Abstract: Process is provided for the creation of crystal aggregates in one part of a tank by heat transfer from a fluid disposed in another part of the tank and maintained by heating or by cooling at a different temperature than the part containing the crystal aggregates. Both of these parts are separated from each other by a flexible membrane which is pulsated by dynamic local pressure differentials caused by foaming or by fluidizing the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A method for purifying silicon comprises the steps of providing a body of molten silicon-rich material and extracting heat therefrom to provide a solid phase containing silicon in crystal form and to concentrate impurities in a molten phase. After a desired amount of heat has been extracted, a substantial part of the molten phase is separated from the solid phase. A fraction or portion of the solid phase is remelted for purposes of removing solvent metal, including impurities, from the crystals, and at least one fraction of the remelted material is separated from the crystals.

Abstract: A crystallizer which comprises a vertically mounted elongated container that contains at least one bundle of spaced cooling pipes extending longitudinally of the container and a wing attached to a shaft extending longitudinally of the container, the shaft being rotated so as to oscillate about its axis and thus force crystallizable liquid forwards and backwards through the spaces between the cooling pipes to cool the liquid and thus cause a crystallization thereof.

Abstract: A cooler for mixtures of crystals and crystallizing liquid in the production of sugar and related products comprises a bundle of vertical pipes for the passage of such a mixture from a bottom chamber to a top chamber. The vertical pipes are surrounded by a cooling medium, and in the interior of the pipes plungers are provided which have a somewhat smaller diameter than the inner wall of the pipes so as to form a slot-like passage along the inner wall of each pipe. The plungers are moved up and down through the pipes. The cooler is especially adapted for promoting crystallization by a rapid drop of temperature.

Abstract: Crystallizable liquid solutions (i.e. solutions with crystallizable solvents) are concentrated by passing them between two cooled surfaces in a direction transverse to the action of gravity, the crystals being removed from the liquid substantially continuously over the entire length of the path. The surfaces are vibrated to prevent accumulation of crystals.

Abstract: A freeze desalination and concentration apparatus comprising a desalination unit including mounted in the flow sequence a three-circuit heat exchanger, a condenser for a refrigerant and for melting ice mass, a cylindrical crystallizer having a separator with an auger arrangement mounted inside the crystallizer in a spaced relationship thereto and coaxially therewith. An ice-cutting device is accommodated between the crystallizer and separator, and another ice-cutting device is provided between the casing of the desalination unit and the outer ice-forming surface of the crystallizer, the lower part of the crystallizer having a perforated bottom plate, and the apparatus further comprises, directly adjacent to the desalination unit a refrigerator compressor, pumps, a pipeline for feeding a mixture of a starting solution and a part of recycled brine, the refrigerant condenser and the three-circuit heat exchanger being combined to form an integral heat-exchange system.

Abstract: A two stage continuous process and apparatus for crystallization of a solute or solvent from a solution comprising, first, passing the solution through a precrystallization zone with simultaneous cooling and/or rapid evaporation of the solvent resulting in the formation of small crystal nuclei, second, mixing the suspension from the precrystallization zone in a recrystallization zone with a suspension containing crystals of a much greater size than the crystal nuclei formed in the precrystallization zone wherein the crystal nuclei dissolve in the solution of the recrystallization zone and recrystallize on the larger crystals, the recrystallization step being carried out substantially adiabatic, and selectively recirculating part of the solution from the crystallization zone substantially crystal free to the precrystallization zone.

Abstract: Pulping liquor borne solids are concentrated within an aqueous solution by a successive plurality of freezing steps wherein a discrete quantity of the solution is crystallized in each step by freezing. The water crystals from each freezing step are subsequently separated from the remaining liquid solution by screening and applying axial pressure to the crystalline mass. Greater efficiencies may be obtained in some cases by mixing or reslurrying a pressed, crystalline mass and pressing a second time. Another auxiliary separation step comprises a quiescent thaw of the crystalline mass from the first two press steps to permit additional dissolved solids to be drained away from the purified water ice.