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: An apparatus for supplying both hot water and distilled water includes a water distillation unit having a steam generator, a condenser connected with the steam generator for converting steam into distilled water and a holding tank for receiving distilled water from the condenser. The condenser is in heat transfer relation to the interior of a water heater tank. Water level monitors are provided for monitoring the level of water in the steam generator and the holding tank and temperature sensors sense the temperature of water in the steam generator and water heater tank. When the level of water in the holding tank is above a predetermined value, the steam generator is de-energized and feed water is admitted to the steam generator to dilute the contents to a safe temperature before the contents are discharged to drain.

Abstract: A water distiller assembly which provides for an efficient distillation process wherein steam generated in a boiling chamber is delivered to a steam condensing chamber where steam condensation is carried out by the combined effect of water cooling and air cooling. The resulting distilled water is stored in the steam condensing chamber where it is kept hot by the incoming steam for hot serving while at the same time helps in condensing the steam it comes into contact with. Water vapor emanating from the surface of the hot coolant water is also condensed and collected. Operating temperature of the coolant water may be adjusted to suit room temperature demands. The distillation process is made automatic, continuous and self-limiting by the use of two simple float controls and a thermostatic water outlet valve.

Abstract: A liquid desiccant regenerator is provided including an upstanding hollow reboiler having upstanding peripheral sides, a bottom and a top. A plurality of laterally space upstanding tubular flues are provided in the reboiler and open upwardly and downwardly through the top and bottom. A flue plenum chamber is disposed over the top into which the upper ends of the tubular flues open and a flue pipe opens upwardly from the plenum chamber. A combustion chamber is disposed below the bottom including low pressure gas burner structure therein and into which the lower ends of the flues open. An upper portion of the reboiler includes a lateral extension and a still column is supported from the lateral extension and is positioned relative thereto for regenerated liquid desiccant drainage from the lower end of the column into the lateral extension.