzle into a space at a lower pressure, whereby the refrigerant evaporates at the lower pressure and the water in the liquid mixture is frozen into sherbet-like ice and dispersed over a wider area than in the case of non-sherbert-like ice. A device based on the method uses a heat-insulating water tank whose top space above water level therein is kept at a pressure P2 lower than saturation pressure P0 (P2<P0) of the refrigerant for water freezing point 0.degree.C. A mixer mixes the refrigerant of liquid phase and water at a pressure P1 which is higher than the saturation pressure P0 of the refrigerant for water freezing point 0.degree.C.

Abstract: An Immediate Heat Upgrading Absorption Air Conditioning System (IHUA System) uses Immediate Heat Upgrading Absorption Air Handlers (IHUA air handlers). In this system, an absorption solution consisting of a common salt and water is circulated through the IHUA air handlers to upgrade heat taken from a first air mass or water and release the upgraded heat to a second air mass immediately. Production of chilled water is avoided. An IHUA air handler has one or more Modular Evaporation-Absorption Panels (E-A panels) with two sets of heat transfer fin assemblies. An E-A panel has two closely spaced heat conductive walls enclosing a film evaporative zone and a film absorption zone that respectively exchange heat with air to be cooled and air to be heated through the two sets of fin assemblies. An IHUA system can also provide cool thermal storage by storing water and absorbing solutions. IHUA systems can be used in air conditioning buildings and moving vehicles. A Modular Regeneration-Condensation Panel (R-C panel).

Abstract: A method of freezing and separation for concentrating solutions, such as waste waters of the process industry, by means of waste heat of the same process, by freezing the solution in a crystallizer operating at the triple point, by transferring the ice crystals produced thereby into a melter, by absorbing the cold vapor generated in the crystallizer into an absorber of a first absorption heat pump, said absorber being cooled by cooling water, by evaporating a corresponding amount of vapor in a generator of the absorption heat pump, said generator being heated by the waste heat of the process and, by melting the ice crystals by this vapor.

Abstract: A process and installation for producing cooled air and water or energy and water from hot damp air. In the former embodiment, the hot damp air is first compressed. Then, the compressed air is at least partially dehumidified and cooled. The dehumidified, cooled, compressed air is thereafter expanded. In the latter embodiment, the hot damp air is first expanded. The expanded air is thereafter compressed. In addition to the above, the invention also has utility in desalinating salt water.

Abstract: An aqueous ice slurry is fed by a conduit from a freeze exchanger directly to one or more heat exchangers for cooling or air conditioning one of more enclosed or defined spaces. Warm water withdrawn from the heat exchangers is returned, with or without prior cooling, to the freeze exchanger to be converted into aqueous ice slurry. Warm water from the heat exchangers may be fed to a central thermal energy storage tank containing a bed of ice to cool the water and the cold water is fed to the freeze exchanger to form aqueous ice slurry. When heat exchangers have coils too small for an aqueous ice slurry to flow through the slurry is mixed with warm water from the heat exchangers to melt the ice and produce cold water which can be passed through the heat exchangers.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously removing from the mother liquor the crystals contained in a suspension of crystals in the mother liquor and for washing the crystals with a washing liquid, comprising a closed cylindrical chamber, feed devices for the suspension of crystals, discharge devices for removing the disintegrated crystal bed, feed devices for washing liquid, filter devices in the form of a flat ring for extracting mother liquor from the suspension supplied, while retaining crystals, transport devices in the form of rotating blades which are fitted in the cylindrical chamber above the filter devices and stator blades above the rotating blades being able to move backwards and forwards over a certain stroke in the axial direction between the filter devices and the stator blades fitted at a distance above the filter devices.

Abstract: A Multiple Phase Transformation Absorption Melting Process (MPTAM Process) comprises a step of subjecting a feed solution to a simultaneous vaporization and freezing operation, denoted as multiple phase transformation operation, to thereby form a first vapor, V.sub.13, and a solid-liquid mixture, K.sub.16, and is characterized in absorbing the first vapor into an absorbing solution of a moderate concentration to thereby elevate the absorbing temperature so that the heat released can be used to melt a mass of solvent solid. For the heat coupling to work, the absorbing solution is formulated by using a properly selected solute and is within a proper concentration range such that, while the absorbing pressure is near or slightly lower than the pressure of the freezing operation, the absorbing temperature is somewhat higher than the melting temperature of the solvent solid.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for the continuous freeze concentration of liquids. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger for freezing the liquid to form a slurry of ice crystals and concentrated liquid. Communicating with the heat exchanger via a line or pipe is at least one, and preferably two, separating and rinsing columns, connected in parallel, to which the slurry is pumped for separating the concentrated liquid from the ice and subsequently rinsing the ice to remove any residual liquid therefrom. First and second receptacles are provided for collecting the concentrated liquid and the ice from the columns, respectively.

Abstract: In a process of the present invention, a first water vapor at a is absorbed into a solution containing water and a non-volatile solute such as lithium bromide at substantially the same pressure but at a temperature that is higher than the pure water saturation temperature corresponding to the absorption pressure. The heat released in absorption is transmitted to a mass of pure water to generate a second water vapor at a second pressure that is substantially higher than that of the first vapor, therby diluting the absorbing solution. The absorption of first vapor, generation of second vapor and dilution of the absorbing solution are collectively referred to as a vapor pressure enhancement operation activated by dilution of the absorbing solution. The methods and apparatuses of the present invention may also be used in enhancing vapor pressure of a non-aqueous solvent. In one varation, the vapor pressure enhancement is accomplished across a vertical heat transfer wall provided with two falling liquid films.

Abstract: The present invention consists of processes and apparatuses for conducting thermal storage as well as thermal storage in combination with treatment of dilute waste water streams. In all cases, the ice or crystals are made at reduced pressure and do not leave the location where they are formed for washing or melting, but are fixed in one location, thus avoiding the difficulties associated with movement of solids. For cool storage, ice is made at off-peak power consumption hours and melted during on peak power consumption hours. Melting is accomplished at reduced pressure by flashing warm water into a zone which has vapor communication with the ice. The vapor formed condenses onto the ice to melt the ice. The warm water is chilled by the flashing operation and is sent to fulfill either a process or building cooling requirement.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from an aqueous waste stream comprising feeding a contaminated aqueous liquid to the lower internal space of a feed tank and cooling the liquid in the tank to a temperature which results in precipitation of at least part of the contaminants; withdrawing the precipitated contaminants from the feed tank lower internal space; withdrawing aqueous liquid from the feed tank upper internal space and delivering it to a freezer; cooling the aqueous liquid in the freezer to convert at least part of the liquid to ice to produce an aqueous ice slurry; feeding aqueous ice slurry from the freezer to an aqueous ice slurry receiver; withdrawing aqueous ice slurry from the aqueous ice slurry receiver and recycling some of it to the freezer and some of it to the lower internal space of the feed tank; withdrawing aqueous ice slurry from the aqueous ice slurry receiver and delivering it to a central space of a separator-precipitate vessel; withdrawing aqueous ice slurry from the central space of

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing an ice slurry of a aqueous liquid is disclosed. A storage tank contains an ice slurry which is in the form of a layer of ice (i.e., an ice cap) floating on liquid. Liquid is pumped out from the lower part of the storage tank and fed to the top of the storage tank. The liquid which is fed to the top of the ice storage tank is returned to the lower part of the tank substantially without contacting the layer of ice contained therein via a vertically oriented tube. By pumping the liquid out of the lower part of the storage tank and recirculating it, pressure build-up due to the ice cap is controlled. In one embodiment, the liquid to be stored is a fruit juice such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, grape juice, apple juice, or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting liquid fats into solid particles for blending with dry feed ingredients comprises spraying atomized liquid fat into the upper portion of the mixing chamber while directing a plurality of fine jets of liquid nitrogen against the liquid fat spray so as to produce solid fat particles which fall into the dry ingredients at the bottom of the mixing chamber. A homogeneous mix free of fat lumps is thereby readily obtained, even at the higher percentages of fat required for some animal feed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a warm feed stream of aqueous liquid to close to but above the freezing point of the aqueous liquid and delivering it to a mixing tank; withdrawing an aqueous ice slurry from an ice slurry receiver-crystallizer and delivering it to the mixing tank to further cool the contents and produce temperature control of the mixing tank contents; withdrawing an aqueous slurry from the mixing tank and delivering it to a slurry thickener tank for precipitate separation thereof; removing the precipitate from the slurry thickener tank and disposing of it; withdrawing aqueous liquid from the thickener tank and delivering it to the ice slurry receiver-crystallizer; and withdrawing an aqueous ice slurry from the ice slurry receiver-crystallizer, feeding it through a freeze exchanger to produce additional aqueous ice slurry and withdrawing the aqueous ice slurry from the freeze exchanger and feeding it to the ice slurry receiver-crystallizer.

Abstract: An improved refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant vapor is compressed, condensed and then evaporated for cooling purposes by direct contact with a liquid to be cooled, the improvement comprising feeding a refrigerant vapor to an aqueous liquid sealed compressor; feeding compressor sealing aqueous liquid to the compressor; compressing the refrigerant vapor in the compressor and removing a mixture of compressed refrigerant vapor and aqueous liquid from the compressor; separating aqueous liquid from the refrigerant vapor and returning the aqueous liquid to the compressor; condensing the refrigerant vapor to a liquid, directly contacting the liquefied refrigerant with a liquid to be cooled; and, returning the refrigerant vapor to the compressor.

Abstract: An ice storage and distribution unit includes an ice storage and separation vessel for storing a slurry of ice and solution and separating the ice from the solution. An inlet slurry of ice and solution is introduced into the ice storage and separation vessel through an ice slurry inlet. The slurry separates into a bed of ice and a liquid bath of solution in the vessel. An agitator is disposed within the vessel for agitating the bed of ice to obtain substantially free-flowing ice. Ice is then discharged from the vessel through an ice outlet.