Vacuum Patents (Class 202/205)
  • Patent number: 4863568
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Enno F. Wijn
  • Patent number: 4863567
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Jay F. Raley
  • Patent number: 4863570
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Enno F. Wijn
  • Patent number: 4846934
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Terrance K. Carberry
  • Patent number: 4838997
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Atlas-Danmark A/S
    Inventor: Werner Merk
  • Patent number: 4795532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Sasakura Engineering Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Mizutani, Kozo Fujita
  • Patent number: 4790911
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Martin Parkinson
  • Patent number: 4781797
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Energy Conservation Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventor: Arthur F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4780178
    Abstract: Rotation driving apparatus usable with a rotary evaporator for holding a sample vessel in a water bath. The driving apparatus includes a stator supported by an elevating member mounted alongside the water bath, and a rotor mounted on the inside of the stator. A hollow support shaft is mounted within the rotor, and the sample vessel is detachably connected to one end of the support shaft. A concentrator can be connected to the other end of the support shaft, for fluid communication with the sample vessel through the hollow support shaft. The support shaft is affixed to the rotor, so that the sample vessel and concentrator are rotated as the rotor turns. A slitted disk is supported by the rotor, and a photosensor produces signals in response to relative movement of the slits. These signals are used for controlling the rotation of the driving apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Yamoto Scientific Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshida, Tatsuhiko Saito, Takao Kawakami
  • Patent number: 4770746
    Abstract: Spinning band fractionating column apparatus is disclosed having a spinning band formed with a magnet embedded in its bottom end in the manner of a magnetic stirring vane for rotation by a rotating external magnetic field at the bottom of the apparatus. Reflux is controlled by an angled drip edge on a rotatable condenser column that passes a portion of dripped condensate to a collecting spout with the portion varying as rotation of the condenser column brings the drip from said edge closer or further from center opposition with the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Microscale Organic Laboratory Corporation
    Inventors: Dana W. Mayo, Ronald M. Pike, Robert J. Hinkle
  • Patent number: 4770748
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Roncell, Inc.
    Inventors: John V. Cellini, Mario F. Ronghi, James G. Geren
  • Patent number: 4764250
    Abstract: A vacuum evaporator is provided which is connected to the casing of a driving motor for rotating the evaporator piston, wherein the driving motor is vertically adjustable mounted on a bolt fixedly mounted on a pedestal. A supporting sleeve which is freely displaceable on the bolt supports the driving motor thereon and a lever arm supports this sleeve and is articulated on the pedestal. A thread drive is coupled to the lever arm by means of a coupling sleeve arranged on the lever arm and wherein the lever arm is pivotable by the thread drive and the thread drive is adjustable by means of a geared motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventors: Gunther Riehl, Gunther Vollgold
  • Patent number: 4762593
    Abstract: Distilling equipment comprising evaporation apparatus (2) including a boiling chamber (6) and equipment and conduits (46-59, 62, 63, 65-71) for supplying raw liquid to the boiling chamber at a predetermined level (43), a plurality of serial condensation stages (10, 20, 30), the first stage (10) connected to the top (7) of the boiling chamber (6) to receive gas therefrom and condense the gas by contact with cold recycled distillate from the final condensation stage (30), each stage having vertical vacuum producing bubble tubes (15, 25, 35) through which distillate and gas bubble (17) pass downward to a collection vessel (16, 26), gas carrier tubes (19, 29) which carry gas from each collection vessel (16, 26) to the condensation chamber (21, 31) of the following stage, and pump (41, 42) in cooperating conduits (18, 22, 28, 32) for pumping distillate free of gas from each collection chamber (16, 26) to the condensation chamber (21, 31) of the following stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Philip G. Youngner
  • Patent number: 4759825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary evaporator for carrying out a processor-controlled distilling operation. A rotary flask (5), a condenser (8) and a distillate collector receptacle (10) of the rotary evaporator (1) are continually kept under vacuum.According to the invention, the automatically controlled supply of a sample solution to the rotary flask is accomplished by means of a metering receptacle adapted to have the sample solution supplied thereto from a supply container for temporary transitory storage therein prior to transfer of the solution to the vacuum system, or the rotary flask (5), respectively. For discharging the distillate from the distillate collector receptacle (14), an outlet valve associated therewith is operable to connect the collector receptacle to a vacuum conduit (26) for the discharge of the distillate. This provision offers the advantage of permitting substantially discharge of the distillate without requiring the vacuum system to be vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventors: Bela Medvey, Laszlo Rozsnoki
  • Patent number: 4749447
    Abstract: This invention discloses a solar still comprising a plurality of twin conduits routed through a plurality of solar collectors wherein the liquid is evaporated in the evaporation conduit constituting the first of the twin conduits and the vapor is condensed in the condensation conduit constituting the second conduit of the twin conduits. The evaporation conduit and the condensation conduit are separated from one another by a heat conducting element. A plurality of vapor conduits branching off from the evaporation conduits are connected to the condensation conduits via at least one pump or blower. The liquid fed to the evaporation conduit evaporates to vapor under an evacuated state provided by the pump or blower after being heated by the solar energy collected and supplied by the solar collector and/or by the latent heat released in and supplied by the condensation conduit wherein the vapor is condensed to liquid under a pressurized state provided by the pump or blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Hyok S. Lew
  • Patent number: 4738295
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling a rotating vacuum evaporation system is disclosed. The rotating flask, containing the medium to be evaporated, is buoyantly supported in a liquid bath and the relative elevation between the flask and the liquid level in the bath is measured. The relative elevation is utilized as the control signal to control the addition of fluid medium to the flask, and to shut off the system when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Hans G. Genser
  • Patent number: 4731164
    Abstract: A multi-flash evaporator having modular vertical cyclone chambers designed to generate a paraboloid of revolution providing an extended surface area for release of flashed vapors and attaining equilibrium. With multiple stages, the system incorporates deep loop seals to prevent blowby between stages at all levels of capacity and employs a vapor lift system to permit low pressure differentials between stages at high vacuum. The cyclone chambers employ an intermediate tangential inlet whereby the flashing vapors propel the liquid at higher velocities to generate a deeper paraboloid of revolution and centrifugally separate the heavier liquid from the flashing vapor. An anti-creep ring is interdisposed at the top of the cyclone to prevent the liquid from entering a mesh so only vapor impinges on the mesh and passes to the heat recovery condensers embodying a bayonet augmented tube heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventor: William R. Williamsom
  • Patent number: 4713089
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for removing dissolved organic impurities, such as gasoline or other hydrocarbons, from groundwater. The contaminated water is fed into a stripper column, operated under a deep vacuum, to enable the water to enter the column at its boiling point. Steam, as a vaporizing gas, strips the impurities out of the water and the overhead vapor phase is compressed to boost it to a higher pressure, so it can be condensed to vaporize part of the bottoms stream from the column. Since the bottoms stream is mostly water, the vapor generated is the steam used to strip impurities from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Lanny A. Robbins
  • Patent number: 4710272
    Abstract: An apparatus for distilling a source liquid which utilizes a substantially vertical liquid column. The liquid column is contained by a tubular container closed at the top and open at the bottom. The open bottom of the tubular container is submerged within a source liquid reservoir. The height of the tubular container is greater than the maximum obtainable height for the given density of the portion of source liquid contained within the column. A vacuum is located within the tubular container above the surface of the portion of source liquid contained in the column. In the area of the vacuum, there is located a centrifugal compressor which is to function to move vapor from the vacuum section of the tubular container and compress such along with the transfer of heat to the point that the vapor becomes liquid. This now product liquid is to be removed from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventors: Frank J. Passarelli, George A. Matsukas, Charles P. Caspary
  • Patent number: 4698136
    Abstract: A process for the continuous production of boiler feed water from process waters in the oil extraction industry during which salts and hydrocarbons are removed from the water, without Fe.sup.++ precipitating. The heavy hydrocarbons are mechanically separated, the volatile hydrocarbons are separated from the water, by means of a thermal degassing, and the low boiling and the non-condensable hydrocarbons are separated in a shower evaporation step with downstream vapor compression, wherein the low boiling non-condensable hydrocarbons are evaporated with the waste water within the shower evaporator and the non-condensable hydrocarbons then are drawn off from a downstream separator. A salt-free oxygen-free pure water is removed from a separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Fried Krupp GmbH
    Inventor: Mohammed El-Allawy
  • Patent number: 4696719
    Abstract: An atomizer with a capillary passage to a tip surface which is vibrated by a directly coupled ultrasonic device to disperse droplets of liquid fed to the passage. The tip is associated with a heated vaporization chamber, and a cooling chamber between the tip and the ultrasonic device protects the device from the heat of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Spectrum Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg C. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 4693786
    Abstract: A portable solvent recovery distillation apparatus for improved on-site recovery of highly flammable solvent from a batch of spent solvent. Both evaporation of the spent solvent and condensation of the purified solvent vapors are conducted within a common tank under reduced pressure conditions maintained by an air-operated vacuum pump. Heating of the spent solvent is accomplished by a hot fluid circulating in indirect heat exchange relationship with the spent solvent. The apparatus is totally non-electrical for increased safety of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Techserve Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Brett, Clay R. Runshe
  • Patent number: 4686009
    Abstract: A vacuum distillation system uses a tower having an open bottom submerged within a tank of solution exposed to atmospheric pressure. The solution within the tower is elevated to barometric level by a high vacuum or low absolute pressure on the tower top. As solution flows through the open bottom and upward, the solution is heated and then cooled to cause degasification and precipitation, and then withdrawn from the tower top. The treated solution is flowed to a vaporization chamber that is subjected to a low absolute pressure. A heater maintains the solution at a selected chamber temperature above the boiling point of water at the selected chamber pressure. The chamber pressure and temperature may be selected as desired to yield the purest water distillate for almost any solution of water and impurities. Water vapor is pumped from the vaporization chamber by a vapor pump to a condenser, where condensation results from increased pressure and decreased temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: James W. Laney
    Inventor: Derald L. McCabe
  • Patent number: 4680091
    Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous vacuum cleaning of oil operating on the principle of continuous alteration of a compression, and of a separating cycle, by utilizing a combined action of quasistationary processes instigated by reduced pressure and of non stationary processes generated by a hydrodynamic cavitator. Due to a repeated circulation of the oil filling through a non-stationary and a quasistationary separating process, a high purity of oil, which is subsequently forced back into the container of the oil system, or of an electric transformer, respectively, is achieved and simultaneously a safe removal of contaminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: ZLEHIT pri BAN
    Inventors: Josef Altmann, Bohuslav Beran
  • Patent number: 4680090
    Abstract: This invention relates to a distillation device that employs a plurality of twin tubings of coaxial arrangement or of side-by-side arrangement wherein the vaporization takes place at an evacuated state in one tubing and the condensation takes place in the other tubing of the twin tubings. A blower or pump moves the vapor from the vaporization tubing to the condensation tubing and, consequently, creates an evacuated state in the vaporization tubing and a pressurized state in the condensation tubing. As the condensation takes place at a higher pressure in the condensation tubing compared with the vaporization in the vaporization tubing, the temperature of the condensation tubing is higher than the temperature of the vaporization tubing, and consequently, a very high percentage of the latent heat released by the condensing vapor is recycled from the condensation tubing to the vaporization tubing by conduction through the metallic wall dividing the condensation tubing from the vaporization tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Hyok S. Lew
  • Patent number: 4664751
    Abstract: A de-salinator 10 for brackish- or salt-water has a heat insulating shell 11 closed by end plates 12. A heat exchanger 22 in the bottom of the chamber 13 is heated by engine coolant from a marine engine 27, while a pair of condensor coils 19, connected to manifolds 33, 34, use sea water to cool the fresh water vapour which is drawn off by outlets 21. The engine driven pump 37 which draws the water through the condensor coils 19 operates an eductor 36 which generates a partial vacuum in the chamber 13, drawing off brine from the bottom of the chamber and any excess water in the chamber. The level of water in the chamber 13 is maintained by drawing off a portion of the heated water passing through the condensor tubes 19. The condensate is drawn from the outlets 21 via an eductor 46 which is driven by a suction pump 45 connected to the fresh water tank 47.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Nautical Services Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian D. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 4661207
    Abstract: A problem has been identified which made it difficult, if not impossible, for the prior art to operate a reboiler in the mist flow regime. The invention which overcomes this problem is to provide a chamber to establish equilibrium between the vapor portion and the liquid portion of the reboiler effluent prior to introducing equilibrated vapor into the bottom of the distillation column. The invention is particularly useful for minimizing degradation of thermally sensitive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 4655879
    Abstract: An improved process for purification of glycerol obtained from natural sources comprising alkalizing a glycerol-containing crude mixture in the presence of air for oxidation, evaporating the mixture in a thin-layer evaporator with redistillation of the residue, rectification and reevaporation in a packed column characterized by low-pressure-loss plates with a falling-film evaporator designed for internal and external partial condensation and to separate off unwanted constituents of the mixture, bleaching the product with activated carbon and separating the bleach in known manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Rolf Brockmann, Lutz Jeromin, Wilhelm Johannisbauer, Helmut Meyer, Otto Michel, Juergen Plachenka
  • Patent number: 4642165
    Abstract: A method of vaporizing a multicomponent liquid, such as a hydrogen peroxide and water solution, for injection into a vacuum chamber including the steps of metering successive predetermined increments of the liquid at a predetermined rate onto a heated surface in a vaporization chamber. Upon exposure to the heated surface, each liquid increment is substantially instantaneously vaporized before the next succeeding liquid increment is metered onto the heated surface to produce a multicomponent vapor increment having substantially the same weight percent composition as the multicomponent liquid increment. Each vapor increment is passed into the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Mark E. Bier
  • Patent number: 4639293
    Abstract: This invention relates to a solar still wherein the evaporation takes place in partially evacuated tubings which are heated by sunlight. The water to be distilled is supplied from a reservoir vessel which is sealed off after batch loading. The reservoir vessel is elevated above the solar collector. The water is fed into the heater tubings routed through the solar collector by gravity, through an orifice and a heat exchanger-condenser. The steam tubing branches off from the heater tubing in the solar collector vertically, and is routed through the heat exchanger-condenser. At this end, it is connected to a vertical tubing of a sizable length that empties into the distilled water reservoir. The exit end of the heater tubing routed through the solar collector is connected to another vertical tubing of a sizable length that empties into an overflow tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Hyok S. Lew
  • Patent number: 4613412
    Abstract: An evacuator system employed in an evaporative waste recovery system uses an eductor to create a partial vacuum. The partial vacuum is selectively employed to evacuate concentrate and distillate from an evaporator unit for transferal to respective concentrate and distillate containers. A plurality of air operated valves are automatically operated to transfer concentrate and distillate for reuse in a plating process system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Wastesaver Corporation
    Inventor: John T. MacDermid
  • Patent number: 4609436
    Abstract: A process for decolorizing polyethylene polyamines using a chlorinated hydrocarbon. The discolored polyethylene polyamine and chlorinated hydrocarbon are contacted to form a decolorizing mixture, and the mixture is distilled. The decolored polyethylene polyamine is collected from the distillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Jacobus T. M. Bakkum
  • Patent number: 4608119
    Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating aqueous solutions of hygroscopic organic liquid having boiling points higher than the normal boiling point of water is disclosed. The apparatus includes an airtight evacuated chamber, means for injecting a preheated temperature adjusted solution into the chamber to vaporize water from the solution and produce a concentrated aerosol of organic liquid, and means for coalescing the concentrated aerosol. Also included is a system for recovery of organic vapor leaving the chamber along with the vaporized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Niagara Blower Company
    Inventor: Jack T. Rowland
  • Patent number: 4584061
    Abstract: A desalinization device including a portable, spherical tank with conduits to introduce water to be converted into steam in the lower zone of the tank and guide structure to guide the steam into a condensate bowl within the tank where it is collected; the device also includes a conduit means to conduct cooling water to a cooling coil arranged in the condensate bowl to condense the steam; and within the conduits there is provided a Venturi arrangement in communication with the interior of the tank to reduce the pressure within the tank, hence lowering the boiling point of the water being heated; in a preferred embodiment Peltier devices are included as heat exchanging means in a heating and cooling circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Inventor: Robert E. Shelton
  • Patent number: 4584062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vaporization and condensation process for the fractionation of mixtures by continuously heating, in a circulation circuit, a clean heat transfer gas which is subsequently injected into a mixture to be fractionated (16), of which at least one liquid fraction, which has separated off by vaporization, is condensed and collected while the heat transfer gas returns to the circulation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Ateliers Sussmeyer SPRL
    Inventors: Robert Sussmeyer, Alain Pluvinage, Christian Moenaert
  • Patent number: 4582571
    Abstract: Tantalum (TaF.sub.5) or antimony pentafluoride (SbF.sub.5) is separated from a product mixture comprised of HF, isobutyryl fluoride and TaF.sub.5 or SbF.sub.5 by distillation below 760 mm of mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Grimm, Dace Grote
  • Patent number: 4579629
    Abstract: An apparatus for fractional distillation under vacuum, comprising an evacuable vessel enclosing a first zone for liquid to be distilled, a second zone for distillate and a third zone for residue. The vessel is provided with a plurality of vertical tubular elements having side walls forming evaporator surfaces and being provided with inlet means at their upper ends for directing liquid to be distilled from the first zone towards the evaporator surface. Each hollow element surrounds at least partly a vertical cooling surface to cause condensation of vaporized liquid to form distillate, each hollow element being further provided with means for separately withdrawing distillate and residue from its interior into the second zone and the third zone, respectively. The vessel preferably consists of detachably interconnected wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Dirk Kanbier, Alfred L. Van Kleef
  • Patent number: 4575403
    Abstract: A continuous process for reducing the arsenic content of phosphorus is described in which the impure phosphorus is continually passed through a heat exchanger and heated to vaporize a portion of the phosphorus at a temperature not above 200.degree. C., separating the vaporized phosphorus in a disengaging zone under subatmospheric pressure and introducing it into a fractionating zone under subatmospheric pressure, fractionating the phosphorus from the less volatile arsenic, condensing under subatmospheric pressure low-arsenic phosphorus rising from the fractionating zone, returning a portion of the low-arsenic phosphorus condensate as reflux to the column, removing high-arsenic liquid phosphorus as bottoms from the fractionating zone, and recovering the remaining portion of low-arsenic phosphorus condensate as product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey Rosenhouse, Jeffrey C. Dore
  • Patent number: 4569724
    Abstract: A sealing means for a vacuum distillation apparatus is provided having a vapor tube rotatably and sealably mounted within a vacuum tube through which vapor passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Inventor: Raymond A. Firestone
  • Patent number: 4568428
    Abstract: A vapor distillation system sprays a mixture of liquids to be distilled into an evacuated vaporizer chamber. The low boiling point components of the mixture will be vaporized while the remainder of the mixture will collect at the bottom of the vaporizer chamber. The collected liquid is recirculated and heated. The recirculating liquid is discharged, and fresh mixture is introduced, as a function of the sensed temperature of the recirculating liquid. The vapor is transferred to a condenser chamber having a water spray head so that the chilled spray condenses the vapor. Both the condenser chamber and the vaporizer chamber have fluid level control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Rigg, Frank Anderson, Richard Curtin
  • Patent number: 4561940
    Abstract: The overcharge prevention device is installed in a solvent processing plant in a vacuum evaporator of a heat exchanger. It assures that the level of the cleaning solution in the vacuum evaporator cannot randomly rise when a feed valve malfunctions. A float body of an overcharge valve extending into the vacuum evaporator exerts a pressure through a double-arm lever and a valve plunger upon a ball valve and a valve seat in normal operation and holds the overcharge valve in a closed position. As the level of the cleaning solution undesirably rises, the buoyant action of the cleaning solution acts on the float body, causing the pressure on the valve seat to diminish, and the overcharge valve opens. This permits air to enter into the vacuum evaporator through the overcharge valve. The generated vacuum collapses and the suction force employed to ingest the cleaning solution disappears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Mentec Ag
    Inventor: Rene Meier
  • Patent number: 4555307
    Abstract: A system for the distillation of sea water comprising a sea water input conduit, an evaporator, a work extractor, a float, a condenser, a distilled water output conduit, and a brine solution output conduit. The evaporator is connected to the input conduit. The work extractor comprises a cylinder, a piston slideably engaging the interior of the cylinder, and a piston rod extending from the piston. The piston rod is pivotally coupled to the float. The cylinder is pivotally attached to a second float. The second float is connected to the first float. A conduit connects the piston-and-cylinder arrangement with the condenser. The condenser communicates with the distilled water output conduit. The evaporator communicates with the brine solution output conduit. The energy for this system is provided by the wave motion of a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Williams, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Hagen
  • Patent number: 4554055
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering a solvent from a mixture containing the solvent is disclosed. In certain aspects, a portion of the recovered liquid is recycled and used in the evaporative process, such as for the seal liquid in a liquid ring vacuum pump. In another aspect, the initial separation is achieved in a thin film evaporator operating under partial vacuum from the liquid ring vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Patrick Rooney
  • Patent number: 4536257
    Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, a partition divides an upper chamber into an evaporating chamber and a condensing chamber with a fan in the partition transferring water vapor from the evaporating chamber into the condensing chamber. An external compressor or vacuum pump maintains the system at the desired negative pressure. A salt water intake extends upwardly from a source of salt water and into the evaporating chamber to form a pool therein. The condensed fresh water forms a pool in the condensing chamber which communicates via a vertical discharge column to a U type outlet at the base. An automatic blow down conduit extends from the base of the pool of the salt water in the evaporating chamber to discharge the heavily concentrated salt fraction of the salt water from time to time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Inventor: George Atwell
  • Patent number: 4525243
    Abstract: A tank for receiving water to be desalinated supports a vacuum pump at the upper end thereof. The inlet of the pump communicates with the tank for reducing the interior of the tank to a subatmospheric pressure and the outlet of the pump communicates with heat transfer coils submerged just below a water level in the tank. The vacuum pump has an outer casing defining a heating area which traps the heat generated by operation of the pump. An inlet for water to be desalinated leads through the heated area around the pump and is discharged above the water level at the heat transfer coils for vaporization of the incoming water. The heat transfer coils communicate with condensing coils leading downwardly in the tank. The heat transfer coils are supported on a float and have an inlet and outlet arrangement providing for even distribution of vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: J. Stanley Miller Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley Miller
  • Patent number: 4517057
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for short-path, high-vacuum distillation from a liquid on plate-like evaporating surfaces from which distillable fractions evaporate and precipitate onto condensation surfaces a short distance away, the liquid is placed upon the evaporating surfaces at a temperature such that the energy required for its evaporation is taken, at least in part, from the still-unevaporated fraction of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Leybold-Heraeus GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Fauser, Willi Fischer
  • Patent number: 4504361
    Abstract: Block short-way evaporator with wiped-off film for vacuum and molecular distillation which is suitable for large-scale production. The evaporator is composed of one or more vacuum chambers in which parallel vertical double-sided flat evaporators with wipers for wiping evaporating areas and double-sided flat condensers are alternately located so that they form a continuous block. On the bottom of each chamber distillate collecting troughs with distillate tubes are formed alternately below double-sided flat condensers using separating partitions, and below double-sided flat evaporators residue collecting troughs with residue outlet tubes are formed, feed tubes being led through the bottom and the double-sided flat evaporators into separating troughs in the upper part of the double-sided flat evaporators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Slovenska vysoka skola technicka v Bratislava
    Inventors: Alexander Tkac, Jan Cvenglos
  • Patent number: 4488935
    Abstract: An apparatus for the distillation of a fluid containing at least two constituent components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a microwave energy source and a solar energy collector, both of which may be used to heat a subject fluid to a greater temperature for the purpose of distillation of same. Further, the disclosed invention combines a vacuum within the apparatus to facilitate operation and enhance the overall energy efficiency of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Inventor: Rodney C. Ruhe
  • Patent number: 4482432
    Abstract: A continuous process of spreading a film of a solids/liquid admixture over walls of a chamber, maintaining a saturated vapor atmosphere within the chamber, vaporizing liquid of the film to provide the saturated vapor and solids, discharging the saturated vapor and solids from the chamber and condensing the discharged vapor is effected in a hollow module having two spaced-apart chambers, one within the other, and means to move saturated vapor from the inner chamber to the outer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: The Caffes Trust (Irwin M. Aisenberg, Trustee)
    Inventor: Peter J. Caffes
  • Patent number: 4451334
    Abstract: A thermally driven multi-effect distillation process and apparatus are disclosed in which liquid is introduced into a plurality of evaporating and condensing stages or chambers while heat energy is passed through the stages or chambers in a direction countercurrent to the direction of flow of the liquid which undergoes evaporation to form condensate and distilland in each stage or chamber while transferring the heat of condensation to the next downstream stage or chamber and maintaining a minimum temperature differential between stages or chambers, and separately removing condensate and distilland from each stage or chamber while rotating the stages or chambers about an axis passing through the points of introduction thereto of the liquid and heat energy.Generally the apparatus comprises a plurality of adjacent evaporation and condensation chambers and means for introducing liquid and heat energy thereto in countercurrent directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Grumman Allied Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Ciocca, Gregory W. Knowles