Vacuum Patents (Class 202/205)
  • Patent number: 5614029
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to minimize contamination in a furnace comprising placing a case to accommodate material to be heat treated in the furnace, forming a gas flow into the case from inside of the furnace, heating the work maintained in the case to evaporate organic matters contained in the work, evacuating the vapor containing the organic matter to the outside of the furnace through an internal evacuation duct provided through the furnace, liquefying the vapor containing the organic matters under reduced pressure by introducing same into a liquefying trap and thereafter continuously collecting these liquefied organic matters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Shimadzu Mectem, Inc.
    Inventors: Eiji Nakatsukasa, Masao Takeda, Ippei Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 5587054
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Grano Environmental Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Keith
  • Patent number: 5573895
    Abstract: A recycling method for photographic processing waste liquid is disclosed. The photographic processing waste liquid is subjected to evaporative concentration under a reduced pressure of not higher than 700 mmHg and at a temperature of not higher than 90.degree. C. The resulting distillate is used as a solvent for photographic processing agents or as an evaporation compensator for processing tanks of an automatic processing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Komatsu, Masao Ishikawa, Moeko Hagiwara, Kenji Ishida, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Shinsaku Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 5569357
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Labconco Corporation
    Inventors: Lowell L. Kuhn, James F. Ptacek, Gary P. Roepke
  • Patent number: 5565070
    Abstract: A method for recovering solvent vapor in a manner which requires less power using an apparatus which is smaller in size, has a longer life, and is capable of being operated without reducing recovering efficiency, including locating an inlet of a suction pipe at a position within the container between the liquid surface of the solvent and an upper edge of the container, wherein the opening of the suction pipe is open downward, and drawing the vapor from the upper surface of the solvent in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Morikawa Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Doi, Hiroshi Obinata, Yoshikazu Takano, Osamu Matsumura
  • Patent number: 5538598
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a distillation purifying system. The device has 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 device is effective for certain liquids, solutions, and the like and can be used for water treatment, petroleum processes, and bodily fluid treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: FSR Patented Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Schlesinger, Harold Rapp
  • Patent number: 5536375
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Jonathan C. Vogelman
  • Patent number: 5536374
    Abstract: An evaporator flask for a rotary evaporator is formed in two portions: a bowl and a lid secured to the bowl by a connecting ring. The lid is connected to a rotary drive means, and a conduit passes through the lid to provide fluid communication between the interior of the flask and a condenser. A mechanical scraper or stirrer is affixed to the end of the conduit within the bowl portion of the flask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Buchi Labortechnik AG
    Inventor: Arthur Spring
  • Patent number: 5535877
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from a solution of water and glycol solution. The apparatus finds application in recycling of glycol wherein a water and glycol solution having as much as a 95% water content when introduced to the apparatus leaves the apparatus with a water content in the order of 40% to 60%. The glycol concentrator has a packing medium made from glass shards that provide a labyrinth through which air is circulated in one direction and thin streams of glycol are circulated in generally the opposite direction. It is believed that mixing of the thin streams of solution and air flow steams in the labyrinth results in a thin film evaporation process. The glycol concentrator apparatus has reduced energy requirements when compared with a distilling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: Peter d. Eastcott, Nicole A. Truman, Peter Truman
  • Patent number: 5531866
    Abstract: A regenerating system, for the removal of water and potentially harmful organic constituents from a dehydration fluid used to dehydrate natural gas. The system includes a device to assure positive flow of the water and organic constituent vapor out of the regenerator, to, in turn, control back pressure associated with the regenerator during the distillation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Vijay K. Pathak, Dennis Leppin
  • Patent number: 5527515
    Abstract: 35% to 45% by weight concentrated aqueous solutions of ferric chloride, directly useful as flocculating agents in a variety of water treatments, are prepared by (a) reacting chlorine with an aqueous solution of ferrous chloride, in the presence of a recycled aqueous solution of ferric chloride; (b) decompressing the step (a) reaction product solution to vaporize water therefrom, thereby concentrating same; and (c) recycling a fraction of the decompressed liquid phase to step (a) and recovering remaining fraction as final product aqueous solution of ferric chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Atochem
    Inventors: Rene Clair, Alain Gallet
  • Patent number: 5525200
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventors: Rene LaNois, Gerald Gajnos, Richard Dent
  • Patent number: 5490907
    Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of volatiles from a sludge containing about 1 to 80% by weight liquid solvents and 20 to 99% by weight solids, in which said sludge is fed with a reagent powder material in an amount effective to form a mixture having a high surface area to a distillation vessel, said mixture is heated to a temperature up to about 350.degree. C. while said mixture is advanced through the vessel for a time sufficient to distil a sufficient portion of the solvents to yield a solid residue powder, distilled solvents are condensed, and the solid residue powder recovered. The vessel preferably is a mechanical fluidized bed distillation vessel and said mixture is fluidized while being heated therein under a partial vacuum in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The effective amount of reagent powder material includes about 5 to 70 wt % of the reagent powder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Agglo Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Weinwurm, Paul S. Weinwurm
  • Patent number: 5478443
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting, concentrating, and separating biochemical compounds from plant or animal biological substances. It has a heating vessel for the substance to be treated, and is connected at its lower part to an evaporation circuit. The evaporation circuit is connected to the upper part of the heating vessel and, by a valve, to the bottom of a distillation column. A condenser is connected to a vacuum source and, by a valve to the top of the distillation column. A decanter is connected by a valve to the condenser and then successively to a first tank for recovering essential oil, a second tank for recovering aromatic water, and to the vacuum source. A dual discharge circuit has its first circuit connected by two valves to a third tank for receiving light aromatic compounds and to a fourth tank for receiving regenerated solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Pierre O. Cogat
  • Patent number: 5472575
    Abstract: A rotary evaporator is described utilizing a magnetically driven fluorocarbon cylinder, operating within a solvent container, to create a thin solvent film for rapid evaporation without the usual requirement for rotating the entire solvent container assembly. Infra-red heating is employed for efficient evaporation rates. Solvent heating is controlled during evaporation by a single temperature probe, turning the infra-red heater on and off on demand of the probe. Over heating of the product is prevented by maintaining a solvent residue at or near the conclusion of an evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Maustat Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Parkinson, Francis Gomer
  • Patent number: 5466344
    Abstract: A pollution control apparatus (10) for controlling water-based liquid waste includes a vacuum distillation vessel (14) for separating water-based liquid waste into a distilled water component and a pumpable sludge component. A pH control system (12) allows the vacuum distillation vessel (14) to operate at maximum efficiency, and a purification system (22) allows the distilled water component to be purified to a level capable for reuse in chemistry, or else suitable for direct discharge into a municipal sewer. A microprocessor allows the apparatus (10) to operate automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Houston Fearless 76, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Lindke
  • Patent number: 5462643
    Abstract: Reprocessing mixtures which contain organic solvents and constituents of low volatility and may contain water: includes introducing the mixture into a concentration apparatus of a solvent recovery system, concentrating the mixture in the concentration apparatus by evaporating off a portion of a readily volatile fraction and feeding this readily volatile fraction to a separation column. A portion of the concentrated mixture from the concentration apparatus is conducted away into a separation apparatus where the constituents of low volatility are separated off from the concentrated mixture and ejected from the solvent recovery system. The concentrated mixture is conducted away, freed from the constituents of low volatility, from the separation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg-Emerich Miess, Peter M. Roth, Karl Heinrich, Siegfried Rewitzer
  • Patent number: 5458739
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping volatiles from a feed stream and concentrating the volatiles in the overhead vapors forming a condensate product and simultaneously producing a low percent volatiles outlet stream as a concentrate product. The volatiles separator and concentrator, ("VSC"), unit has many applications in the reduction and the concentration of volatiles in the beverage, fuel, and industrial alcohol industries, as well as in chemical applications for removing or stripping volatiles from heat sensitive feed substrates which require low temperatures and a short residence time to prevent degradation of the product.The preferred embodiment of the VSC unit utilizes a short feed stream preheat contact time in combination with turbulent high velocity flow at temperatures below 100.degree. F. to provide flash aporization for volatiles separation with reboil capability to adjust volatiles concentration in the residue and product. The application of high vacuum in the range of 27" to 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Vendome Copper & Brass Works
    Inventors: Armand R. Boucher, Philip N. Hambrick
  • Patent number: 5445731
    Abstract: Apparatus for breaking or separating a liquid mixture or emulsion having two or more components. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having one or more sequentially connected filtering compartments holding a filtering element such as a membrane assembly capable of achieving a multi-stage pervaporation to separate out a vaporous component of the solution. The apparatus further includes a bypass facility which interconnects adjacent filtering compartments. To compensate for the loss of heat energy during the vaporization segments, the residual liquid solution is bypassed into a second vaporization phase, the bypass facility including heating means for maintaining the residual solution of a predetermined liquid temperature prior to its entering the second or subsequent filtering phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: David Tuohey, Craig R. Bartels, Vatsal M. Shah
  • Patent number: 5441605
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for reclaiming or concentrating waste aqueous solutions of gas treating chemicals, such as alkanolamines, used for removing acid components or water vapor from natural gas. The process involves heating the waste solution under a high vacuum to form a vapor and a liquid residue. The temperature and vacuum can be varied to form a vapor consisting mainly of water vapor or a vapor containing both water vapor and vaporized gas treating chemical. The vapor is subsequently condensed or passed through a wash column to produce a concentrated solution. The liquid residue is heated by passing it through a single pass, generally co-current heater at a rate which avoids localized overheating of a liquid to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the gas treating chemical. The heated liquid residue is then used to heat the feed waste solution by being thoroughly mixed with it, thus avoiding overheating of the feed solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Canadian Chemical Reclaiming Ltd.
    Inventors: Todd Beasley, Dwight A. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5441606
    Abstract: This invention involves a distillation process for operating a distillation purifying system. The system includes 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 distillation purifying process and system are effective for certain liquids, solutions, and the like and can be used for water treatment, petroleum processes, and bodily fluid treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: FSR Patented Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Schlesinger, Harold Rapp
  • Patent number: 5439560
    Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating a photographic processing solution in which there are provided an evaporation chamber, a heater for heating the solution to generate a vapor in the evaporation chamber, a condensation chamber communicated to the evaporation chamber for recieving the vapor, a cooling device for cooling the vapor to generate a condensation, and an ejector for reducing the pressure in the evaporation chamber and the condensation chamber. There is further provided a heat pump having a heat radiating portion used for the heater and a plurality of heat absorbing portions, one of which is used for the cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignees: Konica Corporation, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kurematsu, Nobutaka Goto
  • Patent number: 5417924
    Abstract: A device is mountable to the opening of a receptacle in which fumes are generated. The device includes a condensation chamber into which the fumes rise and are condensed. The condensed liquid flows back into the receptacle. A tube passing through the condensation chamber and is connectable to a source of suction which causes purging air to be circulated through the receptacle by drawing purging air into the receptacle through the condensation chamber and discharging the air through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Prolabo
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Di-Martino, Eric Quentin
  • Patent number: 5352335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip R. Beaver
  • Patent number: 5340443
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Aquamax Oy
    Inventors: Tapio M. Heinio, Mauri Kontu
  • Patent number: 5340444
    Abstract: A circulation cooler (10) has a heat exchanger (12) in a housing (11) that contains a cooling liquid and is detachably connected by its forward flow (13) to an inlet line (5), and by its return line (14) to the outlet (6) of a condenser (4) of a distillation apparatus (1). The circulation cooler (10) moreover has a vacuum pump (21) inside its housing (11) and an absorber (28) outside its housing (11). A second condenser (24) is interposed along the cooling agent inlet line (13) between the circulation cooler (10) and the condenser (4) of the distillation apparatus (1), and is connected to a vacuum line (27). The cooling liquid (25) flows successively to the heat exchanger ( 12) through the two condensers (24, 4) , then back to the heat exchanger (12). In both condensers, which are under a vacuum through common vacuum line (26, 27) , the condensation of the liquid substances is effected in the form of main condensation and aftercondensation phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Peter W. D. van der Heijden Laborbedarf
    Inventor: Peter W. D. van der Heijden
  • Patent number: 5338409
    Abstract: There is described an apparatus for distilling liquids in a vacuum, having a receptacle for a liquid that can be connected to a vacuum pump, a heating arrangement for heating the receptacle causing the liquid to evaporate, a condenser for condensing the vapour, and a collecting vessel for the condensate. To be able to handle the apparatus quickly and more simply and to make it overall more economical and make it possible to carry out continuous distillation, the heating arrangement includes a vacuum-tight receiving chamber (1) for the receptacle (2) and a microwave generator (13, 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: MLS Mikrowellen-Labor-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Jacob Heierli
  • Patent number: 5334290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a molecular distillation apparatus of the type comprising a metallic conical rotor (12) rotatably driven and fed in its center with a liquid to be distilled, a vacuum bell (10) defining an enclosure housing the cone and means for inductively heating the rotor which are located beneath and in proximity to the latter.According to the invention, the heating means comprise at least two concentric inductors (100a, 100b, 100c) supplying different thermal power densities to homologous regions of the rotor and an inner inductor (100a) supplies a greater thermal power density to the rotor than the power density supplied to the rotor by an outer inductor (100c).The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing an assembly of a rotor and inductors for such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Expanchimie S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Jacques Nuns, Alain Girault, Alain Rancurel
  • Patent number: 5334130
    Abstract: A vial holding a material such as an organic liquid-containing biological specimen is received in the receptor of a holder assembly, the assembly further including a centrifugal valve. The holder is mounted on a rotor in a centrifugal vacuum concentrator and the specimen is then subjected to a treatment such as drying in the vacuum chamber. Vapor from the drying vents into the concentrator vacuum chamber, the centrifugal valve which is a normally closed component opens due to imposition thereon of centrifugal force created during and attending rotor speed above a certain RPM. At completion of the treatment and before the rotor falls from its certain RPM, a dried material protective gas blanket can be flowed into the vial, the valve closing to seal the vial and protected contents when RPM of the rotor falls below the certain RPM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Savant Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Glater, Carlos Barreda, Yury Zlobinsky
  • Patent number: 5312524
    Abstract: A distillation system for recovery of volatile components of contaminated liquids used in an industrial process includes a tube assembly including outer tubes to which hot bottoms liquids are supplied and inner tubes to which process liquids are supplied for transfer of heat from the bottoms to the process liquids. From the tube assembly the two liquids are discharged into the still through separate, elongated, parallel discharge pipes. The process liquids discharge pipe is positioned above the bottoms liquids discharge pipe and an elongated, metal, angle plate is positioned as an inverted V between the two discharge pipes. Efficiency is improved over prior systems wherein process liquids are added to the still without being preheated by the bottoms fluids, and without the unique still intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Filter Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Lyle B. Barcomb
  • Patent number: 5308452
    Abstract: A waste photopolymer plate washout fluid solvent distillation apparatus includes a single enclosure enclosing a waste washout fluid container, a recovered solvent container, and a distillation unit in which waste washout is distilled by application of heat and vacuum pressure to the waste washout, and by supplying a metered supply of a surrogate solvent to the distilled waste washout as a desired solvent is distilled from the waste washout. The apparatus, by supplying the surrogate solvent to the waste washout as the desired solvent is distilled from the waste washout, enables a greater percentage of the desired solvent to be recovered from the waste washout than has been heretofore possible with prior art apparatus, and also enables the waste washout to be disposed of as a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Progressive Recovery, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Marks, Donald G. Fluchel
  • Patent number: 5306397
    Abstract: The apparatus is located almost completely under the surface of the sea. The vacua in the de-aeration and the evaporation chambers are generated by a vacuum pump and are maintained by the effects of a pressure reduction device at the inlet for warm seawater and a lifting pump at the outlet for brine. The de-aerator and the evaporator are laid out as heat exchangers and penetrated by heating tubes, which are flowed through passively by warm seawater. The immersion tube forming the steam compartment which is suspended vertically in the sea serves as a condenser. The condenser is cooled passively by cold seawater. The attachment to the bottom of the sea is performed by a single point mooring construction via an anchor chain at an anchor weight. The elevation of the water production unit is controlled automatically by means of an air chamber and an air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: PI Praktische Informatik GmbH
    Inventor: Edgar Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5294303
    Abstract: A process is provided for separating trace amounts of water-immiscible, volatile organic liquids dissolved in aqueous media whereby the aqueous media are subjected to vapor stripping under vacuum at about ambient temperature in conjunction with a heat pump which indirectly recovers the energy of vaporization in its cold loop and returns such energy to the vaporization of the aqueous media in its hot loop. Inasmuch as the entire process is conducted at ambient temperature, there is little loss of energy to the environment and processing energy is recovered and reused to the application of a heat pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Lanny A. Robbins
  • Patent number: 5271810
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Environmental Solvents Corporation
    Inventors: Gene E. Keyser, Robert L. Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 5262013
    Abstract: A coolant recycling apparatus has a boiler and condenser for distilling a glycol and water from a used coolant. The glycol and water are recombined in a mixing tank to form a mixture having a desired ratio of water to glycol, and an inhibitor is added to the mixture to obtain a fresh coolant mixture ready for use in an engine cooling system. Contaminants in the used coolant are concentrated to form a sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Amalgamated Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy E. Beal, Scott A. McCracken
  • Patent number: 5248394
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: FSR Patented Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Schlesinger, Harold Rapp
  • Patent number: 5246549
    Abstract: An apparatus for distilling corrosive compounds under high temperatures, which would include primary vessel chamber, having a first interior annular wall lined with a loose polymer, such as PTFE (or TEFLON), a second annular wall exterior to the first annular wall, and defining an annular space between the interior and the exterior wall; a somewhat rigid porous material for supporting the interior PTFE liner positioned along the interior wall of the vessel; device for drawing air out of the annular space between interior and exterior walls, for creating a vacuum at the annular space, so that the PTFE liner is supported firmly against the somewhat rigid porous support member; next, a second means for drawing air out of the interior of the vessel for creating a vacuum therewithin so that a pressure equilibrium is established between the interior of the vessel and the annular space, and a corrosive material can be heated in the vessel chamber under the vacuum, and the liner be maintained flush against the wall o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: John Heil
  • Patent number: 5242548
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Philip G. Youngner
  • Patent number: 5232556
    Abstract: A water desalination apparatus which is constructed of a main housing which includes a condensation chamber and a vapor chamber located above the condensation chamber. Brackish water is to be supplied into the vapor chamber with this brackish water to produce a vapor which is to be removed by a centrifugal compressor arrangement into the condensation chamber. The condensed brackish water from the vapor chamber is to flow through a mass of thin-walled tubes to be eventually discharged into the ambient. The exterior wall of these tubes is located within the condensation chamber and it is on the walls of these tubes that the distilled water vapor is to collect and condense and flow from the condensation chamber to a collection source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Frank J. Passarelli
  • Patent number: 5221439
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Y. T. Li Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Yao-Tzu Li, Henry Huang, I-Chieng Ho, Albert P. Yundt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5217572
    Abstract: The centrifugal evaporator-concentrator includes a central tubular pivot (18) surmounted by a nozzle (35) and constituting the pivot axis of a rotor (9) rotating in a vessel (8) closed by a cover (11). With the rotor rotating in the partial vacuum created by a vacuum pump (33), a small quantity of gas or air is temporarily and periodically admitted into the vessel, this gas being heated by a heating resistor (38) inside the vessel for the purpose of heating by conduction the specimens to be concentrated and of accelerating the rate of evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Jouan
    Inventors: Jean L. Guy, Michel Serveau
  • Patent number: 5211816
    Abstract: A low temperature vacuum distillation apparatus. The distillation apparatus includes an evaporation section and a condensation section. Fluid flow throughout the system is assisted by an appropriate pump, and heat exchangers, one in each of the evaporation and condensation sections, are interconnected by employment of a heat pump.The condensation section includes a condensation chamber downward from which bubble tubes extend into a collection chamber. Collection chamber is provided with a pump to effect transfer of distillate having volatile impurities entrained therein to a final collection vessel. A pump communicates with vessel to create a partial vacuum therein to ensure venting of the impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Eco Pure, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel W. Youngner
  • Patent number: 5211812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the recovery of a processed liquid in the form of a condensate from a liquid to be processed by evaporation and condensation, having at least one first flow region which is provided in a working space for the development of a first sheetlike flow of the liquid to be processed and at least one condensing surface, adjacent to the first flow region and cooler in temperature than the first flow, for liquid evaporated at the first flow region.The invention is characterized in that a second flow region is adjacent to the at least one first flow region in the common working space for the development of a sheetlike second flow, and in that the condensing surface is formed of the surface of the liquid of the at least one second flow region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Institut fur Entwicklung und Forschung Dr. Vielberth KG
    Inventors: Johann Vielberth, Eberhard Willach
  • Patent number: 5211808
    Abstract: A vacuum concentrator uses microwave heating to enhance the rapid drying of a liquid specimen. Microwave heating without excessive arcing is made possible in a vacuum chamber by controlling the power of a microwave generator, by modifying antenna-like objects, and by interposing air in a direct path between opposing edges of microwave injection slots, while maintaining the vacuum condition in the vacuum chamber. This can be accomplished by using air filled plastic bosses passing through, and substantially filling the microwave injection slots. An alternate to the air filled bosses can be a non-metallic closure plate that excludes the microwave injection slots from the vacuum chamber, while allowing energy to be injected freely into the chamber. The microwave heating energy is absorbed by a vacuum chamber cover and dissipated to the atmosphere as heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Savant Instruments
    Inventors: Frank Vilardi, James Boncore, Silvio Bellotti, Yury Zlobinsky
  • Patent number: 5209828
    Abstract: A system and method of concentrating spent caustic at a refinery has a multi-stage flash drum for separating a spent caustic stream into an overhead output stream including vaporized water and volatile organic compounds, and a concentrated spent caustic output stream. The system also has a condenser for condensing the overhead output stream, and a separator for separating the condensed overhead output stream into a volatile organic compound stream, a liquid hydrocarbon stream and a water stream. The system further has an ejector for applying a vacuum to the flash drum to vaporize the spent caustic stream at a reduced temperature, and to the separator to remove the volatile organic compound stream. The volatile organic compounds are removed from the overhead of the separator through the ejector to a burner of a fired heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Tai-Sheng Chou, Manuel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5198076
    Abstract: A low-pressure desalinization in a water chamber having an open end submerged in a water supply such as an ocean. An air exhaust pump draws air out of the water chamber to lower the surface tension of an upper stratum of water, which is thereby converted to vapor and subsequently condensed to nonsalinated water and collected in a U-shaped trap with a pair of sealing, closable valves. Moreover, a velocity enhancing parabolic channel is included for efficiently utilizing the potential energy of the fresh water. The fresh water is conveyed from its height at the top of the water chamber to a turbine via a velocity enhancement parabolic channel which enhances the velocity of the water for the turbine. The desalinator also includes a plurality of strips of sheeting partially immersed in the water being desalinated and drawing water therefrom via capillary action to increase the surface area of the water being subjected to the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Bowpec Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter M. Borgren
  • Patent number: 5183540
    Abstract: Method for the recovery of solvent from a solvent-based wash liquid containing non-hazardous waste resulting from an equipment cleaning operation. The wash solution typically averaging approximately 90 percent solvent and 10 percent resin, pigments and other dissolved or suspended solids is continuously tumbled in a tumbler/evaporator vessel together with a highly porous, adsorbent extender in granulated form, while maintaining temperatures sufficient to evaporate the solvent and prevent the solid matter from sticking together after processing. The extender is a substantially inert, material and may be selected from diatomaceous earth, powdered calcium silicate, powdered glass (100 mesh), oak sawdust (100 mesh), cedar sawdust (100 mesh), bentonite, charcoal (100 mesh) and ground corn cobs. The amount of extender introduced into the vessel is of the order of 5 to 20 percent by weight of the wash solution. The system may employ jacketed ribbon, double cone or rotating helix blenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Isadore E. Rubin
  • Patent number: 5174864
    Abstract: Controlled heating unit for extracting solvent from sludge by distillation, in particular for dry-cleaning machines, having a sludge tank with a flattened shape which is arranged at the base of a sealed box-like chamber and above which inlets for microwaves generated by a microwave source are present, a mixer for the sludge to be treated, at least one sludge temperature sensor which switches off the microwave source when the sludge reaches a temperature which is proximate to the degradation temperature of the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Sodibo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Tommaso Arbizzani, Gualtiero Ghelardini
  • Patent number: 5173155
    Abstract: A vacuum boiler evaporator includes a sealed vacuum boiler vessel, a sealed vacuum condenser vessel which contains a partition that divides it into a first chamber and a second chamber that functions as a noncondensible gas collector, a conduit which connects the vacuum boiler vessel with the first chamber of the vacuum condenser vessel, a plurality of heat transfer tubes which extend through the first chamber and into the second chamber, and a return pipe which extends from the second chamber to the vacuum boiler vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignees: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd, Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Miyata, Akio Seta, Nobuhiko Tsui, Hiroshi Kujirai, Youji Satoh, Hitonobu Shotani, Kazuya Sahara, Yoshimichi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5169502
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Kurt-Willy Mugele