Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for high-speed production of aromatic essential oils from perfume-generating plants. The device comprises at least one enclosure 1 provided with means 2 for crushing said plants into a slurry, heating means 5, means 6 for feeding said plants thereto, means 7 for drawing off said slurry, a distillation column 9 and at least a condensing apparatus 15, 20 to form at least one condensate of essential oils. This device is applicable for industrially recovering essential oils from perfume-generating plants such as jasmine, orange flower, mint, ginger, aniseed, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus unit for the fractional distillation and rectification of liquid mixtures includes a plurality of horizontal superimposed tubular main sections interconnected in series by a plurality of tubular connecting sections, e.g. U-shaped, to define an elongated space along which liquids and vapors flow. Intimate contact between liquids and vapors and efficient heat and mass transfer are provided by a stirrer rotating within the main section about horizontal axes and magnetically driven from the outside. Suitable inlet and outlet ports and heating and cooling devices are provided. An arrangement for joining the adjacent sections without the use of flanges or threaded portions is provided. A number of such units are preferably associated to form a modular apparatus, the individual units being operatively connected as desired to provide series, parallel or mixed flow of the fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly suitable for the production of alcohol from fermentable substances such as grain. In this method, mash cooking, fermentation, and boiling are carried out sequentially in a single vessel. Boiling produces a first vapor rich in alcohol which is partially condensed to form a liquid condensate and a second vapor which is further enriched in alcohol. The liquid condensate is returned to the vessel and an alcohol product is recovered from the second vapor, preferably without the addition of external heat. Alcohol recovery is effected by passing the second vapor to a second vessel. Vapor from the second vessel is partially condensed to form a third vapor which is still further enriched in alcohol and a liquid condensate which is returned to the second vessel where it is contacted by the second vapor introduced thereto.

Abstract: A process and system for obtaining fresh water from salt water such as sea water, by direct contact heat transfer using staged evaporator-condenser units operating with a low boiling water-immiscible liquid hydrocarbon. Each stage comprises a closed vessel divided into two compartments, an evaporator and a condenser, by a bubble cap tray similar in construction to those used in distillation. Relatively hot fresh water is introduced into the liquid hydrocarbon contained in the lower compartment of each stage, causing boiling of the hydrocarbon at a temperature differnce of 2.degree.-4.degree. F. Hydrocarbon vapors pass from the evaporator compartment through the bubble caps to the upper condenser compartment where they are condensed in contact with a colder saline stream, and the condensed hydrocarbon is returned to the lower compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter assembly which includes rigid, perforated stainless steel tubes each of which is received in a removable, nylon mesh bag. Also disclosed is a still for reclaiming dry cleaning solvents which includes a free running auger component which is angularly reciprocated over the base of the still to dislodge the residue of the distillation process so that it can be flushed from the still by hot water.

Abstract: A process and system for obtaining fresh water from salt water such as sea water, by direct contact heat transfer using staged evaporator-condenser units operating with a low boiling water-immiscible liquid hydrocarbon. Each stage comprises a closed vessel divided into two compartments, an evaporator and a condenser, by a bubble cap tray similar in construction to those used in distillation. Relatively hot fresh water is introduced into the liquid hydrocarbon contained in the lower compartment of each stage, causing boiling of the hydrocarbon at a temperature difference of 2.degree.-4.degree. F. Hydrocarbon vapors pass from the evaporator compartment through the bubble caps to the upper condenser compartment where they are condensed in contact with a colder saline stream, and the condensed hydrocarbon is returned to the lower compartment.

Abstract: Distillation apparatus in which a group of heat-transfer tubes are each driven to wobble about a vertical axis which passes through a wobbling center. A stream of fluid is directed to flow down inside each tube. The fluid stream tends to cling to the inner surface of the tube away from the wobbling center while it revolves with respect to the tube in response to the wobbling motion. The revolving flow stream wipes the inside surface of the tube to form a thin film which offers low heat resistance to facilitate the evaporation, carries away the residue by its lateral motion and carries the reflux downward with little restriction.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the vinyl chloride monomer content of polyvinyl chloride resins suspended as a slurry in an aqueous medium. The polyvinyl chloride-water slurry as produced in a conventional suspension resin autoclave, or a resin-water slurry prepared subsequent to suspension polymerization, is placed in a vessel and heated to a suitable temperature for removal of vinyl chloride monomer from the resin. In this operation, the polyvinyl chloride-water slurry is agitated in a vessel and steam is injected directly into the slurry to rapidly heat the slurry up to a minimum temperature of at least about 180.degree. F. The slurry is cooled immediately, or optionally it can be maintained for a period of time at the selected maximum temperature and then rapidly cooled by applying vacuum to the vessel and condensing the vapor phase removed from the vessel. Dried polyvinyl chloride resin produced by this process has been found to have a vinyl chloride monomer content below a detectable limit of 0.5 ppm.

Abstract: A process for the separation of residues of toluenediisocyanate production from mixtures containing high boiling residues, toluenediisocyanate and solvent by evaporation in said residue at a minimum of 5.degree. C above the boiling point of the higher boiling of the components consisting of toluenediisocyanate and solvent. The mixture is fed into the central portion of an evaporator equipped with a helical agitator operative to provide a material flow moving centrally downwards and peripherally upwards.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for receiving low-volume liquid sludge concentrations, exposing the liquid-sludge slurry to a heating surface thereby evaporating a portion of the liquid from the slurry, and advancing the contaminant bearing liquid for further exposure to additional heating surfaces such that as the slurry passes therethrough, in thermal contact with the heating surfaces, the solids content is increased by evaporating the liquid material while allowing the solids material to accumulate on the heating surfaces which are automatically and continuously cleaned to maintain the efficiency of the system and discharge these materials in a substantially dry state.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing fresh water which utilizes the energy of surface waves in an ocean, and comprises a buoyant helical member mounted for rotation about an axis. The pitch of the helical member approximates the length of the expected waves and the member is floated on the surface with its axis oriented so that each wave traverses the helix lengthwise and buoyantly supports successive sections thereof causing it to rotate about its axis. The helix is coupled with transducer means for using the rotational energy of the helix to distill the sea water. The ocean is used also as a cooling medium in the distillation process.

Abstract: A low temperature purification system is provided which is particularly adapted for use to mechanically purify in a continuous operation solutions containing solids and dissolved substances. The purification system includes a solution supply means, and a centrifugal vacuum evaporator to which the solution to be purified is fed. Drive means is operatively connected to the evaporator for subjecting the solution within the evaporator to centrifugal acceleration and causes the solids in the solution to be displaced outwardly of the axis of rotation of the solution and the liquid of the solution to be displaced inwardly toward the axis of rotation. Outlet means is embodied in the evaporator for discharging the solids therefrom. The liquid as it is being displaced inwardly is simultaneously subjected to a reduced pressure to produce vapor which is conducted to a condenser means wherein the vapor is condensed to a substantially pure liquid.