Abstract: A system includes a subsea geothermal power system. The subsea geothermal power system includes a plurality of well connections configured to couple to a plurality of geothermal wells. The subsea geothermal power system also includes a geothermal power plant fluidly coupled to the plurality of well connections. The geothermal power plant is configured to receive thermal energy from the plurality of geothermal wells and convert the thermal energy into at least one of electrical energy and mechanical energy. The system also includes a subsea station having one or more pumps, one or more compressors, one or more separators, one or more energy storage devices, or a combination thereof. The subsea station is at least partially powered by the at least one of electrical energy and mechanical energy produced by the subsea geothermal power system.

Abstract: A flexible power plant based on supercritical carbon dioxide power circulation is provided. The plant includes a heat source circulation system, a thermodynamic circulation system, a desalination system and a control system. The heat source circulation system is connected to the thermodynamic circulation system and the seawater desalination system, and provides heat source required for their operations, respectively; the control system is simultaneously connected to respective actuators of the heat source circulation system, the thermodynamic circulation system and the seawater desalination system, and controls their operations, correspondingly.

Abstract: A vapor source system based on vapor-liquid ejector supercharging combined with flash vaporization technology belongs to the technical fields of waste heat utilization and steam generation. The system comprises a vapor-liquid ejector, a flash vaporization tank and a intermediate heat exchanger, wherein the vapor-liquid ejector uses high-pressure steam to raise temperature and pressure of low-pressure water absorbed from the flash vaporization tank; the pressure-increased water is flashed into low-pressure saturated steam after entering the flash vaporization tank; the saturated water which is not flashed is collected at the bottom of the flash vaporization tank.

Abstract: A high-efficiency solar multi-layer evaporative seawater desalination device includes a transparent housing. In the device, wedge-shaped recesses are formed on an outer wall of the transparent housing; during seawater desalination, seawater is injected into evaporation trays and sunlight is irradiated on the evaporation trays through the transparent housing; the transparent housing is made of a transparent plastic material, such that sunlight can directly enter the transparent housing and increase a temperature therein to speed up the evaporation; the wedge-shaped recesses are on a shady surface; during desalination, seawater in the evaporation trays absorbs heat and evaporates to form water vapor, such that there is a given temperature difference between the water vapor and the outside; and a lower part of the wedge-shaped recess can serve as a condensation surface, the water vapor condenses on the transparent housing or at the wedge-shaped recess.

Abstract: A sewage treatment machine comprising: a closed container inside which the liquid to be treated is brought to boil; a vacuum-generating apparatus, which is adapted to maintain the inside of the closed container at a given pressure having a value lower than the environmental/external pressure; a heat-pump assembly which is associated to the closed container so as to be able to transfer heat to the liquid present on the bottom of the closed container, thus to bring said liquid to boil, and simultaneously remove heat from the vapours that reach the top of the closed container, thus to condense the vapour and obtain a distilled liquid, and which contains a refrigerant fluid comprising one or more gases of the family of the hydrofluoroolefins in a percentage greater than 3%.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for purification and recovery of an organic liquid. The apparatus includes a distillation kettle and a receiver tank connected by a distillation pipe, and a vacuum pump, wherein a vacuum storage tank is arranged between the receiver tank and the vacuum pump; the vacuum storage tank is connected to the receiver tank by a vacuum regulating pipe, a first vacuum regulating valve being arranged on the vacuum regulating pipe; and the vacuum storage tank is connected to the vacuum pump by an evacuation pipe, a second vacuum regulating valve being arranged on the evacuation pipe. By arranging a vacuum storage tank between the receiver tank and the vacuum pump, the vacuum degree in the receiver tank is regulated by the vacuum storage tank, such that the organic liquid is recovered in a sealed environment under reduced pressure.

Abstract: A pulsed electromagnetic irradiation system for water treatment including raw water supply unit in fluid communication with a reaction vessel, a multimode cavity in which the reaction vessel is partially positioned. A magnetron generator is positioned adjacent the multimode cavity and is electromagnetically coupled with liquid within the reaction vessel. A stirring motor is positioned adjacent a bottom surface of multimode cavity and operatively coupled with the reaction vessel to stir the liquid within reaction vessel. A parabolic arm air cooled condenser is terminally connected to the reaction vessel to be in fluid communication with the reaction vessel. A gravity vacuum funnel, where the gravity vacuum funnel is in communication with a first air/water cooled condenser. The first air/water cooled condenser outputs fresh water to a fresh water storage unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, process and system for recycling an asphalt-based roofing material. In particular, the method, process and system are capable of removing and recovering an aggregate product, fiber product and an asphalt product from the asphalt-based roofing material. The aggregate, fiber and asphalt products each may be reused in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Processes and systems for the recovery of solvents from a feedstock are provided, as well as processes and systems for the recovery of target botanical compounds. The processes and systems include a heated mixing device, in which a feedstock can be simultaneously mixed and heated to vaporize and release a solvent or botanical compound from the feedstock. The vaporized solvent or botanical compound can be condensed and collected as recovered solvent or a recovered botanical compound.

Abstract: A semi-automated vessel-in-vessel beer brewing and precision timed cooking system is disclosed. This system enables automated, hands-off brewing from strike to boil, more efficient sparging, and precision timed cooking, and can be built as an add-on to existing vessel-in-vessel systems.

Abstract: A multi-function solar panel, the panel being of the tilted tray type which is divided into three chambers, one chamber being used for electricity generation, and cooling of the PV panel and partial preheating of the feed water to a still, one for processing the feed water to produce potable water and the other for water storage and other ancillary devices used in the production process and PAYG functionality of the multi-function solar panel.

Abstract: The present invention includes a spray drying disposable device for use in a spray drying system. The disposable has a spray drying head and a plasma drying chamber. The head has a spray dry nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the plasma source and the pressurized aerosol gas source. The pressurized gas flows in a vortex pattern that atomizes plasma droplets in the chamber. The head also includes a plenum has uniform air pressure of the drying gas. A baffle plate forms the floor of the plenum having drying gas jets that supply drying gas to the chamber. The atomized plasma droplets evaporate in the presence of the drying gas emitted from the jets to obtain dried plasma particles and humid air. A capture filter captures the dried plasma particles and allows the humid air to pass. The humid air passes through the gas outlet and the exhaust port.

Abstract: A method of batch distilling including providing a first substrate that upon distillation releases vapour having deleterious sulfur compounds, providing an inert still, adding the first substrate to the still, installing at least one first reactive article in the still and subsequently performing a first distillation run on the first substrate, such that the installed at least one first reactive article has a first exposed area that is exposed to the distillate, and collecting a first desired fraction from the first run. The distillation during the collection of the first desired fraction is performed at a rate of less than 5 L/(hr*m2) of collected first fraction per first exposed area. Compatible still and kit are also provided.

Abstract: A distillation assembly which, with the aid of solar energy, continuously evaporates a feed liquor. The distillation assembly includes a container which contains the feed liquor, a container in which the distillate is collected, these containers being in thermal contact, and a compressor. The compressor compresses the vapor which is produced by boiling the feed liquor using the concentration of solar energy and/or using negative pressure, into the distillate container such that the vapor condenses there, and the evaporation enthalpy and thermal energy is returned to the feed liquor by the thermal contact.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for efficient metal distillation, and for related primary product process. Vertically stacked and gravity-driven evaporators and condensers are employed to distill metals, such metals having different volatilities. A multiple-effect thermal system of magnesium and other volatile metals is used to efficiently distill and separate metals from multiple metal alloys.

Abstract: An assembly for rehabilitating alcohol, including a pressure controllable chamber, a cooler in thermal communication with the pressure controllable chamber, a liquid inlet port in fluidic communication with the pressure controllable chamber, a liquid outlet port in fluidic communication with the pressure controllable chamber, and a gas outlet port in fluidic communication with the pressure controllable chamber. The assembly further includes a partial vacuum source in fluidic communication with the gas outlet port for establishing a partial vacuum in the pressure controllable chamber, and a liquid collection vessel in fluidic communication with the liquid outlet port. The residence time from when a liquid is flowed into the pressure controllable chamber until the liquid exits the chamber is no more than sixty seconds. The partial vacuum is insufficient to evaporate an ethanol solution during residence time in the pressure controllable chamber.

Abstract: A system for vacuum distilling terpenes from plant material, such as from cannabis, may include an extractor having an extractor body with a lower discharge manway, a top loading manway, an interior chamber with an agitator rotatable mounted within the interior chamber, and a dimple jacket encircling at least a portion of an exterior of the extractor body; a cold trap operatively attached to the extractor body, such that volatilized terpenes travel from the extraction body to the cold trap to condense/freeze; a circulating fluid chiller operatively attached to the cold trap; a heated fluid circulator operatively attached to the dimple jacket; a vacuum operatively attached to the extractor body, such that the vacuum is capable of reducing pressure within the extractor body; and a heat exchanger operatively attached to the heated and chilled fluid circulators and the extractor body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a latent-heat exchanger chamber, usable in distillation devices, which comprises an evaporator in a capillary evaporation regime on the inner face thereof and a condenser in a capillary condensation regime on the outer face thereof, with a system for the dosed supply of liquid into microgrooves or micro undulations of the inner evaporator face, preventing the formation of thin films of water on the evaporator face, the arrangement achieving high latent-heat transfer coefficients.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for separating at least one CO isotope compound, especially isotope compound 13C16O, from natural CO, comprising: a rectification column system (110) comprising a plurality of rectification sections (112,114,116,118,120) arranged adjacent to one another in a chain-like manner, including an upper rectification section (112) and a plurality of lower rectification sections (114,116,118,120), each rectification section comprising a heating means (112a,114a,116a,118a,120a) to maintain evaporation of liquid present therein, provided that the heating means (112a) of the at least one of the plurality of rectification sections (112) is provided to comprise a heat pump cycle (112b).

Abstract: A device for evaporating a fluid medium in a filling product filling plant includes an inclined evaporator surface, a medium supply line for applying the fluid medium that is to be evaporated to the evaporator surface, and grooves in the evaporator surface for conducting the fluid medium. The grooves along the evaporator surface have a non-linear design.

Abstract: Methods are described for removing contaminants, including glycidyl fatty acid esters, 3-monochloropropane diol and toxins from edible oils by using short path stripping at reduced temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object in a housing, includes: determining a first scene inside the housing using a time of flight sensor, wherein the housing is empty during determination of the first scene; determining, by a processor, a second scene inside the housing using the time of flight sensor; comparing, by the processor, the first scene with the second scene; and determining, by the processor, a presence or an absence of the object in the housing based on a result of comparing the first scene with the second scene.

Abstract: A urea production process which includes and a synthesis section, a recovery section and evaporation section and a finishing section wherein the evaporation section includes a first evaporator and downstream thereof a second evaporator for urea solution. The second evaporator operates a lower pressure than the first evaporator to provide a urea melt and second vapor, solidifying the urea melt in a finishing section to provide a solid urea produce and off gas, scrubbing the off gas followed by condensing to produce a first condensate and second condensate; supplying the first condensate to a wastewater treatment section and supply the second condensate to the scrubber wherein the second condensate is used as a scrub liquid in the scrubber.

Abstract: A device for the thermal treatment of material comprises a housing having a heatable housing jacket, which surrounds a treatment chamber and forms a rotationally symmetrical treatment surface extending in an axial direction, and a drivable rotor, which is arranged in the treatment chamber and extends coaxially. The rotor comprises a shaft, arranged in a manner distributed over the circumference of which are spreading elements. The device also comprises a condensation space, in which a condenser is formed and into which gaseous material components escaping from the material during the thermal treatment can pass, a condensate outlet for discharging the material components condensed in the condensation space, and a vacuum connection, which is fluidically connected to the condensation space. The vacuum connection is arranged in a region of the housing that lies downstream of the treatment surface, as viewed in the transport direction of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical vapour compression (MVC) desalination arrangement having a low compression ratio, with latent-heat exchangers having a high latent-heat exchange coefficient, with a temperature gradient between primary vapour and secondary vapour of approximately 1° C. or less, a compression ratio of 1.11 or less, high vapour volume, low overheating and a low-temperature saline solution to be desalinated, which arrangement allows industrial desalination with less specific energy per unit of desalinated water and is coupled to 100% renewable off-grid energy sources.

Abstract: An automatic x-ray inspection system and method for inspecting objects, containing a cabinet, a path for an object to roll within the cabinet, from an entry point to an exit point, wherein the path utilizes gravity to alter the position and orientation of the object as it travels along the path, an x-ray imaging system to image the object along the path within the cabinet, wherein the x-ray imaging system has a field of view that captures views of the object along the object's travel, and a computer algorithm to determine a thickness of at least one of a shell and center of the object, wherein if a uniform thickness is determined, the object is tagged as passed or non-passed.

Abstract: A novel control device for an internal combustion engine capable of highly accurately estimating an EGR amount (rate) during the transient state is provided. A first EGR rate is determined using, as an input, a detection signal of an EGR sensor provided on the downstream side of a throttle valve which adjusts the flow rate of a mixed gas of air and EGR gas flowing through an intake pipe, a second EGR rate is estimated by calculating a predetermined equation using, as an input, at least a detection signal of an air flow sensor and an EGR valve opening degree sensor, a third EGR rate is determined by carrying out delay processing on the second EGR rate corresponding to a response delay of the EGR sensor, and the second EGR rate is subjected to learning correction by reflecting a difference between the third EGR rate and the first EGR rate.

Abstract: In an improved method of distilling fluids, some or all of the fluid is recovered as distillate and the fluid is situated in the shell side of a first shell and tube heat exchanger. The fluid to be recovered as distillate is successively boiled, demisted, compressed and then introduced into upper ends of the tubes. A second shell and tube heat exchanger is located below the first heat exchanger, and distillate from upper ends of the tubes in the second heat exchanger are arranged to receive distillate liquid and/or vapor from the lower ends of tubes of the first heat exchanger. The fluid is located in the shell of the second heat exchanger and that fluid is heated but is not boiled. A mechanism is provided to supply at least some of the heated fluid to the shell of the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchange system having at least one closed compartment containing in a first portion a first liquid having a first temperature at or near the first liquid's boiling point; a first thermally conductive conduit, containing a first fluid having a second temperature higher than the first temperature, submerged in the first liquid, causing at least a portion of the first liquid to absorb latent heat and boil within the at least one closed compartment, and convert to vapors; and a second thermally conductive conduit, containing a second fluid having a third temperature lower than the first temperature, passing through a second portion of the at least one closed compartment where the vapors contact the second thermally conductive conduit containing the second fluid, causing the vapors to lose latent heat and condense, and join the first liquid in the first portion of the at least one closed compartment.

Abstract: A device for controlling the temperature of cooling water includes a three-way valve having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet; a first feed pipe; a second feed pipe; and a return pipe for connecting between an outlet of the temperature-control target and an inlet of the cooling water supply unit. The device also includes a return-side bypass pipe for connecting between the return pipe and the second inlet of the three-way valve; a pump provided on the second feed pipe for circulating the cooling water between the three-way valve and the temperature-control target; and a temperature measuring unit for measuring a temperature of the cooling water flowing in the second feed pipe. In addition, the device includes a controller for controlling the three-way valve and the pump in accordance with a detection result of the temperature measuring unit.

Abstract: A closed lubrication or hydraulic system that eliminates the traditional breather cap and includes (1) oxygen absorber that removes oxygen molecules and (2) a desiccant to dry the air that communicates with hydraulic fluid or lubricant in a reservoir. A metallic heat conduction rod is partially exposed to internal air and partly exposed to ambient air. The conduction rod is in close proximity to the oxygen absorber and desiccant in the cartridge. A cool portion on the conduction rod attracts hot humid internal air causing condensation of water near the surface of the conduction rod.

Abstract: An evaporator (1) adapted for a counter-current flow of at least one liquid and one vapor therein is disclosed. The evaporator (1) comprises an evaporator sub-unit (70), an internal sub-unit (90) having a surface (92), a heat exchanger sub-unit (100), and a condenser sub-unit (110), all in communication with one another and contained within one common vessel (12), wherein the internal sub-unit (90) is located above the evaporator sub-unit (70), the heat exchanger sub-unit (100) is located above the evaporator sub-unit (70), and the condenser sub-unit (110) is located above the heat exchanger sub-unit (100) and the internal sub-unit (90). The present invention further relates to a process to separate components using the evaporator (1) and also to the use of the evaporator (1) or the process in the purification and/or concentration of a thermally-sensitive compound and/or in the removal of a solvent.

Abstract: A method to evaporate active ingredients from a liquid solution, in which said liquid solution includes a solvent and at least one type of active ingredient, the method including dispensing in controlled time periods doses of said liquid solution on a liquid retaining support, where the solvent is evaporated from the support such that only the active ingredient remains on the support, and where the active ingredient is evaporated from the support after most of the solvent has evaporated.

Abstract: A container for collecting water samples to determine dissolved gas includes a flask-type pouch with a spout. A removable cap and valve install on the spout. The valve includes an adapter that fits with an O-ring or other seal inside the mouth of the spout. The valve includes a valve element, which can be a one-way, self-closing type of valve, that fits with an O-ring or other seal inside the end of the adapter. A cap of the container fits over the adapter and affixes to the spout to hold the valve on the spout. In use, the cap can be removed so that the valve element and adapter can be removed for filling the pouch. Otherwise, the cap can remain in place so filling can be performed through the valve element. A tamper-evident ring on the cap may be provided to ensure the integrity of the sample contained in the flask.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a reactive mixture, comprising: a reactor configured to form the reactive mixture; a quench chamber comprising a frusto-conical body having a wide end, a narrow end, and a quench region formed between the wide and narrow end, wherein the quench chamber is configured to receive the reactive mixture from the plasma reactor through a reactive mixture inlet into the quench region, to receive a conditioning fluid through at least one fluid inlet, and to flow the conditioning fluid into the quench region, wherein the frusto-conical body is configured to produce a turbulent flow within the quench region with the flow of the conditioning fluid into the quench region, thereby promoting the quenching of the reactive mixture to form a cooled gas-particle mixture; and a suction generator configured to force the cooled gas-particle mixture out of the quench chamber.

Abstract: A system operating in an environment having an ambient pressure, the system comprising: a reactor configured to combine a plasma stream, powder particles and conditioning fluid to alter the powder particles and form a mixture stream; a supply chamber coupled to the reactor; a suction generator configured to generate a suction force at the outlet of the reactor; a fluid supply module configured to supply the conditioning fluid at an original pressure; and a pressure regulation module configured to: receive the conditioning fluid from the fluid supply module, reduce the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the ambient pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force at the outlet of the reactor, and supply the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure to the supply chamber.

Abstract: A device for separating oil from an oil-water mixture includes a first pump which is connected with a separation tank. The first pump pumps the oil-water mixture to the separation tank. A first valve is connected between the first pump and the separation tank. The separation tank has a heating unit and a cooler is connected to the top of the separation tank. The cooler is connected with a vacuum pump and a container. The oil is separated from the oil-water mixture effectively.

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

Abstract: An embodiment of a distillation system is disclosed having an influent column with an influent column first end and an influent column second end and having therein, a gas deflector. The influent column may contain at least an influent liquid and vapor from the influent liquid. The influent column first end may be in fluid communication with an influent liquid source. A distillation system is disclosed as having at least one effluent column having an effluent column first end and an effluent column second end and further comprising a condensation chamber adjacent the effluent second end. The effluent column may be positioned within the influent column and may contain at least an effluent liquid and vapor. A primary vacuum source may be in fluid communication with an influent column and positioned at an influent second end. A blower may be provided and connected to the condensation chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing vacuum in a vacuum oil-stock distillation column and includes pumping a gas-vapor medium out of a column by an ejector into a condenser; feeding a gas mixture and a high-pressure gas into a second gas-gas ejector from which the vapor-gas mixture is fed into a second condenser. A condensate is directed from the condensers into a separator in which the condensate is separated into a water-containing condensate and a hydrocarbon-containing condensate. The hydrocarbon-containing condensate is removed while the water-containing condensate is fed into a steam generator in which heat is supplied to the water-containing condensate from a hot distillate removed from the vacuum column and steam is produced from the water-containing condensate, the steam is fed as a high-pressure gas into the gas-gas ejectors. A plant for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A modular distillation apparatus including at least one heat exchanger that preheats contaminated liquids: a heater that heats the contaminated liquid from the heat exchanger; an evaporator condenser adapted o boil the contaminated liquid coming out of the heater to produce water vapor and contaminant concentrate, and condenser the water vapor into distilled water; a vacuum chamber capable of operating at below atmospheric pressure, the vacuum chamber housing the evaporator condenser and including at least one partition to separate the distilled water from the contaminate concentrate; a vapor compressor operably associated with the vacuum chamber to receive water vapor from the evaporator condenser in the vacuum chamber and pump the water vapor at pressure back through the evaporator condenser, wherein the heat exchanger recovers sensible heat from outgoing condensed distilled water and contaminant concentrate recycled from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process for recovery of sulfolane used in a solvent-extraction or extractive-distillation process. A recovery column for the sulfolane solvent comprises a liquid-jet ejector for maintaining the needed vacuum conditions, preferably using water as the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the vacuum distillation of a liquid, in particular by means of a rotary evaporator, wherein at least one fraction of the liquid is evaporated at a reducing pressure, a vapor temperature correlating with a boiling temperature is determined by means of a temperature sensor and a pressure present at the time of the determination of the vapor temperature and correlating with a boiling pressure is determined and a minimal pressure, which may not be undercut in the distillation, is automatically determined by using the determined vapor temperature and to the determined pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.

Abstract: Methods for continuously preparing cyclohexanone from phenol make use of a catalyst having at least one catalytically active metal selected from platinum and palladium. The process includes enriching phenol in a distillation fraction as compared to a subsequent fraction, wherein the subsequent fraction includes phenol and side-products having a higher boiling point than phenol. Distillation is carried out in a vacuum distillation column equipped with trays in the lower part of the column. In an upper part of the column, i.e., in the part above the feed inlet, packing material is present instead of trays in at least part thereof. The packing material has a comparable or improved separating efficiency, and provides a reduction of the pressure drop by at least 30%, preferably more than 50%, as compared to the case with trays in the upper part, under otherwise similar distillation conditions.

Abstract: A method for distilling a starting material that includes a liquid Fd to be distilled, uses a gas-tight container system that is resistant to excess and/or negative pressure. The container system includes a condenser for condensing the liquid Fd, which has turned to vapor and whose temperature can be adjusted, to give the condensation product, and a vapor chamber connecting the evaporator and the condenser. The pressure and temperature in the vapor chamber are monitored and controlled so that distillation is always carried out in a range close to the saturation vapor pressure of the liquid Fd to be distilled. If the pressure is too high, it is reduced so that especially foreign gas is removed. An installation includes a container for distillation according to method.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide apparatuses and methods for removing alcohol from alcoholic beverages. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a vessel, a fluid conduit configured to be inserted into a beverage, the fluid conduit configured to allow the beverage to flow into the vessel, a heating system comprising a distribution surface within the vessel, the distribution surface configured to receive the beverage and to heat the beverage, and a vacuum system configured to apply a vacuum to the beverage while the beverage is heated by the distribution surface. In certain embodiments, the method includes using the apparatuses described herein to reduce the alcohol content of an alcoholic beverage.

Abstract: A pump includes: a branch pipe extending from a pump body for branching a part of raw water introduced from outside through a raw water inlet; a first tank having an exhaust pipe of an engine accommodated therein, the raw water supplied via the branch pipe being evaporated by heat of the exhaust pipe; a second tank provided over the first tank and having the branch pipe accommodated therein, vapor produced by evaporation of the raw water in the first tank being condensed into water droplets in the second tank; and a communication pipe interconnecting the first and second tanks in communication with each other.

Abstract: A divided exchange column includes a shell column having a first longitudinal axis, a cylindrical wall spaced apart from and surrounding the first longitudinal axis and defining a first interior space, a first divided wall column having a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and a second divided wall column having a third longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first and the second longitudinal axes, where the first divided wall column and the second divided wall column are positioned in the first interior space of the shell column.