Abstract: A method for continuously crystallizing a solid component by continuously feeding a solution of the solid component in water or an organic solvent to a centrifugal film evaporator equipped with a scraper blade, which comprises feeding the solution from the top of the evaporator which comprises a heating section in the upper stream and a cooling section in the lower stream, forming a film of the solution on the wall of the evaporator, passing the film of the solution down into the heating section in order to evaporate the solvent, discharging the evaporated solvent from an upper outlet by feeding an inert gas or aspirating the solvent vapor in order to prevent the passage of evaporated solvent into the cooling section and contacting the cooling section of the evaporator with the concentrated solution whereby a crystallized solid or a slurry of solid particles is formed.This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 443,519, filed Feb. 19, 1974 now abandoned.

Abstract: A continuous process is described whereby particulate woody materials are carbonized in a fluidized bed to form solid and gaseous fuel. The process includes injecting particulate woody materials, on a continuous basis, into a fluidized bed of previously carbonized material. Off-gas from carbonization with entrained charcoal fines is continuously removed from above the bed, and coarse charcoal is continuously removed from the surface of the bed. If desired, a high ash, coarse fraction may also be continuously removed from immediately above the bed grid. The off-gas and entrained fine charcoal are separated in a cyclone system, and the charcoal fines with the coarse charcoal fraction from the bed surface are collected for use as solid fuel. Off-gas from the separator may be scrubbed, if desired, or utilized directly as an enriched gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A method of evaporating liquids to separate solid substances contained therein to form a residue of the substances characterized by applying subatmospheric pressure to at least one discrete portion of the liquid at a first pressure level and subsequently applying subatmospheric pressure to the discrete portion at a second pressure level lower than the first level to gradually evaporate the liquid from the discrete portion thereby leaving a residue of solid substances. Apparatus for performing the foregoing method preferably comprises an enclosure within which a support means is used for supporting at least one discrete portion of the liquid to be separated, a vacuum pump connected to the enclosure for evacuating atmosphere from within the enclosure, and a valve means between the pump and enclosure operable automatically to apply first and second subatmospheric pressure levels to within the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of evaporating an aqueous solution containing dissolved solids or mineral salts without adherence of the solids or mineral salts to any surfaces contacting the aqueous solution which comprises the following steps:A. Flowing the aqueous solution as an outside medium mixed with sufficient dispersed oil to form a continuous film on all preferentially oil wettable contacting surfaces, upward through a confined heating and vaporizing zone and therein contacting heating elements the surfaces of which are substantially zero water adsorbent and totally wetted with a film of oil, converting a portion of the aqueous solution to water vapor and precipitated solids.B. Separating this mixture of oil, misty vapors, solids, and remaining aqueous solution (still the outside water medium) into components of thereof in succeeding zones or chambers in which substantially all surfaces contacting these materials are preferentially oil wettable.

Abstract: An apparatus for flamelessly reconcentrating liquid desiccant includes upper and lower enclosed reboiler drums having an enclosed heating section interposed therebetween. Water-rich liquid desiccant is continuously recirculated between the upper and lower reboiler drums through riser conduits disposed within the heating section and return conduits exterior thereof. Simultaneously with the recirculation of the water-rich liquid desiccant an exhaust gas stream from a prime mover is passed through the heating section to convectionally heat the liquid desiccant within the riser conduits causing disengagement of water vapors therefrom. The upper drum includes an outlet for the disengaged water vapors and also an outlet for the resultant water-lean liquid desiccant.

Abstract: A process for fire decontamination of industrial waste water containing organic and refractory mineral impurities, wherein into a reactor, in which there is maintained a temperature corresponding to the burning out temperature of organic impurities, there is fed a waste water containing organic impurities and fusible mineral impurities, in a sprayed state, so that during the burning out of organic impurities a film of melt of the fusible minerals impurities is formed on the reactor walls which flows therealong. Waste water containing organic and refractory mineral impurities is fed into this reactor in such a manner that during the burning out of organic impurities, the refractory mineral impurities penetrate in said film of melt of the fusible mineral impurities and discharged from the reactor along with this film.

Abstract: Heat-sensitive, foamable liquids such as latex, are concentrated in a continuous process without foaming by feeding a heated liquid to a tubular evaporation chamber maintained at a reduced pressure where the liquid is adiabatically vaporized and forms an annularly flowing two-phase stream. The liquid and vapor phases are largely separated in the evaporation chamber by centrifugal forces acting on the stream. The final separation and isolation of the liquid phase is achieved in a separator consisting of a cyclone separator, a reservoir for the concentrated liquid and a settling chamber.

Abstract: In evaporators for distillation or concentration of solutions, each tube nest consists of non-rigid plastic tubes through which vapor is circulated. Each tube is secured to the fixed structure of the evaporator at the vapor admission end of the tube by means of a standard fastening member and at the vapor discharge end by means of a sliding tubular expansion joint of small cross-sectional area compared with that of the tube.

Abstract: An emissions control system for eliminating or substantially reducing the levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and other noxious components in the exhaust gas flow from the internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle or the like to permissible levels. The system includes a reaction device adapted to be connected to the exhaust gas flow from the engine and having one or more ceramic reaction elements therein which cause the undesirable components in the exhaust gas flow to oxidize, disassociate or otherwise become innocuous before being discharged into the atmosphere. An engine driven air pump supplies air under pressure to the reaction device, and a spark plug is mounted in the device and connected to a suitable high voltage source so that a spark is maintained across the electrodes of the spark plug when the engine of the vehicle is either cold or idling, or when the vehicle is decelerating.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for converting a liquid material such as a solution or slurry into a powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to evaporators of adiabatic or "instantaneous" boiling for distilling sea water. According to the invention, the evaporator, substantially for a distiller, is characterized in that it comprises a housing accomodating pipelines with slot-like nozzles used for feeding superheated water onto an evaporating surface accomplished by plates positioned within the housing at an acute angle to its vertical plane. These plates provide for film evaporation of the overheated water. Mounted in the housing on the path of movement of the vapor are gravitational-kinetic traps to catch the liquid particles carried away by the vapor.

Abstract: Solid waste, including municipal, agricultural, industrial, vegetable and animal matter, garbage and waste paper, is progressively converted by means of partial oxidation and distillation into gas under controlled temperature and pressure conditions and the gas is made suitable for industrial and chemical uses by being purified and separated into its main components or ingredients.

Abstract: Dilute solutions of corrosive products, such as sulphuric or phosphoric acid, are concentrated by pre-concentrating the dilute solution and then introducing the pre-concentrated solution into a tunnel in which it flows in a thin layer over successive cascades while being heated, preferably by indirect radiant heating. An installation for carrying out the process is also described.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the purification of a liquid contaminated with radioactive substances, wherein the liquid is infed to an evaporator in or with which there is connected a column having a multiplicity of superposed plates or floors. The vapor generated in the evaporator is guided through a washing or scrubbing liquid uniformly distributed at the floors and flowing in crosswise counterflow with regard to the vapor. The washing liquid at the floors is deflected a number of times in such a manner that the washing liquid itself and together with the droplets entrained by the vapor is uniformly admixed and the washing liquid subjected to a constant intake of the radioactive substance.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for cleaning or degreasing work pieces by contacting with an organic degreasing agent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon. The work pieces are moved in and out of contact with the degreasing agent and are supported on an array of substantially parallel, spaced, elongate members, in fixed position. Means are included for moving the work pieces across the top surface of the array in the direction of elongation of the members.

Abstract: A multiple effect evaporator in which the feed is progressively preheated in an indirect falling film preheater by vapors from the lower temperature effects and then further preheated by direct contact with vapors from higher temperature effects, said preheated feed being degassed during said direct contact preheating, prior to evaporation.

Abstract: In the process of isolating and recovering polymers in the powder form from their solutions which comprises contacting the polymer cement with steam in a high shear mixer and passing the resulting mixture into a cyclone separator, the invention which comprises an improved method for varying the size of the polymer particle while still maintaining the residual solvent level.

Abstract: In the manufacture of alumina by the Bayer process, a method comprising the steps of bringing the overflow from a multistage red mud thickener into counterflow contact with the steam generated in consequence of the flashing of bauxite-dissolved slurry so as to effect exchange of heat therebetween, separating and removing sand from the slurry by regulating the rate at which the slurry is discharged from the bottom of the column, and circulating the heated overflow and using it as the wash water in the former stage of the said thickener, all the said operations performed in one and the same column; and a device provided with inlet and outlet pipes for the overflow, an overflow type condenser, inlet and outlet pipes for the slurry, and a pipe for the removal of sand so as to effect the operations of the said method wholly in one and the same column.

Abstract: A coke guide spray system on a coke guide disposed on a track between a row of coke side doors and a coke quenching car, the coke guide including an outer frame mounted on wheels for movement along a coke guide track and mounting on the outer frame a track carrying a coke guide chute provided with wheels engaging the track for movement toward and away from an associated coke side door, a water inlet pipe mounted on the outer frame and connected to a source of water under pressure, a first water spray mounted on the outer frame above the coke guide chute adjacent to the end thereof disposed toward the associated coke quenching car, and a second water spray mounted on the outer frame above the coke guide chute and disposed outwardly with respect to the end thereof disposed toward the associated coke quenching car; another system is provided with a hood housing, an induced draft fan and a condensing spray system, while yet another system is provided with a hood having a mist eliminator tower housing a spray cond

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved falling strand devolatilization apparatus. Said apparatus includes in combination a flash chamber for devolatilizing an input material fed as heated falling strands from the tubes of a shell and tube heat exchanger mounted in gastight relationship to said flash chamber. Said heat exchanger tubes are fed by a first pump through a headerbonnet with volatiles being removed from said flash chamber by a second pump adapted to evacuate said chamber.