Abstract: This invention concerns an improved process for separating one crystallize component from a liquid containing a plurality of components, which comprises passing a stream of said liquid successively through at least part of a series of zones of successively lower temperatures including the zone of lowest temperature, so as to induce the formation of crystals of said one component in each of said zones, passing the crystals formed in each of said zones in a direction countercurrent to the direction of the stream of liquid through at least part of said zones, including the zone of highest temperature, separating the crystals present in the zone of highest temperature from their mother liquor and recovering at least part of these crystals, separating the crystals in the zone of lowest temperature from their mother liquor and recovering that mother liquor, and recirculating part of said crystals present in one zone, from that zone to a zone of lower temperature.

Abstract: Process for separating the ice crystals contained in a slurry of an aqueous olution and ice crystals from the aqueous solution and washing the ice crystals with an aqueous wash liquid, whereby a packed bed of ice crystals is created which is subjected to a continuous translatory movement, while a washfront is being created within the packed bed of ice crystals between the aqueous solution and the aqueous wash liquid, the aqueous solution and aqueous wash liquid adjacent to the washfront being substantially stagnant, a stable washfront being created lying in a plane perpendicular to the translatory movement of the packed bed of ice crystals.

Abstract: A washing column for the continuous separation between a solid chemical fed in a liquid multi-component system, on the one hand, and the mother liquor in which the solid chemical is suspended, on the other. In a cylindrical working space a stationary, straight, plane washing front is maintained in a packed bed of the solid chemical substance between the mother liquor, on the one hand, and a melt of the solid chemical, on the other. According to the invention, the washing column is double-walled to form an enveloping space, which contains a heat insulating medium and can be pressurized to conform to the pressure within the column. This construction permits the use of a relatively thin, glass inner wall of uniform wall thickness and inner surface. This renders the column resistant to corrosive chemicals, reduces the effect of heat exchange with the surroundings, and prevents instabilities in the washing front.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating the ice crystals contained in a slurry of an eous solution and ice crystals from the aqueous solution and washing the ice crystals with an aqueous wash liquid, whereby a packed bed of ice crystals is created which is subjected to a continuous translatory movement, while a washfront is being created within the packed bed of ice crystals between the aqueous solution and the aqueous wash liquid, the aqueous solution and aqueous wash liquid adjacent to the washfront being substantially stagnant, a stable washfront being created lying in a plane perpendicular to the translatory movement of the packed bed of ice crystals.

Abstract: Continuous counter current multistage process for freeze concentration, iuding a step whereby the ice crystals in the first stage are separated from the mother liquor in a final separation step, the ice crystals being rejected and the mother liquor from the last stage recovered as a product, whereby in a stage of said process ice crystals are introduced, said ice crystals having a larger medium size than the crystals in said stage formed without said introduction of said ice crystals.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for operating a continuous process for the freeze concentration of aqueous solutions, such as fruit juices, wine, beer, coffee extract and the like.

Abstract: Process for separating the ice crystals contained in a slurry of an aqueous solution and ice crystals from the aqueous solution and washing the ice crystals with an aqueous wash liquid, whereby a packed bed of ice crystals is created which is subjected to a continuous translatory movement, while a washfront is being created within the packed bed of ice crystals between the aqueous solution and the aqueous wash liquid, the aqueous solution and the aqueous wash liquid adjacent to the washfront being substantially stagnant, a stable washfront being created lying in a plane perpendicular to the translatory movement of the packed bed of ice crystals.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for operating a continuous process for the freeze concentration of aqueous solutions, such as fruit juices, wine, beer, coffee extract and the like.