Abstract: An electrode system for use in an electrodialyzer which comprises a plurality of depletion compartments and concentration compartments bounded by ion selective membranes and electrodes in compartments at opposite ends of apparatus. The end compartment electrodes comprise a plurality of elongate members that are each mounted in holders which permit exchanging electrodes in the end compartments or, advancing the electrodes as they are consumed, without requiring that the end compartments be removed to gain access to the electrodes.

Abstract: An ultra-filter comprising a stack of alternating feed fluid conducting cells and permeate fluid conducting cells separated by semipermeable membranes. The feed cells comprise two facing gaskets which are separable to permit cleaning their interface area. The membranes are on the non-interfacing surfaces of the feed cell gaskets. Isolated passages extend through the stack for introducing feed solution to the cells and for discharging permeate solution and a residual portion of the feed solution. Planar flow passages connect the isolated passages by means of cutout portions in the feed and permeate cells. The permeate cells include a solid back-up sheet and a porous element is interposed between the back-up sheet and the adjacent membrane to support the membrane against excessive distention by pressurized feed solution. The filter stack is sealed by compression between end plates. Alignment pins extend through the stack to maintain the relative position of the components during disassembly and reassembly.

Abstract: A burner operative to inject fuel and a portion of the amount of air required for stoichiometric combustion as a core into a combustion zone and the balance of the air required for substantially stoichiometric combustion is introduced coaxially around the core to form an air jacket. The burner includes a central fuel delivery pipe, a first coaxial atomizing air delivery pipe and a second coaxially surrounding air delivery pipe. The central fuel delivery pipe terminates in an outer conical surface and the first coaxial air delivery pipe terminates in a spaced coaxial inner surface and a shaped transverse outer surface for shaping the central fuel-rich flame core. The second coaxial air delivery pipe delivers an air jacket to form the fuel core and additional air is delivered coaxially around a baffle assembly and in a direction generally parallel to the core for additional flame shaping.

Abstract: A helical coil of tubing is disposed in a furnace for heat transfer fluid to circulate therethrough and absorb heat. The upper side of each coil loop is connected to a vent system which transports a portion of the circulated fluid. The vent system is continuously flushed of vapors and air which might otherwise be trapped in the tubing. The lower sides of the coil loops are connected to a drain system through which fluid flows continuously during heater operation to keep the drain clean of settlings.

Abstract: Fuel is burned in a primary combustion chamber with less than the air required for stoichiometric combustion so that the combustion gases have a high carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon content and the temperature of the gases is held below that at which significant nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x) would be produced. The combustion gases are then passed through a secondary combustion zone in which more air is injected into the gas stream to oxidize the CO and hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2). The secondary burner comprises a plurality of foraminous tubes through which secondary air is emitted. Combustion in the secondary zone is maintained at a temperature below that at which nitorgen oxides (NO.sub.x) will be produced in significant quantities.

Abstract: Distillation apparatus having a plurality of substantially identical effects arranged in a side-by-side relation. Each effect includes means for distributing feed liquid as a thin film over the outer surfaces of tubes of a horizontally oriented heat exchange tube bundle for condensing a portion of vapor disposed therein. A portion of the feed liquid evaporates and is provided as the vapor to the heat exchange tubes of the next succeeding effect and the unevaporated feed liquid in each effect is passed to the next succeeding lower effect where a portion vaporizes by flash evaporation. An uncondensed portion of the vapor exits the heat exchange tubes for condensing on a feed liquid preheater associated with each effect. Each effect is disposed in substantially identical cylindrical sections for being joined in a unitary assembly. Suitably apertured transverse divider panels between each effect permit the passage of feed water and vapor between effects.