Abstract: Contactor-separator units of a sub-assembly in which an isotopic exchange between two immiscible phases takes place are associated in m lines and n columns. One of the phases leaving a contactor-separator unit is directly directed to the adjacent contactor-separator unit in the same line, whereas the other phase leaving the same contactor-separator unit, is directed directly to the adjacent contactor-separator unit in the same column. Each of the m lines and n columns is provided with a single pump. The instantaneous flow rates of each phase are substantially equal at the input and the output of each of the contactor-separator units.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solids from a liquid suspension using an evaporator/decanter having an outer and inner vessel and an inverted funnel member housed within the inner vessel, the leg of the funnel extending through the top of the inner vessel. A gutter member, mounted around the inner circumference of the inner vessel collects the clarified water. In a process for removing scaling agents from sea water, seed crystals are added to the sea water which is then heated to a temperature above the solubility limits of the scaling agents and above the operating temperatures of a desalination unit to cause the scaling agent to crystallize on the seed crystals. The seed crystal solution is then fed into the outer vessel of the apparatus to effect removal of the crystals and produce a clarified sea water feed for the desalination unit.