Abstract: An atomizer with a capillary passage to a tip surface which is vibrated by a directly coupled ultrasonic device to disperse droplets of liquid fed to the passage. The tip is associated with a heated vaporization chamber, and a cooling chamber between the tip and the ultrasonic device protects the device from the heat of the chamber.

Abstract: A process of recovering elemental phosphorus from sludge is disclosed wherein the sludge is flash evaporated utilizing a heat transfer means and then separated from the solid impurities contained therein.

Abstract: A beneficiated kaolin clay slurry is concentrated from a solids content of about 50% to 60% by weight to a solids content of at least 65% by weight by evaporating water therefrom by passing the aqueous clay slurry through one or more non-contact evaporated heat exchangers. The kaolin clay slurry is passed in indirect heat exchange relationship with a heating vapor, with the heating vapor comprising water vapor previously evaporated from the aqueous clay slurry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a long tube vertical evaporator to a falling film evaporator in a manner which permits salvaging most of the long tube vertical evaporator structure. The bottom chamber of the existing evaporator is extended to define a flash chamber intermediate the existing heat exchanger chamber and the bottom chamber. A vapor riser conduit is provided for directing vapor from the flash chamber to the vapor separation chamber positioned above the heat exchanger chamber. A recirculation conduit is provided for directing liquid from the bottom chamber therethrough into a distribution chamber which is provided above and in communication with the upper ends of the heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchanger chamber. The distribution chamber is preferably provided with a plurality of spray nozzles which communicate with the recirculation conduit to evenly distribute a film of liquid downwardly through the heat exchange tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing volatile components from a liquid includes three distinct sections of a confined passageway for the liquid. The first section is for heating the liquid to a predetermined temperature at a preselected pressure such that vaporization of the volatile components is prevented. The second section of the confined passageway is a restrictive orifice forming flow path. The third section is a volatile component evaporation section. The volatile component evaporation section and the restrictive orifice forming flow path are dimensioned relative to one another and in respect of the preselected pressure and temperature of the liquid product such that the volatile components of the liquid substantially instantaneously vaporize in a flashing action as the liquid passes from the restrictive orifice forming flow path to the volatile component evaporization section.

Abstract: A solar crystallizer and a process for producing solar salt adaptable for use in climates heretofore believed unfavorable for solar salt production. The invention employs a solar crystallizer defining a shallow pond of salt solution the level of which is carefully monitored and controlled by withdrawing unsaturated solution from the upper stratum of the pond such as produced from rainfall and introducing substantially saturated brine into the pond at a lower stratum overlying the salt crop on the bottom thereof providing a continuous protective saturated brine layer and enhancing the efficiency of water evaporation by a comparatively shallow depth.

Abstract: A flash tank, and method of flashing steam utilizing the tank, result in minimum foam generation so that the outlet steam remains uncontaminated. Feed fluid fed into the interior of the tank is positively prevented from splashing into the liquid seal provided adjacent the liquid outlet from the tank. This may be done by directing the feed fluid upwardly when introduced into the tank, and providing a liquid holding tank externally of the flash tank, feed fluid impacting upon a deflecting member and then the conically downwardly tapering walls of a bottom portion of the tank. Another alternative is to feed the feed fluid downwardly into the tank to impact upon a conical deflecting member so that there is minimum loss of momentum of the feed fluid, and again it impacts upon the conically tapering walls of the tank bottom portion.

Abstract: This process separates less volatile contaminates from thermal power recovery systems utilizing a volatile working fluid in a cyclic closed system; such a system may comprise a reservoir, a pump, a heater, a separator, a throttle device, a turbine and a condenser. The purification can be accomplished during start-up, shut-down or periods of low power generation. The contaminant is separated from the working fluid in the separator in which the temperature and pressure correspond to a dew-point substantially above that of a sample of uncontaminated working fluid. To achieve this condition, the normal flow of liquid from the reservoir to the heater is reduced and the heater and throttle device are correspondingly adjusted. The condensed contaminant is removed from the separator while substantially all of the working fluid which has been vaporized is passed on through the throttle device to the turbine.

Abstract: Extrusion drying of wet rubber crumb particles in the last phase of the overall elastomer drying process is improved through use of gas injected into the compression zone of an extruder thereby providing an improved efficiency in the explosion drying process. Rubber particles having a very low moisture content, such as less than 0.2% by weight, frequently less than 0.1%, are produced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling liquid levels in different vessels, and the blending of different materials in the separation and purification of polymeric materials in solution, such as polyethylene in cyclohexane.