Abstract: The apparatus for storing a frozen hydrate includes a reservoir which is filled with frozen granulated hydrate. Heat for decomposing the hydrate is obtained from water contained in a water tank. In one embodiment, the process is carried out in such a way that one chamber of a reservoir may be charged while another chamber is being evacuated by the decomposition of the frozen hydrate into gas and ice.

Abstract: A metal microfilter foil is provided with a supporting structure made up of two layers which are deposited on a rear side of the foil. The first layer comprises a plurality of connecting elements of column or web shape which widen at the top to form enlarged portions which merge together to form the second layer leaving open macropores. The continuous supporting structure provides large pores as compared with the micropores of the foil and offer considerable stability.

Abstract: The microfilter foil is made of an inorganic substance such as metal with opened pores. Each pore is formed with a channel which increases in cross-section from the crest so as to obviate clogging. The foil is produced by exposure of a photosensitive layer of paint or lacquer with the use of an interference pattern produced by monochromatic and coherent light. A skin of inorganic material is produced on the photosensitive layer and portions of the skin are thereafter removed from the coated teeth in order to produce the pores in the subsequently formed foil.

Abstract: In the tube (41) of a tube assembly of a crystallization apparatus, an insert (43) is provided which increases the effective surface in the interior of the tube (41). The insert has subsequent different sections (45, 46, 47). Seen in direction of flow the effective surface per unit of length of a subsequent section (46, 47) is larger than the effective surface of the previous section (45, 46). Because the heat removal by the coolant is a limiting factor for the kinetics of crystallization, the amount of crystals produced per unit of length of the tube is not substantially increased by the insert, but a smaller linear growth velocity is obtained at the surface of the crystals. This provides for better conditions for forming clean crystals. The inserts (343, 443 . . .

Abstract: Ethanol is admixed with a compressed vapor in an ice generator, and the mixture is then condensed by indirect heat exchange with a coolant in a chamber. The condensate is collected in a bottom chamber of the ice generator and then supplied to a scraper heat exchanger where primary ice crystals are generated. The ethanol is washed out of the ice crystal suspension in a counterflow washer and the primary ice crystal suspension delivered to a freeze drying chamber where the secondary ice crystal suspension is then generated to form the end product. This method permits the continuous generation of crystalline ice without interruptions for defrosting.

Abstract: The apparatus employs a compressor for compressing a flow of water vapor with an ethanol additive and a condensation chamber in which the compressed water vapor may be condensed to form ice crystals. A coolant circuit in provided in the condensation chamber to melt the ice crystals from the heat exchange surfaces for subsequent formation of primary ice in a bottom chamber. A recirculation circuit is provided to convey the primary ice into a freeze drying chamber for freeze-drying of the vapor at the triple point. The resulting product is passed to a water separator prior to ultimate use.