Abstract: A system for the vacuum distillation of contaminated solvents incorporates a tank for holding a liquid contaminated solvent, a heating chamber surrounding the tank for heating the liquid contaminated solvent into an evaporated solvent, a drift elimination and fractionation device for separating contaminants out of the evaporated solvent, a heat exchanger circuit for cooling the evaporated solvent from the drift elimination and fractionation device, a pump circuit connected to receive the evaporated solvent from the drift elimination and fractionation device and to circulate the evaporated solvent through the heat exchanger circuit, and a control circuit connected to at least the heating element and the pump so as to control operation their based on parameters of a solvent selected to be processed. The control circuit includes a plurality of sensors for monitoring operating conditions of at least the tank, the heating chamber and the heat exchanger circuit.

Abstract: Distillation system having an evaporator/condenser core with heat transfer plates welded together along their edges to form alternate boiling and condensing chambers. Feed liquid is supplied to the boiling chambers through a pair of heat exchangers which preheats the liquid and a steam stripper utilizing ceramic pieces to remove gasses from the liquid. Vapor from the boiling chambers is compressed and delivered to the condensing chambers where it is condensed and gives up its heat to the liquid in the boiling chambers. Pumps positioned between the two heat exchangers draw the condensed product and unvaporized feed liquid containing dissolved solids from the evaporator/condenser and circulate them through the heat exchangers to transfer heat to the feed liquid.

Abstract: A water distiller incorporates a removable vessel for containing water, a heat source disposed below the removable vessel for heating the water to produce steam, a condenser for condensing the steam into distilled water, and an outlet from the condenser for directing distilled water into a collection container.

Abstract: Distilling equipment including evaporation apparatus having a boiling chamber and equipment and conduits for supplying raw liquid to the boiling chamber, a plurality of cells with the first cell being connected to the top of the boiling chamber to receive gas therefrom and condense the gas by contact with cold recycled distillate from the first cell, with each stage having vertical vacuum producing bubble tubes through which distillate and gas bubbles pass downward to a collection chamber through the bubble tubes. Cell recycle conduits and pumps recycle fluid from collection chamber to condensing chamber. Distillate is drawn from the condensing chamber of the first cell only. Gas by-pass tubes connect the collecting chamber of a cell to the condensing chamber of the next cell and provide the only connection between the cells to sum the vacuum generated by each cell's bubble tubes.

Abstract: Highly purified HCl for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing HCl vapor from a liquid HCl reservoir, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a low-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: The water distiller 10 includes a plurality of housings 12, 14, 16 each mounted below a support plate 32. A voltage regulator 144 maintains a desired voltage potential between heating probes 34 and 36 within a heating bowl 46. An operator selector 142 automatically regulates the flow of water through inlet valve 70 to control the incoming water flow rate to the heating bowl. Area contact between water in the heating bowl and a substantially horizontal plate 42 at the lower end of each heating probe determines the electrical power used by the distiller, and maintains water in the heating bowl at substantially a constant level. An improved particle trap 80 and vent valve 100 provide reliable and safe operation of the distiller. Heating bowl 46 and a water inlet line 76 may be easily removed for cleaning the distiller.

Abstract: An improved drinking water apparatus is provided which utilizes a microcomputer to detect water level to automatically control water intake and heating. The apparatus includes a heating tank having a heater at the bottom side, a first cooling pipe at the top of the heating tank, a distilled water tank, and a second cooling pipe located at the top of the distilled water tank and connected to the first cooling pipe. The cooling pipes are each provided with a cooling fan for cooking the steam generated by boiling water into distilled water. The temperature of the distilled water is lowered to a degree suitable for drinking purposes.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system includes a preliminary first stage separator for separating an aqueous phase from other materials. A pressure vessel sedimentation follows for removing most of the remaining solids from the waste material. The liquid and a minor fraction of the solids then pass on to an evaporation vessel where the water vapor is removed, compressed and passed through a condenser inside the evaporator vessel to recycle heat in the evaporator. The condenser is a stacked plate heat exchanger of unique design with the plates separated by steam gaskets and water gaskets to provide a very high heat transfer surface area to volume ratio. The condensate from the condenser passes through a second heat exchanger that heats the liquid flowing into the evaporator. The effluent water is purified by the evaporation. The residual solids may be heat treated to evaporate residual moisture and to sterilize the solids using a steam-jacketed auger. The resultant solids may be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A water distilling apparatus includes a preheat tank having an inlet and an outlet for storing water from a water source via the inlet, a boiling tank formed of a conductive casing connected to a ground potential and having an inlet in connection with the outlet of the preheat tank, a heater located within the boiling tank to boil water thereby generating steam, and an outlet flue extending from the boiling tank through the preheat tank as to condense the steam and preheat the water within the preheat tank, a heat dissipation coil connected with the outlet flue out of the preheat tank, a fan blowing air against the heat dissipation coil, a cool water tank connected with the heat dissipation coil for storing condensed water therefrom, an electrode vertically extending into the boiling tank, electrically isolated from the case of the boiling tank and connected to a positive voltage source, a control circuit electrically connected to each of the electrode, the fan, and the heater for disconnecting the fan and th

Abstract: A distilling apparatus which includes a water chamber to receive cold water from an external water supply source, a heating chamber having an electric heater controlled to heat water to the boiling point, a guide pipe connected between the bottom side of the water chamber and the bottom end of the heat chamber to guide water from the water chamber to the heating chamber, a radiating coil pipe connected to a distilled water drain pipe outside the apparatus, and a steam pipe connected between the steam chamber and the radiating coil pipe and passing through the water chamber to guide steam from the heating chamber to the radiating coil pipe, permitting steam to be condensed into distilled water and heat to be absorbed by water in the water chamber.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus positionable on an existing dispenser has a valve control member positionable in the water plenum of the dispenser to control release of purified water from the apparatus to the dispenser. A feedwater tank receives supply water which is fed to a water level control tank to maintain the water level in the boiler of the apparatus above the heating element. The control tank includes a partition separating a main reservoir from a de-foamer control chamber within which anti-foaming agent may be added. A condenser is coiled into a number of convolutions about a central opening and has external heat exchanger fins. An end cap assembly closes the central opening except for a small portion through which air is blown by a fan so that substantially all of the air flows over the fins. The boiler is a cylindrical container having a peripheral lip about an open end on which a lid having a steam outlet tube is positioned.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber. Improved techniques are also provided for periodically dumping a portion or all of the water in the heating pan to reduce contamination of the system.

Abstract: A water purification method and apparatus is described which distills a contaminated water supply having contaminants dissolved therein with electrically powered spaced apart immersion electrodes. When connected to a source of alternating electrical current, the electrode members cooperate to distill water by heating while concurrently removing the contaminants as solid precipitates in the contaminated remaining water.

Abstract: A vortex evaporator having a holder for holding at least one container presents a chamber wherein liquid is evaporated from a liquid and solid solution in a container. The vortex evaporator also includes a drive mechanism, coupled to the holder, for moving each container in an orbital motion within the chamber to cause the solution in the container to form a vortex configuration. The vortex evaporator further includes a gas supply system for directing gas into the container to increase the evaporation rate of the liquid and a control system for controlling operation of the vortex evaporator. In an alternative embodiment, a vacuum supply system may be utilized instead of the gas supply system. Further, the vortex evaporator will preferably include a heater, at least one liquid level sensor, a heat sensor and a motion dampening assembly all located within the chamber.

Abstract: A distilled water supply device including a stand, a condensing unit mounted on the stand and separated by a partition wall into an upper chamber, which receives water from an external water source, and a bottom chamber, which condenses steam into distilled water, a heating unit detachably mounted inside the stand below the condensing unit and controlled to heat water from the upper chamber into steam, permitting steam to be guided into the bottom chamber for condensing, a vertical guide pipe for guiding water from the upper chamber to the heating unit, a vertical steam pipe for guiding steam from the heating unit to the bottom chamber for condensing.

Abstract: A process and device for purifying organically polluted waste water utilizing a primary system and a closed secondary system. The primary system includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a cyclone located between the two heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger evaporates the waste water into a waste water vapor and a waste water sump solution. The heat for evaporating the waste water in the first heat exchanger is obtained primarily from raw water in the secondary system. A second heat exchanger in the primary system condenses the waste water vapor and in the process causes evaporation of raw water in the secondary system. The level of waste water in the primary system is monitored as is an operational parameter in the secondary system. With the data obtained from this monitoring, the drawing off of the waste water sump solution is controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating chemical production plant process condensate such that a contaminant-rich stream and a relatively pure aqueous stream is separately recoverable from the condensate, wherein the contaminants are substantially removed from the condensate by steam stripping and subsequent rectification in a relatively low pressure stripping/rectification tower. The tower overhead is then condensed with a portion of the condensed overhead being returned to the top of the rectification section of the tower as reflux and the balance being withdrawn as a concentrated stream for reuse in the plant. In a second embodiment, separate stripping and rectification towers operate in series whereby the overhead of the stripping tower is delivered to the lower section of the rectification tower and the rectification bottoms are returned to the top of the stripping tower.

Abstract: A distilling apparatus for distillation of water, including a condensing chamber divided into an upper holding space for receiving water from a water source and a lower holding chamber for condensing steam into water, a heating chamber controlled to heat water from the upper holding space into steam and having a steam outlet connected to the lower holding space for guiding steam into the lower holding space for condensing, a hot water chamber, which receives condensed water from the lower holding space of the condensing chamber, and a cold water chamber, which receives distilled water from the hot water chamber and cools it down by an electronic cooler.

Abstract: A distiller for producing potable water employs a metal boiler tray having a cover member in which there is an inlet for raw water and which together form a steam chamber having an outlet for steam. The boiler tray bottom has a plurality of steps including a highest, an intermediate and a lowest level step which are all covered with water at the beginning of a distillation cycle. The temperature of the highest level step is monitored with a sensor. A rise in the temperature of the highest level step by a predetermined amount above the boiling temperature of water indicates that the highest and intermediate level steps have become dry. This results in a signal to a controller to open a valve and admit replenishment raw water whose amount is dependent on valve open time. Steam evolved from the boiler tray is conducted through a first check valve in the cover member to demister chamber when the mist or carryover water in the steam impinges on a baffle and is separated from the steam as condensate.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: A water purification device mounted within a housing adapted to be positioned on an existing water cooler/dispenser has a valve control member extending from the base of the housing and is positionable within the water reservoir of the dispenser to control the release of purified water from the device to the reservoir. The device includes a feedwater tank into which supply water is fed and which feeds water to a water level control tank which communicates with the bottom of a boiler which is maintained at the same level as the water in the control tank. The control tank includes a control valve which maintains the water in it to a predetermined level above the level of the heating element in the boiler. The boiler is connected to condenser coils for condensing vaporized water from the boiler to form distilled water which is directed through a carbon filter to a distillate storage tank where the purified water is stored until required by the water cooler/dispenser.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus includes a cylindrical housing with a first cover thereon, a pair of spaced apart funnel-shaped partitions, a second cover on the uppermost partition and a skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the cover and the uppermost partition to a location above the bottom of the housing, the partitions and skirt dividing the interior of the housing into an inlet reservoir chamber for cold water above the first partition, a lower boiling chamber beneath the second partition and an inclined condensation passage between the partitions. Cold water is introduced through a pipe and solenoid valve into the bottom of the reservoir chamber for overflow through an opening in the second cover into the boiling chamber. A heater in the boiling chamber heats the water to produce steam which rises, passing into the condensation passage and flowing downwardly to a central drain for discharge into a distilled water reservoir beneath the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved solar water purification system and process wherein the evaporating, condensing and distillate collecting chambers are located underground to assist in the evaporation and condensation process. The system includes three computer controlled preheaters which are constantly monitored to determine the temperature of the load therein. The cycling and recycling of the load relative to the load tank and the three preheaters is controlled by the computer for optimum system efficiency. One of the three preheaters is located underground, while a second preheater is located externally as a solar preheater and the third preheater is an outside gas, oil or waste heat fired preheater. In addition to producing pure water through the evaporation process, there is disclosed a system and process whereby various contaminants may be captured for further processing, storage and exploitation.

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: An automatic cold/hot distilled water fountain which automatically performs water boiling, condensing, storing and heating processes to provide purified cold/hot drinking water, mainly composed of a distilling chamber, a condensing mechanism, a water reservoir and a heating box, whereby by the automatic control system designed for the water fountain, the water is controllably supplied into the distilling chamber and distilled therein and the distilled water is then collected and stored in the water reservoir to be directly discharged therefrom as a purified cold drinking water or further heated by the heating box to serve as hot drinking water. By the above arrangement, the amount of the water stored in the water fountain is properly kept within a predetermined range and what is most important is the safety and hygiene in water drinking is insured.

Abstract: A water distiller includes a raw water chamber for storing raw water, a main vaporization tank coupled with the raw water chamber for vaporizing raw water, a condensation device coupled with the main vaporization tank for condensing steam from the main vaporization tank, and a distilled water chamber communicated with the condensing conduit unit for accepting and storing distilled water. An auxiliary vaporization tank is communicated with the main vaporization tank and is mounted on the top end portion of the main vaporization tank. Each of the main and auxiliary vaporization tanks has a generally conical top wall which has a lower end portion that is provided with an annular water collecting groove formed in the inner surface thereof. Each of the water collecting grooves has a bottom wall which has a discharge opening formed therethrough.

Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.

Abstract: A water purification device mounted within a housing adapted to be positioned on an existing water cooler/dispenser has a valve control member extending from the base of the housing and is positionable within the water reservoir of the dispenser to control the release of purified water from the device to the reservoir. The device includes a feedwater tank into which supply water is fed, either automatically, or manually. The feedwater tank, when the water is above a minimal level, feeds water to an anti-backflow control housing which communicates the water from the feedwater tank to the bottom of a boiler which is maintained at the same level as the water in the feedwater tank without the use of a float within the boiler. The anti-backflow housing includes a check valve in the form of a ball that prevents the backflow of heated water from the boiler into the feedwater tank.

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 system for removing volatile constituents (e.g., hydrocarbons) from a liquid (e.g., water) containing the same by which there is a continuous countercurrent contact between the liquid and a forced air flow. Water collected in a reservoir is continuously pumped to the top of a stripping tower where it is dispersed downwardly over packing material. A blower forces air upwardly in the tower so as to remove the volatile constituents that exit the tower with the exit air. Since the water flow is continuous, multiple passes occur through the tower to enhance separation efficiency. Water from the base of the tower returns to the reservoir via overflow from a standpipe. A lower liquid level sensor in the reservoir initiates operation of the water pump to the tower, and an upper liquid level sensor initiates operations of another pump for pressure discharge from the base of the tower to an exterior site.

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: An improved distillation device (1) which uses a combination of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps to purify raw liquid in an area of limited space. The device (1) includes evaporation assembly (2) having a boiling chamber (5), a valve and float switches (15, 16, 17) for maintaining the liquid level (20) in the boiling chamber (5) at a predetermined level, and connecting conduit (21) for directing vapor to a condensation apparatus (3). The condensation assembly (3) includes a condensation chamber (6), a collection chamber (7), and at least one bubble tube (22) connecting the two chambers (6, 7). Leading from the collection chamber (7) is first transfer conduit (50), a tube (51) for permitting vapor to bleed from the collection chamber (7) back to condensation chamber (6), and second transfer conduit (52) for returning only distillate from collection chamber (7) to condensation chamber (6) to cool condensation chamber (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation method and an apparatus for the concentration and purification of water-containing liquid chemicals. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: A device and a related method are provided for reclaiming or recovering dry cleaning solvent from otherwise disposable fluid contained within a separator or other suitable receptacle of a dry cleaning machine. The device includes an evaporator and a fluid transfer mechanism for transporting fluid evaporated by the evaporator through a filter that removes substantially all of the solvent present within the evaporated fluid. Alternatively, a filter can be interposed between the separator or other suitable receptacle and the evaporator so that solvent is filtered before reaching the evaporator. Consequently, the device substantially reclaims or recovers dry cleaning solvent that may still be present within the fluid that is to be otherwise disposed of from the separator or other suitable receptacle.

Abstract: A water distilling apparatus (10) which includes vertically stacked components, i.e. an uppermost water storage tank (12), an intermediate boiling tank (14) and a lowermost condensing unit (16). Stacking of the distiller components creates a space efficient design with ready access to the respective components. The preferred apparatus (10) is also equipped with a small, dedicated water conditioning unit (20) situated between the main solenoid water valve (94) and the inlet of the boiling tank (14).

Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes an air-tight outer container containing liquid therein, the liquid container having support legs adjacent the bottom surface thereof; an inner container mounted on the legs for partitioning the interior space of the outer container, the inner container having a wall made of insulating material; and a heater fixed to an upper portion of the outer container and positioned inside the inner container. The liquid evaporator may be combined with a deodorizing device for forming a urine treating device, wherein the urine treating device includes a deodorizing housing having an upper portion provided with a secondary heater therein, a catalyst surrounding the secondary heater, a blower provided outside the housing, and a diffusion pipe provided at the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: Evaporation of saline water in a desalinization process, or evaporation of other types of liquid such as black liquor from paper pulp processing, is accomplished utilizing a multiple effect evaporator. Each effect includes one or more (e.g. first and second) sets of horizontally elongated dimpled plate evaporator elements. Horizontally flowing heating fluid, such as steam, is introduced to the internal passage of at least the second set in all the effects, and a head of circulation liquid is provided to cause liquid being evaporated to flow downwardly from the head over the external surfaces of the sets of dimpled plates in a thin film. The vapor evaporated is drawn through a demistor and is used as the heating fluid for the next effect. Recirculating liquid that has not evaporated and liquid separated by the demisting process are recirculated to the head associated with each effect. Clean condensate--such as distilled water--is withdrawn from the last effect.

Abstract: A system for on-site recovery of reusable industrial waste components, such as solvents, from a liquid waste stream includes a trailer that is internally partitioned to separate system components through which the waste stream passes in a first partitioned section of the trailer from support and control components in the second trailer section. Input waste is fed into a horizontal thin-film evaporator within the first trailer section, while steam is fed in a closed loop through the evaporator from the second section of the trailer for evaporating volatile solvents in the waste stream, and thereby separating the volatile solvents from non-volatile liquid and solid components of the waste stream. The evaporated volatile solvents are fed to a heat exchanger, again enclosed within the first partitioned section of the trailer, for recondensation through heat exchange with a coolant fed to the heat exchanger in a closed loop from the second trailer section.

Abstract: A water distiller for vaporizing and condensing water. The distiller is provided with a container for holding the water to be distilled and a water level regulator for maintaining the water in the container at a desired level. A heating element is provided that is positioned just below the desired water level and spaced from the sides of the container. A cover is positioned atop the container for sealing the container and for suspending the heating element into the water. A condenser on top of the cover condenses vapor produced by the heating element. The distiller may be equipped with a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air above water level in the container and a shut off switch for removing power from the heating element responsive to a high temperature reading in the sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a solar-operated apparatus to purify and/or desalinate water. Several embodiments are disclosed, each of which substantially derives its source of heat from solar energy. The apparatus includes a unique design of the evaporating collector dome which is provided with a smooth interior surface to permit collection of increased amounts of distillate. The apparatus exterior is provided with a black surface to serve as a black body and so absorb increased amounts of the sun's energy. Additionally, that same exterior is coated with a film of infra-red absorbing material (STET) to further increase solar-energy absorption. To further improve the system's efficiency, various external tubing designs are utilized to preheat the load prior to its entry into the evaporating chamber. The distillate-collecting vessel is a downwardly-extending dome. This increases the volume while at the same time reducing re-evaporation by minimizing the exposed surface area.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding gas into a heated saline solution for pressure measurement or to pump this solution. The gas is introduced into the solution through a gas bubbling-in pipe having a gas outlet opening. The gas is heated prior to being introduced into the solution and is charged with moisture until the saturation of the gas comes close to or corresponds to the saturation conditions in the solution at the gas outlet opening. This minimizes clogging by crystallization at the feeder pipes carrying the measuring or purge gas.

Abstract: An integrated system provides combined space heating, water heating and water distillation. The system is adapted for supplying combined services to residential and commercial buildings. The system may be used in retrofitting existing space heating furnaces and/or water heaters to provide an energy and cost efficient combined system. A portable water heating/water distilling unit can be used with an existing portable self-contained heater.

Abstract: The column for distillation of charge products which form a heavier liquid phase and a lighter liquid phase and connected sump circulating boiler are provided with a liquid impermeable collecting bottom plate located in a lower part of the column. The bottom plate has a discharge passage and the column is provided with a liquid withdrawal outlet arranged closely underneath the collecting bottom plate but above the lower end of the discharge passage so that the heavier phase can be prevented from reaching the liquid withdrawal outlet by gravity. One pipe connects the sump circulating boiler with the liquid withdrawal outlet to provide a free flow of liquid from the column to the sump circulating boiler for heating and another pipe connects the column with the sump circulating boiler above the collecting bottom plate so that the reheated liquid can flow from the sump circulating boiler to the column without a circulating pump.

Abstract: A vacuum draft submerged combustion system and method for separating combustible hydrocarbons and other components or liquid solutions from their solvents, usually water, includes evaporating volatile components by a submerged combustion burner and condensing the vaporized volatile components under a partial vacuum. The hot gases from the burner are injected under partial vacuum into the first tank. The hot gases bubbled through the solution cause volatile components in the liquid to be evaporated and collected above the level of the liquid. The collected gasses are drawn into a condensing tank where the condensable particulates are condensed and collected.

Abstract: A control for a water distillation apparatus admits untreated feed water to the boiling tank in response to a demand for the production of distilled water and operates the heater to produce steam. Level probes in the boiling tank monitors the level of untreated water in the boiling tank and admits more feed water as necessary. When demand for production of distilled water has ceased, the heater is deenergized and the boiling tank is filled to dilute the residual water in the tank and lower its temperature prior to drainage to prevent damage to a plastic house drain. In a preferred embodiment, feed water is admitted to the boiling tank in large batches and the production of distilled water continues uninterrupted until the entire batch is distilled to conserve heat energy even if demand ceases during such batch distillation. A cleaning mode is provided to remove scale from the interior of the boiling tank with a simplified manual cleaning procedure.

Abstract: A method for treating photographic process waste liquor by evaporation to concentrat the waste liquor. The method includes evaporating with a heating device which has a heat density of about 17.2 kcal/cm.sup.2 or less; and intermittently feeding the waste liquor to maintain a predetermined liquid level in the vessel. By controlling the heating and/or the liquid level in the evaporation vessel, odors are controlled while efficiency is maintained.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating volatile contaminants from a liquid to be continuously distilled. A continuous still comprises evaporator (1) having a heating coil (2), and condensor coil (6), and distillate collector (5). An entrainment device (11) removes distillate (13) from collector (5) via line (10) and reduces pressure in evaporator (1). Feed liquid (21) containing volatile contaminants is charged batchwise to a pre-chamber (20) at sub-atmospheric pressure which is then sealed (valve 22) from feed supply (21). Volatile contaminants are extracted from the charge in prechamber (20) via line (26) and entrainment device (32). Pre-chamber (20) is subsequently placed in communication (via valve 25) with evaporator (1) whereby to equilibrate pressure between evaporator (1) and pre-chamber (20).

Abstract: A distillation type of water purification system has a raw water inlet valve for admitting raw water continuously to a boiling tank at a rate greater than the rate at which raw water is converted to treated water. A drain valve located at the bottom of the boiling tank is energized by a raw water level sensing means whenever the raw water level reaches a predetermined level, to discharge water from the boiling tank. Treated water is stored in a storage tank having a pump for discharging treated water to the user upon demand. A single conductivity sensor in the storage tank controls the pump to allow it to operate only if the sensed conductivity is above a first predetermined value but not at or above a second predetermined value greater than the first value. An improved condenser has two sets of tubes, each set is arranged in a pair of planes oriented transverse the flow of cooling air with the tubes parallel. The internal cross-sectional area of one set is about twice that of the other.

Abstract: A system for desalinating saltwater. The system includes a platform container and a plastic dome covering through which solar ray heat passes to distall the saltwater fed therein and thereby separate therefrom distilled fresh water.

Abstract: A highly efficient distillation unit is provided for heating water and condensing the generated steam to remove the contaminants from the water. Efficiency is enhanced by providing a compact air cooled fin-and-tube heat exchanger which removes heat from the steam, with a powered blower passing air by the fins. A removable bowl which houses the evaporating water is suspended from a rod biased toward its upper position. Mechanical linkage interconnects the rod and a valve which controls incoming water flow to the bowl. The valve closure member is incrementally moved from an opened position to a closed position as a function of the weight of the water in the heating bowl. A low density electrical heating element is powered with from 40 to 55 watts per square inch of submerged heating element exterior surface. The bowl is configured to have a large surface area of heated water to heater input power, thereby further maximizing efficiency.