Abstract: A cleaning apparatus that provides for immersion cleaning in one or two solvents. Using a source of inert gas and a recycling loop, the apparatus provides a drying zone above the solvents and prevents escape of solvent vapor into the surrounding atmosphere. The recycling loop maintains nonequilibrium vapor conditions and includes a centrifugal separator, which facilitates separation and recovery of the solvent vapors and the inert gas during normal operation of the system.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a flammable solvent in a nonflammable environment involves covering the flammable solvent with a nonflammable vapor blanket provided by a nonflammable solvent, such that vapors from the flammable and nonflammable solvents form a nonflammable gaseous mixture in the blanket. Such a method is used in removal of both oil-based and polar contaminants to control the flammability potential of an alcohol solvent. An apparatus for cleaning articles using fluorocarbon and alcohol solvents includes a chamber having a plurality of compartments for containing the solvents and a bounded vapor space. At least one of the compartments contains liquid fluorocarbon and at least one other will contain liquid alcohol. The solvents voltalize into the bounded vapor space to provide a nonflammable vapor blanket over the alcohol-containing compartment.

Abstract: A device for solvent recovery in an ultrasonic cleaning machine is based on utilization of the negative pressure originating from the liquification of the solvent vapor itself in a heat exchanger and the negative pressure from an ejector. Thus, the solvent vapor in a vapor zone is led out of a distillation vessel, cooled outside of the vessel, liquidfied, once again returned to a solvent vessel and, at the same time, the liquification of the solvent vapor which is incompletely liquified from this cooling and liquification process is accelerated even more in the negative pressure section of the ejector. Accordingly, the amount of water mixed into the recovered solvent is extremely reduced so that satisfactory cleaning in the ultrasonic cleaner can be ensured.

Abstract: Energy efficient apparatus of compact size and configuration for the decontamination of the PCB contaminated fluid removed from transformers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid circulation loop with a side stream to a distillation means followed by a venturi for reintroducing the vapors of distillation into the circulating loop of contaminated fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving oil or PCB which exists in the electrical insulation of parts to be cleaned, wherein a solvent is evaporated during a heating phase by an evaporator located with the parts in an autoclave. The solvent vapor condenses on the parts and penetrates into the electrical insulation to form an oil or PCB-solvent mixture. The apparatus provides for a plurality of intermediate pressure reductions which are carried out in the autoclave, and during each intermediatre pressure reduction the solvent is simultaneously evaporated from the oil or PCB-solvent mixture, directly from the autoclave. That is, during each of the pressure reductions, the solvent supply is discontinued and the mixture circulated through a circulating line. Following the completion of each intermediate pressure reduction, the pure oil or PCB present in a condensate vessel is pumped out by an intermediately located feed pump through a connecting line and into a reservoir.

Abstract: A vapor degreasing open topped defluxer is disclosed in which cleaning solvent vapors are generated by boiling a liquid solvent in an open topped tank with the parts to be cleaned inserted therein through the open top. The open topped tank is formed from plural upright sidewalls connected to a bottom wall. Heating elements disposed in the tank bottom vaporize the solvent such that the generated heated solvent vapors rise above the liquid solvent to contact the parts to be cleaned and dissolve the grease on the parts. A condenser coil supported within the tank above the liquid solvent condenses the solvent vapors and defines an upper limit or vapor line of the solvent vapor zone located above the liquid solvent and below uppermost edges of the upright sidewalls. The light rising solvent vapors have a natural tendency to rise upwardly out of the tank by following a convection flow path generally along the inner surfaces of the sidewalls and upwardly past the uppermost edges thereof.

Abstract: An improved vapor degrease characterized by a deep freeboard zone (i.e., freeboard to width ratio of 1.0 to 2.3) containing a three-stage condenser/heat exchanger configuration comprising: a water-cooled lower primary exchanger operating above 32.degree. F. to effect condensation of the bulk of the vapor generated by the boiling sump and a combination of an intermediate exchanger above, but preferably overlapping, the primary exchanger and a dehumidifying third exchanger position just below the top lip of the degreaser, both operating at a temperature below 32.degree.F. (preferably +10.degree. to -30.degree.F.) to effect a reduction in the vapor concentration gradient that controls the rate of vapor diffusion through the freeboard zone. The improved vapor degreaser is particularly useful in reducing vapor losses when using low boiling solvents.

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: Semiconductor devices such as integrated circuits and discrete transistors are mounted on cards and the cards are installed on raised racks extending up from the bottom of a tank forming a burn-in chamber. The racks are individually lowered to immerse the cards and operating devices in a bath of liquid heat exchange medium at an elevated temperature. The racks are individually accessible through aligned segments of a segmented cover to reduce the intrusion of room water vapor into the burn-in chamber. The elevated temperature of the medium is maintained during the procedure by pumping the medium over mechanical cooling coils to remove excess heat produced by the operating devices. A lead screw and lever mechanical combination provide variable speed pumping, to accommodate changes in medium viscosity, from a fixed speed motor. The pumping also mixes the medium around the cards and devices to produce uniformity in the medium temperature.

Abstract: A volatile solvent conservation modular unit and method for effecting solvent conservation is provided. The cooling coil modular unit is arranged to be disposed in the freeboard zone of a cleaning or degreasing apparatus that uses a volatile solvent. The freeboard zone chiller positioned above the vapor zone and the primary condenser to recover solvent from the relatively less dense solvent/air mixture escaping above the primary condenser and is formed so as to be disposed along one side of the degreaser vessel rather than on all four sides to minimize the obstruction of access into the vapor zone. This one-sided single freeboard chiller positioned on but one side produces a vapor suppression blanket that is effective and is readily retrofitted on existing apparatus without the need for dismantling of the existing unit.

Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.

Abstract: A dry cleaning apparatus utilizing perchlorethylene recovery process for striping spent filter cartridges in which virtually all of the perchlorethylene is recovered from the spent cartridges so as to increase the economic efficiency of the system while at the same time reducing the hazardous to both environment and the operator's health. As a result the instant invention leaves the spent filtering cartridges so entirely free of perc that these cartridges can be discarded with regular trash without any health hazard to the general public at large et cetera. In one embodiment of the invention a set of valves are ganged together by linkage so that two separate set of filter cartridges may be kept connected to the system so that a fresh set may be immediately switched into a cleaning cycle while a spent set is being stripped of any perc.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing essential oils by plant hydro-distillation including the following steps:(a) loading the plants continuously into a still where they are processed counterflow wise with steam,(b) continuous unloading of the exhausted plants,(c) recovery of the latent heat of distillation and condensation of the steam by means of a gas in a condenser,(d) drying of the exhausted plants by contacting with the gas, in a drying installation,(e) combustion of at least a part of the dried exhausted plants in a boiler and use of the combustion heat for producing steam.

Abstract: A solvent recovery system is provided which is characterized by improved efficiency and safety. The system includes an evaporator unit having a heat source for vaporizing contaminated solvent. The resulting vapors are subsequently liquified in a condensing unit. During evaporation and condensation of the solvent, a negative pressure is maintained within the system using a vacuum generator. After condensation, the liquid solvent passes into at least one accumulator which is periodically drained. The accumulator and vacuum generator operate in synchronization so that a vacuum is maintained in the system while drainage of the accumulator occurs. Since the evaporation and condensation systems of the invention are maintained at a negative pressure, any leaks therein do not result in the escape of flammable vapors.

Abstract: An immersion type vapor degreaser has a tank divided by an upright partition into an immersion chamber and a boiling chamber and defining a vapor zone thereabove. A roof panel on the tank covers the top of the boiling chamber, and the open mouth of the tank is provided with condensation means above the immersion chamber for condensing vaporized degreasing solvent. A drip plate is positioned above the partition, and is movable to cover the immersion chamber at an angle sloping upwardly from the partition and extending out over the immersion chamber. A motor drive is provide for moving said drip plate to an open position to expose the immersion chamber in response to an open signal. The purpose of this arrangement is to drastically decrease the vapor interface with the atmosphere n so as to reduce solvent emission. The function of the drip plate is to channel dirty solvent which condenses and drops from dirty parts back into the boiling chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning workpieces such as semiconductors and other electronic devices by using chloro-fluoro-carbon solvent such as R113. Chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor is drawn from a lateral position of a layer of chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor through a suction duct and is cooled and liquefied in a collecting tank. The resulting liquid is returned to a cleaning tank through a return duct. This feature allows the gas generated from the chloro-fluoro-carbon vapor to be collected for repeated use, reduces the amount of chloro-fluoro-carbon solvent consumption, and prevents air pollution by the chloro-flouoro-carbon gas. Further, the entire apparatus may readily be constructed as a unit, thus at low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A closed circuit solvent stripping and reclaiming apparatus for recovering solvent from filters used in dry cleaning machines comprising a steam cabinet (2), and condenser (3), a water solvent separator (4), a recirculating tank (5), a blower (6) and a carbon bed adsorber (7). Dry cleaning filters are disassembled and their constituents separated and placed in foraminous trays (9) inside the steam cabinet (2). The filter material is agitated with a shaker and alternately subjected to dry heat, vaporized recycled solvent saturated water, and live steam. Steam and solvent vapors derived from the filters are conducted to a condenser (3) for liquification followed by separation in the water solvent separator (4). Solvent is thereby reclaimed and solvent saturated water is collected and stored in the recycling tank for reintroduction into the steam cabinet for subsequent stripping cycle.

Abstract: An improved dry cleaning machine is disclosed, which comprises a rotating drum, at least one storage tank for a cleaning solvent used in the drum, a pump for circulating the solvent from the tank to the drum through a feed line including a lint collector, a solvent filtration unit including at least one filter through which the solvent may be passed downstream the lint collector, a solvent decoloration unit including a bed of activated carbon through which the solvent may also be passed whenever necessary, and a solvent distillation unit comprising a still, a condenser and a separator. The improvement consists of a regeneration unit incorporated into the machine and comprising a regeneration chamber in which the carbon used in the decoloration unit may be introduced, preheated and reactivated with live steam, whenever desired.

Abstract: In order to dissolve oil or PCB which exists in the electrical insulation of parts to be cleaned, a solvent is evaporated during a heating phase by an evaporator located with the parts in an autoclave. The solvent vapor condenses on the parts and penetrates into the electrical insulation to form an oil or PCB-solvent mixture. In the heating phase, a plurality of intermediate pressure reductions are carried out in the autoclave, and during each intermediate pressure reduction the solvent is simultaneously distilled out of the oil or PCB-solvent mixture, directly from the autoclave. That is, during each of the pressure reductions, the solvent supply is discontinued and the mixture circulated through a circulating line. Following the completion of each intermediate pressure reduction, the pure oil or PCB present in a condensate vessel is pumped out by an intermediately located feed pump through a connecting line and into a reservoir.

Abstract: A method for a perchlorethylene recovery process for dry cleaning equipment in which virtually all of the perchorethylene is recovered from the process so as to increase the economic efficiency of the system while at the same time reducing the hazardous to both environment and the operator's health.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for on-site clean-up of dirty solvents. An open top liner for receiving dirty solvent is provided in a still housing. A head sits down over the top of the liner to form an enclosed space. Hot heating oil is provided beneath the liner and in the annular space between the liner and the housing. Dirty solvent is placed in the liner and is heated. The solvent vapors are fed to condensation coils for recovery. The heating oil is next removed and then the cap or head is removed and the contaminants are removed from the liner.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and reclassifying electrical apparatus designed for use with PCB fluid electrolytes is described which is capable of operation on the site of the equipment being cleaned and while said equipment is energized.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing and recovering, by condensation, a composite mixture of at least two components, at least one of which is a liquid. The apparatus includes at least one chamber in which the mixture is brought to boiling and includes means to condense the vaporized portion of the mixtures. A liquid of the mixture in the vaporizing chamber is vaporized by heating coils and subjected to circulation to uniformly disperse the mixture. The apparatus may further include a system for continuously filtering the mixture in the vaporizing chamber to remove undesirable particulates, a mixture spray device for spraying the mixture into the vaporizing chamber, and an ultrasonic vibrating means.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a solvent which may contain hazardous particulate material which comprises liquid and vapor portions which are being recirculated in a closed system. Suspended particulate material is filtered out of the liquid. Dissolved particulate material is removed by distilling the liquid. The vapor is condensed and combined with the clean liquid. A portion of the vapor is recirculated. The solvent may be cleaned and recirculated continuously.An apparatus for cleaning a solvent which comprises liquid and vapor portions which are being recirculated in a closed system. The apparatus comprises a cleaning chamber in which solvent may be used to remove hazardous particulate material from an article. Filters remove suspended particulate material from the liquid. A still removes dissolved particulate material. The clean liquid solvent is conveyed by a conduit to a holding chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing the vapor includes at least one chamber in which the liquid is vaporized and in which the vaporized liquid is condensed. The vaporizing chamber contains a heat emitting device providing a surface temperature above the vapor temperature for substantially instantaneously vaporizing the liquid condensate maintaining a predetermined vapor level in the vaporizing chamber, and a heat absorbing device for condensing the vaporized liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry cleaning apparatus in which a main portion of a dry cleaner comprises tanks for exclusively receiving at least two kinds of solvents which are soluble in each other, one treating tank and a fractionating device for recovering the two or more kinds of solvents by batch distillation, exclusive filters for the respective solvents comprising, a common filter or a multi-filter device composed of both the filters, and the two or more kinds of solvents are used independently so that washing is carried out.

Abstract: A portable solvent recovery distillation apparatus for improved on-site recovery of highly flammable solvent from a batch of spent solvent. Both evaporation of the spent solvent and condensation of the purified solvent vapors are conducted within a common tank under reduced pressure conditions maintained by an air-operated vacuum pump. Heating of the spent solvent is accomplished by a hot fluid circulating in indirect heat exchange relationship with the spent solvent. The apparatus is totally non-electrical for increased safety of operation.

Abstract: A wash and dry apparatus by the use of organic solvent which comprises a working bath for holding the organic solvent in the lower space thereof, heating means disposed within the space of the solvent, and cooling means provided in vertically coiling manner in the upper space above the space for the solvent. The upper space is divided into a main chamber surrounded by the cooling means and a cooling chamber outside the cooling means. The cooling chamber is in communication with the main chamber and has a lower temperature than the main chamber. By the provision of the cooling chamber, an article is washed and dried while the organic solvent is substantially completely condensed and recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing the vapor includes at least one chamber in which the liquid is vaporized and at least one chamber in which the vapor is condensed. The apparatus has a conveyor inlet channel preferably at one end of the vaporizing chamber, and a conveyor outlet channel preferably at the opposite end of the vaporizing chamber. A conveyor for moving items to be treated through the apparatus extends through the conveyor inlet channel into the vaporizing chamber and out of the vaporizing chamber through the conveyor outlet channel. The apparatus includes a heat emitting device in the vaporizing chamber providing a surface temperature above the vaporizing temperature for substantially instantaneously vaporizing the liquid condensate maintaining a predetermined vapor level in the vaporizing chamber, and a cooling device in the condensate chamber for condensing the vapor.

Abstract: A novel treatment method for recovering halogenated vacuum pump oils such as chlorotrifluoroethylene, from contaminated filter papers. The process utilizes a trichlorotrifluoroethane (TCTFE) solvent and water mixture to extract the oil followed by vacuum distilling the resulting extractive.

Abstract: In an installation comprising a solvent regeneration circuit and a solvent recovery circuit, each solvent container is connected independently to the boiler of a distillation unit for cleaning purposes. The relative arrangement of the solvent containers is such that the solvent circulates under the action of gravity from a condenser to the boiler and from each container to the boiler. The boiler is removable for subsequent disposal after filling with solvent residues and waste materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing the vapor includes at least one chamber in which the liquid is vaporized and at least one chamber in which the vapor is condensed. The apparatus has a conveyor inlet channel preferably at one end of the vaporizing chamber, and a conveyor outlet channel preferably at the opposite end of the vaporizing chamber. A conveyor for moving items to be treated through the apparatus extends through the conveyor inlet channel into the vaporizing chamber and out of the vaporizing chamber through the conveyor outlet channel. The apparatus includes a heat emitting device in the vaporizing chamber for vaporizing the liquid therein, and a cooling device in the condensing chamber for condensing the vapor.

Abstract: A control system for use in a condensation heating facility to control the secondary vapor blanket used to prevent loss of primary vapor. The control system includes a pair of secondary vapor sensors which detect a secondary vapor blanket slightly below and alternatively slightly above a design depth. The sensors are connected to control relays which energize a high rate dispensing pump to build the secondary vapor blanket when it is below the low depth and to energize a low rate dispensing pump when the secondary vapor blanket is between the low depth and the high depth. Additional control is arranged to inhibit dispensing of secondary liquid when the secondary vapor blanket is above the high depth or the primary vapor blanket is below its designed depth or finally during a vapor phase heating cycle where the primary and secondary vapor blankets collapse as a function of heating during the cycle.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovering apparatus for separating one component from a second component of a liquid solution and recovering one of the components comprising at least one chamber for generating vapor from the liquid solution and a condensing chamber for condensing the vapor. The at least one vaporizing chamber and condensing chamber being divided by an overflow weir having a controlled overflow area so that liquid solution will be caused to overflow at a preselected location along the length of the weir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vaporizing and recovering, by condensation, a composite liquid solution of at least two components having substantially different vaporizing temperatures. The apparatus includes at least one liquid condensate vaporizing chamber wherein the vapor of the lower vapor point component will be condensed from a vapor zone above the vapor zone of the vapor of the higher vapor point component. The apparatus further includes at least two weir or other means to define the vapor levels of each vaporized component and the condensing means for each component are disposed on the opposite side of the weir from the vapor zone.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovering apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing a vapor, the apparatus including a container having a liquid therein with heating and cooling systems in heat transfer relation with the liquid and vapor in the container. The heating and cooling systems include means to vaporize the liquid and means to condense the vaporized liquid disposed within the container. Temperature or pressure sensing means in the cooling system is utilized to shut down the heating system when a preselected vapor level is exceeded.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating at least two vapor zones, one above the other, by vaporizing a fluid mixture having at least two compounds therein having different vaporizing temperatures. The apparatus includes a chamber with vaporizing means, and vapor condensing means. Condensate recovery means is provided for recovering the condensed vapor and the condensate recovery means is in flow communication with a separation device for receiving the condensate from the condensate recovery means. The flow communication between the condensate recovery means and the separation device is external of the chamber. The separation means revaporizes the liquid with the lower vaporizing temperature for return to the vapor zone in the upper portion of the chamber and separates as a liquid the fluid having a higher vaporizing temperature.

Abstract: A closed cycle recovery system and apparatus for continuously recovering residual products which have been washed or flushed from tank trucks, tank cars, and other transportation or storage containers while simultaneously separating and recovering the water, solvent or other fluids which are used to wash or flush such tanks and containers in which a mixture of the water, solvent, and other fluids, and the residual product is separated by evaporation of the water, solvent, or other fluids by passing the mixture through a distillation chamber having a series of tube and flat plate heat exchange surfaces so that the individual fluids and product may be purified and separately stored for further use.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovering apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing a vapor, the apparatus including a container having a liquid therein with a heating and cooling system in heat transfer relation with the liquid and vapor in the container. The heating and cooling system includes means to vaporize the liquid; means to condense the vaporized liquid; and, means to compress a refrigerant. The means to compress the refrigerant is in fluid communication on its high pressure side with the means to vaporize a liquid or heat a liquid and on its low pressure side with the means to condense or cool a liquid. The heating and cooling system further includes a complementary condenser system on the high pressure side of the means to compress a refrigerant, discharging its heat external to said apparatus and pump down valve means selectively closeable so that refrigerant can be pumped out of the means to compress a refrigerant.

Abstract: A vapor degreasing method and apparatus wherein a second cooling coil is used to prevent escape of solvent or solvent vapor from a degreaser. Gaseous refrigerant from the second coil can be released to the freeboard space above the solvent vapor zone to provide a barrier layer.

Abstract: A charge of distilland (33) is metered into a heated inclined trough (18) within a chamber (10). Vapors of distilland rise to a level (41) which is below the upper level (26) of the trough. The vapors spill over the sides (31 and 32) of the trough and fall to the lower section of the chamber where cooling coils (42) condense the vapors and the resultant distillate flows out an exit conduit (122). Residue materials are moved by a pusher (47) over the end (26) of the trough into a drain chute (51). During the return of the pusher, an air cylinder (103) is operated to lift the pusher from the bottom of the trough.

Abstract: A process for vaporizing a working liquid and condensing the vapors thereof is provided wherein the heat of compression is used in vaporizing the liquid. In the process, the working liquid is compressed to a high pressure thereby adding heat of compression thereto. This heat of compression is transferred from the working liquid to a still as a result of which the liquid is vaporized and contains sensible heat. The fluid containing this sensible heat is passed to an evaporator and substantially all sensible heat over that used to boil-up said liquid is removed by heat transfer contact between the fluid containing the sensible heat through use of an auxiliary condensing coil, so that thermal balance is maintained.

Abstract: Drycleaning fluid is recovered from spent drycleaning fluid filter elements by passing steam through the elements to form a steam/drycleaning-fluid vapor mixture. The mixture is condensed into liquid state and the two constitutents are separated. The apparatus includes a condensing chamber and a separating chamber with a novel valve for ensuring that drycleaning-fluid vapors do not escape into the work area.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering two immiscible fluids in a vapor generating and recovery apparatus wherein water, an immiscible cleaning solvent, and an emulsifying agent are subjected to sufficient heat in a first chamber to vaporize the water and the immiscible solvent and then condense in a second chamber the water and immiscible solvent, returning in separate streams the water and solvent to the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering two immiscible fluids in a vapor generating and recovery apparatus wherein water, an immiscible cleaning solvent, and an emuslifying agent are subjected to sufficient heat in a first chamber to vaporize the water and the immiscible solvent and then condense in a second chamber the water and immiscible solvent, returning in separate streams the water and solvent to the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the distillation of vaporizable liquids, for example alcohol, solvents used for the degreasing of metal and the like, comprises a distillation chamber, a heating unit in the region of the bottom of the distillation chamber, a cooling and condensation unit at an upper portion of the distillation chamber and a cold-generating unit. According to the invention, the cold-generating unit is formed as a heat pump with a circulating refrigerant and has a compressor, a cold branch and a hot branch. The cold branch is connected to the cooling and condensation unit of the distillation chamber while the hot branch transfers heat via a heat exchanger to a heat storage device, e.g. a utility water reservoir from which hot water is drawn to heat the heating unit of the distillation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel apparatus and process for vaporizing a liquid and condensing the vapors thereof. The apparatus and process utilize heat of compression for vaporizing the liquid. The apparatus includes a still (10), a closed refrigeration system (12), an auxiliary condensing coil (24) separate from refrigeration system (12), and a valve (28) for controlling heat extraction by auxiliary coil (24). In a particularly useful embodiment, the apparatus further includes a trough (41) for collecting the condensed vapors. The trough is located within still (10). Auxiliary coil (24) extracts from the vapors, heat in excess of that necessary to maintain thermal balance in the apparatus.

Abstract: An extraction enclosure is connected by a pipe in its upper region to a source of steam. A drawer having a grill base for containing vegetable materials to be extracted permits the introduction of vegetable materials into the extraction enclosure. The base of this latter enclosure communicates with a subjacent refrigerated or cooling enclosure, provided with discharge means.There is thus avoided or minimized risk of overheating and/or of the hydrolysis of the essential oil in the course of extraction and there is eliminated or minimized all obstacles of flux of vapors and of liquid at the refrigerant level. The charging and discharging of the extraction enclosure are also simplified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting bitumen from tar sand utilizes a plurality of individually sealed pressure adjusted interconnected extraction chambers in which the tar sand flows countercurrent to the flow of solvent with mixing in each extraction chamber of solvent and tar sand. Tar sand is provided to the first of the extraction chambers and after removal of a portion of the bitumen is carried by a conveyor and disposed into the next chamber where further bitumen is extracted and so on through the plurality of chambers until all the bitumen is extracted and the sand and remaining solvent then conveyed into a last chamber where the sand and solvent is treated with hot water to remove solvent and pure sand is discharged.

Abstract: A vapor degreaser continually vaporizes and condenses a solvent bath and comprises two closed water loops associated with a refrigeration system. The water loops provide thermal storage for the degreaser and conduct heat to the solvent bath for heating the solvent and from the solvent vapors for condensing the vapors. The degreaser includes auxiliary heating and cooling coils which may be rendered totally inoperative when their operation is not energy efficient.