Abstract: A method and system/device for enabling an efficient and increased rate of evaporation of liquids, which can be used, for example, to separate solutes from solvents, including desalination of salt water. The method and system/device are directed to introducing kinetic energy into an evaporative system to cause movement and agitation of liquid and/or air molecules, and employing a gravity assist, to more efficiently and effectively promote evaporation of the liquid.

Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing with a jar receiving area defined between an upper housing and a support base. A blender jar includes a base portion and a receptacle portion, and is configured to be laterally received within the jar receiving area of the housing. A magnetic coupling system includes an upper magnetic coupler disposed in the base portion of the blender jar and a lower magnetic coupler disposed in the support base of the housing. The upper and lower magnetic couplers are magnetically coupled to one another for driving a blade assembly disposed in the receptacle portion of the blender jar. A brake mechanism is disposed on the upper magnetic coupler and is configured to stop rotation of the upper magnetic coupler when the blender jar is removed from the jar receiving area.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a flow of a liquid descending in an inner space of a packed column includes: a collector to collect the flow of the liquid; a mixer below and vertically spaced apart from the collector to receive and mix the liquid collected; a first conduit to receive and transmit at least part of the liquid from a first sector of the collector to a first zone of the mixer; and a second conduit to receive and transmit at least part of the liquid from a second sector of the collector to a second zone of the mixer. A geometric center of the first sector of the collector is positioned circumferentially away from a geometric center of the first zone of the mixer and/or a geometric center of the collector's second sector is positioned circumferentially away from a geometric center of the mixer's second zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for separating gas and liquid. The apparatus for separating gas and liquid includes a housing, a rotating shaft provided inside the housing, a drive unit configured to rotate the rotating shaft, a rotating cone mounted at the rotating shaft to rotate about the rotating shaft and having a diameter decreasing from an upper end to a lower end thereof, and a fixed cone formed by coupling at least two first unit members in a circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, disposed in the housing to be spaced apart from the rotating cone and having a diameter decreasing an upper end to a lower end thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container cleaning device which cleans a container for holding a sample. The device comprises: a container holding section for holding the container which has a substantially spherical inner bottom; a discharge section which is inserted into the container; and a cleaning nozzle which discharges a cleaning liquid into the container. The discharge section comprises an aperture at the bottom, and comprises a discharge flow path which is connected to the aperture and discharges the sample or the cleaning liquid in the container, and the discharge section is insertable to the deepest part of the container, and the bottom part of the discharge section conforms to the shape of the substantially spherical inner bottom of the container.

Abstract: For purifying a liquid, the liquid is caused to evaporate in a cyclone in a recirculation circuit. Vapor is discharged via a discharge channel in which a compressor is included. In a heat exchanger downstream of the compressor, supplied vapor condenses and heat thereby released is transferred to liquid in the recirculation circuit. A liquid inlet of the cyclone is placed and directed for delivering a jet having a directional component tangential with respect to an inner surface of the cyclone. The liquid inlet has a section shaped such that in operation the delivered jet is a flat jet having a cross section which in a direction parallel to a nearest generatrix of the inner surface of the cyclone is greater than in a direction perpendicular thereto. The jet contacts the inner surface of the cyclone before drop formation occurs in the jet. A method for purifying a liquid is also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separation of one or more salts from water are described. The methods include addition of a water miscible solvent to the water, followed by separation of the precipitated salt in a slurry, and evaporation of the water miscible solvent from the slurry. The apparatus include a novel design for a wetted wall separator tube that allows the solids in the slurry to pass through while providing efficient evaporation of the water miscible solvent from the water.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for recovering oil and protein and increasing production yields using two centrifuges in series or a centrifuge with dual oil and protein separating functions in a dry mill are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method recovers oil from a concentrated byproduct, such as evaporated thin stillage formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method includes forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may comprise evaporating the byproduct. Further, the step of separating the oil from the concentrate may comprise using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil from thin stillage.

Abstract: Disclosed are an evaporator, an evaporation method, and a substrate processing apparatus, which can increase the concentration of generated vapor of an organic solvent and efficiently heat the organic solvent. The evaporator includes a fluid tube, a liquid organic solvent supply device for supplying the organic solvent liquid to one end of the fluid tube, and heating units for heating the fluid tube. The fluid tube has a cross section that increases from the one end to the other end. When the organic solvent liquid supplied to one end of the fluid tube is heated, the organic solvent vapor is discharged from the other end of the fluid tube. The substrate processing apparatus includes the above-described evaporator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a desalinization apparatus, and methods related to desalinization. In an embodiment, a desalinization apparatus includes at least one port for receiving airflow therethrough, at least one port for receiving salt water therethrough, at least one output for providing outflow of pure water vapor, and at least one output for proving outflow of a mixture of water, salt and air; and a plurality of chambers for evaporating the salt water into the airflow, at least one of the chambers forming a plurality of ports arranged in a plurality of rows. In an embodiment, a method includes providing airflow to a desalinization apparatus; providing salt water to the desalinization apparatus; forming a vortex in the airflow to evaporate water vapor from the salt water; and providing the water vapor in the airflow to a condenser so as to obtain pure water.

Abstract: An evaporator is provided for evaporation of liquid from a solution or liquid mixtures, together with methods of operation of the evaporator. The evaporator comprises a chamber (1); a liquid reservoir (3) for holding a heat transfer liquid exposed to the interior of the chamber; a support (6) for supporting a container (8) in the chamber, such that the liquid sample in the container is exposed to a fluid path (15) for connection to a condenser (16), the fluid path being separated from the chamber interior, and at least a portion of the container is closely thermally coupled to the chamber interior; and means (4) for heating the heat transfer liquid in the reservoir to create heat transfer liquid vapor, which in use condenses and releases latent heat of vaporization to the liquid sample in the container. As the temperature of the sample is dependent on the saturated vapor temperature of the liquid in the reservoir, the temperature of the samples is reliably limited, thereby avoiding overheating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

Abstract: Vacuum concentrator, comprising a vacuum chamber with a closure which may be sealed in an airtight manner, a centrifuge rotor arranged in the vacuum chamber with at least one receiver for at least one vessel for samples to be dried, a drive motor arranged outside the vacuum chamber for driving the centrifuge rotor, a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum chamber, a tempering device associated with the vacuum chamber for tempering the at least one sample in the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor associated with the vacuum chamber for detecting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber and an electrical control and evaluating device which is connected to the drive motor, the vacuum pump, the tempering device and the pressure sensor, for detecting the end point of the vacuum concentration by means of the pressures detected by the pressure sensor in the vacuum chamber and terminating the vacuum concentration when the end point is determined.

Abstract: Methods and related systems efficiently and effectively recover a significant amount of valuable, useable oil from byproducts formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method may include forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may include evaporating the byproduct using a multi-stage evaporator, as well as recovering the oil before the final stage of the evaporator. Further, the step of recovering oil from the concentrate may include using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil.

Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.

Abstract: A reciprocating film type evaporator for solvents and other chemicals which eliminates the need for a large powerful motor, and other associated equipment such as rotary gaskets, by using reciprocation, versus 360 degree rotation.

Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.

Abstract: A multiple application recycling and purification device has a coaxial core that is horizontally oriented, non-rotating, cylindrical distillation chamber. The enhanced, completely coaxial configuration continuously cleans the entire distillation chamber and spreads a thin film of liquid to enhance distillation and positively aid in the removal of remaining contaminants. Through a timed and positioned valve, the device removes and purges lower-temperature contaminants. Timed valves and sensors control all phases of the distillation to provide a coaxially integrated, stand-alone, adaptable, scalable and maintenance free distillation unit that self-monitors, self-cleans and economically functions to produce the pure distilled liquid, e.g., water. This device can be modified to purify any numerous array of liquids and can be scaled to produce any amount of purified liquids for either household, commercial, or industrial applications.

Abstract: Coating material is fed into a vacuum container inside which are apparatus for separating gas from the coating material. The degassing apparatus (10) has two separate compartments (11, 12) so that degassing is carried out in two different stages by using a single apparatus.

Abstract: A centrifugal condenser in an engine has a stacked arrangement of interleaved plates surrounding a central core. Exhaust steam from the engine is directed through interior cavities of the plates while external cooling air from intake blowers circulates over outer surfaces of the plates to cool the plates and condense the steam on the opposite inner side of the plates. The water condensation is returned to a collection pan or sump for subsequent use in the engine.

Abstract: A vapor based liquid purification system and process utilizes an evaporator for evaporating a liquid into a vapor and a vapor condenser for condensing the vapor into the processed liquid. The vapor condenser has a stator and a rotor, with the rotor disposed for rotation about the stator. The stator and the rotor each have protrusions proximate to an inlet of the vapor condenser. These protrusions cooperate to draw vapor from the evaporator into the vapor condenser. The stator and the rotor each further have at least one axially extending ridge. These ridges cooperate to move a mixture of the vapor and the processed liquid towards at least one drain in the rotor where the processed liquid is communicated to an outlet of the vapor condenser. A multi-level vapor based purification system may also be utilized.

Abstract: The present water reclamation system comprises a series of concentric thin shells. The shells mount within a housing that can be maintained under vacuum or low pressure. The shells rotate at high velocity. Contaminated liquid from outside the housing is injected into the space between half the shells. The centrifugal force causes the liquid to form a thin film along the inward facing surface of the shell. A compressor lowers the pressure adjacent the thin film causing the liquid to boil. The compressor carries the vapor to the other side of those shells at a slightly higher temperature. There the vapor encounters the wall, which is cooler and its heat is transferred to boil the contaminated liquid. The vapor condenses, and rotation throws the condensate against the adjacent wall where it is collected. When condensing, the heat of condensation transfers to the shell for boiling the incoming contaminated liquid.

Abstract: An evaporator is provided for evaporation of liquid from a solution or liquid mixtures, together with methods of operation of the evaporator. The evaporator comprises a chamber (1); a liquid reservoir (3) for holding a heat transfer liquid exposed to the interior of the chamber; a support (6) for supporting a container (8) in the chamber, such that the liquid sample in the container is exposed to a fluid path (15) for connection to a condenser (16), the fluid path being separated from the chamber interior, and at least a portion of the container is closely thermally coupled to the chamber interior; and means (4) for heating the heat transfer liquid in the reservoir to create heat transfer liquid vapour, which in use condenses and releases latent heat of vaporisation to the liquid sample in the container. As the temperature of the sample is dependent on the saturated vapour temperature of the liquid in the reservoir, the temperature of the samples is reliably limited, thereby avoiding overheating.

Abstract: A centrifugal evaporator includes a chamber in which sample containers are carried and rotated by a rotor and are pivotally mounted so as to swing up to a substantially horizontal orientation as the rotor rotates. The evaporator includes an infra-red source to direct infra-red radiation towards the rotor and the sample containers carried thereon, to heat at least the latter and any sample material therein. A non-contact temperature sensing infra-red pyrometer having a sensor with a defined field of view is mounted in the chamber, such that while the rotor as such is substantially out of its field of view, each sample container at least partly occupies the pyrometer field of view for a part of each rotation of the rotor. The positions of the infra-red source and the pyrometer components are selected so that the radiation from the infra-red source does not impinge on the pyrometer sensor.

Abstract: A method is described for evaporating liquid samples contained in sample holders mounted within a chamber and rotated by the rotor during an evaporation process in which the pressure in the chamber is reduced below atmospheric and the sample holders are rotated at high speed so as to exert centrifugal force on the contents of the holders. Heat is supplied to elevate the temperature of the liquid component of the samples to assist in the evaporation process. The temperature of the sample material is continuously or regularly monitored during the evaporation process and temperature signals are transmitted to a remote computing means which is programmed to generate a control signal for controlling the supply of heat to the samples and controlling the evaporation process. The temperature may be sensed by a probe in a sample holder containing an evaporating liquid sample, or in an adjoining sample holder containing a buffer liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating solutions in a vaporising receptacle (1) is provided wherein the receptacle (1) has a mouth (3), and the axis of the receptacle is perpendicular to the mouth.

Abstract: An evaporation source device comprises a fusion section 24, a retainer section 21, an evaporator section 22, and an ejector section 23. When cylindrical heaters 241 and 211 are electrically energized, a linear evaporation material 31 is fused. A molten evaporation material 32 runs from a heating container 242 and retains in a heating container 212. The evaporation material 32 in the heating container 212 runs down from a descending opening 216 along a descending column 224. The evaporation material 32 evaporates by the radiation heat from the cylindrical heater 221 on the falling process. The vapor of the evaporation material 32 is ejected from the nozzle 232 onto the substrate 61. Each of the cylindrical heaters 241, 211, 221, and 231, which is made of graphite, generates heat when a voltage is applied between electrodes 213 and 214, between electrodes 214 and 222, or between electrodes 232 and 233.

Abstract: Liquid organic material is controllably delivered to a receptacle located in the center of a heated surface capable of horizontally rotating about its central axis. As the heated surface rotates, material deposited within the central receptacle is forced outwardly and across the rotating surface. As the material moves radially, it evaporates into a vapor which is then transported to one or more nozzles. From the nozzles, the vapor is applied to a substrate and condensed. The spinning disk evaporator enables the evaporation of a wider variety of organic liquids greater reliability in continuous operation, a decrease in maintenance, and a larger and more constant material flow rate.

Abstract: A method of protectively heating a microtitre well plate from below using infra-red radiation in a centrifugal evaporator, wherein a barrier plate is placed in contact with and surrounding the lower ends of the wells. The barrier plate is adapted to convey heat energy to the wells and contents thereof and is selected to be substantially non-transmittive of radiation having wavelengths in the range 200 nm to 3000 nm, and the surface of the barrier plate which is to receive the wells includes a plurality of sockets in which the closed lower ends of the wells are a snug fit. The plate is adapted to fit between the underside of the wells and a swinging sample holder mount of a centrifugal evaporator, or a shelf of a swinging sample holder mount, having two or more shelves for stacking well plates one above the other in such an evaporator.

Abstract: In a rotary evaporator, the rotating speed of the rotating flask is automatically controlled or regulated dependent upon a detected process value, particularly the vibration behavior or the mass moment of inertia of the rotating flask.

Abstract: Method and system for evaporating at least one substance. During at least one dosing phase (TG) a predefined or predefinable quantity of a product (M) which contains at least one substance to be evaporated is imported via a feed system (7, 14, 17, 33, 36) into a revolving vessel (2). The revolving vessel is rotated around an axis of rotation (R) and appropriate process conditions for the evaporation of at least one substance are generated or maintained. The flow (F) of the product (M) is automatically controlled or regulated by the feed system (14, 17) during the dosing phase (TG) in particular as a function of at least one process parameter and/or of at least one characteristic property of the product. The product (M) is imported into the revolving vessel (2) in the course of the dosing phase only during predefined feed periods (t1, t2) that are interrupted by intervening intervals and especially idle intervals (t1, t2).

Abstract: An integrated method for producing aromatic polycarbonate, including the steps of: (1) making a liquid mixture of acetone and diphenylcarbonate; (2) transporting the liquid mixture of step (1) to a polycarbonate production plant; (3) separating the diphenylcarbonate from the acetone in the liquid mixture in the polycarbonate production plant; (4) reacting the diphenylcarbonate with bisphenolacetone to produce polycarbonate, thereby liberating phenol; (5) reacting phenol of step (4) with acetone of step (3) to produce bisphenolacetone; (6) using bisphenolacetone of step (5) in the reaction of step (4).

Abstract: A centrifugal evaporator is described having internally of a chamber a source of IR radiation which directs energy towards a sample support platform on which a microtitre plate is mounted in use, for rotation within the chamber. The wells of the microtitre plate will normally contain liquid samples which are to be evaporated whilst subjected to heat from the IR source and centrifugal force from the rotation of the platform. The swing characteristic of the latter allows the plate to be mounted and demounted with the plate generally horizontal, but as the support platform is rotated, it swings up through approximately 90° so that the wells are now substantially horizontal and the plate is now substantially vertical, so that centrifugal force pins the liquid at the bottom of the wells.

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 folds or pleats. 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, moreover, are defined between adjacent panels that are joined at an outer diameter fold, while the condensing chambers are defined between adjacent panels that are joined at an inner diameter fold. The evaporating chambers are thus closed at their outer diameter ends and open at their inner diameter ends, while the condensing chambers are closed at their inner diameter ends and open at their outer diameter ends.

Abstract: Liquid organic material is controllably delivered to a receptacle located in the center of a heated surface capable of horizontally rotating about its central axis. As the heated surface rotates, material deposited within the central receptacle is forced outwardly and across the rotating surface. As the material moves radially, it evaporates into a vapor which is then transported to one or more nozzles. From the nozzles, the vapor is applied to a substrate and condensed. Relative to existing devices and methods, the present invention enables the evaporation of a wider variety of organic liquids, greater reliability in continuous operation, a decrease in maintenance, and a larger and more constant material flow rate.

Abstract: A liquid having certain undesired elements therein is distilled in a distillation column to form a vapor stream. This vapor stream is fed by means of an inert gas drive to a first container having an array of semi-permeable screens which are rotated at a speed of 3,000-10,000 rpm to generate vertical spiral vortexes which act on the vapor to separate out heavier impurities. An inert gas is employed to drive the vapor stream from the first container to the bottom of a second container having a narrower diameter array of semi-permeable screens, these screens being driven at a velocity of 6000-100,000 rpm. In the second container, the molecular species is separated from the main vapor stream by virtue of the exposure of the vapor to large centrifugal gravity forces generated by the horizontal velocity vectors of the rotating screens.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a stator and a rotor disposed for rotation within the stator. An inner wall of the stator defines one or more collider chambers. Rotation of the rotor causes movement of fluid disposed between the rotor and stator and establishes a rotational flow pattern within the collider chambers. The fluid movement induced by the rotor increases the temperature, density, and pressure of the fluid in the collider chamber.

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: A method for the concentration of liquid mixtures includes the step of causing a continuous stream of the liquid mixtures to flow in the form of a turbulent thin layer in contact with a heated wall; for that purpose, a continuous stream of liquid mixture is fed into a turbo-concentrator including a cylindrical tubular body (1), a heating jacket (4) and a bladed rotor (8) rotatably supported in the cylindrical tubular body (1), and is centrifuged to form a dynamic and tubular thin layer, the thin layer advancing inside the cylindrical tubular body (1) then being discharged continuously in the form of a stream of concentrated liquid mixture.

Abstract: An evaporator particularly useful for milk evaporation. The evaporator includes a rotor (12) within steam chamber (11) of housing (10). Liquid feed passes through conduit (13) to emit through outlets (14) and (15) onto the inner periphery of evaporator surfaces (16) and (17) of cone pairs (C, C1) and (C2). Concentrate can flow between cone pairs via tubes (22) at the other periphery of the cone pairs. Concentrate is picked up at cone pair (C2) and the lowermost cone pair (C1) to flow through outlet conduit (30). The cone angle of each cone is in the range of 5° to 45° preferably about 10°.

Abstract: A method of protectively heating a microtitre well plate from below using infra-red radiation in a centrifugal evaporator, wherein a barrier plate is placed in contact with and surrounding the lower ends of the wells. The barrier plate is adapted to convey heat energy to the wells and contents thereof and is selected to be substantially non-transmittive of radiation having wavelengths in the range 200 nm to 3000 nm, and the surface of the barrier plate which is to receive the wells includes a plurality of sockets in which the closed lower ends of the wells are a snug fit. The plate is adapted to fit between the underside of the wells and a swinging sample holder mount of a centrifugal evaporator, or a shelf of a swinging sample holder mount, having two or more shelves for stacking well plates one above the other in such an evaporator.

Abstract: A distillation unit (10) employs a rotary heat exchanger (32) forming a multiplicity of evaporation chambers (56) into which a liquid to be purified is sprayed for evaporation. Spray arms (58) spray at a steady rate into all of the evaporation chambers (56) simultaneously but not at a rate that is adequate to maintain the wetting required for efficient transfer of heat to the liquid. A scanning sprayer (140) supplements this steady spray with spray from nozzles (142 and 144) into only a few of the evaporation chambers at a time, visiting all of them cyclically. The overall rate of spray from the two sources thus combined to spray the chamber cyclically maintains proper wetting even though on average it is lower than the rate that would be required of a constant-rate spray into all of the evaporation chambers.

Abstract: A rotary evaporator including a rotating flask (2) to hold the substances to be evaporated, and a drive (6) to rotate the rotating flask around an axis of rotation (R) that runs through the rotating flask, wherein the rotating flask additionally can be swiveled around a swiveling axis (S) which runs outside of the rotating flask and, relative to the force of gravity (G), runs above the axis of rotation of the rotating flask.

Abstract: A method of controlling the evaporation of liquid in samples in an evaporating centrifuge, by monitoring the centrifugal force exerted on a sample holder containing a liquid sample having solid material dissolved or otherwise mixed therein. The centrifugal force is determined using a load cell, a strain gauge or, where relative movement between sample holder and rotor is permitted albeit with resilient restraint, the centrifugal force signal may be generated by a position sensing transducer. The speed of rotation is sensed by a further transducer and both force and speed signals are conveyed to a computer programmed to generate a process control signal for controlling the evaporation process therefrom. A preferred method of control involves determining the rate of change of weight with time and terminating the evaporation process when the rate of change drops to zero.

Abstract: A liquid sample 3 held in an open container 2 and including a volatile solvent, is evaporated by continuously removing inert gas rich in vapor by means of a suction tube 5 whose open end is held close to the top surface of the liquid. Vapor in the gas is then extracted in a refrigerated condensing vessel 6, from where the purified gas is fed by a pump 7 for recirculation back into a sealed chamber 1 in which the container is mounted. In a modification, the inert gas is fed directly through a nozzle 17 into the container 2 wile the gas/vapor mixture is extracted from the chamber 1 for recirculation, after passing through a condenser 6 or the like.

Abstract: The present water reclamation system includes a series of concentric thin shells. The shells mount within a housing that can be maintained under vacuum or low pressure. The shells rotate at high velocity. Contaminated liquid from outside the housing is injected into the space between half the shells. The centrifugal force causes the liquid to form a thin film along the inward facing surface of the shell. A compressor lowers the pressure adjacent the thin film causing the liquid to boil. The compressor carries the vapor to the other side of those shells at a slightly higher temperature. There the vapor encounters the wall, which is cooler because its heat was transferred to boil the contaminated liquid. The vapor condenses, and rotation throws the condensate against the adjacent wall where it is collected. When condensing, the heat of condensation transfers to the shell for boiling the incoming contaminated liquid.

Abstract: A centrifugal evaporator is described having internally of a chamber a source of IR radiation which directs energy towards a sample support platform on which a microtitre plate is mounted in use, for rotation within the chamber. The wells of the microtitre plate will normally contain liquid samples which are to be evaporated whilst subjected to heat from the IR source and centrifugal force from the rotation of the platform. The swing characteristic of the latter allows the plate to be mounted and demounted with the plate generally horizontal, but as the support platform is rotated, it swings up through approximately 90° so that the wells are now substantially horizontal and the plate is now substantially vertical, so that centrifugal force pins the liquid at the bottom of the wells.

Abstract: A distiller (10) that employs a rotary heat exchanger (32) introduces water to be evaporated into evaporation chambers (56). During most of its operation, it collects the water that has passed through the evaporation chamber (56) without evaporating, and it reintroduces the thus-collected liquid back into the evaporation chamber, where it also adds a minor amount of unrecirculated feed liquid to make up for evaporation and concentrate removal. Simultaneously, a minor amount of feed liquid is fed into one side of a transfer pump (116). During this mode of operation, the impurities concentration in the recirculating liquid tends to increase as a result of the evaporation of pure water vapor. Periodically, the erstwhile recirculating liquid is redirected to the other side of the transfer pump (116), where it causes the feed liquid stored in the transfer pump's first side to be fed without accompanying recirculant liquid into the rotary heat exchanger's evaporation chambers.