Abstract: A system and method for vacuum distillation and desalination contains integrated vacuum generation. Latent heat and a vacuum produced with steam condensation are used for distillation and desalination of liquid. The distillation and desalination system could comprise a spray evaporator and a condenser for receiving a feed stream for distillation or desalination. Produced are water flow condensate and concentrated liquid flow. A vacuum pump is actuated with condensation-induced dual-action piston-cylinder vacuum generation technology. The vacuum generator is configured to transfer latent heat from condensing steam vapor in its cylinder to the feed stream. Steam is also configured to transfer latent heat directly to the feed stream circulated through evaporators and condensers. A distillation and desalination method with active vacuuming and self-distillation in staggered multi-stage arrangement provides for efficient energy recovery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for heating and manipulating a fluid comprising a closed loop heating assembly thermally coupled to a fluid manipulation assembly.

Abstract: A method for concentrating an aqueous hydrogen halide starting solution, in particular hydrochloric acid, includes the steps of extractive distillation of the aqueous hydrogen halide starting solution in the presence of an extraction agent in a distillation device, removing hydrogen halide vapor and/or hydrogen halide gas from the upper portion of the distillation device, removing an extraction-agent-containing solution from the lower portion of the distillation device, concentrating the extraction-agent-containing solution which is removed from the lower portion of the distillation device in an evaporation device, and returning the extraction-agent-containing solution which is concentrated in the evaporation device to the distillation device, wherein the extraction-agent-containing solution removed from the lower portion of the distillation device is concentrated in the evaporation device by evaporation at a pressure which is greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the vapor pressure of a process stream includes a hard analyzer configured to measure one or more dependent variables associated with a sample of the process stream, where a dependent variable is also a property of the sample such as vapor pressure; a sensor system comprising one or more sensors configured to capture one or more independent process variables associated with the process stream; an aggregation module for collecting and storing outputs from the hard analyzer and responses from the sensor system; and a modeling module capable of generating a vapor pressure model from the same. The system then applies the model to sensor responses for the process stream to generate vapor pressure values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane distillation device, comprising at least one condensation/evaporation stage, which comprises at least one condensation unit and at least one evaporation unit and to which vapor is fed and through which a liquid to be concentrated flows, wherein each condensation unit comprises a first vapor chamber that is bounded at least partially by a condensation wall and to which the fed vapor is supplied and each evaporation unit comprises a second vapor chamber that is bounded at least partially by a vapor-permeable, liquid-tight membrane wall, and in each condensation/evaporation stage at least one flow channel is provided, which is formed between such a condensation unit and such an evaporator unit adjacent to said condensation unit and which conducts the liquid to be concentrated, and thus the liquid to be concentrated is heated by means of the condensation wall, and vapor arising from the liquid to be concentrated enters the second vapor chamber through the membrane wall.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a horizontal multi-stage distillation system. The system comprises a feed stream, a distillate stream, a residue stream, a group of vessels, a plurality of vapor non-return valves (NRVs), a plurality of plurality of pumps, a plurality of liquid recycle NRVs, a liquid stream, a vapor stream, a plurality of liquid recycle streams, a plurality of level transmitters, a plurality of flow control valves (FCVs) and a plurality of liquid non-return valves (NRVs). Each vessel is connected to the adjacent vessel. The group of vessels comprises a condenser vessel, a reboiler vessel, a feed vessel, at-least one rectification vessel and at-least one stripping vessel. The present invention provides a horizontal multi-stage distillation system with higher efficiency and operational flexibility compared with equivalent vertical distillation columns. The present invention also avoids the interstage backflow of the liquid and vapors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a column comprising a jacket that bounds at least a first jacket space (M) and a second jacket space arranged thereabove along the longitudinal axis (L). The e first jacket space is separated from the second jacket space by a gas-permeable first chimney tray. A gaseous phase flows upward into the first jacket space, through the first chimney tray into the second jacket space, and then flows upward into the second jacket space. In the first jacket space the gaseous phase (M), in counter-current flow, contacts a first liquid washing agent, and in the second jacket space the gaseous phase, in counter-current flow, contacts a second liquid washing agent. The first chimney tray has a separator for separating the second washing agent, which separates the second washing agent (W?) and directs it into the second jacket space. The invention further relates to an apparatus comprising the column and a method for separating CO2 from a gaseous phase.

Abstract: A process for deodorizing edible oil in a plant includes generating a vacuum in the plant and filling a degassing stage with edible oil which passes through the degassing and separating stages in succession and is treated concurrently with stripping steam; and heating the batch in the separating stages of the stripping column's upper section to 150 to 180° C., middle section to 230 to 260° C., and cooling the lower section to 90 to 120° C.; scrubbing and condensing vapors departing from the separating stages of the upper and lower sections with fatty acid to get mixed fatty acid distillate; indirectly heating a batch in a first separating stage in the stripping column middle section; and condensing that batch from separation stages vapors of the stripping column middle section and fractionating selectively into a first and second fatty acid phase, respectively rich and poor in sterols and tocopherols.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas generator including a frame body which houses a first chemical tank which is filled with a first chemical containing chlorite, a second chemical tank which is filled with a second chemical containing acid, a reactor which causes a reaction between the first chemical containing chlorite and the second chemical containing acid, and a separation tank which separates a chlorine dioxide gas from a chlorine dioxide solution generated in the reactor, the chlorine dioxide gas generator being adapted to disinfect an enclosed space by means of the chlorine dioxide gas.

Abstract: Condensing apparatuses and their use in various heat and mass exchange systems are generally described. The condensing apparatuses, such as bubble column condensers, may employ a heat exchanger positioned external to the condensing vessel to remove heat from a bubble column condenser outlet stream to produce a heat exchanger outlet stream. In certain cases, the condensing apparatus may also include a cooling device positioned external to the vessel configured and positioned to remove heat from the heat exchanger outlet stream to produce a cooling device outlet stream. The condensing apparatus may be configured to include various internal features, such as a vapor distribution region and/or a plurality of liquid flow control weirs and/or chambers within the apparatus having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5. A condensing apparatus may be coupled with a humidifier to form part of a desalination system, in certain cases.

Abstract: A total evaporator for fluids, including a cold chamber to prevent pre-evaporation, an evaporation region connected thereto having narrow flow cross-section for fast evaporation of the fluid, and a subsequent vapor chamber for pulsation damping and the controlled superheating of the vapor, the evaporation region being formed by a gap between concentrically nested cylindrical and/or conical tube sections and heat required for the evaporation and superheating processes is supplied by electric heating and/or by hot fluid and/or by catalytic or homogeneous combustion via the wall of the concentric tubes.

Abstract: A modular device for the continuous degas sing of reaction products, such as of a carboxylic acid or a polycarboxylic acid with a multi-functional alcohol suitable for application in the production of precondensates (or also prepolymers), has a heated enclosure in which a plurality of modules are stacked one above the other, each said module having a base. There is a vapor inlet to the uppermost module and a discharge port at the lower most module with at least one module intermediate the uppermost and lowest modules to provide space for expansion of the vapor. The base of each module preferably is concave and there are conduits that provide flow communication between the modules.

Abstract: A devolatilizer apparatus and method for devolatilization of viscous polymer liquids yields polymer products with very low levels of residual volatile components. A stream of liquid polymer is dropped through a first vacuum chamber, thereby removing a portion of the volatile components. The stream is collected at the bottom of the first chamber, and is re-circulated to a manifold and liquid distributor assembly in a second chamber in the same vessel. The stream flows by gravity through the second chamber, which is maintained at a higher level of vacuum than the first chamber. Improved devolatilization is accomplished by exposing the polymer liquid to multiple stages of vacuum in a single vessel. The first chamber may be located generally above the second chamber, but in the same vessel, with the stream falling through the second chamber a first time before re-circulation to the manifold.

Abstract: A system for cooling a heated juice by partial low-pressure evaporation, the system includes a vat with at least two compartments that are connected to each other through a variably positioned shutter element, where the juice is subjected to decreasing pressure reductions within the vat and the movement of the variably positioned shutter element creates a pulsed effect that removes solid particles contained in the juice.

Abstract: An evaporator and condenser unit for use in distilling a liquid, such as water, includes a rotary heat exchanger plate having a plurality of accordion-style folds, and having its two ends joined together so as to give the folded plate a generally circular form. The adjacent panels of the folded plate define spaces between their oppositely facing surfaces, and these spaces are alternatingly configured as evaporating and condensing chambers. The evaporating chambers have their inner edges sealed by corresponding folds, while the condensing chambers have their outer edges sealed by corresponding folds. The folded plate is disposed between first and second end plates, and is mounted for rotation about its axis in a housing having a sump containing the liquid to be distilled. Liquid is supplied to the evaporating chambers and compressed vapor is supplied to the condensing chambers. Condensate is removed from the condensing chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a contactor apparatus and method for removing solvent from a polymer cement. The resulting polymer is substantially free of solvent and exhibits improved oil absorption and lower fines. In one aspect, a contactor is provided comprising a cylindrical casing having a high pressure section, a convergence section, a high velocity section, a divergence section, and a discharge section. The polymer cement is introduced into the high pressure section to significantly and unexpectedly improve solvent removal. The convergence and divergence sections have cross-sectional areas that correspond to an effective angle from about 4° to about 65°, such as 6°. The polymer cement is mixed with high pressure steam. After converging, the polymer cement forms more uniform droplets due to high shear of steam. In the divergence and discharge sections, the polymer is substantially devolatized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying water by using thermal and/or thermocatalytic processes. The method and apparatus are particularly useful for processing impure water to remove and/or deactivate toxic inorganic, organic, and/or biological species such as Sarin, mustard gas, phosgene, cyanogen chloride, anthrax, E. coli, Giardia cysts, salmonella, hepatitis, and Norwalk viruses. In the thermal process, contaminated water is heated (preferably superheated) forming steam, whereby a majority of inorganic and biological species are removed or deactivated from the water. The steam is then condensed, forming liquid purified water. In the thermocatalytic process, the steam is brought into contact with a hydrolysis catalyst, preferably in the form of a coated surface or replaceable catalyst element.

Abstract: A large and economical type of multi-stack vertical tube evaporator (MS-VTE) is disclosed having units of multiple stacks of vertical tube bundles or stages mounted in a single vessel, and having its liquid feed pumped to the uppermost VTE bundle stack or stage and having the feed then cascading downward through the lower bundle stacks in series flow, and wherein all the tube bundles are heated with the same waste steam of no or low $-value, e.g. with turbine reject steam in parallel flow under vacuum into the steam-sides of all tube bundles in the unit through a common steam conduit; and wherein the feed liquid is progressively evaporated from stage to stage or stack to stack and the vapors produced in the tubes of each bundle during the partial evaporation of the feed are separated between the stacks and condensed by parallel flow into one or more condensers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved evaporator and condenser unit for use in distilling a liquid such as water. The evaporator and condenser unit includes a plurality of stacked, spaced-apart plates disposed within a housing. The plates are horizontally arranged around a common, vertical axis for rotation. Adjacent plates define spaces between their oppositely facing surfaces, which are alternating configured as evaporating and condensing chambers. An outlet tube transfers vapor generated within the housing to a compressor and an inlet tube delivers compressed vapor to the condensing chambers. A sump containing the liquid to be distilled is located at a lower portion of the housing. A rotating element extends into the sump and forces liquid to be distilled up a stationary feed pipe where it is discharged into the evaporating chambers which are open at both their inner and outer ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved evaporator and condenser unit for use in distilling a liquid such as water. The evaporator and condenser unit includes a plurality of stacked, spaced-apart plates disposed within a housing. The plates are horizontally arranged around a common, vertical axis for rotation. Adjacent plates define spaces between their oppositely facing surfaces, which are alternating configured as evaporating and condensing chambers. An outlet tube transfers vapor generated within the housing to a compressor and an inlet tube delivers compressed vapor to central receiving space within the stack of plates. A sump containing the liquid to be distilled is located at a lower portion of the housing. Each plate includes a plurality of ports for distributing liquid to be distilled and for extracting a condensate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an array of multiple parallel flow orifices, for example by holes drilled through a plate in a selected pattern and spacing and of selected sizes or flow diameters, and whereby these orifices are used to provide an approximately equal and adequate distribution of liquid flowing through them as parallel streams of liquid and into an evaporation zone or a parallel array of evaporation channels, and wherein the orifices can be adjusted in flow diameter to control the flowrate of liquid in generally parallel streams with an array of orifice adjusting apparatus, for example an adjacent sliding orifice plate which provides for orifice flow rate adjustment with orifices through this second plate corresponding in position to those of the first orifice plate, and the use of such dual orifice plates for supporting a pool of liquid there-above and for controlling the flowrate of liquid through the first array of orifices by reducing or enlarging their orifice flow diameters to control

Abstract: A large and economical type of multi-stack vertical tube evaporator (MS-VTE) having units of multiple stacks of vertical tube bundles or stages mounted in a single vessel, and having its liquid feed pumped to the uppermost VTE bundle stack or stage and having the feed then cascading downward through the lower bundle stacks in series flow, and wherein all the tube bundles are heated with the same waste steam of no or low $-value, e. g. with turbine reject steam in parallel flow under vacuum into the steam-sides of all tube bundles in the unit through a common steam conduit; and wherein the feed liquid is progressively evaporated from stage to stage or stack to stack and the vapors produced in the tubes of each bundle during the partial evaporation of the feed are separated between the stacks and condensed by parallel flow into one or more condensers.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus for the distillation of liquids. The apparatus has a plurality of vertically-stacked, parallel disks which are rotated. The liquid to be distilled is introduced into the center of the disk stack and migrates by centrifugal force as a thin film across side 1 of each disk. During migration, the more volatile portion evaporates from side 1 and condenses on side 2 of a neighboring disk. Energy requirements for distillation are provided by heat transfer from side 2 to side 1. The apparatus is substantially adiabatic in that vaporization and condensation occur without external supply of heating or cooling.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus by flashing and boiling of solution and condensing the resulting steam having a central rotating partitioned brine conduit with coupling to a two-disk centrifugal distributor and a wiping blade system in a chamber having at least one conically shaped wall heated by a condensing steam in a spirally formed conduit, and a surrounding annular spiral condenser. The vertical stacking of such conically shaped evaporators and annular spiral condensers with brine inflow and outflow through a central rotating partitioned tubular conduit make up the desalination tower. The solution flowing through the central tubular conduit to the centrifugal distributor is pressurized by the centrifugal force before flashing through spray nozzles. The flowing liquid film formed on the heated conical surface boils with further enhancement from thinning action due to a rotating wiping pivoting blade system.

Abstract: An evaporation system and process including an enclosed housing containing a plurality of shallow trays stacked vertically, one above another above a bottom-most heated reservoir with each tray serving as an evaporator and with the bottom of each tray serving as a condenser for the next lower tray and with the bottom of each tray sloping from the center outward to an outer collection trough and having a controlled supply of heat and feed liquid providing a substantially continuous supply of a regulated amount of feed liquid, with water being the primary example.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus and process for the distillation of liquids. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of vertically stacked parallel disks which are rotated in a horizontal plane. The liquid to be distilled is introduced into the center of the disk stack and migrates by centrifugal force as a thin film across the top surface of each disk. During migration, the more volatile portion evaporates from the top surface and condenses on the bottom surface of a top, neighboring disk. The apparatus is multiple-effect in that the heat evolved from condensation is transferred through the thin, heat-conducting disks to provide the heat necessary for vaporization.

Abstract: A thermal system includes a plurality of heat exchangers in series and the same number of flash tanks in series is interposed between two subsequent effects of a multiple effect evaporating system for sulfate black liquor. The liquor is indirectly heated in the heat exchangers by vapor produced by step-by-step expansion of the same liquor in the flash tanks and additionally by steam from an external source. To decrease the viscosity of the black liquor it is heated to a temperature of 190.degree.-200.degree. C. and retained in a reactor vessel for 10-20 minutes.Preferably the flash tanks and the heat exchange elements are positioned on top of each other within a shell to form an integral construction in which the vapor compartment of each flash tank is directly connected to the vapor compartment of a corresponding one of the heat exchange elements.

Abstract: A piggy back evaporator includes a drip pan having an oblique condensate drain sheet extending over the major length of the same. A steam hole within the condensate drain sheet allows steam to reach the lower surface of a bottom wall of a piggy back pan. The piggy back pan bottom wall is corrugated to define a series of laterally spaced troughs on its upper face and flues on its lower face. Maple sap is fed into the piggy back pan to a level covering the corrugations of the bottom wall. A hood overlies the piggy back pan and seals off the interior thereof. A high pressure air blower is mounted to the hood and feeds air under pressure into a plenum chamber and downwardly through the downpipes into individual horizontal sparging tubes which extend the length of the piggy back pan and are located within the bottoms of individual troughs defined by the corrugations.

Abstract: A piggy back evaporator is sealably coupled in open box form overlying a sugar maple sap evaporator and aligned with an upright flue pan of the conventional sugar maple sap evaporator which, when fired, boils off vaporizable constituents of the sap. The piggy back evaporator includes a drip pan sealably mounted to the flue pan. The drip pan includes an oblique condensate drain sheet extending over the major length of the same. A steam hole within the condensate drain sheet allows steam to reach the lower surface of a bottom wall of a piggy back pan. The piggy back pan bottom wall is corrugated to define a series of laterally spaced troughs on its upper face and flues on its lower face. A hood overlies the piggy back pan and seals off the interior thereof.

Abstract: Calcium containing sulphate spent liquor is deactivated by means of heating. Spent liquor is heated by means of direct condensing in a flash-steam-system. Liquor vapors generated during expansion of the already deactivated spent liquor are used for heating the spent liquor. Spent liquor is led to a retention tank through n+1 in series connected direct condensers (DK I-DK V) and from the retention tank through n in series connected flash tanks (FT I-FT IV) disposed counter-currently to the direct condensers. In the last one of the direct condensers (DK V) the liquor is heated by means of externally supplied steam; in all others (DK I-DK IV) by means of expansion vapor.

Abstract: In the distillation of fresh water from sea water, the sea water is passed ownwardly in a falling film evaporator through a multiplicity of vertical tube evaporator (VTE) stages and multiple stage flash (MSF) evaporators. After the sea water passes through the first VTE stage where it forms a liquid component and a steam component, the liquid component is distributed evenly into the next VTE stage while the steam component enters an adjoining MSF stage. Condensed fresh water flows downwardly from one MSF stage to the next and experiences flash evaporation. The sea water or brine component and the fresh water distillate flow downwardly through the VTE and MSF stages so that the brine component can be removed from the final VTE stage and the fresh water distillate from the final MSF stage.

Abstract: In the distillation of fresh water from sea water, the sea water is passed ownwardly in a falling film evaporator through a multiplicity of vertical tube evaporator (VTE) stages and multiple stage flash (MSF) evaporators. After the sea water passes through the first VTE stage where it forms a liquid component and a steam component, the liquid component is distributed evenly into the next VTE stage while the steam component enters an adjoining MSF stage. Condensed fresh water flows downwardly from one MSF stage to the next and experiences flash evaporation. The sea water or brine component and the fresh water distillate flow downwardly through the VTE and MSF stages so that the brine component can be removed from the final VTE stage and the fresh water distillate from the final MSF stage.

Abstract: Deodorizing and/or physical refining of cocoa butter and cocoa butter substitutes is carried out in accordance with the principle of continuous counter-current falling film stripping steam distillation in at least two different zones, where different flow and current conditions prevail for the liquid film and the vapors, respectively. In the initial zone 10 the vapors pass through trickle passages having a hydraulic equivalent diameter greater than the hydraulic equivalent diameter in the final zone 22.The working pressure in the top of the falling film column 10 is maintained below 2.0 mbar, and in the bottom of the falling film column 22 it is maintained by at most 1.6 mbar in excess of that in the falling film column 10. The accumulation of any significant liquid content in the bottoms of the serially operating zones is avoided. Stripping steam is supplied in an amount of 2 to 10 kg of steam per 100 kg of charged liquid.

Abstract: The deodorization and/or physical refining of high-boiling organic edible oils, fats and esters is carried out according to the principle of continuous counter-current falling film stripping steam distillation in an internally imposed temperature field in at least two different zones having different flow conditions for the liquid film and the vapors, respectively, prevailing therein. In the initial zone 10 directly adjacent the liquid charge and ensuring at least two separation stages the vapors flow through trickle passages having a hydraulic equivalent diameter of 73 to 150 mm. If necessary, this initial zone may be subdivided, wherein in the first sub-zone the trickle passages are provided with hydraulic equivalent diameters of 120 to 150 mm and in the second sub-zone the trickle passages are provided with hydraulic equivalent diameters of 73 to 120 mm.

Abstract: In a thermally driven multi-effect distillation process and apparatus liquid is introduced into a plurality of evaporating and condensing stages or chambers while heat energy is passed through the stages or chambers in a direction countercurrent to the direction of flow of the liquid which undergoes evaporation to form condensate and distilland in each stage or chamber while transferring the heat of condensation to the next downstream stage or chamber and maintaining a minimum temperature differential between stages or chambers, and separately removing condensate and distilland from each stage or chamber while rotating the stages or chambers about an axis passing through the points of introduction thereto of the liquid and heat energy. The apparatus includes a plurality of adjacent evaporation and condensation chambers and devices for introducing liquid and heat energy thereto in countercurrent directions. The walls of the chambers, formed of spaced heat conductive sheets, act to transfer heat.

Abstract: A thermally driven multi-effect distillation process and apparatus are disclosed in which liquid is introduced into a plurality of evaporating and condensing stages or chambers while heat energy is passed through the stages or chambers in a direction countercurrent to the direction of flow of the liquid which undergoes evaporation to form condensate and distilland in each stage or chamber while transferring the heat of condensation to the next downstream stage or chamber and maintaining a minimum temperature differential between stages or chambers, and separately removing condensate and distilland from each stage or chamber while rotating the stages or chambers about an axis passing through the points of introduction thereto of the liquid and heat energy.Generally the apparatus comprises a plurality of adjacent evaporation and condensation chambers and means for introducing liquid and heat energy thereto in countercurrent directions.

Abstract: A forced-circulation evaporator plant for concentrating products such as liquid distillation residues and caustic soda has a circulating pump for circulating a product to be concentrated to a battery of heat exchangers interconnected in series. The last exchanger in the series is directly heated with steam. All of the other exchangers are heated by water vapors generated by the evaporation of the product to be concentrated in a battery of flash drums traversed in series by the product and by steam from hot condensate liquids coming from the same exchangers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the desalination of sea water or brine. The apparatus comprises one or more vertical columns divided into a number of cylindrical portions. Each portion constitutes one stage comprising one or more film evaporators formed by vertical tubes, a single brine collection tank of circular section provided with upper lateral apertures, a throttle system, one or more syphon tubes and one or more preheaters having vertical tubes expanded into the same tube plates as the vertical tubes of the film evaporators. The apparatus also comprises pipes and water boxes located inside the tanks for connecting the preheaters of the several stages, connecting pipes between the stages and a final tube bundle condenser positioned below the last stage.

Abstract: A vertical multistage expansion evaporator comprising contiguous vertically arranged evaporator compartments, passages permitting communication between contiguous compartments and flow control apparatus positioned at each passage which is adjustable simultaneously by a single adjusting operation from outside the compartments. The contiguous compartments have a common ceiling and floor defining a passage therebetween. Each compartment further comprises a vertical separating wall extending partially the distance from the floor to the ceiling to divide the compartment into liquid and vapor sections so that liquid in the bottom of one compartment flows into the vapor section of the compartment next below.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heat exchange between two liquids without solid matters contained in the liquids. The apparatus comprises a pressure vessel which is divided into a plurality of compartments, each compartment comprising an inner space having an open end and an outer annular space. A baffle having a closed upper end is provided around the upper portion of each inner space with an annular slit between the baffle and the wall of the inner space. The baffle extends to a level below the upper end of the inner space. Injection nozzles for the heat-receiving liquid are provided in the upper portion of the outer space of each compartment, and an outlet pipe is connected to the lower end of the outer space. Inlet and outlet pipes for the heat-delivering liquid are connected to the upper and lower ends respectively of the inner space.

Abstract: In a sea water desalination apparatus, the improvement consisting in the fact that the levels of sea water and fresh water in the several stages of the multistage installation are regulated by a device comprising a plurality of piezometric tubes in combination with cylindrical sleeves surrounding these tubes and having slots so proportioned as to give a preselected pressure drop.

Abstract: The column employs a head section with a counterflow column, a bottom section with a counterflow column and a plurality of reaction stages for stripping metal salts via steam from ammoniacal solutions or suspensions. Each reaction stage has a floor, a pipe defining a laterally confined chamber, an outlet and a valve in the outlet to control the discharge of liquid. At least one steam line communicates the upper end of each stage with the pipe in the next uppermost stage. Incrustation of the column by the stripped salts is reduced by the high velocity of flow in the bubble bed in each stage.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a low head semi-continuous vacuum pan system for crystallization of a substance from solution of the substance, including the crystallization of a sugar from a sugar solution, that includes a sequential array of individual vacuum pans, wherein each pan has an associated discharge volume and the array is formed by positioning each pan so that its discharge volume is greater than the discharge volume of the immediately preceding pan and wherein heat and top-up solution are supplied to each pan and periodically all the contents of each pan are transferred to an immediately following pan and wherein controls are used to insure that the transfer takes place when the volume of each pan's contents reaches its associated discharge volume and the controls preferably ensure that each pan is empty before it receives the contents of the immediately preceding pan. This invention also pertains to a method of crystallizing a substance from a solution of the substance.

Abstract: A sea water desalination system which is composed by a compact and self-contained unit, each unit comprising several evaporation stages, means being provided for recycling the condensates and for dissipating the pressure differential existing between the brine-containing tub and the tube plate of each individual stage.

Abstract: Preheated saline water, typically sea or brackish water, is further heated by quanta of steam, passed to it at differential temperatures and pressures and condensed in the saline water. Scale compounds are precipitated and scale-forming bicarbonates decomposed, with the evolution of carbon dioxide, which is gathered and expelled by steam accessory to the quanta of steam. Post-thermal saline water, which is formed, is multistage flash vaporized while self-cooling. The flashed vapors are compressed to form said quanta of steam. After being further cooled while preheating saline water, post-thermal saline water is evaporated in a multistage vapor compression evaporator, producing brine at a high concentration factor. Relative to equilibrium in scale-compound precipitation between 302.degree. F and 347.degree. F, the recovery of fresh water is 70% to 80% for sea water, and 80% to 90% for brackish waters over a wide range of salinity.

Abstract: Saline water is desalted by flowing it in two evaporation stages in series in the form of a film falling on the inside of heat-exchange tubes. The pressure and temperature in the second evaporation stage are lower than in the first stage. The steam evolved in the second stage is compressed and delivered to the first stage where it condenses on the tubes, whereas the steam evolved in the first stage is fed in the second stage where it condenses on the tubes. The condensation heat of the steam is used for vaporizing said saline water from said film. This technique allows a production of 15-50 cu.m/hr of soft water, instead of a production of 15-20 cu.m/hr usually obtained by conventional thermocompression techniques.

Abstract: An atmospheric effects still includes a fluid holding tank provided with a supply opening, a top cover of transparent material supported above the tank, and a vertically-disposed tapered hollow tower member having its base resting on the floor of the tank and having an intermediate portion penetrating the top cover. At its base, the tower member has openings in its side walls to permit fluid entry into the tower member beneath the top cover. The tower member has a plurality of vertically-spaced sections of decreasing cross-sectional area, each section including a plurality of short, open tube members extending through two spaced plates. Solar energy heats fluid in the tank and causes a flow of moisture-laden air to rise upwardly through the tower member where clean water is condensed from such vapor.

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: A novel apparatus for the desalination of sea water is described. The apparatus comprises a column of a plurality of superposed cylindrical sections, each section including two film evaporators; two basins interconnected between said cylindrical sections; a restriction for passing brine from basin to basin, siphon tubes for withdrawing the condensed water from each section and accessory preheating means and inlet and outlet tubes.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger generally for media liberating a gaseous agent from a liquid heat-transfer medium during heat-exchanging process characterized in that stacks of heat-exchanging plates are placed inside a housing, the interior of this housing being in communication with channels for passing a gaseous heat-transfer medium, whereas each of the heat-exchanging plates has partitions providing a required flow direction for the gaseous agent liberated from the liquid heat-transfer medium and contributing to its discharging from the zones of its liberation disposed at different height of the channel.