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.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for evaporation of a liquid includes a number of thin heat transfer plates (4), provided with corrugation pattern in the form of ridges and grooves, which in each second plate interspace for supply of said liquid have several inlet openings (18) distributed horizontally across the width of the heat transfer plates. The heat transfer plates each have a horizontal portion (28) having less pressing depth that the rest of the corrugation pattern, which is formed such than the heat transfer plates (4) in the area of the portions (28) referred to, abut against each other in the plate interspaces for said liquid and are separated from each other in the plate interspaces for a heating fluid.

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.

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.

Abstract: A film-type evaporator has an upright container, a heating system arranged on the outside of its jacket, a rotor rotating in the container and an upper part with a vapor chamber and droplet separator. In the upper area of the rotor the product is fed onto the inner container wall and runs down in the form of a thin film in which evaporation takes place. Circulation evaporation with a high thickening capacity is made possible in that the container has an unheated lower part constructed as a receiving flask in which the product is collected and a central part with the heating system, on whose inner wall film-type evaporation takes place, and in that the tubular rotor extends into the lower part and is constructed as a circulating pump, which delivers the product from the lower part on the inside of the tubular rotor into its upper area and centrifugally delivers it there to the inner wall of the central part.

Abstract: A concatenable module for a multiple-effect still has a chamber encompassed by four walls and two baffles, where one baffle is shared with the preceeding effect and the other the subsequent effect. Heat exchanger tubes mount into an accumulator which is sealed to a baffle, an aperature in the baffle at the accumulator allows vapors and fluids to flow between modules.A distribution plug seals the top end of a heat exchanger tube while carrying distilland through internal channels until it reaches a ring channel which carries distilland in evenly around the plug. A gap below the ring channel between the plug and tube allow distilland to flow evenly on the tube as it leaves the plug.

Abstract: A thin layer liquid film type evaporator including a cylindrical heating column, a heater for heating the cylindrical heating column, a liquid film forming plate disposed in the cylindrical heating column, a baffle also disposed in the cylindrical heating column and a feed nozzle disposed at the upper center of the cylindrical heating column. The liquid film forming plate has an outer diameter such that a clearance may be formed between the outer edge thereof and the inner circumferential surface of the heating column and that the liquid may flow through the clearance. Thus, a thin layer liquid film type evaporator which has a simple mechanism and can exhibit excellent evaporation efficiency can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thin-film evaporator equipped with a heatable tubular evaporator body in whose product charged interior a driven rotor is disposed which is equipped with essentially radially oriented vanes. The invention is formed from an evaporator body of at least one thick-wall graphite tube with a plurality of essentially axially extending bores disposed in the tube walls, each one of the bores open at the tube ends into an annular channel which is in communication with a connecting pipe stub for a heating medium.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus for the distillation of liquids. The apparatus has a plurality of vertically-stacked, parallel disks which are rotated. The liquid to be distilled is introduced into the center of the disk stack and migrates by centrifugal force as a thin film across side 1 of each disk. During migration, the more volatile portion evaporates from side 1 and condenses on side 2 of a neighboring disk. Energy requirements for distillation are provided by heat transfer from side 2 to side 1. The apparatus is substantially adiabatic in that vaporization and condensation occur without external supply of heating or cooling.

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

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus for processing a liquid continuously has a positive mechanical drive for a set of vertical whip rods each disposed in a vertical heat transfer tube. Each whip rod is free-standing on its lower end and is sufficiently flexible to conform closely to the inner surface of the tube as it orbits. The orbital drive propels the whip rod directly through a pair of horizontal, vertically spaced plates that engage the rods in loose openings that serve as fluid inlets from the drive plate. A motor rotates a drive shaft coupled to at least one of the drive plates through at least one eccentric crank. Each plate can be an opposed pair of plates with a separate eccentric drives 180.degree. out of phase with one another for a self balancing. Another form of drive plate uses a rigid circular ring that mounts rod-engaging sleeves via a network of wires supported by the ring.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a partially miscible solvent from a contaminated water stream. The apparatus includes a fully enclosed containment vessel having an internal volume bounded by a plurality of walls which define the width, length and height of the internal volume. Devices for feeding the contaminated water, for discharging a solvent rich vapor stream, and for discharging a purified water stream are provided. A dam separates the internal volume into a phase separation zone and a falling film stripping zone with the dam located proximate one end of the internal volume. The dam includes a wall sealably disposed across the entire width of the internal volume and extended upward to a terminal location a distance from the bottom of the internal volume over a portion of the height of the internal volume. In use, the dam determines and maintains a maximum liquid level in the phase separation zone.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously exchanging material and for exchanging heat, material change being effected between a gas phase and at least one liquid phase by contact and passage in opposite directions of the gas phase and of the at least one liquid phase and heat exchange being effected between a compartment (I) and another compartment (II). In compartment (I) a plurality of spacer plates defining material exchange passages are arranged and the material exchange is effected by causing the at least one liquid phase to flow over a substantially vertical or inclined wall of a corrugated spacer plate having perforations and by causing at least a fraction of the gas phase to traverse simultaneously said perforations in a substantially ascending direction to contact said at least one liquid phase. The heat exchange is effected by circulating a heat exchange fluid in the compartment (II) which has a common wall with the compartment (I).

Abstract: A film-type evaporator has a vapor chamber, a rotor rotating therein, at least one evaporating surface extending outwards from the rotor axis and a heating chamber rotating therewith and sealed with respect to the vapor chamber. The starting product is fed onto the evaporating surface close to the rotor axis and spreads outwards in film-like manner due to the centrifugal force on the evaporating surface. A uniform film thickness is achieved in that the evaporating surface is a curved blade surface, which is formed by a generatrix substantially parallel to the rotor axis and whose axial extension is limited by upper and lower stop ledges, and that the concave side of the evaporating surface is directed in the circumferential direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus for spray drying a mixture of a liquid containing dissolved solids and a high temperature gas containing molten solids employs a gas flow retarding auxiliary chamber upstream of a spray drying main chamber for retarding the rate of flow of gas into the main chamber. The slowed rate of gas flow serves to reduce generation of eddy currents and to distribute the gas flow more uniformly in the main chamber. The apparatus also employs a bi-level atomizing spray nozzle arrangement in the spray drying main chamber for injecting an atomized liquid spray into the gas flow and thereby disrupting the gas flow at both the inlet of and midway through the main chamber. Such disruptions of gas flow provides a more thorough mixing of the gas and sprayed atomized liquid and distributes the gas flow more uniformly across the main chamber and thereby distributes the evaporation and drying of solids from the mixture more uniformly throughout the main chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for thickening liquids with solid contents has a container receiving the liquid and a vapor outlet and a heater, which is positioned in the liquid column in the container. The heater is constructed as a rotor rotating in the container and is formed from a plurality of substantially parallel plates arranged with a limited axial spacing and extending outwards from the rotor axis, every second space between adjacent plates forming a heating chamber sealed with respect to the liquid, while the spaces located between the same close to the rotor axis and on the circumference thereof are open towards the container interior.

Abstract: A system for removing volatile constituents (e.g., hydrocarbons) from a liquid (e.g., water) containing the same by which there is a continuous countercurrent contact between the liquid and a forced air flow. Water collected in a reservoir is continuously pumped to the top of a stripping tower where it is dispersed downwardly over packing material. A blower forces air upwardly in the tower so as to remove the volatile constituents that exit the tower with the exit air. Since the water flow is continuous, multiple passes occur through the tower to enhance separation efficiency. Water from the base of the tower returns to the reservoir via overflow from a standpipe. A lower liquid level sensor in the reservoir initiates operation of the water pump to the tower, and an upper liquid level sensor initiates operations of another pump for pressure discharge from the base of the tower to an exterior site.

Abstract: In a thin film evaporator for the evaporation of solutions, colloids, suspensions, or the like, to concentrates, which has a heatable cylindrical evaporator casing coupled with a rotary drive, which evaporator casing has a feed inlet at one end, in the form of a feed distributor that runs on bearings and is coupled with a rotary drive, and at the other end has a concentrate discharge, the axis of the evaporator casing is arranged horizontally. The distal end of the feed distributor can reach the inside surface of the evaporator casing to within less than 2 cm. Wiper elements can work together with the effective surface of the evaporator casing. This thin film evaporator makes possible an optimal setting of the retention time of the process material to be treated in the evaporator casing and has the effect that the thickness of the layer of the process material changes very little over the entire axial length.

Abstract: Film-type evaporator for thickening liquid products with a container having a vapor outlet, a drive shaft introduced into the latter from above for a rotating rotor with at least one conically upwardly widening heating surface, onto whose inside the product is fed in the vicinity of the smaller diameter and the product spreads in film-like manner towards the larger diameter and is fed there as a concentrate into the container, and on whose outside is guided the heating medium supplied and removed through the hollow drive shaft.

Abstract: A falling film evaporator includes a chamber having a top and bottom tube plate; a plurality of vertical tubes each having an interior and exterior surface and extending through the chamber and being supported by the top and bottom tube plates; an inlet at the chamber for feeding heating medium into the chamber; a distributor above the tubes for feeding liquid to be evaporated into the tubes and for causing the liquid to be distributed as a falling film along the interior surface of the tubes so as to evaporate the liquid and generate vapor as the liquid passes in heat exchanging relationship with a heating medium present at the exterior surface of the tubes; a vapor space defined by a circumferential wall below the tubes; a plurality of vertically elongated spaced elements having a substantially U-shaped cross-section with inwardly pointing vertical edges for receiving the evaporated liquid and the vapor, the elements being arranged in a circumferential wall below the tubes within the vapor space spaced from

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.

Abstract: A gas distributor and heating device for a spray dryer which includes a feed liquid atomizer in a drying chamber, a gas distributor for supplying a uniform flow of gas, a guide duct for conveying the flow of gas from the gas distributor and to an outlet providing a flow of processing or drying gas to contact liquid droplets dispersed by the atomizer. A gas heater is located in the device between the gas distributor and the guide duct outlet to heat the gas just prior to its introduction into the spray chamber. This provides a high temperature drying gas close to the atomizer and avoids problems encountered in attempting to transfer a gas that has been heated at a location remote from the spray chamber. A guide duct in the form of an annular guide duct provides an annular flow of heated gas concentric with the atomizer. A gas burner extends circumferentially around the interior of the guide duct and is disposed to emit the gases of combustion in the direction of the outlet.

Abstract: A nozzle unit having a pressure nozzle for spraying feed liquid and a cylindrical outer tube disposed around the pressure nozzle for high-speed gas blowing. The tip of the nozzle unit is of converging construction. When the feed liquid water is sprayed at low pressure in the nozzle unit, the feed liquid is atomized to fine droplets.

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

Abstract: A system for continuously recovering renewable volatile compounds by boiling points from waste organic solvent with minimum energy loss, and an improved thin membrane distillation apparatus for efficient distillation of renewable volatile compounds from waste organic solvent and enforced discharge of the residue or sludge. The waste treatment system includes a thin membrane distillation apparatus, a cooling unit, a first distillation unit, and a second distillation unit connected in this sequence. Alternatively, the system includes two thin membrane distillation apparatus, a reduced pressure distillation unit, and a normal pressure distillation unit connected in this sequence. The thin membrane distillation apparatus includes a decompression chamber, a waste inlet, an outlet for volatile compound, an air-tight chamber, and a breaking mechanism with a screw head movable into the air-tight chamber.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus are set forth for particularly dehydrating products such as corn syrups, fruit and vegetable extracts, dairy products, or other temperature-sensitive or hard-to-handle products. The apparatus include using a pulse combustor to generate a hot, turbulent, gaseous environment in a dehydration chamber and spraying the feedstock into the chamber. As the feedstock droplets travel through the chamber, they are dehydrated and thereafter collected by suitable devices. Temperature and feedstock residence time in the chamber are controlled to prevent product degradation. Where the dehydrated product is hygroscopic, processing aids may be added to control hygroscopicity.

Abstract: In a plate evaporator of the falling film type, every second plate interspace constitutes an evaporation space (28) in which evaporation liquid is distributed across the width of the plates in order to run downwardly on the plates, whereas the rest of the plate interspaces constitute condensation spaces (30) for a heat emitting vapor. The invention concerns a particular arrangement for supplying evaporation liquid to the evaporation spaces (28). According to this arrangement, a distribution chamber (27) is delimited within the uppermost part of each plate interspace constituting an evaporation space (28). This distribution chamber extends across the whole width of the plates and communicates with an inlet channel for liquid, extending through the plate package and formed by aligned openings (16) in the plates. In the upper part of each condensation space (30), several sealing means (25) are arranged horizontally spaced from each other.

Abstract: A film evaporator formed by a cylindrical body section (50) with a heating jacket (53) and angled scraping blades (84) mounted on a rotatable shaft (76) to move the thickened material downwardly through the evaporator. Below the body section (50) is an inverted frusto-conical section (62) containing inclined scraping blades (86) also mounted on the shaft (76) and a smaller diameter lower body section (64) through which the thickened product can be discharged by a screw (93) of opposite hand to the scraping blades (84). The screw (93) is carried on a lower shaft (88) which is journalled to the shaft (76) so that the shafts can be rotated independently and in opposite directions.

Abstract: Small quantities of one or more liquids having a low boiling point dispersed with a large quantity of one or more immiscible liquids having a higher boiling point are separated in a rapid and efficient manner. A non-reactive gas (nitrogen, helium, air, or combinations thereof) is heated by recycled energy and make-up energy to a temperature above the boiling point of at least one liquid but below that of at least one other liquid. The heated gas is combined with the unheated or preheated liquid-liquid mixture to be separated, and the liquid-gas blend is mixed, heated and distributed by an improved heat exchanger having thermal conductive gas tubing, metal wools and fins) and nebulizer, forming a mist inside a vessel containing a pool liquid of at least one liquid having a boiling point higher than that of at least one other liquid, which pool liquid has been heated with at least a heat pump means to a temperature above the boiling point of at least one liquid but below the pool liquid's own boiling point.

Abstract: A spray dryer which has a tank for receiving batches of differing materials to be spray dried. The tank is rotatable about a horizontal axis. The tank has an open top and a cover which is hinged on an axis perpendicular to the tank axis. The cover carries atomizer which has a shaft extending through the cover into the tank when the cover is closed. A spray disk is attached to the atomizer shaft.

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 combined spray dryer and gas filter vessel in which a solution containing sulphuric acid and solids, and a hot drying gas, are introduced vertically through the top of the vessel into a spray zone. Solids are removed at a single point at the bottom of the vessel. Filters located above the spray zone clean gas leaving the vessel, and the cleaned gas exits at the top of the vessel. The compact design reduces insulation requirements while avoiding condensation which would create corrosion and yet it provides good separation of solids from gases.

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 system for on-site recovery of reusable industrial waste components, such as solvents, from a liquid waste stream includes a trailer that is internally partitioned to separate system components through which the waste stream passes in a first partitioned section of the trailer from support and control components in the second trailer section. Input waste is fed into a horizontal thin-film evaporator within the first trailer section, while steam is fed in a closed loop through the evaporator from the second section of the trailer for evaporating volatile solvents in the waste stream, and thereby separating the volatile solvents from non-volatile liquid and solid components of the waste stream. The evaporated volatile solvents are fed to a heat exchanger, again enclosed within the first partitioned section of the trailer, for recondensation through heat exchange with a coolant fed to the heat exchanger in a closed loop from the second trailer section.

Abstract: A thin film downward flow type plate concentrator suitable for concentration of liquids which are highly heat-sensitive, wherein preheating channels (19), distributing portions (23), pool portions (24) and heating channels (18) which are formed in heat transfer plates (10) are improved to provide efficient concentration of a raw liquid in one-pass. These various portions are given respective channel shapes most suitable for their respective roles with respect to the raw liquid; thus, the total heat transfer performance is improved.

Abstract: The waste heat from a steam turbine is condensed and used to desalinate sea water at the same time. The waste steam from a turbine is fed to a condenser through which cold sea water passes. As the cold sea water condenses the waste steam, it is warmed. It is then introduced into a first chamber which includes a number of spray heads disposed over fill (packing) that acts as an evaporator. Any water not evaporated is collected in a sump at the bottom of the first chamber, and the evaporated vapor is passed upwardly under the influence of a fan and ultimately to a second chamber. The second chamber may either be stacked above the first chamber, or in side-by-side relationship with it. A condenser, such as a number of dimpled metal plates, or plastic membranes defining a closed loop, or another set of spray heads and fill, are provided in the second chamber. Air typically recirculates from the bottom of the second chamber back into the first chamber.

Abstract: A spray dryer device for spray drying a sample dissolved in an organic solvent is disclosed, comprising a circulation line in which an inert gas is circulated by a blower, a heater for heating the inert gas to a specified temperature, a main drying chamber provided with a spray nozzle through which the sample dissolved in the organic solvent is sprayed into the inert gas, a collector in which the powdered sample produced in the main drying chamber is collected, and a condenser in which the gaseous organic solvent is condensed and recovered. The powdered sample is obtained in this spray dryer device for spray drying organic solvents by spraying the organic solvent through the spray nozzle into the main drying chamber in which the oxygen concentration is held to a low value by the introduction of the inert gas.

Abstract: Distillers syrup or similar liquid solutions or suspensions of organic solids and oil and water is dried to obtain granular solids with improved syrup content by continuously spraying the syrup or liquid onto the upper surface of a previous bed of granular solids while passing air through the previous bed to dry the syrup from the bottom of the bed upwardly. The upper surface layer of the previous bed is maintained at near saturation temperature of the air entering the bottom of the bed due to the cooling effect of evaporation. The syrup or liquid is continuously mixed into the upper surface layer of the granular solids to significantly increase the dried syrup or liquid content. The bottom layer of the graular solids is continuously cut and continuously removed.

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: The method of preparing and operating a heat-exchanging membrane of plastic material as the evaporating and condensing surfaces in a still includes treating the evaporating surface to be wettable by the distilland, and includes selectively washing the condensing surface which is unwettable by the by the distilland in order to promote efficient accumulation of condensed droplets and efficient heat transfer through the membrane to the evaporation surface. Washing liquids of either similar or disimilar chemical composition relative to the condensed vapor are recycled to the upper region of the condensing surface to facilitate washing of the surface by the downward movement of accumulated droplets of condensed vapor.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus and process for the distillation of liquids. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of vertically stacked parallel disks which are rotated in a horizontal plane. The liquid to be distilled is introduced into the center of the disk stack and migrates by centrifugal force as a thin film across the top surface of each disk. During migration, the more volatile portion evaporates from the top surface and condenses on the bottom surface of a top, neighboring disk. The apparatus is multiple-effect in that the heat evolved from condensation is transferred through the thin, heat-conducting disks to provide the heat necessary for vaporization.

Abstract: A spray drier (1) for the preparation of powders, agglomerates or the like, by the drying of pumpable products, has at an inlet (6) of its exhaust discharge line or lines (7) for the drying gas used in its drying chamber (3), a wind sifter (9) with a rotating bucket wheel (10). The flow generated by the rotating bucket wheel (10) of the wind sifter (9) acts against the exhaust suction flow. The discharge of fine materials is directed into the exhaust line (7) and the coarse material discharge (8) takes place in the drying chamber (3). Consequently, excellent desired separation of the coarse material component from the fine material component can be obtained within the drying chamber.

Abstract: A thin-film evaporator for preparing liposomes in commercial quantities provides a film-forming zone of uniform thickness which enables the uniform evaporation of an organic solvent to form a film of uniform thickness, followed by in situ hydration of the film in an aqueous phase by agitation with a rotor.

Abstract: A spray drying chamber with a head section and a heat-resistant porous membrane, the porous membrane being detachable and the head section being displaceable vertically, whereby microdrops are sprayed into a spray drying chamber together with hot air, and whereby the microdrops are dried momentarily and a fine powder is produced.

Abstract: An apparatus including an evaporator, a pre-crystallizer, a spray dryer and a fluid bed for drying whey and a rotating disc having a cone-shaped upper surface is provided for receiving partially dried whey from the spray dryer and delivering the whey to the fluid bed while permitting crystallization of the whey as it rests on the surface of the disc.

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.