Abstract: A distillation system receives a feed solution to produce residue and distillate. A heat pump includes parts of a first and second heat exchangers, a working fluid, a working fluid compressor, and an expansion device. The working fluid receives available heat energy from the distillate in the second heat exchanger, receives at least some additional heat energy in the working fluid compressor, and releases at least some of that heat energy into the feed solution in the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger receives the feed solution, permitting transfer of at least some heat energy into it. A separator receives the feed solution from the first heat exchanger and separates it into the residue and distillate. The second heat exchanger receives the distillate, permitting transfer of at least some heat energy back into the working fluid. And a distillate extractor directs the distillate out of the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: To increase a concentration of an extraction liquid. An extraction apparatus has an exhaust unit provided below a placement unit so that gas is exhausted outward of an accommodation chamber.

Abstract: An oil extraction device is provided. The oil extraction device includes an evaporation chamber having a top end and a bottom end. The top end is sealed and the bottom end includes a collection bowl. A filter cartridge is disposed within the evaporation chamber and includes a top end, a bottom end, and an internal cavity formed to secure a plant product within. The bottom end of the filter cartridge includes a filter and a drip cap with an opening leading into the collection bowl. The present invention further includes a solvent canister securing a solvent within. A delivery line leads from the solvent canister into the top end of the filter cartridge and a circulation line leads from the top end of the evaporation chamber to the solvent canister. A pump may be used to vacuum the solvent through the lines. The solvent may travel from the solvent canister into the filter cartridge traveling through the opening at the bottom and turning into a vapor.

Abstract: A contaminated solvent recycling system is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a distillation vessel having an upper distillation zone and a separate, lower, waste collection zone. A heater heats contaminated solvent feed within the distillation zone to distill off the solvent. By separating the distillation zone from the waste collection zone, the distillation zone can process consecutive batches of contaminated solvent feed. The waste collection zone can accommodate waste accumulating from the distillation process for extended periods of time between waste removal operations.

Abstract: A distiller including an evaporator having at least one evaporation surface for evaporating liquid into vapor. At least one movable liquid applicator assembly has a wiper applicator which can move over the at least one evaporation surface, for wiping and applying a thin even film of the liquid on the at least one evaporation surface for evaporation.

Abstract: A method for recovering synthetic oils from a feed stream, the method comprising separating at least a portion of the non-synthetic oil constituents from a commingled stream to produce a partially purified synthetic oil stream and one or more contaminant streams. Extracting at least a portion of the synthetic oil from the partially purified synthetic oil stream to produce a synthetic oil stream and a second contaminant stream.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for removing a contaminant from an aromatic selective solvent. A feed stream comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon and a non-aromatic hydrocarbon is contacted with the aromatic selective solvent in an extractive distillation zone to produce a raffinate stream comprising the non-aromatic hydrocarbon, and a rich solvent stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon and the solvent. The rich solvent stream is separated in a second distillation zone to produce an extract stream comprising the aromatic hydrocarbon, and a lean solvent stream comprising the contaminant and the aromatic selective solvent. At least a portion of the lean solvent stream is washed with a non-aromatic hydrocarbon to produce a clean solvent stream, at least a portion of which is passed to at least one of the extractive distillation zone and the second distillation zone.

Abstract: Embodiments of extraction unit and an analysis method are provided. In one embodiment, the analysis method includes the steps of providing a feed stream and a species-selective solvent to the distillation column, drawing a vapor sample from the distillation column, condensing the vapor sample, and analyzing at least a portion of the condensed vapor sample.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (7?) for separating 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene by fractional distillation of a mixture (31) that contains C9 or C9+ aromatic hydrocarbons, and possibly hydrocarbons with less nine nine carbon atoms. In an aspect of the invention, a first distillation step and a second distillation step are carried out in respective distillation chambers (75, 75?) defined by a cylindrical vertical container 501 and by an inner partition wall (85) of the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns the control of solvent systems in processes and apparatus for the separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from non-aromatic hydrocarbons in liquid-liquid extraction, extractive distillation, and the combination thereof.

Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a recycler module including a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit that includes a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: An assembly for removing contaminants from objects and recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a parts washer assembly including a container for a contaminated solvent solution and a recycling assembly that includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.

Abstract: A distillation assembly that reduces malodors resulting from a process of recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution that includes a distillation chamber defined by a top wall, a side wall and a bottom wall, a heating element disposed in the distillation chamber including an active portion and an inactive portion. The contaminated solvent solution disposed at a level within the distillation chamber such that the active portion always disposed below the level.

Abstract: A method of operating an assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution including a source for the contaminated solvent solution at a level and a recycling assembly including a reservoir module and a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a reservoir and the recycler module includes a controller and a distillation assembly including a distiller having a conduit and a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve includes a tube. The method includes connecting the conduit to the source below the level; connecting the pressure relief valve tube to the source; pumping solvent into the reservoir, distiller and conduit to an operational level; and selecting a duty cycle of the controller to regulate a rest period after the controller operation of a distillation cycle.

Abstract: Device to extract organic chemical compounds from particulate material (MP) that comes from atmospheric samples, using solvents heated by the application of focalized microwaves (MW), performed in open systems, which consists of: a magnetron; an electronic control circuit of the magnetron; a distillation flask that holds the solvent with the sample to be heated; a filter for blocking microwaves, which allows getting out the vapor produced by the ebullition of the solvent with the sample to reach a reflux medium that allows condensing that vapor; and a waveguide connected at one extreme with the magnetron and electronic control circuit, and at the other extreme with the distillation flask to be heated, the microwave blocking filter and the reflux medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils and essence and pigments from odorous raw materials by microwave radiation heating under sub-critical conditions, which has advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser unit is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas extractive flowing out of the extraction unit. Because both volatile aromatic compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave radiation heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method applied are really environmentally friendly.

Abstract: Extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils, essence, and pigments from odorous raw materials (e.g., plant materials and Chinese medicinal herbs) by microwave radiation heating have advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas flowing out of the extraction cartridges. Because both volatile fragrant compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully by the top-down extraction fashion, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method are environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A thermal distillation system comprises heating means and cooling means arranged to heat and cool, respectively, treatable liquid in a liquid circuit having a first section between a heating means output and cooling means input, and a second section between an a cooling means output and heating means input, and further comprises distillation stages, each including an evaporator on the first section and a condenser on the second section in heat exchange relationship with liquid in the second section, a carrier gas circuit, on which the evaporator and condenser are arranged, and an output for outputting liquid extracted, wherein the stages are arranged such that their evaporators are disposed along the first section in a direction from the heating means to the cooling means and their condensers are disposed in corresponding order along the second section in a direction from the heating means to the cooling means.

Abstract: In the water purification process, apparatus, and method, contaminated water vapor is exposed to liquid solvent, which causes a transfer of contaminants from the contaminated water vapor to the liquid solvent. In an advantageous embodiment, this latter step is followed by a second purification step where the decontaminated water in liquid phase is exposed to water vapor which causes a transfer of solvent remaining in the decontaminated water to the water vapor. The energy freed during the condensation of the vapor can advantageously be used for evaporation of the liquids, optionally by compressing the vapors prior to condensation thereof within heat exchangers.

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 process is disclosed for recovering 1-butene from a feed steam comprising n-butane, isobutane and butene isomers using a single, divided wall distillation column. The disclosed process includes introducing the feed steam into an inlet of a first side of a distillation column, wherein the distillation column comprises a top, a bottom and a center dividing wall extending between the bottom and the top of the column and dividing the column into the first side and a second side. The process includes taking off an isobutane stream from the top of the second side of column, taking off a 1-butene stream as a bottoms stream from the second side of the column, and taking off a combination 2-butene and n-butane stream as a bottom stream from the first side of column.

Abstract: Device to extract organic chemical compounds from particulate material (MP) that comes from atmospheric samples, using solvents heated by the application of focalized microwaves (MW), performed in open systems, which consists of: a magnetron; an electronic control circuit of the magnetron; a distillation flask that holds the solvent with the sample to be heated; a filter for blocking microwaves, which allows getting out the vapor produced by the ebullition of the solvent with the sample to reach a reflux medium that allows condensing that vapor; and a waveguide connected at one extreme with the magnetron and electronic control circuit, and at the other extreme with the distillation flask to be heated, the microwave blocking filter and the reflux medium.

Abstract: A closed-loop biomass extraction apparatus using HFC solvents including an extraction vessel, an evaporator for the solvent, a compressor and a condenser connected in series in a closed loop extraction circuit; a solvent recovery loop constituted by a bypass line; a plurality of flow control valves that are selectively operable for connecting the solvent recovery loop in parallel with the closed loop extraction circuit; and at least one container containing an adsorbent for organic contaminants and a desiccant, the container being connected in the solvent recovery loop to which solvent in the extraction circuit may be supplied through selective operation of the flow control valves whereby solvent used in the extraction circuit may be supplied through the adsorbent and the desiccant.

Abstract: An anti-pressure system for a vessel which is subject to internal pressure created by heating or boiling of its contents, the system including first and second spaced-apart outlets for vapor to exit the vessel, each outlet having a first side communicating with the vessel interior and a second side communicating with the vessel exterior. The invention provides a reliable method of protecting a normally un-pressurized vessel, such as an autoclave, distillation vessel, boiler or the like, from dangerous pressure build-up, resulting from its vapor outlet being blocked, regardless of what other pressure release devices, if any, may be present on the vessel.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovery apparatus including a housing having an open top, a closed bottom and a plurality of sidewalls therebetween defining a boiling sump with a treating solution therein. The housing is further provided with at least one heating coil and at least one condensing coil for providing and removing heat from the apparatus. The housing also includes at least one glove extending through one of the sidewalls allowing a user to manually handle and/or manually spray parts or objects needing cleaning using the vapor generating and recovery apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a distiller adapted to distil solvents for recovery of pure solvent from impure solvent, the solvent (2) being used for washing away residues of paint from spray guns. The distiller (1) includes an outer container (5) with a boiling chamber (8) which at the top has an opening (9) which can be tightly closed by a cover (10) and a flexible inner container (13) is provided in the boiling chamber (8), the flexible inner container (13) containing impure solvent to be distilled. A pipe means (20) is placed beside the flexible inner container (13) in order to allow solvent steam (7a), which is generated by boiling solvent in a lower space (19) beneath the flexible inner container (13), to pass from the lower space (19) into an upper space (16) having an outlet (17) and located above the flexible inner container (13) for preventing the solvent steam (7a) from lifting the flexible inner container (13) in the boiling chamber (8).

Abstract: A material contaminated with a solvent is treated with a hydrofluorocarbon to remove the contaminant. The hydrofluorocarbon can be tetrafluoroethane.

Abstract: A machine for vapor degreasing with a atmosphere tight container for the process to take place, an inert gas purge to reduce the oxygen in the container, and a heat source to vaporize the decreasing fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at distillers adapted to distil solvents for recovery of pure solvent from impure solvent, said solvent (2) being used e.g. for washing away residues of paint from spray guns. The distiller (1) comprises an outer container (5) with a boiling chamber (8) which at the top has an opening (9) which can be tightly closed by means of a cover (10) and a flexible inner container (13) is provided in the boiling chamber (8), said flexible inner container (13) containing impure solvent (2) to be distilled. A pipe means (20) is placed beside the flexible inner container (13) in order to allow solvent steam (7a), which is generated by boiling solvent in a lower space (19) beneath the flexible inner container (13), to pass from said lower space (19) into an upper space (16) having an outlet (17) and located above the flexible inner container (13) for preventing said solvent steam (7a) from lifting the flexible inner container (13) in the boiling chamber (8).

Abstract: A process for the purification of crude N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), which comprises extracting crude DPPD with a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon mixtures thereby forming an extract solution containing DPPD, passing the extract solution over an adsorption layer, and recovering purified DPPD from the solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for condensing moisture from an air stream. The apparatus is a heating, extracting and condensing system and method for efficiently recovering an ingredient from a raw material. The condenser is a housing having one or more fins or the like that are efficiently cooled by one or more thermoelectric coolers. A plurality of condensers can be arranged in series to improve efficiency.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solvent distillation apparatus capable of preparing a highly pure anoxic, dehydrated solvent. A distilling flask is connected to a vacuum double-barrel fractionating column by a glass flange. The upper end of the fractionating column is connected to a middle portion of a reflux condenser. The upper end of the reflux condenser is provided with an outlet for a purge gas, and the lower end thereof is connected to a condensate reservoir. The base of the condensate reservoir is connected to the fractionating column near a lower end thereof via a Young cock, and also connected to a collecting flask via a Young cock and a glass flange. An immersion tube is used to blow an inactive gas into a base portion of the condensate reservoir. The fractionating column, the reflux condenser and the condensate reservoir are integrated as one body.

Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of aromatic compounds from a mixture containing aromatic and non-aromatic compounds and method for retrofitting existing equipment for the same is provided. The improved process comprises the steps of recovering aromatic compounds via parallel operation of a hybrid extractive distillation/liquid-liquid extractor operation and variations thereof. Methods of quickly and economically retrofitting existing recovery process equipment for use with the improved aromatics recovery process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recycling and recovering potentially explosive solvents includes providing a contaminated solvent to a distillation tank, vaporizing the solvent in the distillation tank, thereby producing solvent vapor, condensing the solvent vapor, and adding a free radical scavenger substance to the distillation tank during the heating step. The vapor is then condensed and collected in a clean solvent tank where additional free radical scavenger substance is added to the clean solvent tank. Preferably, contaminated solvent is introduced into the solvent recovery system by providing contaminated solvent into contaminated solvent tank which is connected to the distillation tank, and an oxygen displacer substance is provided to the contaminated solvent tank and the clean solvent tank so as to minimize the amount of free oxygen in the tanks.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for regenerating a contaminated solvent wherein said solvent is first separated from higher-boiling contaminants in an evaporator, and then contaminants having a lower boiling point than said solvent are separated out in a condenser in which the temperature of said lower-boiling contaminants coming out of said condenser and the temperature of said solvent coming out of said condenser are separately controlled.

Abstract: A solvent extraction apparatus which includes a heating plate, a vessel for containing a solvent, an extraction thimble to obtain a sample to be extracted from said vessel and a cooler for condensing evaporated solvent vapors. The cooler is connected to the vessel for containing the solvent, preferably by an adaptor. A lifting rod is provided which passes through the cooler which, at its lower portion, is provided with a drip rim on which the extraction thimble is detachably fixed. The thimble can be moved vertically by the lifting rod and the flow of solvent into and out of the cooler can be regulated by the lifting rod.

Abstract: An improved vapor degreaser with a tank having a conventional lower portion with a solvent which is heated and cooling coils which largely combine the solvent vapor zone to a solvent vapor level. An upper tank portion rests above the conventional tank and has a second set of cooling coils. A first cover is placeable between the conventional tank and the upper tank portion. A second cover is placeable over the upper tank portion to provide a vapor degreaser with a much lower chance of any vapors escaping the degreaser.

Abstract: A distillation solvent recycling system is provided which is characterized by improved safety features, modular construction, a double insulated solvent reservoir, electronic control and display of system parameters, and self diagnosis of system malfunctions. The components of the system are assembled into a compact unitized structure so as to maximize safety, efficiency, portability, convenience and ease of operation and maintenance. An outer insulative and protective safety casing shields the operator from process hazards while the system is in operation. An inner lid is provided with improved sealing mechanisms for preventing the escape of toxic solvent vapors. An outer safety lid shields the operator from heat and trace vapors in the vicinity of the solvent reservoir.

Abstract: A method for continuously extracting a solute from a carrier medium. A volatile solvent is placed in a lower distillation chamber of a vessel, the vessel including a convergent baffle disposed to separate the vessel into a lower distillation chamber and an upper extraction chamber. The convergent baffle is contoured to converge to define a conduit riser projecting upwardly into the extraction chamber and terminating in a vaporized solvent port placing the distillation chamber in fluid flow communication with the extraction chamber. A carrier medium containing a solute to be extracted is placed in the extraction chamber. The volatile solvent in the distillation chamber is then vaporized. The vaporized solvent flows upwardly and is converged through the convergent baffle and conduit riser. The converged vapor stream passes through the vaporized solvent port into the carrier medium, flowing through the carrier medium and inducing a linear-torroidal flow in the carrier medium.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for continuously extracting a solute from a carrier medium (102) is provided. The apparatus is formed from a vessel (12) including a convergent baffle (22) separating the vessel into a lower distillation chamber (24) and an upper extraction chamber (26). The convergent baffle is configured as an inverted funnel such that it defines a conduit riser (28) projecting upwardly into the extraction chamber and terminating in a vaporized solvent port (30) placing the distillation chamber in fluid-flow direct communication with the extraction chamber. A vapor rotating spheres-condenser (34) is mounted on the upper end of the vessel and opens into the extraction chamber. Solvent is placed in the distillation chamber while the carrier medium containing the solute is placed in the extraction chamber. Solvent is vaporized in the distillation chamber, rises upwardly through the conduit riser, and passes through the carrier medium, thereby extracting solute in a continuous linear-toroidal motion.

Abstract: A vapor degreasing apparatus includes a heated surface which is heated to a temperature above the boiling point temperature of the solvent used, but below the breakdown temperature of the solvent. The surface is disposed in the solvent vapor area provided above the customary immersion sump containing solvent in its liquid state. After a workpiece has been immersed and cleaned in the liquid solvent, the workpiece is exposed to the heated surface for becoming heated to a temperature which is above the boiling point of the solvent, thereby causing liquid solvent adhering to surfaces of the workpiece to be vaporized and enter the surrounding vapor atmosphere. As the workpiece subsequently is withdrawn from the apparatus, no further solvent adheres to the workpiece and it enters the ambient atmosphere free of any solvent. The apparatus, therefore, provides for substantially zero vapor contamination of the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A wafer drying apparatus incorporated in a semiconductor wafer cleaning system includes a bath for storing IPA. A heater for generating an IPA vapor is arranged on the bath. The bath is surrounded by a housing. The housing has opening portions at three positions. The opening portions are opened/closed by shutters. A sensor for detecting a fire and a nozzle for discharging CO.sub.2 gas into the bath are arranged around the bath. A plurality of wafers are held by a chuck of a convey robot and are conveyed from the outside of the housing into the housing via the opening portions. When a fire is detected by the sensor, the chuck immediately retreats from the housing, and the shutters are closed. Signals for closing the shutters are transmitted to shutter drive sources again 10 seconds after the fire is detected, and discharging of CO.sub.2 gas is started 20 seconds after the fire is detected.

Abstract: A pneumatic cleaning and degreasing system that draws power from a single source of compressed air and provides agitation, active draining of solvent, drying, odor-control and optional recirculation features. The preferred configuration of the invention provides for the use of two solvents, each in a separate chamber. Agitation, drainage and, if desired, solvent recirculation are accomplished by means of a pair of pneumatic pumps. An air venturi withdraws solvent vapors from the plenum into which the solvent chambers open, thereby creating a vapor gradient that facilitates rapid drying. When the device is inactive, a smaller flow through the air venturi removes solvent fumes to reduce or eliminate perceptible odors.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing non-volatile residues and impurities from a used solvent includes a self-scrubbing heating distillation subassembly for separating purified solvent for reuse and a controlled waste collector subassembly for overflowing concentrated residues and impurities stripped from the used solvent into an easy-to-service container. The apparatus may be disposed in a parallel in-line relationship with a circulating solvent flow circuit, such as in a dry cleaning operation, to continuously withdraw and purify aliquot portions of the circulating solvent stream, returning good solvent back to the flow circuit and concentrating non-volatile residues and impurities to a removable, environmentally sound serviceable container.

Abstract: A waste photopolymer plate washout fluid solvent distillation apparatus includes a single enclosure enclosing a waste washout fluid container, a recovered solvent container, and a distillation unit in which waste washout is distilled by application of heat and vacuum pressure to the waste washout, and by supplying a metered supply of a surrogate solvent to the distilled waste washout as a desired solvent is distilled from the waste washout. The apparatus, by supplying the surrogate solvent to the waste washout as the desired solvent is distilled from the waste washout, enables a greater percentage of the desired solvent to be recovered from the waste washout than has been heretofore possible with prior art apparatus, and also enables the waste washout to be disposed of as a liquid.

Abstract: A distillation device for separating a liquid mixture from contaminants contained therein. The device partially cools, using an air radiator or equivalent passive heat-exchange device, a fluid of that contains at least one component of the mixture to be separated; the temperature of the fluid does not fall the ambient air temperature, thus preventing condensation on the heat exchanger. The partially cooled fluid is introduced into an aspirator and combined therein with a gaseous stream produced by heating the mixture to boiling in a separate chamber. Because of the high surface area of contact between vapor and aspirated liquid, the heat transfer is completely effective to condense the gaseous mixture, which settles into a pool. The components can then be separated mechanically or by gravity.

Abstract: A compact solvent reprocessing system for use in a limited physical area. Solvents to be reprocessed is contacted by deionized water in a water wash column and delivered to a distillation column where waste solvent is separated from materials that boil at a higher temperature than the waste solvent. Distilled solvent is delivered to a drying column and final filters for removal of any other foreign materials. The modular solvent reprocessing system to reclaim/recycle high purity solvents on-site at a manufacturing facility. A system includes a pumpless pressurized tank solvent transfer units, storage tanks, liquid-liquid extraction column, distillation columns, submicron filtration units, and water and acid adsorption columns arranged as necessary to produce ultra-high purity solvents from waste solvent streams. The systems are packaged in modular assemblies with secondary containment to meet U.S. EPA requirements.

Abstract: A system for clarifying liquids, having particular utility in dry cleaning operations. The system includes a filter apparatus which includes a plurality of axially spaced filter elements each having a high pressure side through which unclarified liquid is directed and upon which solids in the unclarified liquid accumulate and a low pressure side in communication with a liquid outlet of the filter apparatus. A liquid agitating impeller is disposed between respective adjacent pairs of the filter elements for defining a predetermined spacing between the filter elements and for creating liquid turbulence and agitation between the filter elements in response to rotation of a common shaft upon which the filter elements and impellers are mounted for effecting substantially complete removal of accumulated solids on the high pressure sides of the filter elements without movement between the impellers and filter elements.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention uses a vessel with a sump for containing a liquid (103). The vessel has one or more downward angled openings (101). A heating device (104) boils the liquid to produce a vapor and a condensing apparatus (102), in the opening or in a separate chamber, prevents any vapor from exiting the apparatus. The apparatus contains a condensable liquid having a vapor density less than that of the ambient atmosphere by producing a stably stratified interface between the condensable vapor and the ambient atmosphere. The apparatus can be used for such manufacturing processes as cleaning or coating with vapors that are less dense than air.