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.

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 distillation tower (1) has a plurality of liquid sidestream lines (5, 6, 7) and a multi-stage sidestream stripper (13) which includes a respective stripping section (14, 15, 16) for each sidestream line housed in a common, upright, cylindrical shell (28) which allows vapor to pass freely from each stage to the one above. Partial vaporization of each sidestream is achieved by applying a vacuum to the top of the stripper shell (point 21) and/or introducing strip gas at the bottom (point 20). Because the vapor passes serially through the stripping sections from the bottom of the stripper (13) to the top, the need to supply strip gas separately to the stripping sections and/or apply vacuum individually is avoided. The separation between the sidestream products is improved by including, in each stage, a rectification zone (22, 23, 24) positioned above the stripping section.

Abstract: When regenerating gas treating chemicals such as diethanolamine solution, the usual practice is to subject the chemicals to steam stripping. Ultimately such action is ineffective, and it is necessary to discard the chemicals. The waste chemical can be reclaimed by preheating the chemical in a countercurrent heat exchanger, in which heat is recovered from an already processed product; using a still to separate the preheated, partially vaporized chemical from the remainder of the chemicals; i.e. impurities or still bottoms; heating the still bottoms and recycling such bottoms for mixing with partially vaporized chemical immediately upstream of the still; returning the separated vapor product from the still to the heat exchanger for heating feed chemical; and separating the thus partially condensed product in a separator to yield reclaimed gas treating chemical.

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

Abstract: Liquids containing solid materials in soluble or suspended form are atomized in a chamber while admitting a drying gas. Partially dried particles settle to the bottom of the chamber and are collected on a perforated conveyor belt where they are subject to a final drying in order to obtain a homogeneous porous layer while drawing drying gas through the layer. The generation of a whirling movement in the lower part of the chamber immediately over the part of the conveyor belt where the particles settle ensures an even distribution of the particles while forming a layer of a constant thickness on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A solvent-containing biological material specimen is dried in a vacuum chamber with solvent evolving during the drying cycle being condensed in a refrigerated cold trap. During the drying cycle, communication of the drying chamber with the vacuum pump with which the chamber is evacuated, selectively is established or interdicted in response to raising or lowering of the vacuum condition in the chamber with respect to an initially set predetermined vacuum condition. Evolving of solvent from the specimen proceeds during interdiction by way of "cryopumping" due to the differential in pressure between the chamber and the refrigerated trap. Thus maximized solvent recovery in the trap is achieved, and carry over of solvent to the vacuum pump wherein its presence would be contaminating of the pump oil is for practical purpose eliminated.

Abstract: A multi-stage flash evaporator is constructed so that the evaporator elements are dimpled plates mounted so that they extend horizontally. One, two, or more sets of plates may be mounted in each evaporator stage, the sets stacked upon one another in a tier arrangement. Each stage may be formed by a circular cross-section vessel, with I-beams--or like supports--extending horizontally at about the horizontal diameter of the vessel, and supporting the dimpled plates on them. A condensate collection trough is mounted below the dimpled plates and at the I-beams, the I-beams having openings in them through which condensate collected by the trough passes from one end of the vessel to the other. The hot liquid --such as sea water to be desalinated--to be evaporated is passed into a bottom chamber of each stage vessel, with vapor flowing upwardly through demistors and channels, into contact with the dimpled plates, and the condensate falling as a thin film down the plates and collecting in the condensate trough.

Abstract: An apparatus including a device 1 for separating organic components from a process mixture, a vacuum evaporation device 4 for partially drying the mineral salts or mixtures thereof, a device 5 for thermal treatment of the partially dried mineral salts or mixtures thereof from the vacuum evaporation device 4, a condenser 7 for condensing the humid vapors from the vacuum evaporation device 4 and a device 9 for reverse osmosis treatment of the condensate as well as suitable conveying devices between the parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for the production of fresh water from sea or brackish water is provided. The device contains one or more evaporation pans covered with a translucent material, one or more ascending chimney-gallaries the upper ends of which are open to the air and the lower ends of which are tightly connected to the evaporation pans and a fresh water collecting chamber. The communication between the evaporation pans and the chimney-gallaries is regulated such that it can be opened and closed so as to maximize efficiency. The communication between the bottom section of the chimney-gallery and the open air is likewise regulated. The device is especially suited for carrying out batchwise fresh water production by evaporation of sea or brackish water. The batchwise method can involve sequences according to circadian alternations, of an evaporation-condensation step followed by a step of cooling for the restoration of the initial conditions for a further step of evaporation-condensation.

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: A seawater deaerator has a large reservoir through which seawater slowly flows. Gas is injected into the bottom of the reservoir through porous aeration stones forming bubble nuclei. The seed bubbles move upward through the seawater in the reservoir expanding but not coalescing, and withdrawing dissolved gas from the seawater. The deaerated seawater flows out of the reservoir and subsequently flows through spouts into a flash evaporator. Gas is withdrawn from a low pressure gas chamber at the top of the reservoir by a vacuum pump. The exhaust of the vacuum pump supplies gas to the air injectors.

Abstract: The centrifugal evaporator-concentrator comprises 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving oil or PCB which exists in the electrical insulation of parts to be cleaned, wherein a solvent is evaporated during a heating phase by an evaporator located with the parts in an autoclave. The solvent vapor condenses on the parts and penetrates into the electrical insulation to form an oil or PCB-solvent mixture. The apparatus provides for a plurality of intermediate pressure reductions which are carried out in the autoclave, and during each intermediatre pressure reduction the solvent is simultaneously evaporated from the oil or PCB-solvent mixture, directly from the autoclave. That is, during each of the pressure reductions, the solvent supply is discontinued and the mixture circulated through a circulating line. Following the completion of each intermediate pressure reduction, the pure oil or PCB present in a condensate vessel is pumped out by an intermediately located feed pump through a connecting line and into a reservoir.

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 valve. Although specifically designed for desalinization purposes, the apparatus may be used for distilling non-potable fresh water to potable fresh water. The system may also be used to de-water sludge in paper producing plants and also in the diary industry and other projects where large amounts of water need to be drawn off. The system would be appropriate in municipal water systems also as an odor controlling entity, in milk concentrate, maple syrup operations or cheese factories. Moreover, a velocity enhancing parabolic channel is disclosed for efficiently utilizing the potential energy of the fresh water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reprocessing waste piranha containing contaminated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 from, for example, a semiconductor processing operation is described. The apparatus and method include a first distillation flask which is maintained under a substantial vacuum. The first distillation flask includes a first column packed with a column packing material and an input pipe for refluxing to retard loss of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 in the first distillation. The second distillation flask boils off substantially pure H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and provides for a continuous automatic purge of the contaminants from the second distillation flask thus improving the purity of the H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The substantially pure H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 flows through a column which is coupled to a condenser which condenses substantially pure H.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: Vacuum distillation system which has a vacuum distillation column (1) having a column inlet (6), a bottom outlet (8) and a top outlet (10), a furnace (2) provided with a heat-exchange tube (27) having a tube inlet (28) and a tube outlet (29), and a connecting conduit (3) extending between the tube outlet (29) and the column inlet (6), wherein the inner diameter of the heat-exchange tube (27) increases along the length of the heat-exchange tube (27) to between 2.4 and three times the inner diameter of the tube inlet (28), and wherein the inner diameter of the connecting conduit (3) gradually increases along the length of the connecting conduit (3) to between 2.5 and 5.4 times the inner diameter of the tube outlet (29).

Abstract: Process for recovering acetone from used acetylene cylinders in order to make the cylinders disposable as a solid waste. A system is described for effecting the acetone recovery.

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

Abstract: A feed which contains vapor and liquid is introduced into a distillation column operating at a subatmospheric pressure. Vapor is allowed to rise inside the distillation column and liquid is allowed to drop to the bottom part of the distillation column. From said bottom part a liquid is passed through a transfer conduit to an external collecting vessel from which a liquid stream is withdrawn. The liquid stream is cooled and part thereof is introduced into the transfer conduit.

Abstract: Improved hydrocarbon vacuum distillation process wherein the process steps include introducing a feed which contains liquid hydrocarbons and vaporous hydrocarbons into an inlet section (3) of a distillation column (1) operating at a subatmospheric pressure, removing liquid from a bottom section (6) of the distillation column (1), allowing vapor to pass through three condensation sections (13b, 13a and 13) arranged above each other in the distillation column (1) between the inlet section (3) and a top section (8), removing vapor from the top section (8), spraying into each condensation section (13, 13a and 13b) cooled liquid, and removing liquid from each condensation section (13, 13a and 13b), wherein the cooled liquid which is sprayed into each condensation section (13, 13a and 13b) includes liquid removed from that condensation section (13, 13a and 13b), and wherein the cooled liquid which is sprayed in the uppermost condensation section (13) further includes liquid removed from the condensation sections (1

Abstract: A counter-current contacting device which includes a number of features which increase the efficiency and/or increase the pressure differential across the device is disclosed. Systems for reducing the alcohol content of an alcohol containing beverage or wine, for stripping aroma and flavor from a fruit juice and for desulphuring a liquid containing dissolved sulphur dioxide are also disclosed. Each of these systems incorporate a counter-current contact device of the invention.

Abstract: A process for the production of monomeric .alpha.-cyanoacrylates by pryrolysis of poly-.alpha.-cyanoacrylates and subsequent distillation of the resulting monomeric .alpha.-cyanoacrylates.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reprocessing waste piranha containing contaminated H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 from, for example, a semiconductor processing operation is described. The apparatus and method include a first distillation flask which are maintained under a substantial vacuum. The first distillation flask includes a first column with a column packing means and a reflux means to retard loss of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 in the first distillation. The second distillation flask boils off substantially pure H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 through a column which is coupled to a condenser which condenses substantially pure H.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus including a pair of vertical lower vessels each open at its upper end, and a pair of elongate upper vessels each having an open lower end, slidably mounted in a respective one of the lower vessels. A heat exchanger is mounted in each of the upper vessels, with the upper end of one upper vessel being connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger in the other vessel, and vice versa. A reciprocating drive mechanism drives the two upper vessels up and down in opposite directions so as to simultaneously effect compression in the space above the liquid level in the downwardly moving vessel while expanding the space above the liquid in the other vessel, driving vapor from the downwardly moving vessel into the heat exchanger in the other vessel, where it condenses.

Abstract: An aerating apparatus or aerator for expelling the impurities from ground water, especially for ground water under an overpressure, in which the impurities are expelled by generating a partial vacuum in an aeration shaft in the vicinity of ground water to be purified and by feeding fresh air below the water level in the aeration shaft, the aeration shaft is closed on its upper end with a pressurized receiving chamber. The pressurized receiving chamber permits fresh air to be brought in at an air pressure balancing the ground water pressure. Moreover a vacuum generator producing the partial vacuum is located in the pressurized receiving chamber.

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: The deodorizing apparatus is used to treat organic liquids, such as edible oils or edible fats, in that they are stripped with water vapor under subatmospheric pressure and at temperature from about 130.degree. to 260.degree. C. The liquid to be treated is passed through one or more treating levels and is agitated therein by rising water vapor. At least one of the treating levels contains numerous conical circulating ducts, which can be flown through in an upward direction and are provided with a water vapor inlet in their lower portion, which is narrower in cross-section. The cone angle of the circulating duct measured against the vertical may vary from 5.degree. to 20.degree. C.

Abstract: The deodorizing apparatus is used to treat organic liquids, such as edible oils or edible fats, in that they are stripped with water vapor under subatmospheric pressure and at temperatures from about 130.degree. to 260.degree. C. Free fatty acids and disturbing taste- and odor-imparting substances are thus removed. The liquid to be treated is passed through one or more treating stories and is agitated therein by rising water vapor. At least one of the treating stories comprises at least two concentric, open-topped annular passages having a common cylindrical wall, a vertical partition extending across the wall and an aperature in the wall adjacent the partition for allowing liquid flow between the passages. A plurality of circulating cylinders, which are adapted to be flown through in an upward direction, are arranged in each annular passage. Water vapor in the form of fine bubbles is passed through the circulating cylinders.

Abstract: A solvent recovery system is provided which is characterized by improved efficiency and safety. The system includes an evaporator unit having a heat source for vaporizing contaminated solvent. The resulting vapors are subsequently liquified in a condensing unit. During evaporation and condensation of the solvent, a negative pressure is maintained within the system using a vacuum generator. After condensation, the liquid solvent passes into at least one accumulator which is periodically drained. The accumulator and vacuum generator operate in synchronization so that a vacuum is maintained in the system while drainage of the accumulator occurs. Since the evaporation and condensation systems of the invention are maintained at a negative pressure, any leaks therein do not result in the escape of flammable vapors.

Abstract: A solar water distiller is set forth utilizing a spherical boiler formed with an underlying concave reflective lens arranged for tracking of the position of the sun to effect boiling of water provided within the solar boiler. Water vapor is forcibly removed from the uppermost portion of the spherical boiler by a solar powered pump directing the cooling water into a condensate tank that is provided with a pressure relief valve. The spherical boiler is provided with a float level and a pressure gauge to control the actuation of a valve limiting water provided to the spherical boiler to maintain the spherical boiler with a half volume of fluid for maintaining efficiency of the boiler.

Abstract: A rotary evaporator for laboratory scale solvent evaporative procedures is described. A magnetically driven fluorocarbon coated rotor, being open at its base and closed at its top, operating within a container for solvents, creates a thin film for rapid solvent evaporation without the usual requirement for rotating the entire solvent assembly. Rotary seals are eliminated, increased control over bubbling and foaming at higher vacuum is obtained, and continuous solvent addition is simplified.

Abstract: Sludge or slurry is dewatered by passing it on a screw conveyor through a sealed vessel at a vacuum more negative than -10 inches of Hg.As a result, moisture is removed from the sludge or slurry as water vapor. The vessel is sealed from air by the presence of the sludge or slurry at the inlet and outlet port extents of the vessel.

Abstract: A process for removing substantial quantities of volatile liquid e.g. hydrocarbon from a mixture of polymer and such liquid is provided. This process includes the initial step of introducing the mixture, and a liquid which is immiscible with the polymer, into a mixing/kneading zone provided with heated heat transfer surfaces having a temperature higher than the boiling point of the lowest boiling liquid component in the mixing/kneading zone. The mixture and the immiscible liquid are subjected to a period of continuous mixing and kneading within the mixing/kneading zone, to bring the mixture into continuously moving contact with the heat transfer surfaces. During this period of continuous mixing/kneading, the heated heat transfer surfaces are repeatedly mechanically cleaned to prevent buildup of solid polymer thereon.

Abstract: A liquid product (4) leaving a furnace (2) is introduced into a series of cyclone separators (5, 6, 7). The liquid product to be vaporized is introduced tangentially into the top portion (5a, 6a, 7a) of each cyclone to place the product into contact with a side wall (5b, 6b, 7b) of the cyclone. A gaseous phase (11, 12, 13) formed in each cyclone is collected in the central zone (8, 9, 10) of the cyclone and is then introduced into a vacuum distillation column (3). The liquid phase obtained in each cyclone is collected at the bottom (5c, 6c, 7c) of the cyclone and then is introduced tangentially into the top (6a, 7a) of the following cyclone or, in the case of the last cyclone, is introduced directly into the vacuum distillation column (3). The side wall (5b, 6b, 7b) of each cyclone (5, 6, 7) is heated to a temperature near the maximum temperature allowable for avoiding all thermal deterioration of the product.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating a more volatile substance from a liquid in which it is dissolved by vacuum means. The apparatus has a perforated inner casing having a plurality of sub-stages which contain packing material to provide a tortuous path of interstices for the liquid to flow through; an outer casing surrounds the inner casing to define an evacuating space between the outer and inner casing and vacuum means to create a vacuum in the evacuating space which communicates with the sub-stages through the perforations in the inner casing. The vacuum means also acts to pull off the more volatile substance.

Abstract: An improved vacuum distillation system is disclosed for purifying contaminated liquids, such as seawater, brackish water and chemical effluents. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a vertical separation chamber in which contaminated liquid (e.g.

Abstract: In order to dissolve oil or PCB which exists in the electrical insulation of parts to be cleaned, a solvent is evaporated during a heating phase by an evaporator located with the parts in an autoclave. The solvent vapor condenses on the parts and penetrates into the electrical insulation to form an oil or PCB-solvent mixture. In the heating phase, a plurality of intermediate pressure reductions are carried out in the autoclave, and during each intermediate pressure reduction the solvent is simultaneously distilled out of the oil or PCB-solvent mixture, directly from the autoclave. That is, during each of the pressure reductions, the solvent supply is discontinued and the mixture circulated through a circulating line. Following the completion of each intermediate pressure reduction, the pure oil or PCB present in a condensate vessel is pumped out by an intermediately located feed pump through a connecting line and into a reservoir.

Abstract: A steam distillation apparatus is provided which has a column body, a head connected to one end of the column body which has a diameter larger than the column body, a sump connected to the other end of the column body and contact elements disposed within the column body which are positioned and arranged to avoid formation of preferential pathways for the steam passing through the column body while providing for ready flow of the material being steam distilled through the column body. The connection of the head and column body may be frustoconical in shape such that its diameter diminishes from a diameter corresponding with that of the head at its connection with the head to a diameter corresponding with that of the column body at its connection with the column body. A collar is positioned at the connection of the neck and column body and extends into the head to define an annular space between the neck and collar.

Abstract: A device for removing the volatile components of a polymer in a polymer train includes a hollow pipe which defines an interior chamber, a pair of flanges mounted on opposite axial ends of the pipe, a heat jacket mounted on the pipe and disposed to surround the pipe, a plurality of band heating elements mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the heat jacket, and an arrangement of fin elements disposed in the interior chamber of the pipe to contact the polymer flowing through the pipe. Heat from the heating elements is distributed by the heat jacket over the axial length of the pipe and is transferred to the fin elements to heat the polymer flowing through the pipe. The fin elements may be in a cruciform arrangement within the interior chamber of the pipe. A method of removing the volatile components includes forming a thin film of polymer and heating and distributing the heat evenly on the thin film of polymer so that the volatile components may be vaporized.

Abstract: The invention is a fluid distillation apparatus (10) which, in its preferred embodiment, includes a cylindrical portion (12) which mates with an end wall (14) and a bell portion (16) to form an enclosed volume (18) within which evaporization and condensation of a selected fluid may take place. A heat exchange rotor assembly (20) is formed of head conductive material and includes intertwined evaporization and condensation channels (52, 54) in spiral array. A central tunnel (58) provides access for vapor from an evaporization volume (24) to a condensation volume (26) with a pressure gradient provided by an impeller (100) urging such passage. A drum motor (68) rotates the drum (40) to facilitate liquid flow in the heat exchange rotor (20). An impure fluid input port (32) and output ports are provided for purified fluid (34), concentrated brine (36) and degassing purposes (38).

Abstract: Process for the fractional distillation of a liquid under vacuum comprising preheating a liquid to be distilled, forming under vacuum the preheated liquid into a first series of thin sheets of falling liquid to be distilled, and a cooling liquid into a second series of thin sheets of falling cooling liquid, the thin sheets of the first series being alternately arranged with the thin sheets of the second series, in close proximity to one another. Part of the liquid to be distilled is vaporized and passed to the thin sheets of cooling liquid to form liquid distillate and separately recovering the liquid distillate with the cooling liquid and the non-vaporized part of the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for the fractional distillation of a liquid under vacuum is disclosed in which first and second inlets are disposed in the upper portion of a normally vertically closed vessel for the entrance of a liquid to be distilled and a cooling liquid, respectively and outlets are provided in the bottom portion of the vessel for the residue for the liquid being distilled and for the cooling liquid. First and second distribution means are provided for establishing thin sheets of liquid to be distilled and cooling liquid wherein each thin sheet falls freely absent both support and guiding means. Means are also provided for separately collecting the liquid distillate with the cooling liquid in the residue of the liquid to be distilled.

Abstract: The invention is a system for removing volatile hydrocarbon contaminates from both water and moisture-ladened air. In detail the invention comprises a steam stripping system for mixing the contaminated water with steam, at below atmospheric pressure, providing clean water for reuse and contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates. A first condenser receives the contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates and condenses, at below atmospheric pressure, a portion of the vaporized contaminates and a portion of the contaminated steam into contaminate water. A second condenser thereafter further condenses the steam and hydrocarbon vapor.

Abstract: Process for deodorizing triglyceride oil comprises passing dry steam through the oil, the oil being at a temperature between 160.degree. and 280.degree. C. and under a pressure of between 0.1 to 8.0 mbar and condensing by indirect condenser means a vapor phase having a Reynolds number less than 2300 and comprising steam, volatile materials from the oil and less than 100 mg neutral oil per m.sup.3 of steam when measured under the conditions prevailing in the headspace above the oil. The condensate can be solid or liquid form. In either case the condensate can be readily removed from the condenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating the distilled water obtained from an evaporation process sea water desalination plant is provided wherein carbon dioxide is extracted from sea water in the high temperature stages of the desalination plant and where the carbon dioxide thus extracted is dissolved into the water, along with calcium, thereby converting the distilled water into the quality suited for city tap water.

Abstract: A rotary evaporator for laboratory scale solvent evaporative procedures is described. A magnetically driven fluorocarbon coated rotor, operating within a container for solvents, creates a thin film for rapid solvent evaporation without the usual requirement for rotating the entire solvent container assembly. Rotary seals are eliminated, increased control over bubbling and foaming at higher vacuum is obtained, and continuous solvent addition is simplified.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for separating a more volatile substance from a liquid in which it is dissolved by vacuum means. The apparatus has a perforated inner casing having a plurality of sub-stages which contain packing material to provide a tortuous path of interstices for the liquid to flow through; an outer casing surrounds the inner casing to define an evacuating space between the outer and inner casing and vacuum means to create a vacuum in the evacuating space which communicates with the sub-stages through the perforations in the inner casing. The vacuum means also acts to pull off the more volatile substance.