Abstract: Spray drying system for drying a liquid feed which is made up of a solution or suspension of particles in a fluid medium. The system enables the spray drying of wet material and converting the material into powder by evaporation of a liquid medium at reduced pressure or at a vacuum. The system includes a heating chamber and an evacuation device, communicating with the interior of the heating chamber. This provision enables creation of reduced pressure within the chamber, accompanied by evaporation of the fluid medium at temperatures lower than needed for evaporation at normal pressure, and evacuation of the moisture vapor generated during evaporation.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting seawater or other contaminated water into pure water for reuse including: a source of the contaminated water; a first horizontal housing connected to the source of contaminated water and having a heat exchanger therein for vaporizing the contaminated water therein; a vertical housing connected to the distal end of the first horizontal housing for fluid communication therebetween; a second horizontal housing connected at its proximate end to the vertical housing for fluid communication therebetween, the second horizontal housing having a heat exchanger therein for condensing vapor therein; a weir vertically mounted in the first housing for retaining a portion of the contaminated water in the first housing and allowing the other portion of the contaminated water to pass through the heat exchange evaporator from the proximate to distal end of the first housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a first component of a process stream from a second component of a process stream in a single vessel has been developed. The single vessel apparatus has a membrane contactor dividing the vessel into an upper portion and a lower portion where the membrane contactor is a material providing selective permeation of fluid components and restricting passage of at least one component to the upper portion of the vessel, and a plurality of vertically spaced apart distillation contactors disposed within the vessel for vapor and liquid distillation located in the lower and/or upper portion of the vessel. The benefit is the production of a process stream that is of high first component purity at reduced capital equipment costs.

Abstract: An arrangement for discharging and collecting the distillate of rotary vacuum evaporators includes a rotating flask and a line for conducting the distillate from the rotating flask to a cooler for liquefying the distillate. The liquified distillate flows from the cooler into a collector and from the collector into a storage container. A safety check valve constructed as a pressure control valve is provided between the collector and the storage container. An excess pressure producer for increasing the pressure of the distillate is provided between the collector and the pressure control valve, wherein the pressure control valve and the excess pressure producer are constructed so as to interact in such a way that the pressure control valve opens when a sufficient excess pressure of the distillate has been reached.

Abstract: A process and a device are described for separating a solid residue, after separation, from a solution of the residue in evaporable materials and/or solvents with the addition of up to 20% by weight of high-boiling hydrocarbons that are inert under evaporation conditions of the evaporable materials, heating the mixture to evaporation temperature under vacuum, whereby the evaporable materials evaporate, are drawn off and condensed, and the residue is obtained as a free-flowing solid, the residue solution being introduced onto a stirred bed of granular solid material kept at the evaporation temperature.

Abstract: A vapor compression distillation/product concentration device includes an evaporator/condenser core, with alternating boiling and condensing chambers with edge manifolds such that substantially the entirety of each plate surface is used as a heat transfer surface. Seals are conveniently formed between adjacent plates by laying a bead of liquid gasketing material such that as the plates are laid atop each other and cured, a waffle-like seal is formed surrounding the contact points between adjacent plates which interlocks the seal with the plates. A truly perpendicular fluid flow is achieved between the alternating boiling chambers and condensing chambers as each fluid traverses the entirety of each chamber in a unidirectional flow as it passes through the evaporator/condenser core.

Abstract: A boiler/condenser assembly for a high efficiency purification system including a plate-in-frame type heat exchanger wherein vertically extending common plate members are provided with corrugated faces having herringbone configurations constructed and arranged to provide a plurality of contact points where the condensing surfaces of adjacent common plate members defining a condensing chamber come into near or direct contact which serve as accumulation points for the liquid forming on the condensing surfaces of both common plate members. The accumulated liquid is caused to flow off the condensing surfaces in a plurality of diagonal liquid flow paths.

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 vapor compression distillation system including a boiler/condenser assembly wherein a portion of the condensate is redirected back to the condenser inlet to extract superheat from the compressed vapor and transfer it to the liquid in the boiler. The vapor entering the condenser is reduced to a saturation condition to prevent heat build up in the condenser to improve heat transfer efficiency. When the temperature of the incoming feed water is within the operating range of the boiler/condenser assembly, the system is operated under vacuum sufficient to match the boiler temperature with the temperature of the incoming feed water so that no preheater or waste heat recovery exchanges are required.

Abstract: A regenerating system, for the removal of water and potentially harmful organic constituents from a dehydration fluid used to dehydrate gas. The system includes apparatus for converting all the organic constituents to a gaseous phase, and utilizing the gaseous organic constituents in the separation of the water from the dehydration fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is a single vessel apparatus for separating at least a first component from a second component of a process stream. The apparatus has a vertically-elongated vessel which contains a plurality of vertically spaced apart distillation contactors for vapor and liquid distillation and an adsorbent-retaining volume defined at least in part by a solids-impermeable member located above the contactors for passing a fluid into the retaining volume. The apparatus also contains a mechanism for adding adsorbent above the solids-impermeable member and a mechanism for withdrawing adsorbent particles from the retaining volume to contact the fluid with adsorbent particles and to provide at least intermittent downward gravity flow of adsorbent particles through the retaining volume and to selectively adsorb a portion of the fluid.

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: Apparatus for purifying any type of contaminated liquid. The apparatus includes a series of closed but connected passageways in an S configuration of equal diameter open to each other such that the process is effectuated in one cylindrical device as opposed to several closed chambers. Contaminated liquid is introduced into the apparatus, boiled and evaporated at a low temperature due to a low pressure created by a vacuum pump; the vapor produced proceeds in an upwardly direction through an S configuration of baffleless pathways which is tortuous. Liquid particulates are separated from vapor by the configuration of the apparatus and contained within the contaminated liquid. Pure vapor proceeds through the apparatus and is converted to pure liquid and recovered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation apparatus (1) which is suitable in particular for the distillation of sea water into fresh water. The apparatus comprises a plurality of flat, bag-like elements (3) formed from a thin film material such as plastic film and placed one against the other, the elements serving as heat exchangers between a vaporizing liquid flowing along the exterior surfaces of the element and a condensing vapor directed to the inside of the element, and a compressor (15) for increasing the pressure and temperature of the generated vapor before it is directed to the inside of the elements. The essential idea of the invention is that the inside of each element (3) is divided into parallel vapor ducts (12) extending vertically from one end of the element to the other, into which ducts the vapor is fed from apertures (25) at the upper edge of the element.

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: A process and apparatus for producing flavoring compositions by subjecting a thin film of fat or oil to an elevated temperature of about 600.degree. F. in the presence of oxygen. The elevated temperature causes the oil or fat to undergo a phase change to produce an exothermic gaseous material. The gaseous material is cooled rapidly to produce a liquid phase and a vapor containing an aerosol. The liquid phase is collected as a first flavorant and the vapor phase passed through a condenser to recover the aerosol as a flavorant with a more intense grill flavor. The remaining smoke or vapor is exhausted from the apparatus to remove the tarry and acrid flavor notes.

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 method for the production of an industrial diluent which includes the steps of heating a liquid waste from a facility that manufactures coatings, inks, lacquers, adhesives, or dyes in a mixer-reactor to generate a vapor, flowing the vapor into a distillation column, distilling the vapor to form distillation components, and transferring each component to a tank designated for such component. The method may include the additional steps of mixing at least two of the components in a predetermined amount, and thoroughly mixing the liquid waste during the heating step. The heating step is preferably effected by applying heat substantially uniformly to the liquid waste.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for stripping a volatile component from a liquid. The volatile component is destroyed by exothermic reaction with an active component in the gas phase, typically over a catalyst. Heat generated by the reaction of the volatile and active components is transferred to a fluid contact zone in which the organic component is stripped from the liquid stream by a stripping gas. Transfer of heat to the fluid contact zone increases the equilibrium partial pressure of the volatile component in the gas phase and thus increases the driving force for mass transfer in the stripping operation. Preferably, the volatile component is reacted with the active component in a regenerative heat transfer reaction system.

Abstract: A rotating evaporator device is disclosed for the distillation or concentration of liquids. The rotating evaporator device of the present invention utilizes a multiplicity of pairs of disks wherein each disk pair forms a cavity within which heating vapor condenses on the interior surfaces of the disk pair and evaporation occurs from a thin film of distilland deposited on the outside surfaces of the disk pair by means of flexible wipers pressing on the outside surfaces of the disk pair. The centrifugal force created by the rotation of the disks causes the distillate and distilland films to be very thin resulting in very high heat transfer coefficient. The pairs of disks are joined together at the inside peripheries and are rotated about a stationary hollow shaft wherein heating vapor is introduced into the cavities through ports in the shaft and stationary scoops are connected to the shaft to withdraw the condensate from the circumferential peripheries of the cavities.

Abstract: A continuous process for the extraction of halogenated hydrocarbons from a dilute, halogenated hydrocarbon-containing aqueous fluid, in high efficiency, while dramatically reducing the stripping medium requirement for the extraction and without substantially increasing the amount of halogenated hydrocarbons discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A combined water purification and power generating plant is disclosed having special features designed to maximize the cycle thermal efficiency and salt recovery, with little or no concentrated brine produced therefrom. Using the plant, a volume of salt water is delivered to a plurality of indirect and direct contact feed heaters. Within the direct contact heaters, the salt water is heated and diluted by condensation therein by super-heated steam delivered thereto. Any alkaline salts having reverse solubility characteristics particulate and are filtered therefrom. From the last direct contact feed heater, the diluted salt water is delivered to a plurality of high pressure, high temperature evaporators arranged in a series which are used to further heat, evaporate and filter the salt water in multiple stages thereby improving the plant's efficiency. A steam heater is used to super-heat a steam which delivered to various areas of the plant to heat and evaporate the salt water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation apparatus including a housing (1) a blower (2), preheat exchangers (7) and (8) and an evaporative condenser (25) comprising pairs (13) of membranes. One pair (13) of membranes at a time can be detached from the evaporative condenser (25) for replacement. The pairs (13) of membranes are preferably made of plastic or similar material and they hang down loosely in the evaporative condenser.

Abstract: In a distillation column with vaporous sidestream removal, the vaporous product removed is condensed in a condenser. The vapor pipe provided for the removal of product opens into a dip tank of which the upper end is connected to the condenser while its lower end is connected to a discharge pump. Inert gas present in the condensate is returned to the column above the sidestream removal through an inert gas pipe arranged at the upper end of the condenser.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus includes a distillation unit for distilling feed water. The distillation unit includes an evaporation part, a condensation part and a hydrophobic porous membrane interposed between the evaporation part and the condensation part, which are integrated with one another. A heating unit for heating the feed water and a cooling portion for cooling distillate produced by distillation of the feed water are provided apart from the distillation unit. One or both of the heating unit and the cooling unit are provided with a heat pump. With this construction, an additional heater does not need to be provided, and the distillation unit and both of the heating unit and the cooling unit can be changed in size and performance independently of each other, so that the overall size of the distillation apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A device for collecting evaporated matter from a vat which first collects the evaporated matter and then condense the evaporated matter into a liquid which is recovered and recycled.

Abstract: A liquid evaporating apparatus includes a liquid inlet 1 to which an evaporator 2 is connected which incorporates a gas inlet 28 and gas flow channels defined by vapor-permeable hydrophobic walls 23, 24, 25, 26. The apparatus may be used to moisturize air in a room, in which case it is configured to circulate room air through the evaporator and to discharge vaporized liquid through the output side 22 of the evaporator and into the room. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used to cleanse liquid, in which case it includes a condensing chamber 3 connected to the output side of the evaporator. The apparatus will also include a closed gas loop 4 which is located between the output side and the input side 21 of the evaporator and which incorporates a fan 5 for transporting a vapor-gas mixture continuously to the condensing chamber.

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 distillation purifying system including a section which creates a vacuum pressure that is transmitted throughout the system, a distillation/purification zone in which fluids to be distilled/purified are treated, and a collection zone in which the distilled/purified liquids are transferred. The system is effective for use with liquids, solutions, fluids and the like and can be used for water treatment as well as bodily fluid treatment.

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: A vapor condensor connected to a glycol reboiler to prevent emissions of aromatic compounds from glycol dehydration from escaping into the atmosphere. Steam and vaporized hydrocarbons are directed into the vapor condenser where they are sprayed with 80 degree or below Fahrenheit water. The water spray cools the steam and vaporized hydrocarbons so that a substantial portion of the vapors are changed to a liquid phase which is collected in an accumulator located below the vapor condenser. A water jacket surrounding a central cylinder of the vapor condenser tends to keep the condensed vapors in the liquid phase. The remaining vaporized hydrocarbons which are not condensed are drawn out of the accumulator and burned in a burner connected to the glycol reboiler. The steam and vaporized hydrocarbons in the glycol reboiler have an initial temperature in range of 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A distillation system has a degassing tank, a distiller for generating vapor of raw water taken from the degassing tank, a heater for heating the vapor from the distiller to convert the vapor into a high temperature and pressure vapor, a hydrophobic porous membrane through which the vapor from the heater flows, and a heat transfer unit provided in the distiller for effecting heat exchange between the vapor from the membrane member and the raw water from the degassing tank. The structural elements such as the heat exchange unit, piping, etc., with which the vapor from the membrane or the condensate thereof is brought into contact are made of titanium or titanium alloy.

Abstract: In a plate heat exchanger for evaporation of a liquid by means of a heat emitting vapor every second plate interspace forms an evaporation passage (28) and the rest of the plate interspaces form condensation passages (30). Aligned openings (16) in the plates form an inlet channel through the plate heat exchanger for introduction of evaporation liquid into the evaporation passages (28). For enabling use of a large inlet area of each condensation passage (30) and a large outlet area of each evaporation passage (28) the plate heat exchanger is arranged in a container (1), the interior of which is divided in two chambers (6, 7) by the plate heat exchanger itself and a partition (5).

Abstract: An orbital evaporator has a vertical heat transfer tube or tubes mounted in a container driven in an orbital motion. A stiff whip rod is freely movable within the tube. Its lower end rests on a horizontal plate. The orbital motion causes the rod to roll over the interior surface of the tube to distribute the liquid in a thin film and to control fouling. A set of fins is mounted on the exterior of the tube to collect and channel the condensate to improve heat transfer through the tube. The fins are preferably longitudinal and the whip rod is preferably hydrophobic. Operating the evaporator with boiling temperatures substantially below 100.degree. C. in combination with the fins and a rolling whip rod allows operation as a desalinization unit for an indefinite period of time with a high total heat transfer coefficient. The evaporator preferably also includes a degasser to control the formation of a gas barrier at the exterior surface of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaporative concentration of a liquid sample comprises a housing including an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a concentrator flask, a reflex tube and a vortex tube. The concentrator flask includes an upper solution vessel section and a lower cold finger section, and the flask is arranged within the housing with the solution vessel section positioned in the upper chamber and the cold finger section positioned in the lower chamber. The reflex tube is arranged at the upper end of the concentrator flask. The vortex tube has a cold air outlet connected with an inlet to the lower chamber of the housing and a hot air outlet connected with an inlet to the upper chamber of the housing. The apparatus is employed to concentrate a liquid sample contained in the concentrator flask with the temperatures of the cold and hot air from the vortex tube being sufficient to induce the evaporative separation of samples.

Abstract: A steam chamber has a bottom portion that defines a tray for holding water to be distilled and a top portion for collecting steam created in the chamber by heating the water in the tray. An outlet conducts steam from the top portion of the steam chamber to a condenser. A check valve occupies the outlet for opening communication between the steam chamber and the condenser in response to steam pressure above atmospheric pressure in the steam chamber and for closing communication between the steam chamber and the condenser in the absence of the steam pressure in the steam chamber. In a preferred arrangement, a baffle member extends between the tray and the top portion of the steam chamber for allowing steam to enter the top portion of the steam chamber while preventing water globules carried in the steam from entering the top portion of the steam chamber.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for recovering and disposing of volatile organic contaminants, from water contaminated with organics, which system includes a pump to feed water from the body of contaminated water to the system, with indirect heat exchange and direct steam addition to raise the temperature of the water, a stripping vessel to strip the heated water with gas to strip the volatile contaminants from the water, gas supply to provide stripping gas to the vessel conduits to pass the removed volatile contaminants to a vessel containing a bed of adsorbent selective for the removal organics and regenerating the near-saturated bed by stripping with ambient air heated by heat exchange with the exhaust gas from a fuel-fired heater, passing the contaminant-containing regenerating gas from the regenerating bed to said fuel-fired heater, and combusting the contaminants in said fuel-fired heater.

Abstract: An installation for processing liquids having at least one vaporizer used for the process liquid, a condenser arranged downstream from this vaporizer, and a vacuum pump. Additionally, a gas-ring compressor, positioned in the exhaust pipe between the vaporizer and the condenser, presses the vapors from the process liquid through the condenser. The process liquid is vaporized in the vaporizer under a vacuum and the vapors are carried by an exhaust pipe that is connected to the vaporizer through the condenser to the vacuum pump. Also, the process liquid, which is used as the cooling liquid for the condenser, is heated in the condenser and then recycled to the vaporizer.

Abstract: A low pressure distillation apparatus in which evaporation takes place at sub-atmospheric pressures. An evaporation chamber has a feed liquid inlet port, a concentrated liquid outlet port, and a vapor outlet port. The vapor outlet port is in communication with a vapor treating device immersed in distillate in a distillate chamber. The preferred vapor treating device is a rotating impeller pump which reduces the pressure in the evaporation chamber to a working pressure, draws off vapor boiled from the liquid in the evaporation chamber, entrains the vapor in a stream of distillate, and condenses the vapor in the stream of distillate to transfer the latent heat of condensation of the vapor directly to the distillate.

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: An improved method of and apparatus rendering water-based fluid waste stream evaporation operations environmentally and otherwise safe, involving separately and independently existing the hot gas stream produced by fuel combustion and the vaporized fluid-air exhaust stream resulting from heat-vaporizing of the fluid, independently directing the streams in opposite directions toward one another and to a common region, and applying fan suction immediately at said region to exert the sole control of withdrawing the streams simultaneously.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering clean water and solids from aqueous solids are disclosed. Aqueous solids are mixed with a low viscosity, relatively volatile, water-immiscible light fluidizing oil to obtain a mixture which will remain fluid and pumpable after removal of essentially its entire water content. The mixture of solids, water and fluidizing oil is subjected to a dehydration step by means of a plurality of mechanical vapor recompression evaporators operating in staged array whereby substantially all of the water and at least part of the light oil are evaporated and subsequently recovered. The light fluidizing oil is then largely separated from the solids. Residual fluidizing oil may be removed from the solids by direct contact with a hot blowing gas such as blowing steam. The invention is characterized by the conservation of energy through the use of heat exchangers whereby condensate gives up its heat to the feed.

Abstract: An apparatus especially suitable for distilling water is disclosed. This apparatus, as disclosed, includes first and second separate and distinct groups of adjacent, confronting plate members, each of which alternatively defines a series of boiling and condensing chambers and a compressor. The apparatus also includes a device for fluid connecting the various boiling and condensing chambers and compressor to one another so that feed water can first be converted to steam in the boiling chambers, then compressed in the compressor, and finally condensed into pure water in the condensing chambers. The two groups of plate members are connected to and supported by a combination manifold/support assembly which serves both as part of the fluid connecting device and as a device for supporting the confronting plate members.

Abstract: A distilling apparatus includes an evaporation section which heats raw water and causes the generation of vapor from said raw water, and a hydrophobic porous film through which the thus generated vapor is filtered. Because vapor separated from the raw water is supplied to one surface of the hydrophobic porous film, the proportion of the vapor relative to the fluid supplied to that surface of the film can be increased, thereby enabling the efficient filtering of a large amount of vapor through the film. In addition, because the temperature of condensed water obtained by cooling the vapor can be kept in the vicinity of the boiling point thereof, any gases and volatile substances contained in the raw water are prevented from dissolving in the distilled water, thereby enabling the production of extremely pure distilled water.

Abstract: A method and device for removing, from liquid such as water, dissolved volatile substances and gases when water is being distilled or evaporated. Feed water of a distilling apparatus or evaporator is heated to a sufficiently high temperature, whereby part of the feed water changes into vapor, and is then conducted to a purifying device. The feed water is discharged in the purifying device in the form of a thin film. The gaseous substances present in the feed water or liquid are separated by a separator device provided in the purifying device, and then conducted away through a connector provided on the purifying device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a waste solution generated when a photosensitive material is processed by an automatic developing machine includes a waste solution reservoir which is maintained at a constant level. A drum, partially immersed in the waste solution, is rotated to coat its surface. The drum is heated to produce a waste vapor. The waste vapor is condensed by a condenser and filtered and solid wastes are scraped from the surface of the drum. The condenser has a drain tank for collecting condensate and a non-condensable gas component. The interior of the drain tank is sealed to form an air tight seal and has a vent for exhausting the non-condensable gas component from the interior portion to the outside. The air vent includes an absorption tower to treat the non-condensable gas component.

Abstract: The vacuum column system distills liquid under partial vacuum conditions. The system rigorously splashes and boils liquid in a boiler chamber so as to form vapor and a rising mist from the splashing liquid. The vapor and mist rise in a circularly converging path through a mist collector. The heavier mist strikes the surfaces of the mist collector and deposits on those surfaces, thereby separating itself from the vapor. The vapor is then drawn to a condensor chamber where droplets of treated liquid are sprayed through it and fall into a shallow pool of treated liquid. The droplets seed condensation of the vapor directly onto the droplets. Also, the droplets assist in encapsulating bubbles of vapor in the pool as the droplets fall into the pool. The bubbles are then entrained with other treated liquid of the pool as the treated liquid is drawn from the pool down an entrainment conduit.

Abstract: An aftercooker device for reducing the solvent content of drycleaning solid residues is disclosed as is its application in dry cleaning processes. The aftercooker is adapted for use with fouled disposable filters as well as with the solids which result from the flashing of soil-containing filter backwash. The aftercooker and its use are characterized by the use of ambient to moderately elevated temperatures and low velocity flows of air to remove solvent from residues and to the use of a vent scrubber to recover the solvent so removed.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of alcoholates from alkali metal hydroxides and aliphatic alcohol which in their molecule contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The alcoholates are produced in that alkali metal hydroxide is mixed with an alcohol and is reacted with said alcohol at a temperature from 80.degree. to 110.degree. C., preferably from 80.degree. to 100.degree. C., and under a pressure from 0.3 to 1.2 bars, the alcohol water mixture which evaporates during the reaction is separated into its components by at least one membrane, the alcohol vapor and the water vapor are condensed and the condensed alcohol is recycled to the reaction.

Abstract: A water distiller includes an inner vessel in which source water is heated, an outer dome or housing on the inner surface of which the vapor from the inner vessel is condensed and a reservoir for receiving the condensate. The inner vessel includes a closure which directs vapor radially of the inner vessel to the dome or housing and which may include a vapor filtration element. A variety of domes or housings are shown including those of double wall construction with ports or vents to direct heat transfer fluid or air between the walls thereof, and those having lower portions which downwardly converge to direct the condensate to a central mouth of a reservoir.