Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification. Embodiments can generally be applied to demister cyclones (6). Some embodiments allow for more of the pressure change which occurs in demister cyclones to occur in the separating chamber (19) of the demister cyclone. Some embodiments include a demister cyclone having an internal perforated wall (52). Some embodiments include a groove (103) or a baffle (102) on the underside of a boiler cover.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for an energy-efficient distillation system (42). An energy-efficient distillation system (42) can include a fluid inlet (24), one or more heat-yielding purification elements (7, 15, 44) downstream of the fluid inlet (24), one or more heat pipes (6), and a fluid outlet (23) downstream of the heat-yielding purification element (7, 15, 44). The heat-yielding purification element (7, 15, 44) can be, for example, a degasser (7), a demister (15), or an evaporation chamber (44). A heat pipe (6) has a first end operably connected to the heat-generating purification element(s) (7, 15, 44), a second end operably connected to the fluid inlet (24), and a body therebetween. The heat pipe (6) is configured to transfer latent heat energy from the first end to the second end, thereby heating a fluid (8) within the fluid inlet (24). The distillation system (42) can also include one or more descaling elements (21) for reducing scale formation of the fluid (8).

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards a method for producing a solid metallic composition by reacting a gaseous metal halide with a reducing agent are described. In one embodiment, the method includes reacting a gaseous metal halide with a reducing agent in a manner effective to form a nonsolid reaction product, wherein the metal halide has the formula MXi, in which M is a metal selected from a transition metal of the periodic table, aluminum, silicon, boron, and combinations thereof, X is a halogen, i is greater than 0, and the reducing agent is a gaseous reducing agent selected from hydrogen and a compound that releases hydrogen, and combinations thereof; and solidifying the reaction product, thereby forming a metallic composition comprising M that is substantially free from halides. The invention may be used to produce high-purity metallic compositions, particularly titanium particles and alloys thereof for use in powder metallurgy applications.

Abstract: Devices and methods for water purification are provided. An improved demister (70) for removing liquid or other particles from steam is disclosed. The demister can have adjustable outlets. In other embodiments, a demister apparatus is placed, at least partially, inside a boiler apparatus (310). Additionally, a filter flow indicator (401) that provides an optical indication of the efficiency of a water filter is also provided. The filter flow indicator has a viewable side passage that connects the input and output sides of a filter unit. A weighted object, such as a ball (440), can move up and down the side passage in response to the pressure differential in the filter system. The user can determine the status of the filter by viewing the location of the weighted object in the side passage. Additionally, a device and method of adding various minerals back to purified water in order to improve the flavor of the water is described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification. The systems have a preheater, a degasser, an evaporation chamber, a demister, and a control system, wherein the control system permits operation of the purification system through repeated cycles without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The system is capable of removing, from a contaminated water sample, a plurality of contaminant types including: microbiological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, volatile organics, and non-volatile organics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing a solid metallic composition by reacting a gaseous metal halide with a reducing agent are described. The method generally includes reacting a gaseous metal halide with a reducing agent in a manner effective to form a nonsolid reaction product, wherein the metal halide has the formula MXi, in which M is a metal selected from a transition metal of the periodic table, aluminum, silicon, boron, and combinations thereof, X is a halogen, i is greater than 0, and the reducing agent is a gaseous reducing agent selected from hydrogen and a compound that releases hydrogen, and combinations thereof; and solidifying the reaction product, thereby forming a metallic composition comprising M that is substantially free from halides.